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The Deepings Third Age Group

NEWSLETTER

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Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

CRAFT GROUP 2 INVESTIGATE NEW INTEREST

A collage of photographs (8 in total) taken by Liz Noble during a visit Craft Group 2 made to the ‘Strawberry Glass’ Studio in

Spalding. See report on page 5.

Committee Members 2015/2016

Liz Noble Chairman Jennie Sharman Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Garth Perry Membership Secretary Kath Allen New Groups Coordinator Jim Pringle Welcome Coordinator Lyall Seale Speaker Finder Lynn White Newsletter Distribution Susanne Hoadley Co-opted Phil Jones Co-opted Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor David Scott Contact through Website Webmaster

Programme of Speakers

18 April UP THE CUT by Derek Harris. AT METHODIST CHURCH. (See outline of this talk in last month’s Newsletter) 16 May MAGNA CARTA’S LINCOLNSHIRE CONNECTION** by Nigel Burn AT METHODIST CHURCH 20 June THE STORY OF DENNETT’S ICE CREAM by Robin Dennett AT METHODIST CHURCH **Focusses on Lincolnshire’s men and women who lay behind the creation of the Charter and the events between 1215 and 1217 culminating in The Battle of Lincoln Fair. It will argue that but for the role of Lincoln Castle and its castellan Nicola de la Haye in withstanding a major siege Magna Carta might today be a dead letter. Unless otherwise stated, doors open at 9.30 am at all monthly meetings. To enable us to set out chairs, etc., please do not arrive before this time. Coffee served until 10.20 and meetings begin at 10.30 am.

Issue No. 153 APRIL 2016

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

This Newsletter seems to come round so quickly, and as I struggled to find something to write a suggestion from a friend for this month was perhaps we should publish some tax returns to fill space and be in the fashion!

It really doesn't seem many weeks since I wished you all happy Easter and as the children return to school this week I am sure they feel the holiday has gone quickly too. In the days when we had a "proper" job, Easter time was traditionally an opportunity to do some household maintenance and I am sure many of you will have been in the garden taking advantage of the sunny days, in between the April showers of course.....

Following the EGM last month, the charity application progresses but we don't expect a reply quickly as it seems these things grind slowly.

I look forward to seeing many of you and new members, another half dozen this month, on Monday 18 April.

Best wishes,

Liz

Chairman

U3A SUMMER COACH TRIPS

On June 14th The Church Mice Group will be visiting Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitor Centre containing exhibits detailing the discovery of the King’s grave under the nearby car park through to his re-interment in the Cathedral in March last year.

Cost of the trip will finally depend on the number of people on the coach but at the moment we are costing it at £22—£7 for KRIII, £5 for the Cathedral and £10 for the coach. A deposit of £10 is required by the April meeting and is non returnable unless your seat can be filled. If we get a full coach any reduction in coach fare will be refunded.

This coach trip is open to ANY member of the U3A interested in visiting Leicester (maybe for shopping or visiting other places of interest). Please contact Ann Holmes for further details.

Spaces are still available on the coach organised by the Gardening 4 Petals & Produce Group visiting Nostell Priory and Brodsworth Hall on June 21st. Again, this visit is now open to ANY member of the U3A. Full details were in last month’s Newsletter.

Anyone interested in this outing please contact Eddie Adams or John Marsh . These annual garden visits organised by Eddie and John are usually very enjoyable.

In both cases, if payment is made by cheque it should be made payable to “The Deepings U3A Social Account”.

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GROUP NEWS

INFORMATION

The proposed new groups boards will be out at the meeting as usual – do have a look and see if it is for you and of course let Kath Allen know if you have any further ideas and we will try and get them going.

LIZ NOBLE, Acting Group Co-Ordinator KATH ALLEN, New Groups Co-Ordinator

U3A HISTORY GROUP

There was lots of laughter at our monthly meeting when we welcomed back Steve Perry whose talk was entitled "Peterborough's Places of Entertainment". From the moment he "drew back the curtains" on his presentation there was plenty of audience participation from those of the History group who were reminded of their younger days growing up in Peterborough. We all enjoyed hearing about the many and varied places where they could dance, roller skate, enjoy films and live entertainment, as well as meeting up with friends (and possible future spouses!). The list was opened for the August visit to London, with deposits taken. Next month we will learn more about the Spanish Civil War,. when member Brian Thornthwaite, will present Part Two of his talk. Report: MARY BURTON Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON U3A CRAFT GROUP 1

A very enjoyable afternoon was spent venturing further into the art of painting on acetate.

This is an art form that doesn't have be intricate and I think you will agree, even simple designs can look very effective when mounted on a shimmery backing.

Next month’s meeting will be at Julie's and those wishing to can continue with todays subject. JULIE MANCEY Group leader U3A ‘WEEKENDERS’ GROUP Ann welcomed 35 members plus one visitor to the Oddfellows Hall on Saturday, 9th April, to what turned out to be a very busy meeting with lots of activities to sign up to. Here’s a reminder for those who were there and contact details for those who weren’t !!!

23rd April – Pat Rigby is organising breakfast at the Stage for 10.30 am. Please contact Pat if you’ve signed up for it but now can’t go or didn’t sign up and want to go as she has to give the Stage numbers

30th April – Race Night at the Coronation Hall doors open 6.30 pm. Phone Barbara Buckley for any further details.

7th May – St. Albans trip.

21st May – Lunch at the Stage contact Shirley Allum for further details

7th June - Trip to Downtown on the Age Concern bus, contact Anne Jones for further details.

10th Aug – Evening at the Greyhounds planned – further details and confirmation of the date at the next meeting

September – Trip to Magic of the Musicals – if you want to go please bring the money next meeting so that Marge can get the tickets (approx £16).

Next meeting at the Oddfellows Hall will be on May 14th.

Report: BARBARA MCNICOL Group leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL

U3A - GARDENING “OVER THE GARDEN WALL” GROUP

Our March meeting was at ‘Dobbies Garden Centre’ at Hampton. Linda the plant manager gave an interesting seasonal talk on making the garden ‘match fit for Summer’. Linda has extensive knowledge of soil management and planting which she shared with us. She emphasised the ‘right plant in the right place’ as advocated by Beth Chatto and the best type of products to enrich the soil. Current thinking has changed on this with the focus now on the use of ‘Natural Garden Products’ as opposed to chemical ones.

Linda said that there is evidence already this year that ‘black spot’ will be a problem and that early treatment is recommended. This is mainly because of the wet weather. She advised if purchasing new roses to buy ‘ Old English’ varieties because they have more resistance against black spot than many of the newer varieties.

Our thanks go to Irene Beeken (and Pam) for organising this informative visit.

Our next meeting is on April 26th – ‘Gates Nursery’ Cold Overton, Oakham. LE15 7QB. Meet in the restaurant at 10am. Please contact Glenys Nice or Susan Dineage if you have any problems.

Please note there is an additional evening meeting : May 11th at Butters near Splading, for a behind the scene look. Meet there at 6.30pm. Please contact Pat Dethick on if you haven’t already put your name on the list.

MARGARET GRIFFITHS / GLENYS NICE U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP Our March meeting was at the home of Peter Grey and once again we were treated to a very different morning of music. Peter's programme was entitled 'Jazz and Vision’. There was some debate about the Jazz but we certainly got the 'Vision'.

Part 1: The concept of home cinema for musical performances: Chicago (the musical, 2003) Introduction: 'All That Jazz' sung by Catherine Zeta-Jones. This certainly warmed the meeting up.

Part 2: Complete Live Performance: Eric Clapton, Unplugged. (1992 DVD.) We began with 'Signe,' followed by 14 other tracks, including 'Hey, hey’, 'Tears in Heaven', ‘Layla', 'San Francisco Bay Blues', 'Old Love', finishing with 'Rolling and Tumblin'. Andy Fairweather-Lowe accompanied him. The group had mixed feelings about the music and most agreed it was more Rhythm and Blues.

Part 3: Selected Tracks: Katie Malua - On The Road Again. (DVD 2006). We heard six tracks including: 'Call of the Search', My Aphrodisiac is You' ending with 'I Put A Spell On You'. She was accompanied by Mike Batt on piano and Dominic Glover on trumpet.

So - 'Is This Jazz?' Opinions still divided, but a very interesting morning. Thank you Peter and Mrs. Grey for the refreshments. It was lovely to welcome Joyce back too. Next meeting at 67,Granville Avenue, Northborough, April 27th. Report: ANNE JONES

Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP This month's lunch is on Sunday, 24 April, ‘The Bertie Arms’, Uffington, 12.30 for 1.00 pm. If you wish to join this event, please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffith or add your name of the list at the meeting on Monday, 18th April. Tony is usually to be found near the Coffee Hatch. WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Rachel Southwell, Glinton, Sue Mellor, Elizabeth Barr and Philip Dunkley Market Deeping. Susan and Robert Fisher Deeping St James.

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U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP

For our March meeting we borrowed a DVD from the U3A Resources Centre, this was titled 'Antiques Roundabout - Clarice Cliff and Blue and White Transfer Pottery. We are lucky to have John Bloomfield as a member of our Group to operate the equipment necessary for us to see and enjoy the DVD.

We learned that Clarice Cliff is today regarded as one of the most influential ceramic artists of the 20th century and her work is collected, valued, and admired all over the world. Clarice was born in January 1899 in Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, she started work at the age of 13years in the Potteries, and eventually joined A J Wilkinson's in 1916 where she was given her own studio. The famous 'Bizarre' ware was launched in 1927 and the factory continued to produce pottery bearing Clarice's name until 1964. She died suddenly in October 1972.

The Blue and White pottery we saw was made by several potteries in the 18th century (1790-1835). Blue Willow, Burleigh, Spode and Wedgwood had many designs and pieces and are still producing these today. It was an interesting and enjoyable afternoon. Thank you John. Report: IRENE BEEKEN Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP The Time Machine by H. G. Wells This book is by a founding father of science fiction. An ingenious inventor creates a machine which can hurtle through time, with no idea what to expect, the time traveller sets out on an epic adventure into the unknown. Will he be able to get back safely? What does he find along the way? The time traveller chose to go into the future, into the year eight hundred, two thousand, seven hundred and one. This figure got us thinking and talking about time in general. A classic book, which we all agreed we would not have read, if it had not been for the book group.

Bookworms’ next meeting is at Ann’s home on April 25th 2016 at 2pm.

ANN THORNTHWAITE Group Leader U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP Our March venue was a visit to 'Gates Nurseries’ near Oakham. The Nursery was founded by Fred and Ivy Gates in 1948 and they created the centre (more market garden) within an old Victorian walled garden which was formerly part of Cold Overton Hall. It has a wide choice of plants and shrubs plus many other items not all for the garden. For those needing refreshments during your visit there is a super restaurant serving hot and cold meals plus scrumptious desserts and cakes, truly a great day visit recommended by all. COLIN WARD Group Leader U3A LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 20th at 2.00 pm at the R C Church Hall. The project for this month will be Diagonal lines.

Lines are used a lot in photography whether they be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. They can also give you a lead into the main subject that you have chosen. The diagonal line is by far the most dynamic.

Members are asked to bring in six photos, either on a memory stick, CD-Rom or prints.

DAVE PENDRY Group Leader

U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

What better way to spend an April morning than walking through the beautiful, rolling limestone grassland between Barnack and Southorpe? The sun was shining (despite an unpromising forecast), the sheep were grazing peacefully and the 13 Pacers were the only ones to break the spell - no aircraft from Wittering or traffic noise!

We were tracing the footsteps of John Clare across Southorpe Heath as he made his way to visit a girl he met at Stamford Fair and next we were following the marching Roman soldiers along the old route of Ermine Street. Centuries of history are in this landscape, including Walcot Hall, the base for the Operations Room of the US Eight Army during the Second World War.

Later in the spring a profusion of wild flowers appear in Southorpe Meadow but we could at least clearly see the ridge and furrows of medieval ploughing. Again, it was just too early to glimpse the pasque flowers and nine varieties of orchids or the 28 butterfly species in the Hills and Holes of Barnack but the area was cordoned off ready to protect them. Our consolation was that the cowslips were in profusion.

The photo is taken looking at the lumps of Barnack Rag stone quarried from the Hills and Holes. This stone was used to build Cathedrals such as Peterborough and Ely. The heavens did open, but by then we were inside the Millstone Inn tucking into our excellent Lunch. Report: LIZ PARKINSON Photo: STEVE WHITE

Group Leaders: LYNN AND STEVE WHITE U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

Despite a damp and chilly morning, we enjoyed a lovely visit to the Olive Grove at Polebrook near Oundle this month. As it was Linda Hill's birthday we began with hot drinks and

wonderful cupcakes baked by Liz Noble before owner Tim gave us an interesting and frequently inspiring talk about how he and his wife, Jackie, came to be running such an unusual centre.

Different from the usual trays of pansies, Tim and Jackie source olive trees, palms and all things exotic, including some unusual metal animals. There is a store with special items to enhance the home as well as a fresh deli. After a good look around and a walk through the 'jungle' we enjoyed a freshly cooked lunch.

We all agreed that Tim and Jackie have created what they set out to do - a place where visitors can relax and escape for a couple of hours. The Olive Grove is well worth a visit. Photo: DAVID SCOTT

LINDA HILL Group leader Hey Mr Pendry -

I TRIED TO PHOTOGRAPH FOG YESTERDAY …. MIST! (A !)

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U3A “BOOK WEEVILS” READING GROUP

In March we read An Academic Question by Barbara Pym. Set in a provincial university the story is narrated by Caro the wife of Alan a rising anthropologist; she becomes the means by which he obtains a manuscript that will advance his reputation and refute the finding of a colleague. None of the group found there was any depth to the story and the supposed humour was shallow, a disappointing choice this month.

The month before our book was Dying in the Wool by Francis Brody. This is a Kate Shackelton crime story set in the 1920’s and was a good read with interesting characters.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 14th April at 2.00pm when we will be discussing A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks. New members are always welcome. Report: CATHRYN SEALE

Group Leader: CATHRYN SEALE

U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP

On March 15th we heard an excellent talk by Bill Sandles on William Hogarth (1697-1764) (pictured). Born in London of an impoverished schoolmaster and author, at one time imprisoned for debt, Hogarth experienced a poverty stricken childhood and an insight to the lot of many ordinary citizens. Apprenticed as an engraver he became accomplished to produce his own designs in about 1710. His early works included engravings for book illustration and a commentary on the South Sea Bubble. He later took up oil painting, starting with small groups known as “conversation” pieces. He went on to create a series of works satirising contemporary customs; firstly “The Harlot’s Progress” (1731), subsequently “The Rake’s Progress”, “Marriage a la Mode”, etc., also “Beer Street” and “Gin Lane” as social commentary. These were produced as engravings which were sold on subscription as well as paintings. His engravings were so plagiarised that he lobbied for the Copyright Act of 1735 as protection for writers and artists. During the 1730s Hogarth also developed into an original painter of life size portraits and family groups. He also tried history paintings with which he was not successful. Included in this month’s report is a visit several members made to the RA on a Shaw’s Coaches outing to see the “Painting the Modern Garden from Monet to Matisse” exhibition. The focus of this astounding exhibition is the passion for gardens, plant and flowers held by Monet and others. Monet is renowned for his paintings of his garden, especially the ‘Lily Pond and Chinese Bridge’, a scene he painted many times. He was also interested in new flowers as they were introduced, such as the Dahlia and its many varieties. Another of his favourites was the Iris. Monet developed a strong friendship with gardeners and other artists interested in gardens and garden development.

This exhibition has a large number of paintings by Monet and also paintings by a large number of other artists, too many to list. It is quite simply an astonishing collection of paintings with a garden theme. My favourite being “Chrysanthemums” by James Tissot (1874-76), a painting which combines a superb portrait of a young woman and a beautiful display of chrysanthemums, second was “Glorieta VII, Aranguez” by Santiago Rusinol with a dramatic use of back lighting. The exhibition’s paintings reflected the genres of Realism, Impressionism, Modernism (Henri Matisse), and Abstract (Paul Klee) on the subject of Gardens and Gardening, and may also be of interest to our gardening friends.

PETER WITHERINGTON Group Leader U3A FILM GROUP The next film show will be on Wednesday 27 April, 2 pm at the Community Centre. The DVD will be "Sunset Boulevard" starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson in the original black and white version of the film. What a great opportunity to refresh your memory of this bizzare and tragic tale of Hollywood, before the new musical version is shown in London!

Group Leader: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN

U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

The weather was once again kind to the Monday group as twenty three of our members set out on a dry but overcast morning from the Baskervilles in Baston. The walk, which was around six and a half miles long, set off alongside the River Glen before following a short length of the Macmillan Way and returning via a mixture of country footpaths and local roads. The main Macmillan Way runs some 290 miles from Boston to Abbotsbury in Dorset and is so called because long distance walkers are encouraged to raise monies through sponsorship for Macmillan Nurses. Thanks are due to Pat and Ken Bunch for organising this month’s walk.

Our walk next month will, please note, take place on 9th May to avoid the May Bank Holiday. It will be led by Olive and Eric Parrin and will start from the Prince of Wales Feathers in Castor. As usual further details will follow. Photo: DAVID SCOTT

CHAS FERGUSON Group Leader U3A CRAFT GROUP 3 We have completed our boxes, so this month we tried beading. These proved to be very trying on the eyes, and maybe not suitable for everyone, but at least everyone was able to give it try. Our next meeting is at Lynn's home 10am, May 2. AUDREY ELLIOTT Group Leader U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP On a cold but dry morning the magnificent seven went to Nene Washes, Eldernell. We had not even left the car park before seeing cranes and a marsh harrier On our walk we saw over forty species including one of my favourite birds, the Kingfisher. All together a lovely morning out.

Our next walk will be Dole Woods on 28th April

AUDREY DUNKLEY Group leader

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

Eight of us met in April to hear our efforts at starting and finishing a story using sentences provided by other members of the group. Most of us had found it more difficult than we expected, especially having the last sentence chosen for us. There were some very interesting stories; some happy, some sad and one or two quite bizarre! As usual we had a thoroughly enjoyable morning.

For next month we can either choose one of the topics from last year that we haven’t yet tackled, or write on something loosely connected to our Queen’s 90th Birthday.

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader

(Google pic.)

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U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

There have been very few occasions since the group was formed six years ago when the planned stroll had to be cancelled, but this month was one of them. We woke up to a wet and blustery bank holiday morning, not very inviting for even a three mile stroll. Although four members turned up at the Packhorse, Northborough, with a view to taking on the elements, it was agreed that it wouldn’t be a pleasant morning’s activity.

This month’s stroll is being led by Searle Clark and will be centered on Yaxley. The meeting point is The Framer’s Arms on Broadway, Yaxley about 10:00 am. Any members of the group who wish to take part should contact Searle.

BOB DELLER Group Leader U3A GOO0D FOOD GROUP Food from the Southern States of the USA was the theme for April, and we had a delightful lunch which included Blackened Fish with a spicy sauce, Chicken Jambalaya, Ham and Sweetcorn Bake and King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese with buttermilk biscuits, followed by a version of Key Lime Pie.

Thanks to our hostess for her hospitality, and we look forward to discovering Recipes from Normandy on May 9th (2nd May being a Bank Holiday). Come and join us! KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader

U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

We talked about our findings on the 1939 Register today. It became very clear that whilst we are all very eager to see the contents, it is not as straight forward as expected. The common thing as always is in the transcription. A G in one person’s eyes turns into an S in another and so forth. Like with all documents that have been transcribed an open mind must be used when getting the results.

Many of the group had trouble finding family members. The reasons are many. Perhaps they were already in an Armed Service or away from their usual place of residence or are still redacted in the register because they died after the register stopped being updated.

Many of the group have now used the library to carry out the research and it is nice to know that the new facilities are more ‘user friendly’ (and FREE). The library can now be used for searching Ancestry.co.uk and Find My Past.com all for free, so now is the opportunity to get started or continue with the research. Again, happy hunting to everyone.

The next month’s meeting will be 2.00 – 3.30PM on 9th May at the Community Centre. New members welcome.

PEG TORRANCE Group Leader CRAFT REPORT 2

We discussed a few ideas for future sessions first and then completed a brooch with hanging “charms” made on a kilt pin provided by Barbara Baylis.

Since the last meeting we have had a most enjoyable trip out to the Strawberry Glass Studio in Spalding – starting with a very pleasant light lunch followed by a demonstration by Gillian Wing on using copper foil instead of lead to form a two tone blue star shape (See pic.) The foil was used in the first instance by Tiffany for their famous lampshades instead of lead to avoid so much weight and has proved very useful for all sorts of projects. Gillian showed us how the segments were then soldered and finished.

Thank you to Avril for arranging the trip – a most interesting complex on an old farm site out in the fens. Normal meeting as usual at 2pm on 8 April.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP

The weather forecast for our April jaunt proved to be slightly understated: the promised 'light showers' had morphed into something a little wetter so it was rather soggy underfoot as we proceeded up the Nene Way from Wansford towards Yarwell. Having reached Yarwell we branched out over the fields towards Old Sulehay Woods and from thence round part of the nature reserve and back down to Wansford and a decent lunch at the Paper Mills.

The countryside, despite the rain, was showing signs of spring with lambs in the fields, hedgerows just beginning to green and early bluebells in the woods. We are hoping for a dryer day for our May walk which will be Oundle way. As usual details will arrive by email.

BARRY AND HILARY AKAM Group Leaders U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

For our April walk, 28 members assembled at The White Horse at Empingham from where Steve Hanson led us on a 6.7 mile walk through the rolling hills of Rutland. Leaving Empingham we headed in the direction of Exton before turning southwards along part of the Viking Way into Whitwell and then crossing over to complete the final stages of the walk along the shoreline of Rutland Water and back to The White Horse for a well earned lunch and drink. Many thanks to Steve for leading the walk and organising the lunch.

The next walk on 12 May will be led by Olive and Eric Parrin and will be around the Ashton, near Oundle area commencing from The Chequered Skipper,The Green, Ashton, Nr Oundle PE8 5LD. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Olive and Eric by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible, and also indicating whether you will be staying for lunch.

Photo: ANNE BURTON GODFREY PARKES Group Leader U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP St Botolph's Church in Boston is the oldest church built as a parish church in the country. Started in 1309, at a time when Boston’s commercial predominance in England through the wool trade was beginning to wane, it took 80 years to complete. The tower, at 272 ft the tallest in Britain and known affectionately as “The Stump”, was built between 1450 and 1520. In the early 1630s, John Cotton vicar of St Botolph’s but of puritan inclination, left for Massachusetts with about 10% of the town’s population. The southwest corner of the church, once a school and storage for fire equipment, was converted into a chapel in the 19thC, funded by the people of Boston Massachusetts as a memorial to John

Cotton. It is heavily decorated; not what one would expect for a plain puritan. Amongst other memorials we were shown was a tomb effigy of Anne who helped to found the church, the grave of John Taverner, the 16thC musician and composer, and plaques to famous Lincolnshire explorers and Governors of the colony of Massachusetts. The 14thC choir stalls have misericords, seats hinged to allow users to prop against them when standing for long periods; these have beautifully carved images, worth a visit on their own.

Photo: ANN HOLMES Report: LYALL SEALE Group Leaders: