Avanti Magazine Spring 2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP SPRING 2013 www.csrf.org.uk

MAGAZINE

Golden Jubilee Appeal Help us to raise funds

ALCHEMY & The Birth Of Science Exploring Newton’s obsession with magic

ROOM TO SPARE

Make it work for you

ON YOUR DOORSTEP

The UK’s World Heritage sites

plant hunters

the

s r e r lo p x E n ia r o t ic V f o s Tale PLUS: NATIONAL VISITORS NETWORK • BOOK CLUB • RETIREMENT INSPIRATION • GROUP NEWS

Editor’s Letter The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Suite 2, 80A Blackheath Road, London SE10 8DA t: 020 8691 7411 e: info@csrf.org.uk w: www.csrf.org.uk A charity registered in England and Wales No 255465 and in Scotland No SC039049 and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No 6297479

Happy New Year! Thankfully the awful weather we’ve been having seems to be easing off.

I’m very pleased to see a new befriending service for your benefit being piloted this year. The National Visitors Network offers beneficiaries the chance to request a home friendship visit which would be provided by trained volunteer visitors. So whether you’d like to request a visit or fancy donating some time as a visitor do let us know.

You may recall I mentioned in my Editor’s letter last issue I was doing some genealogy research. My great grandmother (named Mary Tickner) worked for the Ministry of Health in Whitehall for about 30 years until she retired just before it was merged in 1967. I wondered if anyone worked for the Ministry and either knew her or was able to share their experiences of what life was like working for the Ministry.

Do drop me a line if you do.

Finally, I’d like to extend congratulations to the newly opened Whitstable, Herne Bay (incorporating Canterbury) group. I was pleased to be at their first meeting which was very well attended. You can see my report on page 50.

I hope you enjoy the issue,

is published by Square7 Media Ltd, 3 More London Riverside, London SE1 2RE t: 020 3283 4055 e: enquiries@square7media.co.uk www.square7media.co.uk

4 Front Desk Publisher: Gaynor Garton e: gaynor@square7media.co.uk Advertising: t: 020 3283 4055 e: adsales@square7media.co.uk Editor: David Tickner Contributors: Gareth Southwell, David Porteous, Paul Dance, Mela Ragusa, Janet Tester Contact the Editor By mail: Use the CSRF address above Email: avanti@square7media.co.uk Tel: 020 8691 7411

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Contents 36 Leisure Life

The latest book, film and culture reviews.

News from the Fellowship Office and the Chief Executive’s report.

5 Golden Jubilee Appeal

41 Coffee Time

Read more about our new fundraising initiative.

14 Alchemy and the Birth of Science Gareth Southwell explores Newton’s curious interest in both science and magic.

Fun titbits, word search, Sudoku and our popular prize winning crossword!

46 Postbag Your letters and views.

50 Group Focus Group reports and news from around the country.

18 Changed Lives Retirement can mark the start of a brand new career for many as Paul Dance discovers.

54-61 The Planner Find out what your local group is up to.

Designer: Charlotte Morgan

22 ROOM TO SPARE ©2013. avanti Magazine is published by Square7 Media Ltd on behalf of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF).

All rights reserved. The CSRF and the publishers declare that any publication of any advertisement does not carry their endorsement or sponsorship of the advertiser or their products unless so indicated. Contributions are invited and, whether or not accepted, submissions will be returned only is accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or while in the publisher’s hands. Proof of receipt is no guarantee of appearance. In the absence of an agreement, the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic belongs to The CSRF. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, database or part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of Square7 Media Ltd. The CSRF and Square7 Media accept no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any other opinions expressed herein. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official views of The CSRF.

62 My Favourite Things

Letting out your spare room could help boost your retirement income.

26 On your doorstep David Porteous looks at the UK’s world heritage sites.

Actor Julian Glover shares his list.

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31 A Very British Obsession Victorian Plant Hunters were the Indiana Jones’s of their time; Mela Ragusa looks at some of the most famous and their motivations.

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front desk

STOP PRESS : STOP PRESS STOP PRESS : STOP PRESS

from the chief executive

Cross Generational entente

Words by Jean Cooper

Dear Friends, A belated Happy New Year. I hope you all had a nice and relaxing Christmas period and were not too inconvenienced by the recent inclement weather. It seems that the snow has now given way to rain but at least the temperatures are a bit milder.

Although we’ve only been back for a couple of months the team here at Fellowship Office have hit the ground running with a lot of plans ahead to build and develop the range of services and benefits we are able to offer. I’m pleased to see that the IT & Technology line and our new Legal advice helpline are both proving popular. Don’t forget that they are here for your benefit so please take full advantage of them. It has been a considerable achievement to be able to deliver two new services in response to our survey from 2011 and we have further new initiatives already in the pipeline that will be launched in our summer issue.

In this issue we have decided to announce the launch of the Golden Jubilee Membership & Fundraising Appeal to raise £250,000. A new logo has been designed to mark the appeal and celebrate our 50th anniversary which you can see on the opposite page. As the Grant-in-Aid we receive from the Civil Service finishes in 2015 every penny raised in the next 3 years will go towards helping to maintain, develop and expand our service provision to beneficiaries. The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of a Head of Membership & Fundraising who will be co-ordinating the Appeal.

The other big news is the green light being given for the piloting of our

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The latest news from Fellowship Office

With avanti editor David Tickner discussing content for this issue

new befriending initiative, the National Visitors Network. This has been launched in response to comments received from you and our team of energetic volunteers.

The Network adds a further layer to our commitment to help tackle loneliness and social isolation and I hope that all of you who live in our two pilot regions will respond to our call to action and support this new and exciting initiative. In the next few weeks I will be meeting with other charities and organisations with a view to exploring ways we can develop further projects that can offer help and support.

Preparations are well underway for this year’s Annual General Meeting, which will be held again at the Civil Service Club in London in July. There will be some vacancies on the Board of Directors that will need to be filled at the AGM and I hope this will provide an opportunity for new volunteers to step forward to lend their skills to help achieve our aims and objectives. If anyone is considering putting themselves forward for nomination then please contact me for a confidential chat about the role and responsibilities of being a board member.

I hope you enjoy this issue, we always welcome any constructive feedback about all aspects of the Fellowship’s activities and any ideas you’d like to share.

With all good wishes,

Age UK and YouthNet have recently published new research on loneliness amongst older people that identifies that almost a third (32%) of grandparents aged 65+ in Great Britain only see their grandchildren once a month or less. Both charities are working closer together to encourage greater contact across generations.

Carers Week 2013 Carers Week will take place from 10-16 June is focused on how the UK’s current carer population is coping, how effectively the government is supporting the growing number of carers and whether the wider population is prepared for future caring responsibilities.

For more information visit www.carersweek.org

Keys to Care Funded by Comic Relief, the Relatives and Residents Association launched a new initiative, Keys to Care at their AGM last month. The 12 ‘keys’ offer a checklist of key points for any carer to remember.

For more information visit www.relres.org

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Celebrating

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Golden Jubilee Membership and Fundraising Appeal and passionate about strengthening our foundations, cementing and improving our member services, so please continue supporting us and do take advantage of everything that the CSRF has to offer you. Initiatives such as the phone buddy scheme, our visiting service and the fantastic structure of over 200 groups who meet regularly means there are many ways that the CSRF is there for you, our members.

We’ve made significant headway with our member clubs such as the avanti theatre and book clubs, and also member services such as the popular IT Helpline.

These are initiatives which we will also be further expanding alongside new member services this year.

If you have any fundraising ideas you’d like to suggest, implement or share then email us at: fundraising@csrf.org.uk or ring 020 8691 7411 and speak to one of the team.

We are extremely proud and excited to be able to announce the start of our new fundraising appeal. It is our aim to achieve at least £250,000 across the next three years, which will help us to maintain and further extend our services.

The Golden Jubilee appeal will culminate with celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the origins of the Fellowship (it was in 1965 that the then Civil Service Benevolent Fund was invited to undertake a pilot scheme to test the acceptability of a service for retired civil servants following correspondence highlighted by the late Rt. Hon Douglas Houghton MP).

A new logo (above) to acknowledge half a century’s work on behalf of our beneficiaries will be used for the duration of the appeal. A more detailed programme of fundraising activities and events for the Golden Jubilee appeal will be included in the next issue of avanti.

Be assured that we are committed

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How to make a donation You can help us to start raising funds immediately by making a donation by cheque, direct debit or credit card online. Send your cheque (made payable to ‘The CSRF’) to Golden Appeal, The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, FREEPOST SE4414, London SE10 8BP. Alternatively you can donate online at www.csrf.org.uk or by signing up to a direct debit or deduction from your Civil Service Pension. If you wish to set up a regular donation you can download a direct debit form online at www.csrf.org.uk or call Fellowship Office to request a copy on 020 8691 7411

1: Fellowship Office Staff with Sir Bob Kerslake on the 2012 fundraising sponsored walk 2: Staff (with delegate pictured 2nd from right) manned a stand at last year’s Civil Service Live event.

3: Members of the Weymouth group enjoying a summer holiday 4: Members of the Lisburn group enjoying a visit to the Titanic Experience in Belfast.

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news

N WA

T A BU D D Y

Go on.

Make the call!

It’s been over a year since the launch of the Phone Buddy scheme and many of you are enjoying the benefits of involvement. Thank you to everyone who has signed up thus far. We we are extremely pleased that this new scheme has taken off and is benefitting so many of our members.

Variety really is the spice of life, and whether you want to chat about the past, present or future, in this impersonal age of texting and emails, it often seems that

actually speaking with a person is becoming a rarity these days.

We would really like to hear from more of you who would like to receive a call. If you are feeling lonely, or just want to widen your network of friends and conversation, don’t suffer in silence, contact us find out how you can sign up to receive a regular friendship call.

We are also on the lookout for Phone Buddy volunteers and will reimburse any buddy call costs made.

“We are extremely pleased that this new scheme is benefitting so many.”

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B E A U D DY B

Help us to beat loneliness and register to receive or make a call.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

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Call 020 8691 7411 (in confidence)

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Email: phonebuddy@csrf.org.uk

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Register online at www.csrf.org.uk

Introducing

The National Visitors Network We are delighted to be able to announce our latest brand new service, The National Visiting Network, which will launch in 2013.

It is another befriending initiative and we believe it will strengthen our commitment to stamping out loneliness amongst our beneficiaries and we hope it will build on the tremendous success of our telephone based Phone Buddy Scheme which we

launched last year.

These services are all designed to benefit you so please do sign up and get involved.

We will train the new volunteer visitors amongst you and equip you with the skills to enable you to provide home friendship visits. And if you are looking for company and conversation, then the only requirement is a kettle!

How it works The service will launch this year in two pilot regions, The South East and The North West/Borders and it will then be rolled out to run nationally after the first 12 months.

The pilot regions will comprise the following areas/counties:

South East: Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex North West/DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY: Blackpool, Cheshire, Cumbria, Dumfries & Kirkcudbright, Lancashire, Liverpool & Merseyside; Greater Manchester If you live in any of these areas then you would be eligible to participate either as a volunteer visitor or to receive a home visit.

Please note: visits are friendship based only - the training will be tailored to fit this criteria.

To register If you are interested in helping to support and participate in the new National Visitors Network then the first step is to contact the team at Fellowship Office (in confidence) by telephone, post, email (to: visiting@csrf.org.uk) or using the registration form on the CSRF website.

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news

trustees’ news Group Visits Reporting by Phyllis Duignan (PD), Ray Flanigan (RF), Keith Sullens (KS), Tony Hazeldine (TH) and Sylvia Edgell (SE)

Bedford

Ipswich

A friendly and well-organised group who enjoy monthly meetings at the Bunyan Meeting House that is close to the centre of Bedford. With a core of 30 group members who regularly attend the group offers a mixed programme including speakers and annual holidays. With some 300 subscribers within the Bedford area the group are looking at how they can boost recruitment and interest this year. (TH)

7 November 2012

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and was struck by the warm welcome I received from the committee and all of the members. We had an exhilarating talk about the activities of the local coastguard given by two group volunteers before I delivered a quick update on the latest national news just ahead of the ‘official’ refreshments.

Special mention must be made of 97-year-old Ray and 95-year-old Jessie

Ipswich group posed for a shot during Ray Flanigan’s visit

(a group member since 1980) who both turn out regularly to meet up with their friends. (RF)

Newbury 12 November 2012

Tony Hazeldine with members of the Newbury group

I was both speaker and judge during my visit to the group. Members meet regularly and run an active programme including visiting speakers and lunches. In addition to speakers and refreshments their meetings also include bring and buy sales, quizzes and in the case of my visit, a group photography competition which I was asked to judge! (TH)

6 November 2012

ABOVE: Tony Hazeldine with members of the Bedford group

Beckenham 6 November 2012 This small and intimate group made me feel very welcome with their friendliness. The group meets regularly for refreshments and a social catch up with occasional pub lunches too. Although they don’t currently run a speaker or outings programme those who do attend are happy with the activities. (PD)

Camberley

Westbury

30 October 2012

19 November 2012

This group is small but dedicated with a very lively approach to their activities. Although they are not able to afford speakers due to fees the group has a rich vein of speakers from within their own ranks alongside a number of people who offer their services free. (KS)

I was picked up and returned to the railway station by Chairman Ken Holloway and was warmly welcomed by this lovely group. There are plenty of activities going on at group meetings with tables set up for raffles, Bring & Buy, outings and lunches. The visiting speaker gave a very enjoyable talk offering advice and tips on

Sylvia Edgell with Westbury group members enjoying the speaker

Christmas decorations before I had a chance to chat to members during coffee. (SE)

Board of Trustees vacancies This year there will be a number of vacancies on the Board of Directors for the year ahead. By putting yourself forward for consideration you can help shape how the Fellowship evolves and bring your skill set to

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an already committed group of individuals.

If you are interested in finding out how to put yourself forward then please contact Jean Cooper for a confidential chat.

Would your group like a visit?

Our Board of Directors are continuing their commitment to support group activities by undertaking visits throughout the country.

If you would like to invite a Board Director along to your group then contact Kam Bedi at Fellowship Office to make your request.

You can call Kam on 020 8691 7411 or email: Kamaljit.bedi@csrf.org.uk

fundraising Spot the Pig! Congratulations to Marianne Rowcliffe from Bourne who correctly identified that our pig was hidden on Page 24 of the winter issue. But where is it this issue? If you can spot the pig you could win a £50 M&S voucher. Don’t forget you can help us raise funds by adopting one of our stress pigs for a minimum donation of £5. Once you’ve adopted your pig you can share your pictures with other members via the Pig Tales page on the CSRF website. Please support us and buy one (or more!).

Help us to secure our future Legacy giving is an important source of revenue for us and one that will make a significant difference to preserve our work and plans for the future. So please consider nominating the Fellowship for a charitable legacy in your will as your contribution will genuinely help us to help others.

If you’d like to find out more about leaving a legacy for The CSRF or writing a will then you can contact our Legal Partners for advice on how to set up a legacy by calling the Later Life Helpline on 08451 800939. You can also download our free factsheet from the members’ area of the CSRF website or call Fellowship Office on 020 8691 7411 for a copy or to speak to one of the team.

To enter, send in your name and contact details along with the page number where the pig is hidden to Fellowship Office. Mark your entry ‘Spot the Pig’.

CLUE: Next to a place you dream in Send your cheque made payable to ‘The CSRF’ to ‘Pig Tales Donation, The CSRF, Suite 2, 80A Blackheath Road, London SE10 8DA or you can order online and receive your pig at www. csrf.org.uk – don’t forget we can claim gift aid on any donation made so if you choose to send a cheque then please indicate you are happy for it to be gift aided on the letter.

events The Civil Service Awards 2012, London The CSRF was pleased to be involved with the annual Civil Service Awards ceremony that was held in November at Lancaster House in London. The event, arranged

by DODS who organise the popular Civil Service Live events, celebrates

achievements within the service. Hosted

by Head of the Home Civil Service (and CSRF President) Sir Bob Kerslake and Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood the event was compered by BBC presenters Sian Lloyd and Jon Sopel. Awards were given out in categories including health & wellbeing, the Olympics and Leadership (which was supported by the CSRF).

CSRF National Chairman John Barker pictured far right with the winner of the Leadership Award, Emily Thomas (Governing Governor, HMP Cookham). Picture © Paul Heartfield, www.paulheartfield.com

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news

member services

Give a Little, Get a Lot

Giving a little bit back to you in recognition of your support remains an integral part of our membership strategy for the year ahead

Our membership package for 2013 now offers an unprecedented over £250 worth of offers and savings. Any new or existing CSRF member can save money through our offers and ser vices, so take advantage of your membership and start saving now!

The support we receive from subscribers makes a significant difference to the help we are able to provide to all our beneficiaries and local group network. Over the last year and a half we have added the IT & Technology advice line, Later Life Legal Helpline (offering advice on specialist legal issues including legacy giving) and National Book Club.

Some of the latest member benefits are shown here.

Theatre Club If you are a theatre fan there are two theatre clubs offering good ticket discounts available for members. Offers and discounts are uploaded regularly each month. They are accessible via the members’ area of the CSRF website.

This is a web-based only benefit but if you encounter any problems with booking then call the following contact numbers: for West End Theatre Club (020 7492 1566) and for Ambassadors Theatre Group (0844 871 7627)

An end to Technology problems!

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Run on our behalf by BC Technologies, this telephone help & advice line provides you with help or support on any I.T. or technology problem you may encounter with your computer, email or Internet. It’s completely FREE (except for the cost of your phone call) and easily accessible via email or by telephone.

Later Life Legal Advice Helpline W W & J McClures operate this helpful telephone line offering advice on queries relating to Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Care Costs, Probate Costs or Funeral Plans. If they are not able to deal with your enquiry they will refer you to one of their partner firms. In addition to the range of subjects they can advise on they are also able to offer advice to anyone interested in setting up a CSRF legacy.

CONTACT DETAILS

CONTACT DETAILS

Telephone: 01369 706656 Email: csrf@bc-group.co.uk

Telephone: 08451 800 939 Email: csrf@mcclure-solicitors.co.uk

Please note: the telephone line is only operational between 9am and 5pm on weekdays only.

Please note: the telephone line is only operational between 9am and 5pm on weekdays only.

The Seniors’ Golf Tour - September 17 2013 The St Pierre, Chepstow Golf and Country Club is the venue for this year’s tournament. Set in South Wales the course is set within 400 acres of beautiful parkland and provides an excellent challenge for golfers of all levels. It is easily accessible, being close to the M4, M5 and M50 and is less than 2 hours from both Birmingham and London. The day offers a great opportunity to enjoy a day’s golf, meet new friends and compete to win prizes. One of the key sponsors for the day is The Civil Service Insurance Society.

We are able to offer a reduced rate of £50 to all national subscribers and there are also reduced rates available for hotel accommodation at the Club (it’s a Marriott hotel).

The programme for the day is as follows: 0900 Registration and tournament briefing Tea/Coffee and Bacon roll Golf clinic by club professional Craig Dunn and warm up basket of balls 1100 First tee reserved on the Old Course 1800 Buffet meal and prize giving If you are interested in signing up to this year’s Tour please call 020 8691 7411, email: golftour@csrf.org.uk or write to Fellowship Office with your details.

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news

Capturing ‘The Joy of Retirement’ How to enter the 2013 Photography Competition The theme for the photography competition is ‘the joy of retirement’ and is open to all members. Judges will be looking for originality, creativity and something that captures the positive (or negative) side of retirement.

As last year there will be an overall winner (judged from entries from both the CSRF and NHSRF) and an individual CSRF

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winner. The prizes will be £400 and £200 of vouchers of your choice respectively.

The prizes have been sponsored by The Civil Service Insurance Society.

To submit your entry you will need to first register your details using the information below.

This competition is co-ordinated by a representative from the NHS Retirement Fellowship who will then send you the rules and entry requirements. The competition closes at midnight on May 31 2013.

To register for the Photography competition call 020 8691 7411, email: photography@csrf.org.uk or write to Fellowship Office with your details.

The Book Club The Club works very simply – once you’ve registered you will receive your welcome pack along with a copy of the approved book list. Thanks to the kind support of The Civil Service Insurance Society the first 3 books on the 2013 book list will be supplied free. Once you’ve read each book you can submit your review (and star rating) for the book online via the book club page on the website or alternatively send your review in using one of the response forms provided.

There is a new book every other month (to allow for a variation on reading speed) but you can go as fast (or slow) as you want. All members signing up will also receive a monthly e-newsletter with news and offers of interest.

Book Club reviews

Submitted by members of the Book Club over the past few months. You can read the full reviews on the Book Club page in the members’ area of the CSRF website On Midnight in Peking

by Paul French

“An absolute crackerjack of a read.

Paul French has a journalist’s eye for just enough detail while drawing the characters, their backstory, the kaleidoscope of life and giving a good idea of the geography of the city. You can tell that the writer knows China extremely well.” Submitted by Les Mondry-Flesch “Outstanding research, analysis, writing and breathtaking pace made this book a page turner.” Submitted

by Linda Learner On Death and a Penguin

by Andrey Kurkov “The story is not the imagination of the author it is the reflection of a dark, modern day and alarming society.

Therefore it is gripping like a good detective story.” Submitted by Agnes

Kabdebo-Gedeon

“What a delightful, charming book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this witty tragicomedy about life in postSoviet Ukraine, first published in 1996. I found it very easy to read

and hope to find other titles by this author.”

Submitted by Marian Lusher

On Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada “I’ve always wondered at the lack of reports of German civilian resistance in world war two. This book - beautifully written and totally compelling, explained so much.” Submitted online “What an amazing book it is, even more so for being based on a true story. It is absorbing, sad, frightening and illuminating. Does anyone know how it is regarded in Germany? A very moving read.” Submitted online “The book became a page-turner to see when, and how, they would get found out.

I desperately wanted them to continue their activities undiscovered. Even after capture, I hoped that they might be saved from execution by the end of the war.”

Submitted by Jean Anderson

Membership of the book club is FREE to any full member of the CSRF.

HOW TO SIGN UP

Call 020 8691 7411, email: bookclub@csrf.org.uk, sign up online in the Members’ area of the CSRF website or write to Fellowship Office with your details.

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Feature

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alchemy

and the birth of

science

Sir Isaac Newton was a scientific genius whose mathematical models of gravity and motion transformed our understanding of the universe and fuelled the industrial revolution. And yet Newton and many fellow members of the Royal Society were as much concerned with magic and religion as with science.

Gareth Southwell surveys the birth of science from the ‘irrational’ – chemistry from alchemy, astronomy from astrology – and asks whether we can safely ignore such debts, or whether there is a more complicated story to be told

S

omewhere in the middle of the first millennium BC, in and around ancient Greece, the first Western philosophers turned their attention to the natural world. Struggling out from the shadows of superstition, myth and religious dogma, they began to seek natural explanations for worldly phenomena, based not on tradition or imagination, but observation, logic and rational argument. Over subsequent centuries, slowly and painfully, surviving setbacks and wrong turns, prejudice and persecution, the descendants of these first natural philosophers gradually established the foundation for our modern scientific world view, to which we owe not only all

medical and technological progress, but a true understanding of life, the universe and our position within it.

At least, that’s the official story, which, like most authorised accounts, leaves much out, glosses over difficulties, and generally paints a much simpler and more straight forward picture than the facts merit. Tempting as it is to view science as some valiant St George vanquishing the dragon of ignorance, the relationship between the ‘rational’ and the ‘irrational’ is not so clear cut.

Fervent atheists such as Richard Dawkins might see scientific

progress in terms of the eradication of religion and other forms of ‘unfounded’ belief, but the history of science itself tells a murkier and more complicated tale, one that suggests such ties are not so easily severed.

Nothing perhaps better illustrates this than alchemy, a practice having ancient roots in China, India and Egypt, finally emerging into medieval Europe through the Islamic cultures of North Africa and the Middle East, and flourishing from the 13th to the 17th century. Historians mostly view alchemy as a primitive ancestor of modern chemistry, a superstitious and largely wrong-headed

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Feature

Iryna1 / Shutterstock.com

LEFT: Sir Isaac Newton. BELOW: Francis Bacon.

RIGHT: Robert Boyle.

enterprise which - much as astrology did for astronomy - inadvertently turned up valuable discoveries and methods which later formed the basis for legitimate science. Thus, Francis Bacon (1561-1626), to many the father of scientific method, compared the alchemists to the farmer’s sons of Aesop’s fable, who did not find the treasure he promised them was buried in his fields, but whose digging aerated the soil and ensured bountiful future harvests.

Traditionally, the alchemist is said to seek the Philosophers’ Stone, which - as Harry Potter fans know - was thought to confer immortality. The alchemist’s other traditional goal, to transmute base metals (e.g. lead or iron) into gold, was actually secondary, since this was something the Philosophers’ Stone could also accomplish.

With a prize so lucrative, alchemy was understandably fraught with secrecy and deceit. Alchemical texts are notoriously obscure, often resembling surreal fairy tales couched in bizarre symbols: a pelican pecks its own breast to feed its young with its blood, the Sun is eaten by a green lion, a hermaphrodite is born of the Sun and Moon. To the initiated, these symbols were coded descriptions of

the alchemical process - the so-called Great Work - but such obscurity left room for fraud. Anyone could claim to be an adept, luring the gullible with conjuring tricks and sleight of hand, whilst obscuring ignorance behind obscure nonsense and mumbojumbo. However, proto-chemists and charlatans aside, other alchemists were motivated by more spiritual objectives.

As the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung has argued, the Great Work can also be seen in psychological or religious terms; as a process of what he called ‘individuation’ - the unification of the unconscious and conscious mind into a whole individual - or as the union of the soul with God. There is something in Jung’s interpretation - the riddling, paradoxical nature of alchemical texts makes them more akin to a dream to be interpreted by a psychoanalyst, or a mystic’s vision, than a chemistry textbook.

Whatever the case, alchemy appealed to a range of people with very different goals.

Given its mystifying and ‘irrational’ aspects, it’s interesting to note the calibre of person to whom it could appeal. Francis

With a prize so lucrative, alchemy was understandably fraught with secrecy and deceit. Alchemical texts are notoriously obscure, often resembling surreal fairy tales couched in bizarre symbols 16

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Bacon, though critical of alchemy, was in fact more concerned at the alchemists’ haphazard and unmethodical approach than with their mixing of science and spiritual matters. Bacon himself, a deeply religious man, favoured what he termed ‘natural magic’, a more systematic and methodical study and manipulation of nature, but which in its talk of ‘spirits’, ‘powers’ and ‘sympathies and antipathies’ lies perhaps closer to alchemy than his modern scientific admirers might like to admit. Elias Ashmole (1617-92), founding member of the Royal Society (itself inspired by Bacon’s philosophy) and founder of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, was an avid collector and student of alchemical texts. Fellow founding member Robert Boyle (1627-91), often thought of as the father of modern chemistry, was a practising alchemist who expended much time and effort in attempting to transmute base metals into gold. But the Royal Society’s most devoted alchemist was also its most prominent and respected scientist: Sir Isaac Newton.

Newton’s interest in alchemy is now relatively well-known, but its extent is often still not fully realised. At his death, Newton’s library contained over 130 alchemical texts, at the time probably the

largest collection anywhere in the world.

He owned his own laboratory, in which he laboured for years, skipping meals and working into the early hours, bringing the same obsessive focus and intelligence responsible for his revolutionary scientific insights. And herein lies the problem: Newton, one of the foremost contributors to the modern rational scientific view of the world, was himself deeply devoted to the very pursuits - not only alchemy, but numerology, biblical prophecy, astrology - that modern science despises, debunks and dismisses.

What does this mean for science?

As many have done, we may dismiss Newton’s more unconventional interests (or Boyle’s, or Bacon’s) as irrelevant eccentricities or shared delusions of the time. A shame, perhaps, and proof that even genius may be mistaken, but nothing that undermines the scientific insights in question. Does it matter that Newton was an alchemist or Bacon was a magician, any more than if Einstein believed in the Loch Ness Monster or UFOs? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believed in fairies and life after death, but this doesn’t undermine Sherlock Holmes’ deductive method! Does it?

A fair point. To argue that an idea is false because of its origin is to commit the genetic fallacy. Newton’s theories weren’t unsound because of his interest in alchemy; their proof lies in their ability to explain and predict certain phenomena (which, incredibly, they still largely do, despite being surpassed by the more powerful and precise theories of Einstein and later physicists). So, even if - as now seems likely - certain alchemical ideas actively influenced and brought about Newton’s theory of gravity, the truth of those theories still lies in their application.

The great Austrian philosopher Sir Karl Popper thought scientific theories should be testable, but argued that it did not really matter where such hypotheses came from. In other words, we should not merely dismiss an idea because it originates from some non-rational source - an intuition, perhaps, a coincidence, or a dream. All have played a role in scientific discoveries. Famously, the German

chemist August Kekulé discovered the ring shape of the Benzene molecule after dreaming of a serpent eating its own tail - which, coincidentally, is itself an alchemical symbol.

So, there are good reasons why science should not ignore the non-rational - it might lead to truth but perhaps there is also a sense in which we cannot escape it. Science cannot conquer the non-rational because it is not itself completely rational. Thomas Kuhn, another philosopher of science, argued that untested assumptions and values played a key role in scientific progress. The world did not adopt heliocentrism at the precise point when Galileo had amassed enough evidence - there were always ways of rescuing and clinging to geocentrism, and Galileo himself hadn’t exactly followed the rulebook of scientific method (there wasn’t one!). For Kuhn, science does not proceed by small logical steps, but rather lurches from one grand perspective to another - what he termed a ‘paradigm shift’ - when the weight of factors tips the balance (factors which might themselves be non-rational - social customs, historical events, cultural norms or psychological readiness) and not simply when ‘logic’ or ‘reason’ dictates.

There is also the possibility that science itself involves values which cannot themselves be proven. We believe the universe is orderly, but is this a conclusion we arrive at rationally, or a belief which shapes our interpretation of events? If an experiment throws up an unexpected result one time in a thousand, aren’t we more likely to consider that the freak result is due to a glitch or an experimenter’s mistake?

But what if it isn’t? Randomness may play a role in quantum physics, but that ‘God plays dice’ (as Einstein put it) is an unsettling idea. We like to think that, given enough time, we can understand the laws that turn the wheels of the cosmos. But belief in the existence of such laws - unchangeable, predictable, uniform - seems something that reason itself struggles to prove; seems, in fact, somewhat like faith?

Further Reading Charles Nicholl, The Chemical Theatre - A scholarly overview of alchemy, focusing especially on 16th century England, which traces the possible influence of alchemy upon Shakespeare.

Patrick Harpur, The Philosophers’ Secret Fire. A wide-ranging survey of the way in which different societies and eras have adopted non-rational approaches (including alchemy) in order to make sense of reality. Mercurius, an alchemy themed novel by the same author, is also worth checking out.

Michael White, Isaac Newton: The Last Sorcerer. An excellent, readable biography of Newton which does not shy away from the question of the influence of alchemy upon his work.

Knowledge is Power, Henry Newton. A concise and fascinating introduction to the life and work of Francis Bacon, focusing especially on Bacon’s debt to religion, alchemy and the magical tradition.

Jung’s writings on psychology and alchemy can be found in volume 12 of his collected works.

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Feature

changed lives

With more people retiring every year the need for finding something to do with all this extra time is far greater.

Paul Dance talks to a few of those who have found some inspirational ways to enjoy their retirement

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any of you may have contemplated a second career on retirement from the Civil Service through choice or necessity.

During the course of our involvement with pre-retirement courses and events in the last 12 months we have met a lot of civil servants approaching retirement who are already well underway with plans to turn hobbies into careers.

One of our newest members to join this year is approaching retirement from the Department of Education. John is a keen gardener and he is looking forward to developing his garden and allotment with a view to supplying cafes in his home town with fresh produce. We also recently enjoyed chatting with another member, Anne, who is and enthusiastic amateur historian and another retired civil servant for whom retirement should and can be a positive experience. She plans to use her knowledge and interest to secure a job as a tour guide and we wish her and John much success as they embark on their next chapter.

What about the rest of us though? Some of us will be quite happy to spend as much of our retirement as possible on the golf course, in the garden or on country walks.

But more and more people now want to do something useful or fun, and preferably both. With the extra time they have, learnt skills developed through their career and hobbies and interests developed over the decades, a changed life in retirement can also contribute towards a bit of extra income whilst forming new relationships and friendships along the way.

After a working life in the catering industry, owning and running some very successful pubs and restaurants, Sue Law began taking some evening classes in life drawing and painting. After a divorce and the sale of her businesses, she spent a couple of years sorting out her new house, then looked around for something else.

She had never been involved in art before, apart from visiting galleries but she got the bug from this and began an art foundation course in Cambridge. When the other students were applying for degree courses she did the same, finishing her degree at Winchester in 2008, followed by an MA in Norwich a year later. She now has a studio in Cambridge with a group of other artists, she participates in Cambridge Open Studios every year and she is creating

new work all the time, including some particularly beautiful shoes made from moulds of people’s feet. Sue said, ‘I don’t always have the money I used to but I love what I do and it’s always my decision, which is a lovely way to live, making beautiful things and challenging myself.’

Karen Merritt, on the other hand, worked in the NHS, where she ran training and secretarial departments and trained in Shiatsu, a Japanese form of massage, during evenings and weekends. After qualifying she built up her Shiatsu clients while still working in the NHS and finally, after some advice on financing from a friend, left her full-time job in 2005 to work in alternative therapies. She has since trained in acupuncture, acupressure and Tibetan singing bowls, also used as a form of therapy and is, she says, ‘So much happier and more fulfilled, I’m not always financially better off but I am in charge of my own time and that’s worth a lot.’ Her life since leaving the NHS has improved immeasurably; she travels more, has had offers of therapy clinics in India and Mexico and her expectations, rather than diminishing, are always expanding.

Of course, many people do not have the time, money or, possibly, the inclination to learn new skills so they turn to old neglected skills to change and improve their lives. One of the people I spoke to who has made the most radical change to their life was Greg Butler. In his teens Greg had run discos to earn money and had always been a collector of 78 rpm records but for many years he had run a couple of companies selling spices and perfumes, the latter in Paris. As he said, ‘Trying to sell perfume made in Walthamstow [North London] to the French was challenging’.

When the company ‘rationalised’ Greg was made redundant and used his redundancy money to set up a disco, specialising in playing 78s but also including old vinyl.

He came to the attention of John Peel, who bought records from him, and started a MySpace page in 2006 (for anyone who doesn’t remember this it was a precursor to Facebook, now largely defunct).

Through this he realised that there were other people who shared his passion for old records and he contacted people like Tim Howsapoppin and Natty Bo. They created a loose group called The Shellac Collective to promote the idea of playing 78s and old vinyl and began promoting

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RETIREMENT – TOP TIPS TOP: Greg Butler’s 2012 December record fair; INSET: Greg and Kipper the Cat at Bestival 2012

themselves at music events. He played at his first Bestival on the Isle of Wight in 2007 and got a good reception so he was asked back to open the ‘Black Dahlia’ tent for three hours, starting at 3 in the afternoon. The weather was atrocious, outside was, Greg says, ‘like chocolate custard’ and theirs was the only tent with a floor. It was soon full of people sheltering and, after three hours was up, no-one else arrived so Greg and his team kept playing – until two in the morning! After this things went from strength to strength. Greg now does three shows on radio stations around East Anglia, including two on Cambridge 105, a volunteer, community radio station and plays all over the country at festivals and other music events including hosting his own record fair twice a year at his home where he puts up for sale and shows off some of his 180,000 records!

There is also Mike Westbrook who retired from an engineering background and began making garden sculptures, initially to keep himself busy and as an extension of his evening art classes. He now has an almost full-time job making commissions and speculative pieces. There is another chap who retired from teaching to walk around Britain and has been doing so for the last three years. Finally, looking to the future is Dave Broughton who will be taking slightly early retirement in a year from his 40 years in Trading Standards in Cambridgeshire. He said, ‘I’ve really enjoyed my job but I thought, while I’m still vertical, I should see what else is out there, maybe talks to groups about

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consumer rights, perhaps expand on some talks I gave in prisons.’ He may also indulge his passion in Enduro-biking, which for the uninitiated, is motorcycling in very rough conditions, for instance up mountains in Southern Spain, from which a couple of years ago Dave had to be airlifted after breaking his arm.

What they all have in common, of course, is that they are refusing to ‘Go Quietly’ but have reinvented themselves in various ways to enrich their lives. None of them really expected to be doing as much as they do now but an open mind and a willingness to have a go has led them in sometimes unexpected, always interesting ways. Old interests, new interests, any of them could lead on to a new and exciting retirement - a far cry from the now ubiquitous garden centres.

talk tous Have you taken up any new hobbies or activities since retiring? We’d like to hear your experiences and ‘see you in action’ (so don’t forget if you have any pictures to include them with your letter). Send your letters using the Fellowship Office address at the front of the magazine or email: avanti@square7media.co.uk

1 Consider your current and past hobbies and interests. Could you do any of them full- or parttime? This means physically and intellectually. Alternatively, do you have any talents or hobbies you did years ago (either for income generation or fun) that have fallen by the wayside over the years and you would like to resurrect?

2 If you want to study a brand-new subject, check what courses are available at your local colleges, night schools and through individuals (e.g. artists, therapists etc.). Don’t forget U3A, Open University and the National Extension College, depending on what you want to study and to what level.

3 Think about whether you want or need to make money from your activity – this will make a big difference to how and what you do.

4 Think about all the people you know; have any conversations stayed in your brain from all those years of socialising and working that surprised you and might be of use in some way now?

5 Don’t forget that this is the time for you to enjoy yourself; make sure you will be doing something that will fulfil you. Most importantly, don’t exclude anything as too unlikely – look at the article and see how much difference people can make to their own lives.

6 Lastly, as an inspiration, never forget the woman who went to Glastonbury for the first time a couple of years ago – aged 95!

Feature

Room to spare

We are all feeling the cold in the current economic climate.

If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your retirement income, why not rent out your spare room? It could be the ideal solution for you if your children have flown the nest, or even just while they are away at university. If you live alone, you might also be attracted by the idea of having some company around the house. This guide by David Porteous will show you how to go about finding a lodger, and how to avoid pitfalls like paying tax on your new source of ready cash.

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arbara Hamilton, an event management consultant, is on course to fulfil her retirement dreams – thanks in no small part to her spare room. She rents it out for £400 a month to lodgers she finds by advertising online, giving her a valuable boost to her income. “I hope to retire this year and part of my plan to make that possible is to take in lodgers,” says Barbara, who lives in a Victorian end of terrace house in Battersea, London. “The extra money is extremely welcome and apart from cleaning the room and changing the sheets on the bed, I don’t have to do much else to earn it.”

Cash-strapped homeowners like Barbara are taking in lodgers in unprecedented numbers, according to a survey by the financial services firm LV. It estimates that 954,000 people were renting out

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a room in 2012, compared to 477,000 in 2011, prompting a string of stories in the national press about how Britain was turning into a nation of Rigsbys, the miserly landlord played by Leonard Rossiter in the 1970s TV sitcom Rising Damp. That image, thankfully, is now looking increasingly outdated.

More than a third of the live-in landlords questioned by LV said they needed the rent to top up their salaries or pensions.

Sam Cowen, head of marketing for SpareRoom, the UK’s leading flat and house share website with a million visits per month, says: “We did our own survey last summer and found that a lot of people who use our site are aged over 50 and have paid off their mortgage and are looking for ways to supplement their income.”

Due to various economic factors there is no shortage of lodgers: high property prices, the rising cost of living and frozen or falling incomes mean millions of people cannot afford to buy their own home, while the rents for flats and houses are also reaching record levels.

Once the best way of finding a lodger was to place an ad in the local paper or in a newsagent’s window. Today you can advertise for free on dedicated websites such as SpareRoom and Easyroommate and only pay a fee when you have a booking; mondaytofriday.com, a niche website specialising in weekday rentals, charges £39.99 for running an ad for three months but doesn’t take a commission.

Its founder Judy Niner comments: “There always has been a culture in this country of people taking in lodgers, such as when touring actors would stay in digs. The Internet has helped to make lodging popular again by making it so easy for homeowners with rooms to rent to link up with people looking for accommodation.”

Whether you are a seasoned landlord or new at this game, there are some tried and tested rules that should always be followed. First, take your time to talk to prospective lodgers; perhaps even at a neutral venue before inviting them to view your property, to make sure they are a good fit for you and your home. Ask your new lodger to provide references from an employer or previous landlord.

It is also a good idea to lay down some general house rules, covering, which rooms/facilities the lodger is entitled to use, any services (cleaning, for example) you agree to provide, and how and when the rent will be paid. Even better, draw up a formal written agreement between you and your lodger so there are no misunderstandings. Either way, you will need to inform your insurance company and, if applicable, your own landlord or mortgage lender. A lodger does not have the same legal rights as a tenant – they can be asked to leave at short notice – but a live-in landlord does share some of the responsibilities of a professional

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Feature landlord, such as ensuring that gas appliances are serviced regularly.

As well as home-based students, you could also consider taking in students from overseas. Companies like Britannia Student Services and Hosts international are always looking for suitable accommodation for foreign students, though mainly in London and major towns and cities. Unlike lodgers, they will expect their students to be treated as a member of the family, sharing meals with their hosts and socialising with them, to improve their language skills and increase their understanding of British culture. Students could stay for a couple of days or up to a year, depending on the length of their course. Both students and

hosts are screened, and your home will have to pass an inspection.

Under the government’s Rent a Room scheme, you are able to earn £4,250 a year tax-free from letting out furnished accommodation in your home. You can let out a room or even an entire floor. Rental income includes money you receive for extra services you provide, like meals and laundry, but you won’t be able to claim any expenses. If you go above the threshold, you will have to declare your earnings on a tax return even if you don’t normally complete one. What’s more, the £4,250 allowance may be halved if someone else in the property, like your partner, also receives income from letting.

Top tips for making your spare room more attractive to lodgers:

If you’re not in the scheme – it is optional – you’ll pay tax on your rental income after offsetting expenses like wear and tear, insurance and repairs. Then you will need to declare the relevant income and expenses on the property pages of your tax return. It is worth spending time learning more about the scheme to find out when it makes sense to opt out.

Homeowners who decide to rent out a room for purely financial reasons are finding that it brings other rewards, too.

“Clients who live alone tell us they like having somebody around the house,” adds Sam Cowen. “It’s not just the company, it means the house is not empty all the time when they are not there. We also hear stories of lodgers walking the dog and feeding pets, and doing other things for their landlords like helping to care for the garden. There can be additional, unexpected benefits when you take in lodgers.”

Barbara Hamilton’s experience has been so positive she has now converted her garage into another bedroom and taken in a second lodger. “To begin with I was slightly anxious about sharing my home with what are ostensibly strangers but the lodgers I have had so far have been perfect house guests,” she says. “I think it’s a great way to supplement your pension and I would urge people who have never taken in lodgers before to give it a go.”

USEFUL INFORMATION 1. A comfortable bed. Your lodger will expect to get a good night’s sleep. Wouldn’t you?

2. Wireless broadband. Yes, they may want to surf and Skype the night away.

3. Extra lights – for reading, writing, make-up.

4.

Hanging space, even if it’s just a few hooks and hangers.

5.

Fresh paint. Your lodger will want a room that’s well decorated and maintained.

6. Make sure the room is cleaned regularly. Your competition is the B&B down the road.

7.

Avoid clutter. You may like your

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nick-knacks, but your lodger would probably prefer clear space. They will also need adequate storage.

8. Decent bed linen. This isn’t the place to use up old, uncoordinated sheets and pillowcases.

9. Effective curtains or blinds. Your lodger won’t want to be woken up early by morning light because you’ve skimped on curtain lining.

10. Warmth. A cold room will lead to an early departure.

Prepared by Judy Niner, mondaytofriday.com

www.mondaytofriday.com www.spareroom.co.uk 01625 666 750 http://uk.easyroommate.com 0800 083 2881 www.britanniatravel.com 020 7436 7738 www.hosts-international.com 0207 323 5244 www.gov.uk Further information on the Rent a Room scheme can be found in the Housing and Local Services section

on your

doorstep

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Feature

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If you ask someone to name a World Heritage site, they will probably suggest famous tourist attractions like the Sydney Opera House or the Great Wall of China. What many people don’t realise is that the UK has no less than 28 sites that have also been given this high accolade because of their outstanding cultural or natural importance. David Porteous finds out what having this status means, how it can transform a site’s fortunes and which are the latest places in Britain to be nominated.

Victorian railway bridge in Scotland could soon have the same status as the Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and only surviving monuments of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Its proposed elevation to a World Heritage site is quite fitting when you consider that the bridge in question, the Forth Bridge, was hailed as the “eighth wonder of the world” when it was built.

The 1.5 mile-long Forth Bridge, west of Edinburgh, is still first and foremost a working structure which carries over 200 trains a day. But it is far more than just a bridge. Thanks to its cantilevered design, it is one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks; it also represents the apogee of Victorian civil engineering, being the first major structure in Britain to be made of steel. A workforce of 4,600, more than 70 of whom were killed in accidents were employed to build the crossing and it was officially completed in 1890 when the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) drove home a gold-plated rivet, the last of 6.5 million used in its construction.

This cherished Scottish icon was nominated last year to be Britain’s next contender for World Heritage status after being chosen by a panel of experts from a shortlist of 11 landscapes, buildings and attractions drawn up by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A formal bid is currently being prepared, which will be the subject of a rigorous 18-month evaluation by Unesco, the UN organisation which awards the honour, and its advisory body, the Paris-based International Council on Monuments and Sites. A final decision on the Forth Bridge’s inclusion won’t be made until June 2015.

Is the long drawn-out process to gain this accolade worth all the effort? After all, it is purely prestige; it does not open up access to a pot of UN money, though it can help to secure indirect funding from other sources such as the Lottery or the private sector. Tourist chiefs promoting the UK’s existing sites – ranging from places of natural beauty like the Giant’s Causeway and its basalt columns in Northern Ireland, to architectural riches such as

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Blenheim Palace – certainly think winning the UN’s endorsement has incalculable value. Research published by VisitBritain has highlighted the importance of World Heritage ranking as a key tourist draw, contributing to £4.5 billion of spending by inbound visitors attracted by Britain’s unique culture and heritage, which is more than one quarter of all spending by foreign tourists.

Blaenavon, renowned for its industrial landscape, is perhaps one of the less wellknown places that some may be surprised to find on the list. It is used as a case study to illustrate how an attraction can use World Heritage status to raise its profile, particularly on the international stage.

“I don’t think many people in the UK are aware of just how many World Heritage sites we have in this country,” commented Tim Davies, manager of the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre. “If you told them Blaenavon was on the same level as the Taj Mahal and the great pyramids of Egypt, they would laugh.

“But having this status is without doubt attracting visitors from abroad who probably wouldn’t have considered coming here before. There are also tangible economic benefits. We have used this recognition to drive the regeneration of the valley and the surrounding area.”

A recent visitor to Blaenavon went there as part of a personal odyssey to visit every World Heritage site across the globe – he has a life-long mission as there are now 962 of them. The UK has fewer than Italy, Spain, Germany and France, but more than Greece and the United States. Three of the UK’s sites are in overseas territories: the isolated South Pacific atoll of Henderson Island, the town of St George in Bermuda and the nature reserve of Gough and

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Inaccessible Islands in the South Atlantic.

Gorham’s Cave, a complex of sea caves in Gibraltar and the world’s last known site of Neanderthal habitation, was the only other location to be put forward to UNESCO by Britain in 2012.

The World Heritage Programme was devised by UNESCO in 1972 as a way to both celebrate and protect places of natural, cultural or architectural significance. Once a site is inscribed on the list, there is a duty to conserve it for future generations. Each one has a management plan and inspectors regularly visit sites to make sure they are not becoming degraded, or spoilt by modern developments. UNESCO has expressed concern about the encroachment of new buildings around Parliament Square, the Tower of London and Liverpool’s waterfront, warning that they could be stripped of their coveted status.

There was an impressive list of venues and tourist spots hoping to be selected in the latest round of the nomination process.

Those who submitted technical evaluations included the Historic Dockyard Chatham, the Lake District, Cresswell Crags, the Twin Monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow near Newcastle and the South Atlantic island of St Helena. All those shortlisted will be given the opportunity to further develop their initial bids over the coming years, and to potentially have them put forward as the UK’s candidate in the future.

Chatham says it is still very keen to pursue World Heritage status. Another site to miss out, Jodrell Bank, the scientific observatory in Cheshire and home of the giant Lovell radio telescope, comments: “We are currently exploring the options and will be making a decision soon.”

Heritage economist James Rebanks, who

is acting as an advisor to the Forth Bridge bid, said: “All previous research has shown that being a World Heritage site can deliver benefits for host communities. If the bridge gains this status, Scotland could use it to generate a massive amount of media attention from the rest of the world.

At a local level, it could attract another 100,000 tourists a year. But does the local community want all these extra visitors and can the infrastructure cope with them? These are questions that have to be addressed to ensure that the bid offers a sustainable vision for the site.”

As well as being a symbol of the golden age of railways, the Forth Bridge entered folklore, as the repainting of its girders became a metaphor for a never-ending task.

Not any more, as new technology means the latest paint job will last for at least 20 years.

Meanwhile, Network Rail, its owner, is looking at ways to develop its tourism potential by giving the public access to the top of its 330-foot high towers. The view would be stunning, but from any vantage point the bridge is an engineering masterpiece, a structure every bit as spectacular and impressive as the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty, and being accorded the same status would surely be a fitting tribute to the men who built and maintained it.

PREVIOUS PAGE: The Forth Bridge.

THIS PAGE: Stonehenge; Pontcysyllte Aqueduct; Ironbridge, Shropshire.

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The UK’s World Heritage sites

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PICTURES: VISIT BRITAIN, Torfaen CBC, SHUTTERSTOCK

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Further information:

Department for Culture, Media and Sport www.culture.gov.uk – an interactive map of UK World Heritage sites can be found in the historic environment section UNESCO World Heritage Centre http://whc.unesco.org

1 Blaenavon Industrial Landscape 2 Blenheim Palace Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s 3 Abbey and St Martin’s Church 4 Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd 5 City of Bath 6 Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape 7 Derwent Valley Mills 8 Dorset and East Devon Coast 9 Durham Castle and Cathedral 10 Frontiers of the Roman Empire including Hadrian’s Wall 11 Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast 12 Gough and Inaccessible Islands 13 Heart of Neolithic Orkney 14 Henderson Island 15 Historic Town of St George and related fortifications, Bermuda 16 Ironbridge Gorge 17 Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City 18 Maritime Greenwich 19 New Lanark 20 Old and New Towns of Edinburgh 21 Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal 22 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 23 St Kilda 24 Saltaire 25 Stonehenge, Avebury and associated sites 26 Studley Royal Park including the ruins of Fountains Abbey 27 Tower of London 28 Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret’s Church

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Visit Britain www.visitbritain.com

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Feature

The plant hunters: a very British obsession

For centuries British adventurers have risked disease, death, warfare and disaster in far-flung places to gather new and exotic plants. Their findings have enriched our landscapes and created the British garden of today. What on earth possessed these adventurers?

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here could be no more tranquil place than a traditional British garden. But as you imbibe the delicious fragrance of your lilies on a summer’s day, spare a thought for Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson. He introduced Lilium Regale to these shores in 1910. He had found them growing in the Min Valley in south-west China and as he was collecting them, he was caught in an avalanche of boulders and broke his leg in two places. He set his leg with the tripod of his camera and for the rest of his life he walked with what he called his ‘lily limp’.

Wilson was relatively lucky if you compare his fate to that of David Douglas, who introduced lupins, California poppies, the flowering currant and many of our ornamental conifers. He died under mysterious circumstances while climbing Mauna Kea in Hawaii. He’d apparently fallen into a pit trap and been crushed by a bull that fell on top of him. He at least has the Douglas Fir named after him.

Plant hunting reached a frenzy in the nineteenth century with many discoveries having great economic significance. Robert

Fortune, the Scottish botanist, introduced tea from China to British-controlled Assam in 1848, for instance. Perhaps the most remarkable botanist in this respect was Richard Spruce, a Yorkshireman who spent 18 years exploring the Amazon from the Andes to the mouth, and was one of the first Europeans to visit many of the places where he collected specimens. His finds included the quinine-producing variety of cinchona and the species of coca from which cocaine is derived, as well as a commercially important variety of rubber plant. Unfortunately Spruce died in near poverty, his earnings having been squandered and mis-invested by his appointees back home.

One of the sadder tales is that of Alfred Russel Wallace who sailed to Amazonia in 1848. Surviving Yellow Fever he spent four years in

the jungles along the Rio Negro collecting specimens. His journey must have been hellish as he broke his glasses in an incident with a hornet’s nest but stumbled on anyway.

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After four years he emerged, trembling and delirious with fever, with a collection of rare specimens. But on his journey back home his boat caught fire half way across the Atlantic. As he left in a lifeboat he watched his collection disappear beneath the waves.

Plant hunters have never been driven by the idea of monetary gain or fame.

They are fuelled by their passion for their subject. Tom Hart-Dyke, who created the famous World Garden at Lullingstone Castle, is today’s living embodiment of the type. He’s a swashbuckling aristocrat with an undying love of orchids and was featured in the Autumn issue of Avanti.

He and his co-gatherer Paul Winder were kidnapped by Farc guerillas while hunting for rare orchids on the border between Panama and Colombia in 2000. They were held for nine months and threatened

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with death – an experience he treats with legendary British sang-froid suggesting that he finally exasperated the guerrillas into submission by his and Paul’s endless conversations about orchids!

The British passion for their gardens and gardening as a national pastime has fuelled this spirit of adventure. In the late Victorian and Edwardian era, expeditions were sponsored by wealthy garden creators. Colonel Stephenson R Clarke of Borde Hill in Sussex is known as one of the great plantsmen of the era. The panoramic gardens have been lovingly maintained by his descendants and are an explosion of beauty with 8,000 trees and shrubs, framed within the Sussex countryside. Such expeditions were also sponsored by Wakehurst Place in Sussex, Kew Gardens and many other estates around the country.

In a fascinating recent discovery at

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Rhododhendron; the gardens at Borde Hill; Camellia; Californian Poppy; Frank Kingdon Ward; Reginald Farrer; George Forrest; Alfred Russel Wallace; Richard Spruce; Robert Fortune; David Douglas; Ernset Wilson; Lupins.

Borde Hill, original letters, written to Colonel Clarke from some of the greatest plant hunters of the day, have come to light. The faded missives from George Forrest, Frank Kingdon-Ward and Ernest Wilson share in detail both the flora and fauna they were netting and the hair-raising circumstances they were enduring.

George Forrest, one of the single most important influences on our gardens today, contributed many species of Rhodendrons and the Camellia (today’s most popular strain Donation was created at Borde Hill as a hybrid from those brought back by Forrest). His search for plants in Yunnan during the 1905 Tibetan Rebellion took him into the heart of fighting between the Yunnan and Kwangsi troops in West Yunnan. Having witnessed the murder of two American missionaries at the hands

of brigands he writes: It is all very disturbing and not conducive to good work….200 armed Shan are making the people in Rhomo very uncomfortable… If I get through all right I shall write to you again when I get back to my base north of Lichiangfu.”

Surviving many narrow escapes at the hands of the local Tibetan Buddhist lamas (who were targeting foreigners) Forrest eventually died of a heart attack in 1932 while hunting game in the hills near Tengchong.

Another giant in the world of

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Feature

RIGHT: Douglas Firs.

ABOVE: Giant Cowslip.

BELOW: Himalayan Blue Poppy

plant hunters was Reginald Farrer, a tortured and eccentric character whose passion for alpines is borne witness to in countless rockeries in our lands.

Physically disabled with a hare lip he was a driven soul, paying no heed to his own safety in his pursuit of botanical exotica.

Nicola Shulman describes in her book A Rage for Rock Gardening, how he would leap across high plank bridges over rivers on the back of his little pony. He died in the Minshan mountains of upper Burma 1920 aged 40, apparently of diphtheria.

Frank Kingdon-Ward was a true survivor.

Introducer of the first viable seed of the Himalayan blue poppy, the giant cowslip and the yellow-flowered Rhododendron, his botanical exploits spanned half a century. Remarkably, he was combining his botanical exploits in Tibet, NW China, Burma (Myanmar) and the then Assam with serving as a spy for the British India Office!

Despite being impaled on a bamboo spike, falling off a cliff (stopped by a tree growing out of the cliff), having his tent crushed by a tree in a storm, and finding himself close to the epicentre of an earthquake of 9.6 on the Richter scale, Kingdon-Ward was one of the few of his kind to die peacefully at home in England in 1958, aged 72.

So what did possess the plant hunters?

Perhaps the last word belongs to Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson in a letter to Colonel Clarke at Borde Hill: Privileged to travel over much of the earth’s surface, I believe that the knowledge gained in twenty-three years of plant hunting belongs not to myself alone but to all interested in plants – in the trees, shrubs and herbs – which strew the earth with loveliness… The idea is to broaden and deepen interest in the plants that make gardens such pleasant places by glimpsing the lands from whence many came and the means by which they reach us.

2 for 1 OFFER The Hart Dyke family are kindly offering all CSRF subscribers the chance to visit Lullingstone Castle and the World Garden throughout the 2013 season.

Present the coupon on arrival and it will admit 2 people for the price of 1. The coupon is also valid for special events and bank holiday weekends.

Valid: From 30 Mar-30 Sept 2013.

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entertainment

leisure life

books New releases reviewed

by Janet Tester

Our regular mix of books, culture and entertainment

The Racketeer

By John Grisham (Hodder & Stoughton) ISBN 9781444729740

The Hobbit

By J. R. R. Tolkien (HarperCollins) First published in 1937 this classic children’s story is enjoying a new lease of life. After the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy of films, 2013 has seen the release of the first of three parts of The Hobbit, magnificent in 3D and no doubt this has contributed to the renewed popularity of these books.

Like all old favourites, often frequently re-read over many years, there is always something new to find. J.R.R Tolkien was a very accomplished story-teller and the high quality of his writing is timeless in its ability to transport the reader to his fantasy world.

The characters and settings of Tolkien’s adventure stories always feel very authentic, probably because, as an academic, he had prepared a massive amount of background detail.

Always worth another read, The Hobbit is also available as an e-book.

John Grisham is the author of twenty-five novels, one work of non-fiction, one collection of short stories and three novels for young readers. Not surprisingly he was awarded the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction in 2011.

The story is set in prison, the hero being a young black man, Malcolm Bannister, falsely accused and serving a ten year sentence. A Federal Judge and his secretary are found murdered in the remote country hideaway used by the judge at weekends. Malcolm has lost everything. His marriage has not survived his incarceration and his wife has re-married, taking his child with her to a new life. Malcolm has much time on his hands and uses his position as prison librarian to research as much of the outside world as he can. From time to time he gives legal advice to other inmates.

He informs the authorities that he knows who killed the judge and why. In return for this information he would like to be removed from prison, given a new identity and start afresh. The convolutions of this plot are amazing and the ending a guaranteed surprise – John Grisham is again at his best.

The Change Book Fifty models to explain how things happen

By Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschäppeler (Profile Books Ltd) ISBN 978 178125 009 9

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Underground Overground A Passenger’s History of the Tube

By Andrew Martin (Profile Books) ISBN 978 1 84668 478 4 The London Underground (which is actually 55% overground) is the oldest and most eccentric metropolitan transport in the world. Andrew Martin is a journalist and novelist resident in North London and qualified as a barrister. He is passionate about the Underground as is evident from this entertaining book which manages to combine social history, with a wealth of facts and figures, all presented in a readable and very funny book. A good read at any time – particularly now at the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the ‘Tube’s’ beginnings.

As usual Profile Books have produced a small, elegant handbook packed with a wealth of information to explain how things happen.

The authors of the bestselling Decision Book and Question Book are now ready to explain to us how things change. Drawing on expert advice the writers are able to simplify the multitude of changes that affect every one of us. Whether you are deciding who to vote for, how to get the most out of your job or how you can use your time more efficiently, this little black book will give you an answer.

The Swiss authors have a brilliant blog at http://50topmodels. wordpress.com/

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out of the Window and Disappeared

The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year

By Jonas Jonasson (Hesperus Press Ltd) ISBN 9781843913726

By Sue Townsend (Penguin Books) Sue Townsend is a professional playwright and novelist who has kept us all laughing for more than thirty years. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾ saw the beginning of a series of diaries as the hapless young man grew up. Five other popular novels including The Queen and I followed and Sue Townsend is widely regarded now as Britain’s favourite comedy writer.

Eva, married to astronomer Brian who is having an unsatisfactory love affair, feels that she is not getting the most out of her life. The day that her twins leave home she takes to her bed. Despite the protests of her family, she remains defiant and accidentally becomes a cult figure with a growing number of loyal fans.

A new friend Alexander the white-van man brings tea, toast and sympathy.

This is funny, quite weird but strangely compelling to read – the ending, which has to come, is unexpected and a bit unsatisfactory, leaving many loose ends for the reader to tidy up as best he or she can.

By Ann Cleeves (PanMacmillan) ISBN 978 0 230 76017 2

This is a delightful and quirky book which well deserves its reputation as an international best seller.

Allan Karlsson has reached the grand old age of one hundred and is sitting in his room at the old people’s home, waiting for a celebratory party that he never wanted. The mayor is going to be there, the press is going to be there, in fact the only absentee is going to be Allan as he climbs out of the window and makes his getaway.

Although completely lacking in all that is necessary for a great escape, still wearing his bedroom slippers, he manages to get on a bus, acquire a suitcase full of cash, befriend various criminals and evade the incompetent police.

In the course of this book we learn something of Allan’s past life when it would seem that he helped to make the atom bomb, became friends with several world leaders and was present at many of the key events of the twentieth century.

Ably translated from Swedish by Rod Bradbury, this endearing tale will give pleasure to all age groups.

This is the first novel in the new Shetland quartet from the bestselling author of Red Bones on which the BBC’s drama Shetland was based.

The discovery of the body of successful journalist Jerry Markham in a traditional Shetland boat brings young Detective Inspector Willow Reeves from the Hebrides to head the investigation.

Inspector Jimmy Perez has been out of the loop since the death of his fiancée but his interest and local knowledge finds him gradually more involved in the case. Other killings soon follow and the reader is led skilfully through a fairly complex plot to the final solution of the mystery.

Ann Cleeves worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before embarking on her very successful writing career.

This title is on the Book list for the National Book Club. To register as a member, follow the instructions on page 13 and you will receive a free copy of this book along with your welcome pack.

Dead Water

THE CSRF & NHSRF

BOOK CLUB

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Hitchcock Twentieth Century Fox, On release now

Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren Hopkins turns in an impressive character performance as the legendary film director in this film that focuses on the love story between Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville (played by Helen Mirren) during the filming of Psycho.

Jack the Giant Slayer Warner Bros, Released 22 March Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy A modern day twist on the classic fairy tale sees the longstanding peace between men and giants threatened when a young farmer (played by Nicholas Hoult) leads an expedition into the giants’ kingdom to rescue a kidnapped princess.

Expect witty one-liners, amazing special effects and a stellar cast to deliver a very entertaining film, which is released in 3D.

Song for Marion Entertainment One, On release now

Stars: Vanessa Redgrave, Terence Stamp, Anne Reid, Gemma Arterton, Christopher Ecclestone ‘Grumpy old man’ Arthur (played with relish by Terence Stamp) discovers that his wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) is dying from cancer. She sings in a local choir and loves the experience. Arthur finds himself on a journey of discovery as he copes with his wife’s illness and begins to realise that he can enjoy life, family and friendships.

culture Exhibitions around the UK

Trance Pathé, Released 27 March

Stars: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel A fine art auctioneer mixed up with a gang joins forces with a hypnotherapist to recover a lost painting. As the boundaries between reality and hypnotic suggestion blurs, the stakes rise faster than anyone could have imagined. The film is shot on location in the basements of the Victoria & Albert Museum and directed by Danny Boyle.

Gangsters & Gunslingers: the Good, the Bad & the Memorabilia The American Museum in Britain, Bath 23 March to 3 November This exhibition brings together two defining chapters in the history of the United States that shaped America’s national identity: the Wild West (mid 1860s to the late 1880s) and the wild years of the Prohibition/Depression era (1920s and early 1930s). It will showcase treasures from the comprehensive American collection and Hollywood archive of David Gainsborough Roberts. Items on display will

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include the watch worn by Clyde Barrow when he was gunned down with Bonnie Parker, Al Capone’s cigarette case and Jack Dempsey’s boxing trophy.

Tickets £9 (£8 concs) – for more information call 01225 460503 or visit www.americanmuseum.org LEFT: Al Capone’s silver cigarette case; ABOVE: Dillinger’s Fake Gun

theatre

A Chorus Line London Palladium Theatre, Argyll Street, London

Maurice’s Jubilee Various venues Starring: Julian Glover, Nichola McAuliffe, Sheila Reid This play was critically acclaimed at last year’s Edinburgh Festival providing audiences with an entertaining exploration of one man’s enduring commitment to a dream.

Maurice’s Jubilee is touring the UK playing at The Richmond Theatre, London (19-23 Feb), Brighton, Theatre Royal (26 Feb – 2 Mar), Birmingham, New Alexandra Theatre (5-9 Mar), Malvern, Festival Theatre (11-16 Mar), Bromley, Churchill Theatre (26-30 Mar) and Cambridge Arts (2-6 April). For more information visit www.mauricesjubilee.com - tickets are available to purchase via the CSRF’s Ambassadors Theatre Club website in the Members’ area of the website

Sweet Bird of Youth The Old Vic, The Cut, London Starring: Kim Cattrall Hollywood A-Lister Kim Cattrall takes the title role in Tennessee Williams powerful play, Sweet Bird of Youth, playing a fading Hollywood legend ravaged by the bitterness of failure and despair.

At the time of going to press no further cast or ticket information had been released.

Opens from 12 June, performances Mon-Sat 7.30pm (Matinees Weds & Sat at 2.30pm). Box Office: 0844 871 7628

Starring: John Partridge, Scarlett Strallan, Leigh Zimmerman With some memorable music by the late Marvin Hamlisch, the musical about Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line returns to the West End. Opens from February 19, performances Mon-Sat 7.45pm (Matinees Weds & Sat at 3pm).Tickets priced from £19-£65. Box Office: 0844 4412 2957

Peter and Alice Noel Coward Theatre, St Martins Lane, London Starring: Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw When Alice Liddell Hargreaves met Peter Llewelyn Davies at the opening of a Lewis Carroll exhibition in 1932, the original Alice in Wonderland came face to face with the original Peter Pan. John Logan’s new play explores the meeting and reunites M with Q (for Bond aficionados) with Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw playing the title roles.

Opens 25 March, performances MonSat 7.30pm (Matinees Weds & Sat at 2.30pm).

Tickets priced from £10-£57.50. Box Office: 0844 482 5141

Becoming Picasso: Paris 1901 The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, London Until 26 May This exhibition tells the story of Pablo Picasso’s breakthrough year as an artist - 1901. It was the year that the nineteen-year-old first launched his career in Paris at a debut summer exhibition with the influential dealer Ambroise Vollard. Visitors are able to experience the early development of one of the towering figures of the 20th century at a time when he was still just a young Spanish hopeful in Paris. Paintings on display include: Child with a Dove, Absinthe Drinker and Evocation (The Burial of Casagemas).

Tickets £6 (£4.50 concs) – for more information call 020 7848 2526 or visit www.courtauld.ac.uk/gallery

ABOVE: Child with a Dove, 1901, Private collection; LEFT: Evocation (The Burial of Casagemas), 1901, Musée d’art moderne, Paris

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coffee break Trivia and titbits to keep your mind in gear!

Expensive Hotel An elderly lady decided to give herself a big treat for her significant birthday by staying overnight in one of London’s most expensive hotels.

When she checked out the next morning, the desk clerk handed her a bill for £500.

have a CHUCKLE Are you ready for the ‘Home’?

During a visit to the doctor, Mrs Jones asked him, “How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old people’s home?”

“Well,” he said, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to

empty the bathtub.”

“Oh, I understand,” Mrs Jones said. “A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup.”

“No” he said. “A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?”

One for the Older Golfer Arthur is 90 years old. He’s played golf every day since his retirement 25 years ago. One day he arrives home looking downcast.

“That’s it,” he tells his wife. “I’m giving up golf. My eyesight has got so bad. Once I’ve hit the ball, I can’t see where it went.”

His wife sympathizes. As they sit down, she has a suggestion: “Why don’t you take my brother with you, and give it one more try.”

“That’s no good,” sighs Arthur. “Your brother is a hundred and three. He can’t help.”

“He may be a hundred and three,” says the wife, “but his eyesight is perfect.”

So the next day, Arthur heads off to the golf course with his brother-in-law. He tees up, takes an almighty swing, and squints down the fairway. He turns to the brother-in-law. “Did you see the ball?”

“Of course I did!” says the brother-in-law. “I have perfect eyesight.”

“Where did it go?” asks Arthur.

“Can’t remember.”

She exploded and demanded to know why the bill was so high. “It’s a nice hotel but the rooms certainly aren’t worth £500 for just an overnight stay without even breakfast” The clerk told her that “£500 is the standard rate”, so she insisted on speaking to the Manager.

The Manager appeared and, forewarned by the desk clerk, announced: “The hotel has an olympic-size swimming pool and a huge conference centre which are available for use”.

“But, I didn’t use them,” she said.

“Well, they are here, and you could have”, explained the Manager.

He went on to say that she could also have seen one of the in-hotel shows for which the hotel is famous. “We have the best entertainers from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen performing here”, the Manager said.

“But I didn’t go to any of those shows”, the woman said “Well we have them, and you could have”, replied the Manager.

No matter what amenity the Manager mentioned, she replied. “But I didn’t use it!

The Manager was unmoved, so she decided to pay, wrote a cheque, and gave it to the manager.

The Manager was surprised when he looked at the cheque. “But Madam, this cheque is only made out for £100.

“That’s correct. I charged you £400 for sleeping with me”, she replied.

“But I didn’t sleep with you!” exclaims the very surprised Manager “Well, too bad, I was here, and you could have.”

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CODED WORD PUZZLE Each number appearing in the squares below relates to a letter.

As you fill each word into the grid you will unlock more letters and so find filling the grid easier.

TRIVIA

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The 85th Academy Awards take place on Sunday February 24 in Hollywood. Over the years age has proved to be no barrier to success. To celebrate the ‘silver’ screen we take a look at some oldie Oscar facts:

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At 74 years, 272 days, Clint Eastwood is the Oldest Best Director for Million Dollar Baby in 2004.

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At 77 years, 93 days, Peggy Ashcroft was the Oldest Best Supporting Actress for A Passage to India in 1984.

Oh Dr Beeching!

Did you know that it was 50 years ago next month (on March 23 1963) that the infamous Beeching report, The Reshaping of British Railways, was published? Its implementation saw track reduced from 18,214 miles in 1961 to 12,098 in 1969, and the number of railway stations from 7,025 in 1961 to 3,002.

SUDOKU

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Starter clue: Number 7 is the Letter ‘F’

acidic air-to-air biweekly cola examiner figure fine-tooth comb

EASY

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At 82 years, 75 days, Christopher Plummer is the Oldest Best Supporting Actor for Beginners in 2011.

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gearbox hi-fi jabot jammy jury box laud mustard neutron

MEDIUM

osmium polar quick-tempered reveal roomette skull zinc

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did you KNOW?

WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Find the flower names below in the UK grid

Animals never cease to amaze as these facts bear witness

A bear has 42 teeth An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain Most lipsticks contain fish scales Lobsters blood is colourless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue Armadillos have 4 babies at a time and are all the same sex The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds Birds need gravity to swallow A cat has 32 muscles in each ear Goldfish can see both infrared and ultraviolet light Cats spend 66% of their life asleep Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs Spiders are arachnids and not insects Koalas sleep around 18 hours a day All insects have 6 legs

achillea aloe arum aspic aster briar cineraria fennel geum henna

iberis iris ixia kochia lilac lily love-inidleness lupine may

musk nuphar orchid orris ox-eye oxlip pansy petal phlox pimpernel

pink poker primula reseda rose scilla sepal sesame silene snowdrop

stock thyme viola weed weld whin wold yulan

African Grey Parrots have vocabularies of over 200 words A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21 inch tongue Cats have over 100 vocal chords Camel’s milk doesn’t curdle

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Prize Crossword Enter this issue’s prize crossword and you could win £100 worth of gift vouchers of your choice. The lucky winner will be able to select where their vouchers can be redeemed. Congratulations to Mrs Shelton from Birmingham who was our lucky winner last issue.

Across

1 Animal with a mane (4) 3 Rampant (8) 9 Ancient galley (7) 10 Island country in South Pacific (5) 11 Full range (5) 12 Weather when hazy or blurred (6) 14 Cheap and tasteless (6) 16 Hi-Fi or Sound system (6) 19 Carnival, celebration or festival (6) 21 Kind of jar (5) 24 Muslim or Hindu monk regarded as holy (5) 25 Rock produced of volcanic origin (7) 26 Contender in the Ultimate Games (8) 27 Used to indicate a person, thing or state (4)

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TO ENTER: Please send the completed crossword, along with your name, address and postcode to: PRIZE CROSSWORD, CSRF, Suite 2, 80A Blackheath Road, London SE10 8DA. The judges’ decision is final. Winners will be notified by post.

Closing date: March 30th 2013 NAME: ADDRESS:

POSTCODE:

EMAIL:

TELEPHONE NUMBER: Please tick if you do not wish to receive our e-newsletter

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Down

1 Make subject of lawsuit (8) 2 Codeine source (5) 4 From the pulpit is one source (6) 5 Australian wild dog (5) 6 To crumble as though decay (7) 7 Masterstroke (4) 8 Bully (6) 13 Jerks (2-3-3) 15 Irish version of liqueur from mashed grain (7) 17 The process of regulating actions in relation to others (6) 18 Tex-Mex treat (6) 20 Small piece or portion (5) 22 To splash or move through water (5) 23 A bushy type of hairstyle (4)

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postbag

POSTbag WARTIME TRAVELS Dear Postbag, I was intrigued by the letter of DA Green (Postbag, Autumn 2012) whose travels were very similar to that of my late husband, Raymond ‘Ray’ Nelson, a civil servant in the Ministry of Labour in Sunderland in 1939. He enlisted; joining the R.A.S.C in December 1939 aged 20, for the duration of the war.

At the beginning of the war Ray was given a tiny bible by his older sister, which he carried in his pocket through the war, to be returned when he came home. He returned it in November 1946 with the following inscription on the flyleaf, “Returned with thanks, November 1946 – France, Central Africa, Egypt, Palestine, Transjordan, Iraq, Iran, El Alamein to Tunis, Salerno to Sante Maria La Fosse (Italy), Belgium, Holland, Germany and back home. The word of God proved to be peace in the midst of battle, a guide when alone in the Sahara, and in the Promised Land, and always bringing very near the presence of my Saviour and Lord.”

His travels began in March/April 1940 in France with the British Expeditionary Force. He wasn’t there long before the evacuation of Dunkirk began. His lot had to go west to the port of Brest and ended up on one of the last boats out. In early 1941 they sailed to the Middle East where he was attached to 287 Company, 7th Armoured Division, 8th Army (Desert Rats) fighting first the Italians and later Rommel and the Germans in skirmishes up and down the desert until the Battle of El Alamein. After the end of the desert war

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Your letters and STORIES

I then went to Verne Citadel on Portland (the barracks is now a prison) to do my sapper training (this including learning how to build Bailey bridges and blowing things up).

After my training, being a big lad of 6ft FROM LEFT: Ray Nelson (left) pictured in the 2” I was posted desert during World War II; the Bible Ray to the Regimental was given by his sister with inscription Police and stayed at Portland until the troops enjoyed some rest in Palestine February 1947 when I was posted and Egypt. overseas. I went from Dover to Calais and In early 1943 he landed in Salerno across France to a transit camp not far in Italy and later that year some of the from Toulon. It was the bitter winter of Division came home with Montgomery to 1947 and they even had snowfalls in the Thetford Forest (the home to the Desert South of France. We sailed from Toulon to Rats) for three weeks leave. This turned Egypt on a converted banana boat, which out to be the preparation for D-Day (not broke down in the Med for two days. that they knew it then). We married on Once we arrived at Port Said we went to 19 February 1944 during the three weeks various camps and I ended up at 1012 Port leave. I was just 22 and in the Women’s Operating Company and was immediately Land Army. posted back to the Regimental Police.

After 6 June it was Normandy, Belgium, During my time in Egypt I did two escort Holland and Germany for Ray but home duties, taking a prisoner up to Jerusalem for good in 1946 and then back to the Civil to the Detention Barracks. While I was Service with a few weeks refresher course there I had a tour of the city and saw the in London. I am now 91 and Ray died Wailing Wall and the Church of the Holy aged 80 in the year 2000 but we spent Sepulchre. We were delayed in Jerusalem many happy visits to France during our for 36 hours as terrorists had blown up retirement years. some of the rail track.

Dorothy Nelson, Morpeth, My demob number was 68 and I came Northumberland back on the Empress of Scotland and I’m sure Joe Yates was on the same ship, as Dear Postbag the times match up. On my demob leave I I was most interested in the letter from Joe went for a day out to the 1948 Olympics. I Yates (Postbag, Summer 2012). I was also am 85 now and Joe must be the same age. called up in 1945 and did my first six weeks Frederick Vincent, Locks Heath, at the Kitchener Barracks near Canterbury Southampton before being put into the Royal Engineers.

CIVIL SERVICE EVACUEES Dear Postbag, I can equate to Kathleen Morgan (Postbag, Winter 2012) as I was also one of the civil service evacuees. In August 1939 then aged 18 I set off from Northern Ireland with a friend.

I was going to start work at P.O.SB. HQ Blythe Road and my friend was seconded to Somerset House. In December 1939 I was sent to Harrogate and after being taken to a billet I worked at Granby Hotel for 3 months or so. When the complex was built on St Georges Road we moved there. I too remember that awful winter as I’d never had to cope with so much snow and I had to walk to my digs for a

midday meal if I wanted it. I was lucky I was with a nice family – the following year I met my landlady’s brother and we eventually married but I spent the next 7 years at St Georges Road and only one bomb dropped in town. I often wonder too where all colleagues at St Georges have finished up.

Mary (Maisie) Tuke, Ballygally, Larne, Co Antrim

NAVIGATING THE CARE SYSTEM Dear Postbag, While your article on “Navigating the Care System” was very informative, I was concerned that it made no mention of Local Involvement Networks (LINks).

These organizations were established by the previous Government some four years ago to represent the interests of patients and the public in each area covered by a local authority with social service responsibility.

LINks are funded by their local authorities with money provided by the Department of Health and membership is open to any resident or voluntary sector organization in the area. An important function of LINks is to conduct ‘enter and view’ visits to local NHS premises and care homes (other than children’s homes) in their area and they maintain regular contact with the Care Quality Commission. Any member of the LINk can, subject to a satisfactory CRB check and a willingness to undertake training, participate in such

SPACE CONSTRAINTS

It’s lovely to hear from you and read all of the letters you take the time to write. But unfortunately due to space constraints we are often unable to print the full version of some of them. In these cases, letters will be edited to fit within the allotted space we give to Postbag.

visits which always involve two members. Most visits are arranged in advance but can also be unannounced.

They involve interviews with owners and/or proprietors, members of staff, residents/patients and visitors and cover all public parts of the establishments though visits to personal rooms can be included if vacant or if invited by the occupant. LINks also welcome any

comments from members of the public who may be familiar with particular establishments.

LINks will cease to exist in March 2013 when they will be succeeded by organizations called local Healthwatch.

Healthwatch will carry out the same functions as LINks and are also likely to attract the same members but will have an important additional function of signposting members of the public to the various health and care services in their area. In other words helping them to navigate the health and care system which was the subject of your article.

David Beechey, Retired officer of HM Customs & Excise and member of the Shropshire LINk (by email)

Ed’s Note – we are grateful for all input that can be of further use for readers – with space constraints it is impossible to include absolutely everything in one article – I’m sure that readers will be pleased to be made aware of LINks)

www.csrf.org.uk SPRING 2013

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AVANTI ON DISK

MEMORIES OF SERVICE Dear Postbag, I do enjoy reading the letters page and thought I’d put my bit in.

I started work in the Civil Service as a girl probationer at the head office in Nottingham in June 1938. I was 14 and only had to work 6 hours a day until I was 16. Eventually I became a telegraphist sometimes working night shifts and extended hours as the war progressed. I rose to the dizzy heights of acting supervisor on one occasion which was brought about by the shortage of men and the ignominious rule then that decreed that married women, however experienced, were demoted on marriage. These ladies resented my official position and it made my job very stressful and I hated it.

On a lighter note, a few years into the war staff were told that volunteers were needed to help on the land and we would be given 1 weeks leave once or twice a year to take on this task. It was like an extra holiday and although the work was hard it was great fun. One memorable week we were billeted under canvas in the grounds of a millionaire’s house. It coincided with VJ Day and we were given an extra day off from our pea picking job. To celebrate 6 of us hired a punt on the Thames, the sun shone, we swam and picnicked. Exciting and happy memories.

Mrs P Dodd, Nuthall, Nottingham

EARLY CIVIL SERVICE EXPERIENCES Dear Postbag, Sixty plus years ago I took the open Civil Service Clerical Exam and was duly posted to London.

I was seventeen and in those days the Civil Service looked after us; I was accommodated in a London Hostel Association hostel along with hundreds more Civil Servants. These hostels were all in the best areas of London and I was in one in Rutland Gate, South Kensington.

We had some very well known neighbours.

When I received my last avanti I recognised a former “inmate”, one of the members of the book club.

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If you are finding it difficult to read the magazine, you might consider our free audio version. It comes on a CD (kindly produced by Kent Association for the Blind) and is posted out to you just after publication of the print version.

To request the audio copy of avanti is simple – just contact Fellowship Office and you’ll be added to the mailing list.

There must be many of us who remember- quite fondly - our days in London. Before I left London to get married six years later I was in the Princes Gate hostel on Exhibition Road, next door to the V & A museum, opposite the Science museum and just five minutes from the Royal Albert Hall. What more could you want?

‘Ray’ Colmer nee Smith, Holyhead, N. Wales (by email)

Ed’s Note – if like Ray you experienced life in a hostel at the beginning of your civil service career then write in and share your memories (and photos!)

STOICISM Dear Postbag, I very much enjoyed Gareth Southwell’s philosophising in the 2012 winter edition.

I have long admired Marcus Aurelius and the article made me look for my little book of his meditations that Penguin published as a 60th anniversary edition in 1995.

Thank you!

Val Nahumy (by email)

talk tous If you have a story or picture to share, write or send it to the Editor using the contact information at the front of the magazine. The Editor regrets it is not possible to enter into correspondence with individual readers. All submissions unless otherwise indicated will be considered for publication.

BRING BACK ELOCUTION! Dear Postbag, For several months I have had it in mind to write in about what I see as the impending demise of the use of several letters in the English alphabet. In particular ‘l’, ‘t’ and to a lesser extent ‘n’.

It first came to my attention when TV newsreaders and presenters showed a distinct inability to pronounce ‘particularly’ which arrived as ‘particu ly’. Once having been alerted I noticed that it could occur between 6 and 10 times in any single day! That, of course, was in the ‘l’ field.

People so often omit the ‘www’ when referring to website details, but when they do it so often the preface is ‘dubba-u, dubba-u, dubba-u’. And there are countless other faults.

With enunciation becoming more ignored by the day there surely must be only one solution to this deepening problem – bring back elocution to the curriculum of ordinary schools!

Evelyn George, Saltdean, Brighton

Ed’s Note – an interesting point of view and one that I’m sure many other readers would subscribe to. Do you despair at the lack of elocution you encounter today? Share your views with us by writing to Fellowship Office using the address at the front of the magazine or email: avanti@square7media.co.uk

group news

GROUPFOCUS News from around the group network.

Main report by David Tickner (DT)

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Whitstable & Herne Bay (incorporating Canterbury)

It’s always nice when a plan comes together.

The plan in question began its growth nearly six months ago when Fellowship Office started to work with Whitstable subscriber Linda Swift. Linda had contacted us to ask about the prospect of establishing a new group in her area to serve beneficiaries in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Canterbury.

What followed included an awareness event, recruiting a local organising committee and sending letters to local beneficiaries to promote and build the

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interest in supporting the opening of a new group. All the hard work put in by Fellowship Office and local volunteers came together very neatly with the very first meeting of the Whitstable & Herne Bay (incorporating Canterbury) group at the end of January.

The snow almost put paid to the first meeting due to the snowfall in Kent in January. But despite the very chilly weather, people came along to show their support for the first meeting (held at the conveniently located Chestfield & Swalecliffe community centre) and the hall was full.

The speaker was local historian Peter Ewart who delivered a splendid talk on ‘Smuggling in Kent’ before refreshments

were served.

Attendees enjoyed some rather fancy cakes to go with their tea and coffee and there were four lucky winners of the special prize draw.

Talking to group attendees during the course of the meeting it was clear that they were delighted with the new group for their area and would be back to support the February meeting. The organising committee (Linda, Roger, Marion, Agnes and Sheila) should be very pleased with their achievements.

They have established a solid foundation on which their group should grow and their hard work as volunteers has made a positive contribution towards reinforcing the Fellowship’s charitable aims. (DT)

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news in brief

a group near you?

Although we have over 200 operating groups all over the UK there are some areas where we don’t have a local presence. The team at Fellowship Office are able to support and work with local volunteers throughout the process of establishing a new group to make the experience as smooth as possible.

If your area does not have a group and you’d be interested in discussing how to establish one contact Belinda Stalker on 020 8691 7411 or email: groupsupport@csrf.org.uk

Fellowship Engagement

Congratulations to Brian Sutton from Tamar/Tavy group and Lyn Soanes from Princetown group (the couple pictured in the foreground) who got engaged on Christmas Day 2012.

Where are they now?

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Eric Marsh from Evesham group sent in this picture from an old group meeting in the hope of making contact with past acquaintances. If you are in the picture then contact Fellowship Office and we will put you in touch with Eric.

6 1. ‘Hands Up if you’re having fun’!! New group attendees pose for David’s camera; 2. The volunteer organisers (from l to r), standing: Agnes Kabdebo-Gedeon, Linda Swift, visiting speaker Peter Ewart. Seated: Roger McQueen and Sheila Burrow; 3. ‘Tea for how many???’ - No meeting is complete without a good cuppa. Group/Branch support officer Belinda Stalker (left) and volunteers Sheila and Agnes manage a smile before the urn goes on!; 4,5,6. Beneficiaries enjoying posing for the camera at the first group meeting.

Handy Info

Whitstable & Herne Bay (incorporating Canterbury) group meets on the fourth Thursday of most months from 2pm at the Swalecliffe & Chestfield Community Centre, St John’s Road, Whitstable.

The venue is easily accessible by bus or train (5 mins walk from the railway station) and has plenty of parking. The group’s next meeting is on February 28 and includes a talk by retired magistrate, Ingrid Osborne and all beneficiaries are welcome to attend. For more information on local group activities contact Linda Swift on 01227 276583 or email: lindaswift2@sky.com

Awards for All grants

If your group is interested in applying to the Big Lottery Fund for an Awards for All grant then Fellowship Office can help you with the application process. A successful grant application can make a huge difference to the range of activities your group is able to afford and this has in many cases proved to be a helpful way to attract new members.

If you are interested in finding out more contact Belinda Stalker on 020 8691 7411 or email: belinda.stalker@csrf.org.uk

Certificates of Merit/ Appreciation

If you’d like to request a free Certificate of Merit or Appreciation for somebody who has given outstanding service to your group then please contact Kam Bedi at Fellowship Office. Any requests for Certificates should normally come from a Branch or Group committee. There are no forms to fill out either!

Contact Kam Bedi on 020 8691 7411 or email: Kamaljit.bedi@csrf.org.uk

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in pictures 2 1. Cyril Treviss (pictured left) is presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Dorchester group chairman John King.

2. Members of the Grantham group in a festive mood at their Christmas lunch.

3. Llandudno group enjoying their Autumn lunch.

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4,5 and 6. Wigston group enjoyed a hearty Christmas lunch at the Royal British Legion club with a special appearance from Santa (aka Peter Burgess, long standing member and husband of group treasurer Margaret).

7. Tamar/Tavy group held their Christmas lunch at The Burrator Inn in Dousland, Devon where everyone enjoyed an excellent three-course meal washed down with good ales and fine wines.

8. Swaffham group’s Christmas lunch took place at the Peddar’s Inn in Sporle. The Inn opened for the lunch thanks to the negotiating skills of social secretary Karin Garner (pictured extreme right) as it is usually closed on a Tuesday.

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9,10,11. 50 members of Princetown group had plenty of festive fun at their four-course lunch and prize raffle in the Prince of Wales pub. It was followed by an afternoon of entertainment from Geoff Lakeman and ‘Speakeasy’.

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12. Some members from the Basingstoke group enjoyed a Turkey & Tinsel holiday down in Eastbourne in December. The hotel provided some great food and facilities and even though the weather was wet and windy, they managed to find time to visit Brighton, Hastings and Beachy Head. Organiser Connie Hall is pictured 2nd from right with other Basingstoke group members.

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13, 14, 15. Hucclecote group’s Christmas lunch took the form of an American supper with members being invited to bring along items for the buffet table. 42 guests enjoyed the sumptuous spread and everyone took home a prize from the raffle.

16,17. Liskeard & Pensilva group members and friends enjoyed a Turkey & Tinsel break at the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel in Sidmouth, Devon.

The holiday included a day trip to Bicton gardens, a boat trip on the Exe River and a guided tour of Powderham Castle. They also organised a drinks party and Christmas hat competition (won by Mr J Tilley) for entertainment in the evening. Thanks go to organisers Jill Slade and Mary Ball.

18. Sutton group members enjoying a walk around Temple in London.

19. (from l to r) Olive Wright, Liz & John Taylor from Worcester group presenting a bed of roses to St Richards Hospice in Worcester.

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group info SCOTLAND Dumfries & Kirkcudbright John Walker CHAIRMAN 01387 261889 j.walker215@btinternet.com We do not hold regular meetings but if you would like further details about coach outings and to book, please contact Pat Greig on 01387 770526.

13/03/13 AGM and Lunch at the Moreig Hotel, Dumfries (11.15am start) 03/04/13 Coach Trip to Cockermouth 01/05/13 Coach Trip to Morecambe

Dundee Charles Paterson SECRETARY 01382 858862 The Queen’s Hotel, 160 Nethergate, Dundee Second Tuesday of each month at 10.40am

Edinburgh (Central) Liz Beedie SECRETARY 0131 229 7422 Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House, First Floor, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Buses to George IV Bridge, there is a lift.

Third Tuesday of the month (Oct to Apr) at 2.00pm. Also, we run walks throughout the year, meet at Lakeland, George Street at 1.30pm on the first Friday of each month. In addition we shall be starting our the summer coffee get-togethers at St. Johns Episcopal Church Café at 2pm in May. Meet monthly on the last Friday of the month (MaySeptember inclusive) 19/03/13 Talk on Holyrood Park by Park Ranger archaeology, wildlife, geology 16/04/13 Modernising Waste - talk by Edinburgh Council Staff

Edinburgh (Corstorphine) Vic Burchell SECRETARY 0131 334 5781 Martin Shields Hall, St. Ninian’s Church, Corstorphine, Edinburgh.

Third Thursday of each month October-April at 10.30-11.45am. We run walks throughout the year, meet at Lakeland, George Street at 1.30pm on the first Friday of each month.

Edinburgh (Craiglockhart) Liz Beedie SECRETARY 0131 229 7422 Craiglockhart Parish Church Hall, Craiglockhart Drive North, Edinburgh.

Second Wednesday of each month October-April at 2pm. Also there are walks throughout the year, meet at Lakeland, George Street at 1.30pm on the first Friday of each month.

13/03/13 Ageing Well - talk by Lothian Health Board 10/04/13 Talk on Luminate - a Festival run jointly

by Age Scotland and Creative Scotland in October

Highland (Scotland) Mrs Pam Barnet LOCAL CONTACT 01463 790265 MacDougall Clansman Hotel, 103 Church Street, Inverness First Wednesday of each month at 2pm & coffee morning on third Wednesday of each month at 11am.

SPRING PLANNER

With groups operating throughout the United Kingdom it is very likely there is one near you. There are many rewarding ways that you can get involved and groups are always pleased to welcome new members. So why not pop along to your local group and find out more about what they get up to?

18/03/13 Coffee Morning at The Castle Isle Restaurant & Bar 01/04/13 Slave Grave - Talk by R Reeve 06/05/13 Ardardan - Talk by S Montgomery

NORTHERN IRELAND & NORTH WEST ENGLAND Antrim Brian Shields CHAIRPERSON 028 9443 2615 Crown Buildings, 20 Castle Street, Antrim Second Wednesday of each month at 2.30pm

Banbridge Margaret Stevenson CHAIRPERSON 028 4062 2950 3rd Floor, Old Tech Building, Downshire Road First Wednesday of each month at 2pm 06/03/13 TBC 03/04/13 Fellowship Day Lunch 01/05/13 AGM with Bring & Buy Sale

Bangor Isabel McKnight SECRETARY 028 9186 3410 IR3410@yahoo.co.uk Hamilton House, Hamilton Road, Bangor Second Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm

Belfast George Glenholmes SECRETARY 028 9048 0339 McElhinney Room, The Pavillion, Stormont Estate, Upper Newtownards Road First Monday of each month at 2.30pm

Birkenhead/Wirral Cynthia Morgan SECRETARY 0151 678 6266 Victory Hall, 61 Salacre Lane, Upton, Wirral First Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm

Blackpool & Poulton

Lancaster & Morecambe Mrs V Pritchard CHAIRMAN 01524 32733 Torrisholme Methodist Church, Longton Drive, Torrisholme, Morecambe Second Tuesday of the month at 2.15pm 12/03/13 Sunderland Point and Sambo - talk

by Peter Wade 09/04/13 Prize Winning Gardens - talk by Paul Cocker 14/05/13 Florida and the Caribbean slideshow by Derek Hollinrake

Lisburn Helen Fletcher SECRETARY 028 9261 1604 Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn Second Monday of each month at 2.30pm 11/03/13 Outing to Banbridge Council and Museum 08/04/13 Speaker (to be arranged) 13/05/13 Outing (to be arranged)

Penrith Richard Roscoe CHAIRMAN 01697 472383 Different local hostelries each quarter First Tuesday of the quarter (March, June, September, December) at 12.30pm for lunch

Bury

Runcorn

Gerald Beadling CHAIRMAN 01706 633674 The Mosses Community Centre, Cecil Street Each Wednesday at 2.15pm

Mr A Stobbie CHAIRMAN 0151 424 0340 Department of Education & Skills, Castle View House First and Third Thursday of each month at 1pm

Chester Mrs C F Hanratty CHAIR 01244 520929 Christian Aid Centre, Queen Street, Chester Third Tuesday of each month at 2.15pm

Craigavon

William Lauchlan SECRETARY 01436 842723 The Howie Pavillion, Rosneath First Monday of the month at 1.30pm 04/03/13 The Deep South - talk by Steven Chadwin

George McConnell SECRETARY 028 8676 4395 joannearcher1@hotmail.co.uk Portadown Library, 24-26 Church Street, Portadown, Craigavon

SPRING 2013 www.csrf.org.uk

Crewe Miss Grace Harding CHAIRMAN 01270 250677 Wells Green Methodist Church Hall, Brooklands Avenue, Wistaston, Crewe First Tuesday of each month at 2pm (unless otherwise stated) 05/03/13 Nantwich Past and Present illustrated talk by Mrs Sue Chuche 02/04/13 A Shropshire Lad - an illustrated and humorous talk by Derek Jones 07/05/13 Random Railway Reminiscences - humorous presentation by Chris Hughes (of TV’s Eggheads)

Leonora Sanderson CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY 01253 358435 Council Chamber, Blackpool Town Hall, Talbot Square, Blackpool Second Monday of the month at 1.30-3.30pm

Rosneath

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First Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm 06/03/13 Thompson Tours – talk 03/04/13 Quiz 01/05/13 Steam Railways - talk

Southport Mrs E Milne CHAIRPERSON 01704 560850 Conservative Club, Bath Street, Southport Third Thursday of each month at 2pm onwards 21/03/13 Monthly Get Together 18/04/13 Monthly Get Together 16/05/13 Monthly Get Together

Stockport/Grove Park Joan Broadbent SOCIAL SECRETARY 01625 873740 Brookdale Club, Bridge Lane, Bramhall First Thursday of each month at 2.15pm 07/03/13 The Wallace Mystery - talk by Mr A Hayhurst 04/04/13 Macclesfield to Llangollen by Canal talk by Dr C Hamilton 02/05/13 Expedition to Antarctica - talk by Peter Broadbent

Waterloo (Merseyside) Mrs Joyce Nicholls SECRETARY 0151 931 5265 nichollsjoyce@yahoo.com Mersey Road Methodist Church, Mersey Road, Crosby, Liverpool Second Tuesday of each month at 10.30am

NORTH EAST ENGLAND Blaydon Elizabeth Pearson SECRETARY 0191 488 0840 Ridley Room, Blaydon Library, Wesley District Precinct, Blaydon Second Tuesday of each month at 10.30am

Boston Spa/Wetherby Mrs Janet Walker RECORDS SECRETARY 01937 842216 Deepdale Community Centre, Deepdale Lane, Boston Spa, Wetherby Second Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm 01/03/13 AGM and Buffet Lunch (pre-booking essential) 09/04/13 The Treasures of York Mansion House talk by Mr J Hopton 14/05/13 Holiday Incidents - talk by Mr C Jameson

Bradford Mr N Griffiths SECRETARY 01274 586410 Conference Room, Centenary Court, St Blaise Way Third Tuesday of each month at 2pm 19/03/13 Easter Customs and Traditions - talk by Mrs M Kenny 16/04/13 My Life - talk by Frank Senior

Chester-Le-Street Brian Dawson SECRETARY 0191 388 8608 St Mary & St Cuthbert Parish Centre, Church Chare, Chester-Le-Street First Monday of each month at 2-4pm

Durham Richard Wood SECRETARY 0191 384 2628 Please contact Richard Wood for details Last Thursday of each month at 2.15pm

Gateshead Mrs J Scott SOCIAL SECRETARY 0191 268 7935 Whitehall Road Methodist Church, Gateshead First Thursday of the month from 10am - 12 noon

Harrogate & Ripon Margaret Terry SECRETARY 01423 885297 Wesley Chapel (Lower Hall), Oxford Street Third Thursday of each month at 2.15pm

Horsforth, Rawdon & District Mrs M J Taylor 0113 267 8110 Venue varies. We meet in local hostelries for lunch.

Please contact Mrs Taylor for more details.

Last Tuesday of each month at 12.30pm

Hull Colin Bielby SECRETARY 01482 782930 Age UK Healthy Living Centre, Porter Street, Hull Third Tuesday of the month at 2.15pm

19/03/13 Yorkshire’s Golden Coast - talk by John Whittle 16/04/13 It’s up his Sleeve - talk by Peter Smales 21/05/13 Amy Johnson, her Life and Achievements - talk by Ms Michelle Beadle

Queen’s Hotel, The Promenade, Llandudno First Tuesday of each month at 10.30am 19/03/13 Lunch and Walk 16/04/13 Lunch and Walk 21/05/13 Spring Lunch at The Queens Hotel

Killingworth (North Tyneside)

Llanishen (Cardiff)

Catherine Hankin CHAIRMAN 0191 268 1992 Sedgefield Court, West Mount, Killingworth NE12 6GF First Monday of month (except Bank Holidays) at 10.30am.

04/03/13 Call my Bluff 08/04/13 Going up Kilimanjaro - talk 13/05/13 TBA

Middlesbrough Lilian Lloyd SECRETARY 01642 315439 St. Marys Centre, 82-90 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough Last Tuesday of the month at 2pm 26/03/13 AGM followed by Quizzes

Newcastle West Mrs E Jackson CHAIRMAN 0191 267 4728 Bentinck Social Club, Bentinck Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Second Wednesday of each month at 10am - 12 Noon 13/03/13 Wicked and Worthy Women of the North East - talk by Marion Anderson 10/04/13 Bingo 08/05/13 Battle of Britain and 2 of the Few - talk

by John Derry

Scarborough Mrs P Mawson SECRETARY 01723 512778 Small Room, 1st Floor, Scarborough Library, Vernon Road, Scarborough First Tuesday of the month at 10.15am 05/03/13 Talk about Age UK and their Services

Sunderland & Washington Ivan Bell SECRETARY 0191 549 4130 Age UK, Bradbury House, Stockton Road, Sunderland (1st Floor Room) First Monday of each month 2.00-3.30pm (except May)

Whitley Bay Peter Harris MBE CHAIRMAN 0191 447 4066 Age UK Centre, Park Avenue, Whitley Bay Second Thursday of the month 10.30am - 12 noon

WALES & WELSH BORDERS Caerphilly Mr Gwion Lewis TREASURER 029 2086 8643 robertgwion@talktalk.net Windsor Road Church Hall, Windsor Street, Caerphilly Second Tuesday of the month at 10.15am

Church Stretton John Brewer SECRETARY 01694 722965 johnbrewer1@talktalk.net Mayfair Community Centre, Easthope Road, Church Stretton First Friday of the month at 2.30pm 01/03/13 Pub Lunch at The Plough at Wall 05/04/13 AGM and Tea Party 07/05/13 Lunch at Descartes Restaurant with Oswestry Group and Old Shrewsburyites

Llandudno Mrs H Davis CHAIRMAN 01492 545436

Bernard Pearce CHAIRPERSON 029 2075 1493 Park End Presbyterian Church Hall, Rhyd-y-Penau Road, Cardiff CF14 0NZ First Tuesday of each month at 10.00am

Ludlow Peter Waite LIAISON 01584 872639 peter.waite@dsl.pipex.com Local Public Houses, various venues, in and around Ludlow Third Tuesday of each month at 12.30pm

Neath/Port Talbot Mrs E Northcott CHAIRMAN 01639 887851 Moose Hall, Castle Street, Neath Last Wednesday of each month at 2pm

Oswestry Ruth Haile CHAIRMAN 01691 650993 The Wynnstay Hotel, Church Street, Oswestry First Tuesday of each month at 10.30am 05/03/13 Oswestry & Border Chronicle - talk by Graham Breeze, Associate Editor 02/04/13 Guide Dogs for the Blind - talk by Lyn Stapely 04/05/13 My Ballooning Adventure - talk by Barbara Peart

Swansea Mrs Sylvia Edgell CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY 01792 851125 sylviaedgell@hotmail.co.uk The Vestry Hall, St Mary’s Church, Swansea Last Friday of each month at 2pm 01/03/13 St. David’s Day Lunch at Norton House, Mumbles, Nr. Swansea 22/03/13 Antarctica - talk by Mrs E Joseph 26/04/13 Swansea Community Farm - talk by Kate Gibbs 31/05/13 Swansea in the 50s and 60s - talk by Hilary Evans

Whitchurch (Cardiff) Mrs Mary Minty SECRETARY 029 2061 4445 Ararat Baptist Church, Plas Treoda, Whitchurch, Cardiff Second Wednesday of the month at 10am 13/03/13 Chairman’s Contribution 10/04/13 TBA 08/05/13 TBA

Ynys Mon (Anglesey) Mr Eric Maynard CHAIRMAN 01407 720146 The Valley Hotel, London Road, Valley, Anglesey Second Tuesday of each month at 12.30pm for lunch

MIDDLE ENGLAND Amersham Lavinia Syson SECRETARY 01763 884992 michelsyson267@btinternet.com The Community Centre, Chiltern Avenue, Amersham First Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm. Walks take place every third Wednesday of the month please contact Jim Campbell on 01494 713249 for details.

06/03/13 History of Harrods - talk by Mavis Wright 03/04/13 Vintage Brass 01/05/13 AGM and Quiz SPRING 2013 WINTER 2012

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Banbury

Hucclecote

Nuneaton

Anne Garton SECRETARY 01295 750151 agarton@btinternet.com Hanwell Fields Community Centre, Rotary Way, Banbury Second Tuesday of each month at 2.15 - 4.15pm 12/03/13 Up, up in the clouds, with some fluffy bits - talk by Alan Brewer (ex Air Steward) 09/04/13 Lunch at the Hanwell Arms (12.30pm) then on to the Centre for the AGM 14/05/13 Spare Parts - a talk by Dr Tony Maisey. Raffle.

Mrs B Arnold SECRETARY 01452 618069 Evangelical Church, Colwell Avenue, Hucclecote, Gloucester First Thursday of the month at 2.00pm 07/03/13 AGM 04/04/13 Get Away from it all in the Forest of Dean - illustrated talk by Pete Ralph 02/05/13 Gardeners Lore, Myths and Legends - talk by Pamela Slater

Rachel Homer SECRETARY 02476 385845 rachel.homer@tesco.net The Sycamore Tree, 2 Chapel Street, Nuneaton (next to the Ropewalk) First Tuesday of each month at 11.00am for coffee mornings.

Bedford Patricia Waters SECRETARY 01234 347443 Bunyan Meeting, Mill Street, Bedford First Tuesday of each month at 10am

Birmingham June Oakley CHAIRMAN 01952 604922 Five Ways House, Islington Road, Five Ways, Edgbaston Third Wednesday of each month at 11.00am

Bromsgrove Mrs Catherine Kealy LOCAL CONTACT 01527 876166 Bromsgrove Golf Club, Stratford Road, Bromsgrove First Wednesday of each month at 11.30am for coffee. Bar snacks and lunches also available.

Kidderminster Pam Hussey LIAISON OFFICER 01562 755632 Various venues Third Wednesday of each month at 11am (except when lunching out) 20/03/13 TBA 17/04/13 Coffee Morning 15/05/13 Coffee Morning

Mrs Margaret Bradley SECRETARY 01472 388928 Elizabeth Court, Church Street, Louth First and third Thursday of the month at 10.30am

Mrs J Turner CHAIRMAN 024 76 465382 Room 2, Gilbert Richard Centre, Broadway, Earlsdon Third Tuesday of each month at 2pm

Donnington

Lutterworth

Betty Pugh CHAIRMAN 01952 811355 Turreff Hall, Turreff Avenue, Donnington Every Monday at 1pm (except Bank Holidays)

Mrs J Law CHAIRWOMAN 01455 552141 Cricket Pavillion, Coventry Road, Lutterworth Third Monday of each month at 10.00am

Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard

Melton Mowbray

Grantham Mr Maurice Whincup CHAIRMAN 01476 572425 mewhincup@gmailc.om Church of the Ascension Hall, Edinburgh Road, Grantham First Wednesday every month at 10.00am - noon

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Shefford

Skegness

John Barrett SECRETARY 01582 519886 barrettjb@ntlworld.com The Chaul End Centre, 515 Dunstable Road, Luton First Monday of every month at 2.00pm (except Bank Holidays) 04/03/13 Tracing your Family History - talk

by Lucy Cross 01/04/13 No meeting (Bank Holiday) 06/05/13 No meeting (Bank Holiday)

Eric Marsh GROUP LIAISON 01386 421460 ericbrenda@btinternet.com Foyer of the Methodist Chapel, Bridge Street, Evesham Second Tuesday of each month at 10.30am. We hold tea/coffee mornings on these dates and occasionally have lunch afterwards.

Mrs Peggy Brown CHAIRMAN 01780 480314 Various locations for pub lunches Third Wednesday of each month

Louth

Luton

Evesham

Rutland

Jannette Hook SECRETARY 01522 803412 Mothers Union Centre, St. Benedicts Church, St. Benedicts Square, Lincoln First Wednesday of the month at 10.30am

Lincoln City

Terry Watson CHAIRMAN 01530 835373 Thringstone Community Centre, The Green, Thringstone Third Wednesday each month 2.00-4.00pm

Mrs Janet Bliss SECRETARY 01582 661795 j.bliss35@btinternet.com Scout HQ, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard First Wednesday of the month at 2pm 06/03/13 A Male in the Mail - Stories of a Postman 03/04/13 Pesticides: Love ‘em or hate them!

01/05/13 From Medicine Spoons to Love Spoons - a talk on Wood Carving

Val Collett CHAIRMAN 01594 562442 Baptist School Rooms, Parkend, Lydney Second Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm

Eileen Devereux CHAIRMAN 01462 814765 Community Hall, Ampthill Road, Shefford Third Tuesday of the month at 10am - 12 noon (except May 12 noon - 2pm) 19/03/13 Beetle Drive 16/04/13 Speaker 21/05/13 Lunch at The Green Stanford

Coalville & Ashby

Coventry

Royal Forest

Mr M Johnson CHAIRMAN 01664 566821 School Room, United Reform Church, Chapel Street, Melton Mowbray First Tuesday of each month at 1.45pm

Milton Keynes Jim Ford SECRETARY 01908 237055 james296ford@btinternet.com Centrecom, 602 North Row, Secklow Gate West First Monday of each month at 1.30pm (second Monday if first is a Bank Holiday)

Northampton Mr Geoff Morris CHAIRMAN 01604 719677 Holy Sepulchre Church Rooms, Church Lane, Northampton Alternate Thursday mornings at 10.00am

Nottingham Pam Bradley CHAIR 0115 938 4676 pamthedragon@hotmail.co.uk The Nottingham Mechanics, 3 North Sherwood Street, Nottingham Second Wednesday of each month at 10.15am - 12 noon 13/03/13 Branch and Group AGM

Ray Morris SECRETARY 01754 762060 ray@bermond.co.uk Phillip Grove Community Rooms, Church Road South, Skegness First Thursday of each month from 10.00am - 12 noon

Sleaford & Ancaster Mike Smith GROUP PR/CO-ORDINATOR 01526 833273 mjs_consultation@hotmail.com Sleaford: Bristol Bowls Club, Boston Road, Sleaford.

Ancaster: Angel Court, Ancaster Sleaford: First Thursday of the month 10.15am Noon. Ancaster: Second Wednesday of the month 10.15am - Noon

Solihull Margaret Smith SECRETARY 0121 744 6150 me.smith@talktalk.net John Palmer Hall, Union Road, Solihull Second Monday of each month at 10am

Stamford Mrs B Smith CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY 01780 755437 Tenter Court, Wharf Road, Stamford Last Thursday of the month at 2.15pm

Wellington Emrys Jones CHAIRMAN 01952 254252 e30jones@btinternet.com Belmont Community Hall, New Street, Wellington, Telford First Thursday of the month from 10am - 12 noon 07/03/13 Coffee Morning and a talk by a Foot Health Practitioner 04/04/13 AGM and Coffee Morning 02/05/13 Coffee Morning and visit by the Fire Service

Wigston Mrs J Collins VICE CHAIRMAN 0116 288 7802 The Royal British Legion, Launceston Road, Wigston Second and fourth Mondays of each month from 1.30 - 4.00pm (Bank Holidays permitting) 11/03/13 Bring & Buy 25/03/13 AGM 08/04/13 Michael Benson - Clothes Sale 22/04/13 Aspects of Fundraising for Wigston Mayor - talk by Vivian Hedges 13/05/13 About Tibet - talk by Dr Sue Ablett 20/05/13 Meal out a local hostelry - TBA

Worcester

Hertford

Newmarket

Leigh Watkins SECRETARY 01905 774034 Perdiswell Young Peoples Leisure Centre, (A38) Droitwich Road (opp. Checketts Lane) Second Wednesday of each month at 1.30pm

Mrs Olive Smith CHAIRMAN 01992 550753 Methodist Church Hall, Ware Road, Hertford First Monday of each month at 2-4pm (except Bank Holidays)

EASTERN ENGLAND & EAST ANGLIA

Huntingdon

Mike Hastings CHAIRMAN 01638 661065 michaelhastings@mypostoffice.co.uk St. John Training Centre, Newmarket Hospital, Exning Road Second Wednesday of each month at 2.15pm 13/03/13 The Amazing Story of Rev. John Heigham, The Suffolk Gypsy - talk by Pip Wright 10/04/13 The East Anglian Air Ambulance - talk

by Barbara McGee 08/05/13 Summer Outing on the Gredley Bus

Attleborough Mrs D Parker SECRETARY 01953 456958 Methodist Church Hall, London Road, Attleborough Third Thursday of the month from 10am - 12 noon 21/03/13 Cliff Amos of the Heritage Society 14/04/13 Cheese and Wine Morning

Aylsham & District Janet Bezant SECRETARY 01263 731640 janetbezant@btinternet.com Friends Meeting House, Peggs Yard, Red Lion Street, Aylsham Second Monday of each month at 10am (unless it’s a Bank Holiday)

Billericay Mr J R Smith LOCAL CONTACT 01277 622156 Various venues for lunches at 12.30pm 21/03/13 Lunch at the Blue Boar, High Street 23/05/13 Lunch at the Blue Boar, High Street

Bury St Edmunds Mrs Doreen Ginn CHAIRMAN 01284 755256 West End Home Guard Club, Abbot Road, Bury St. Edmunds Second Wednesday of each month at 10am 13/03/13 The Icklingham Treasure - talk by John Browning 10/04/13 History of Jigsaws - talk by Tom Tyler 08/05/13 Cupola - 17th Century Apothecary - talk by Dr Pat Murrell

Colchester Joan Gomer SECRETARY 01206 794656 St Margaret’s Anglican Church Hall, Stansted Road, Colchester Third Tuesday of each month at 2pm 19/03/13 A Quiz - Fred Pearce 16/04/13 Bell Ringing - Bryan Morrisey 21/05/13 Poems for your Pleasure - Sally Stephenson

Croxley Green & Rickmansworth Frank Brown 01923 779070 fctbrown@btinternet.com Red Cross Centre, 1 Community Way (off Barton Way), Croxley Green Second Thursday of alternate months (ie Jan, Mar, May etc) at 10.15am and on first Monday of intervening months for pub lunch from 12 noon. For more information on pub lunches please contact Mrs Eileen Murray on 01923 776092

Harlow Mrs Edna McNaughton SECRETARY 01279 865102 edian.mcnaughton@tesco.net Toby Carvery, Harlow First Friday of the month at 12 noon

Harpenden Mr Tony Thomson GROUP REPRESENTATIVE 01582 713250

Mrs Gillian Greville SECRETARY 01480 458098 Little Stukeley Village Hall, Low Road (off Mill Road), Little Stukeley, Huntingdon Last Thursday of the month at 2.30pm (except Dec) 28/03/13 Super Silver - talk by Caroline Lewis 25/04/13 AGM 30/05/13 An Afternoon with Joyce Grenfell Jacqui Tevlin

Ilford Mrs Sylvia Green SOCIAL SECRETARY 020 8594 5284 sylviagreen@rocketmail.com St. Andrew’s Church Hall, The Drive, Ilford Third Monday of the month at 1.30pm 18/03/13 Memories of a Local Ragman - talk

by George Clarke 15/04/13 AGM 20/05/13 Pickwick’s London - illustrated talk

by John Neal

Ipswich Eva Stevens SECRETARY 01473 688040 evajs@yahoo.co.uk Museum Street Methodist Church Hall, Blackhorse Lane, Ipswich First Wednesday of each month at 2pm 06/03/13 When holidays were fun! - talk by Tom Tyler 20/03/13 Luncheon at Peak Lodge at 12.30pm 03/04/13 More tales from the Housemaid’s cupboard! - talk by Deborah Preston 01/05/13 Origins of Old Sayings - talk by Peter Banham 15/05/13 Luncheon at Peak Lodge at 12.30pm

Loughton Eric Adams CHAIRMAN 020 8508 7207 Jazz Archive Room, Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton Third Monday of each month at 2pm 18/03/13 Plans for 2013 15/04/13 Discussion on Current Affairs

Lowestoft Kate McNamara TREASURER/SECRETARY 01502 714380 kate_mcn@talktalk.net Beaconsfield Club, 7 Surrey Street, Lowestoft First and Third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am

Mildenhall Mr Martin Claridge SECRETARY 01842 810096 Mildenhall Social Club, Recreation Way First Tuesday of every month Nov-Feb at 1.30pm and Mar-Oct at 2.00pm 05/03/13 Extended Movement to Music with Charlotte Prud’homme (gentle exercises whilst seated) 02/04/13 A Typical Working Day - talk by Squadron Leader Fryer, RAF Liaison Officer 17/04/13 Coach Trip to the Theatre Royal, Norwich to see matinee performance of Starlight Express 07/05/13 Friends of Brandon Station (FOBS) talk by Gary Hall 22/05/13 Coach trip to RAF Honington guided tour around the Museum with Warrant Officer Hargrave

Norwich Mary Weatherhead SECRETARY 01603 410821 Reading Room, Doughty’s Hospital, Golden Dog Lane Second Monday of each month at 10am for 10.30am 11/03/13 Norwich Market Place - talk by Mr & Mrs Holmes 08/04/13 The Work of Norwich HEART - talk by Mike Loveday 13/05/13 Reminiscence East - talk by Angela Bishop

Radlett Mrs Shirley Herbert SECRETARY 020 8953 2999 Local restaurants for coffee or lunch Monthly - details from Secretary

Rayleigh Mrs F Cohen SOCIAL SECRETARY 01702 342426 Cloister West, Parish Rooms, Rayleigh Church, Rectory Garth (off Hockley Road), Rayleigh First Thursday of each month from 2.00-4.00pm

Rochford Mrs F Cohen SOCIAL SECRETARY 01702 342426 Parish Council Rooms, 82 West Street, Rochford Third Thursday of each month from 1.45-3.45pm

Saffron Walden Mrs E Mansfield CHAIRPERSON 01279 755458 The Chequers Public House, Cambridge Road, Ugley, Bishops Stortford Second Monday in the month (approx 4 times per year) at 12-12.30pm for lunch. Please contact Chairman for details.

Shoeburyness Mrs F Cohen SOCIAL SECRETARY 01702 342426 Thorpdene Community Centre, Delaware Road, Shoeburyness First Tuesday of each month from 2.00-4.00pm

St. Albans Mrs B G Hill SECRETARY 01727 858198 barbara.hill5@ntlworld.com Friends Meeting House, Upper Lattimore Road, St. Albans First Thursday of the month at 10am

Stevenage & Baldock Helen Leisk SECRETARY 01438 355131 helen.leisk@firenet.uk.net United Reformed Church, Cuttys Lane, Stevenage First Thursday of every month at 2pm 07/03/13 Oakhouse Foods - Michele Tattersall (Demo and Taster Session) 21/03/13 Mystery Coach Trip (must be prebooked) 04/04/13 John and Joan Lloyd, Mayor and Mayoress of Stevenage 02/05/13 Don Hills, Stevenage/Autun/Ingelheim Association 14/05/13 Coach Trip to Eltham Palace (must be pre-booked) SPRING 2013 WINTER 2012

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Swaffham David Moore CHAIRMAN 01760 723740 Methodist Church Hall, London Street, Swaffham Third Tuesday of each month at 10.15am

Watford (Cassiobury) Mr Ian Whyte LOCAL CONTACT 01923 441952 duncan.whyte1@ntlworld.com St. Luke’s Church, Langley Way, Watford WD17 3EG Second Tuesday of Jan, May, Jul, Sep & Nov at 10am

Westcliff-on-Sea Mrs F Cohen SOCIAL SECRETARY 01702 342426 Balmoral Community Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff on Sea Fourth Wednesday of each month from 2.004.00pm

Wickford Peter Blake CHAIRMAN & SECRETARY 01268 583060 Christchurch Hall, R/O 44 High Street, Wickford Second Thursday each month 1.30 - 3.30pm 14/03/13 Talk about Music Hall 11/04/13 Quizzes 09/05/13 Quizzes

Witham David Longhurst COMMITTEE MEMBER 01376 513629 Methodist Church Hall, Guithavon Street Last Tuesday of each month at 10.30am

SOUTHERN ENGLAND Aldershot Gloria Wetherill SECRETARY/SOCIAL SECRETARY 01252 345318 rayglo227@talktalk.net Holy Trinity Church, Galpin Hall, Windsor Way, Aldershot Second Thursday of every month at 1.30-3.30pm 14/03/13 Tax, Care and Toy Boys (long-term care) - talk by John Ambrose 11/04/13 Horse Racing with Hot Cross Buns 09/05/13 Loseley Park - talk by Jennifer Nicholas 21/05/13 Lunch at Farnborough College Tec

Arun - formerly Littlehampton Jim Underwood TREASURER 01903 709033 jimunderwood9@hotmail.com St Joseph’s Convent, Franciscan Way. Please use entrance in East Street if arriving by car.

Second Wednesday of each month at 2pm 13/03/13 Ian Fleming’s Littlehampton 10/04/13 Crime Prevention (CSPO) 08/05/13 Local Speaker

Ascot & Sunningdale John Cook CHAIRMAN 01344 429391 johnwgc@btinternet.com De Vere Venues, Sunningdale Park, Larch Avenue, Ascot Third Friday of each month at 12 noon 15/03/13 Bring & Buy and Horse Racing Game with Stan Cornford 19/04/13 How I came to ghost write “Ruth Ellis - my sister’s secret life” - talk by Monica Weller 17/05/13 Quiz Afternoon - John & Beryl Bailes

Basingstoke Janette Davies CHAIRMAN 01256 321471 Brookvale Village Hall, Lower Brook Street, Basingstoke First Wednesday of each month at 10.00am

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06/03/13 AGM, Quiz and BCOT Lunch 21/03/13 Outing to Hampton Court 03/04/13 The Thomas Cook Story - talk by Tony King 16/04/13 Outing to the Cotswolds 01/05/13 My Life as a Film Extra - talk by Kate Bettinson 16/05/13 Outing to the Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park

Bexhill Hilary Markham SECRETARY 01424 210985 Bexhill Sailing Club, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea Fourth Tuesday of each month at 10am 26/03/13 Coffee Morning and Silent Auction 23/04/13 Coffee Morning and Quiz April 2013 Anniversary Luncheon at Cooden Beach Hotel (date TBA) 28/05/13 Coffee Morning and Speaker (subject TBA)

Bournemouth - Boscombe & Southbourne Paul Tabor CHAIRMAN 01202 422493 paul.tabor@tesco.net St Katherine’s Church Hall, Church Road, Southbourne First Wednesday of each month at 10am 06/03/13 Tax, Care and Toy Boys - Collective Legal Solutions 03/04/13 Group AGM and Quiz 01/05/13 The Wireless in Wartime - John Symonds

Bournemouth - Central

Ferndown Village Hall, Church Road, Ferndown Third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am.

Skittles meetings, New Forest walks and other events are held from time to time - ask Eric Basire for details.

Brighton & Hove Mrs Anne Cobby saglibcob@googlemail.com Ventnor Hall, Blatchington Road, Hove First Wednesday of the month at 2.15pm

Burgess Hill Mike Mason CHAIRMAN 01444 245289 michael_mason6@hotmail.com Millfield Suite, Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill Fourth Wednesday of each month at 10am for coffee mornings 27/03/13 The Work of a Street Pastor - talk by Trevor Beckett 24/04/13 Coffee Morning 22/05/13 The Bluebell Railway’s Extenstion to East Grinstead - talk by Mike Mason

Chandlers Ford Ken Willcocks CHAIRMAN 023 8076 0102 Chandlers Ford Community Centre, Hursley Road, Chandlers Ford First Friday of the month at 10am 01/03/13 AGM 05/04/13 The Life of Flora Thompson - talk by Mr J Smith 03/05/13 Flying with the Royal Family - talk by Group Captain David Greenway

Alan Carter 01202 292720

Crawley

Bournemouth Christchurch & Highcliffe

Jim Piercey CHAIRMAN 01293 409332 Bill Buck Room, Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, Crawley Fourth Friday of the month at 2pm

Paul Tabor 01202 422493 paul.tabor@tesco.net

Emsworth & Havant

Bournemouth - New Forest

Ralph Whitehouse CHAIRMAN 01243 374081 Emsworth Community Centre, Church Path, Emsworth First Friday of each month at 10am

Sandy Whittaker CHAIRMAN 023 8028 2157 New Milton Community Centre, Osborne Road, New Milton (please note change of venue) Second Tuesday of each month at 10.15am (please note change of date) 12/03/13 Tax, Care and Toy Boys - John Ambrose, Collective Legal Solutions 09/04/13 AGM 14/05/13 Why Me? - Gwen Appleton

Bournemouth - Poole & District Ray White 01425 476037 rm-white@tiscali.co.uk

Bournemouth - Ringwood & District Ron Fisher CHAIRMAN 01202 896315 ronf.nottington@homecall.co.uk Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood First Friday of each month at 10am 01/03/13 A Potted History of Bournemouth Natural Science Society 28/03/13 Branch AGM & Lunch at The Miramar Hotel (provisional) 05/04/13 Group AGM. Books, jigsaws, CDs and DVDs bring and buy

Bournemouth - Swanage

Fleet Dorothy Brookman CHAIRMAN 01252 684368 dorothy.brookman@ntlworld.com Baptist Church Hall, 115 Clarence Road, Fleet Third Tuesday of each month at 2.15pm 19/03/13 The Splendours of Venice - talk by Dr Elizabeth Philpot 16/04/13 Cream Tea 21/05/13 Empress Eugenie and Farnborough Hill - talk by Diana White

Hailsham Jeanne Archer CHAIRMAN & SECRETARY 01323 832055 St. Marys Church Lounge, St. Marys Church, Vicarage Road, Hailsham Second Tuesday of the month at 10.15am 12/03/13 Musical Interlude with Evelyn George 09/04/13 Silent Auction 14/05/13 Sri Lanka - talk by Mr Albon

Hastings & St Leonards John Hall CHAIRMAN 01424 813355 All Saints Church Hall, All Saints Street, Old Town Third Tuesday of each month at 10am - 12 noon

Mrs Irene Greenway 01929 423394

Horley

Bournemouth - Wimborne & Ferndown

Arnold Ullmann MBE TREASURER 01293 783590 Horley & District Constitutional Club, 1 Albert Road, Horley (unless otherwise stated) Fourth Wednesday of the month at 10.45am (unless otherwise stated)

Eric Basire SECRETARY 01202 897158 eric-rita@tiscali.co.uk

Newbury

Worthing

Burnham-on-Sea

Roger Walker CHAIRMAN 01635 44575 colonelrog@hotmail.com St. Johns Church Room, Newtown Road, Newbury Second Monday of the month at 2.15pm 11/03/13 Falls Prevention - Community Team 14/03/13 Skittles Night at Thatcham Football Club 08/04/13 Golden Road to Samarkand - talk by Mike Braid 13/05/13 Nairobi and Tarangire - talk by Nigel Glove-Wright 16/05/13 Pub Lunch (details to be confirmed) 20/05/13 Group Holiday to Great Yarmouth (2024 May)

David Keeling CHAIRMAN 01903 248663 United Reformed Church Hall, Shaftesbury Avenue (just south of Durrington Railway Bridge: entrance in Barrington Road) Third Tuesday of each month at 10.00am (coffee at 9.45am) 19/03/13 Eccentric Eastern Turkey - talk by Wendy Funnel 16/04/13 Worthing Homes - talk by Helen Jones 21/05/13 Reflexology - talk by Lesley Raphael

Joyce Beard SECRETARY/TREASURER 07706 868648 joyful18@live.co.uk Burnham Area Youth Centre, Cassis Close, Burnham on Sea Fourth Tuesday in each month from 10am to 12 noon

Portsmouth North Janie Quayle CHAIRMAN 023 92 641954 janiequayle@googlemail.com St. Nicholas Church Hall, Battenburg Avenue, Copnor Second and fourth Mondays at 2pm (except Bank Holidays) 11/03/13 Frances O’Sullivan playing the Flute/ Saxophone 25/03/13 Hot Cross Buns, Easter Raffle and a choice of talks by Penny Hardwick

Reading West & Tilehurst David Cox SECRETARY 0118 958 6311 United Reformed Church Hall, Polsted Road, off Armour Road Last Wednesday of the month at 2pm 27/03/13 Slides – Travels with Gwen Barton 24/04/13 Tony King – Shadows on the Wall

Southsea Mike Barrow CHAIRMAN 023 92 829552 m.barrow4@ntlworld.com St. Simon’s Church Hall, Waverley Road, Southsea Second Wednesday of the month at 10.30 and fourth Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm

Stubbington Mrs Tressie Heather SECRETARY 023 92 580681 Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington Second Thursday of each month at 2.00pm (meeting) and last Tuesday of each month at 10.30am (coffee morning). On the Tuesday following the Thursday meeting we have a pub lunch. On the last Thursday of the month we have lunch at a local pub and play skittles.

Tadley Mr D MacLean CHAIRMAN 0118 970 1290 Tadley Community Centre, Newchurch Road, Tadley First Thursday of each month at 1.30pm for 2.00pm (excepting in unusual circumstances when advance notice is given to our members) 07/03/13 The Polar Arctic - talk by Neil Stewart 04/04/13 HMS Warrior: from Sail to Steam - talk

by Maurice Hutty 02/05/13 Coast to Coast Walk - talk by Carol Watson

Twyford & Wargrave John Keast SECRETARY 0118 940 2975 john@keast.go-plus.net Hannen Room, St. Marys Church, Station Road, Wargrave Third Tuesday of Feb, Apr, June, Oct and Dec

Uckfield John Gutteridge SECRETARY 01825 764781 john@gutteridge.eclipse.co.uk Five Ash Down Village Hall, Five Ash Down, Uckfield First Thursday of the month at 2.30pm unless otherwise announced.

07/03/13 Blue Badge Guide - talk by David Overy 04/04/13 Trivia, Tea and Toasted Teacakes 02/05/13 The Natural Year in Focus: January to June - talk by Peter Lovett

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND Amesbury Mrs Freda Hedge SECRETARY 01980 590499 Antrobus House, 39 Salisbury Road, Amesbury First Tuesday of each month at 2pm (unless otherwise stated) 19/03/13 Outing to Milestone Museum plus Lunch 16/04/13 Outing to Weymouth plus Cream Tea at Portland 21/05/13 Outing to Lyndhurst and Lymington

Barnstaple Peter Mumby CHAIRMAN 01271 815021 Committee Room, Roundswell Community Centre, Roundswell, Barnstaple Last Friday in the month (except Jan, Aug and Dec) at 11am Feb, May, Jun, Jul, Oct and Nov and at 10am Mar, Apr and Sep. 29/03/13 Committee Meeting (10am) and Coffee Morning (11am) 26/04/13 AGM (10am) and Coffee Morning (11am)

Bath Roy Burnett CHAIRMAN 01225 426583 St. John’s Parish Hall, South Parade, Bath First or second Thursday of each month at 10.30am for coffee mornings as well as events listed below. Please phone Chairman for details.

01/03/13 Between 1 March and 9 May we will be taking bookings for Creative Travel holiday - Newquay & Cornish Explorer (9-14 June 2013) 06/03/13 The Mikado at the Theatre Royal (2.30pm) 12/04/13 BLOG Songs from the Shows at the Hayesfield Roper Theatre (7.30pm) 15/05/13 Skittles Lunch at the Hadleigh Arms (12 noon)

Blandford Forum Mrs M Chambers SECRETARY 01258 456572 Contact Secretary for venue details.

Second Friday of each month at 11am

Chard Gordon Baker SECRETARY 01460 73333 The Donyatt Bowling Club, Ilminster Third Thursday of the month at 10.30am

Chippenham David Gardner CHAIRMAN 01249 658431 Rotary Hall, Station Hill, Chippenham First Wednesday of each month at 2pm 03/04/13 A Year in the Life of a Mayor 01/05/13 Life Story of WWII Double Agent

Crediton Miss M Steer CHAIRMAN 01363 866256 Various venues - contact the Chairman for details First Friday of each month at 10.35am for coffee unless there is a trip or lunch when a notice will appear in the local paper

Dawlish Mrs M Carter SECRETARY 01626 888275 The Manor House, Old Town Street Second Friday of each month at 2pm 08/03/13 History of Dawlish Theatre plus Tea at the Theatre 12/04/13 Spring Lunch Out 10/05/13 Italian Dolomites, Breathtaking Climbs

Dorchester Mike Rogers SECRETARY 01308 420755 michael@mikerogers3.plus.com Dorset Youth HQ, Lubbecke Way, Dorchester Third Thursday of the month at 10.15am for 10.30am - 12.30-1.00pm 21/03/13 Turnpikes and Dorset Coaching Days talk by Bob Curtis 18/04/13 AGM 16/05/13 Legal Matters relevant to Pensioners Stuart Pelling

Exmouth Carol Brett SECRETARY 01395 442671 RAFA Club, Imperial Road, Exmouth First Wednesday of each month at 10am 06/03/13 Coffee Morning with AGM 03/04/13 Coffee Morning 01/05/13 Coffee Morning

Liskeard & Pensilva

Brixham

Shirley Waye CHAIRMAN & SECRETARY 01579 346089 shirleywaye@gmail.com Refreshment Rooms, Liskeard Town Hall, 3 West Street, Liskeard Last Wednesday of each month at 10am 27/03/13 Hearing Dogs for the Deaf - talk by Jan Long April 2013 Free trip to Torquay (date to be confirmed) 24/04/13 Seaside Memories - talk by Diana Lawer May 2013 Full Day Mystery Trip (date to be confirmed) 29/05/13 Legal talk by a representative of McClure Solicitors

Mrs Brenda Smith SECRETARY 01803 559466 brenda54@talktalk.net Various local restaurants, usually Waterside Paignton Usually second Thursday of the month at 12 noon - contact Brenda Smith for details.

Isabel Dobson 01643 703199 Foxes Hotel, The Esplanade, Minehead Coffee mornings on the last Tuesday of the month at 10.15am (except Mar, Jul, Aug and Dec)

Bradford-on-Avon Mr P F Nuttall SECRETARY 01225 862919 United Reformed Church Hall, St. Margarets Street, Bradford on Avon Second Monday of each month at 2.15pm 11/03/13 National Trust - talk 18/03/13 Spring Lunch at Leigh Park Hotel 08/04/13 Tales of Country Policeman’s Wife talk 22/04/13 Lunch at The Dog & Fox 13/05/13 Larkrise to Candleford - talk 23/05/13 Coach Trip - Oakham Treasures

Minehead

SPRING 2013 WINTER 2012

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Princetown Mike Fitzpatrick SECRETARY 01822 890799 mikeandkate3@talktalk.net Prince of Wales, Tavistock Road, Princetown First Thursday of the month at 12.30pm 07/03/13 The Hub of the System - illustrated talk about horsepower by Gerald Williamson 21/03/13 AGM 04/04/13 Curious Features in Devon Churches illustrated talk by Robert Hesketh 23/04/13 St George’s Day Lunch - coach transport provided to an undisclosed venue - always a surprise!

16/05/13 Mystery Coach Trip to a venue of interest - book early to avoid disappointment.

Salisbury Plain Mr Roy German SECRETARY 01980 653446 royandvi@live.co.uk The Village Hall, High Street, Durrington Third Tuesday of each month at 2.30pm 19/03/13 People and Ponies of the New Forest talk by Sue Bowser 16/04/13 Bishops, Sex and Money - talk by Tony Stafford 23/04/13 Outing to Windsor 12/05/13 Holiday - Peaks and Dales Tour 21/05/13 Tai Chi - talk by Mrs Tottingham

Sidmouth Margaret Adams CHAIRMAN 01395 577622 rjadams39@waitrose.com Sidholme Hotel, Elysian Fields, Temple Street Second Wednesday of each month at 10.25am 27/03/13 Lunch at The Hare & Hounds, Honiton

Somerton Colin Mclntyre SECRETARY 01458 223953 The Two Brewers, Leigh Road, Street Third Tuesday of the month at 11.30am

Tamar/Tavy (Tavistock) Mike Fitzpatrick ACTING SECRETARY 01822 890799 mikeandkate3@talktalk.net Burrator Inn, Princetown Road, Dousland, Yelverton Second Thursday of the month at 12.30pm 14/03/13 Hearing Dogs for the Deaf - Doreen Bell with her dog ‘Jingles’ 11/04/13 The work of Shelterbox - talk by Mike Gill 23/04/13 St George’s Day Lunch - coach transport to a mystery venue 09/05/13 The Pilgrims Way to Compostela, Spain - talk by John Howells

Taunton Mick Grigg CHAIRMAN 01823 272046 mfgrigg@talktalk.net Lawns Social Club (formerly Royal British Legion Club), St. Mary Street, Taunton Second Friday of the month at 10.30am (unless Public Holiday in which case third Friday)

Trowbridge Peter Collins SECRETARY 01225 768370 petercollins@vulnera.freeserve.co.uk Old Manor Hotel, Trowle, Trowbridge/ St. Thomas’ Church Hall, York Buildings, off Timbrell Street, Trowbridge First Wednesday of each month at 10.30am (Old Manor Hotel) & third Wednesday of each month at 2pm (St Thomas’ Church Hall) 06/03/13 Coffee Morning at the Old Manor Hotel 20/03/13 Monthly Meeting and The Nature of South Africa - talk by Mrs B Partridge

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03/04/13 Coffee Morning at the Old Manor Hotel 17/04/13 Monthly Meeting and The Heritage of Bath City - talk by Mr M Jago 01/05/13 Coffee Morning at the Old Manor Hotel 15/05/13 Coach Outing (details to be announced)

Westbury (Wiltshire) Ken Holloway CHAIRMAN 01373 864049 kenmoholloway@metronet.co.uk Paragon Hall, Haynes Road, Westbury Third Monday of each month at 1.45pm for 2.00pm the second Monday of the month in May. 18/03/13 Meeting followed by 15 Years as a TV Journalist - talk by Kenneth Ware 27/03/13 Outing to Cheltenham 15/04/13 Meeting followed by White Horses and other Hill Figures - talk by Mr M Power 17/04/13 Outing to Weymouth 13/05/13 Meeting followed by Carol’s Wine Adventures - talk by Mrs Carol Whitehead 15/05/13 Outing to Cotswold Wildlife Park

Westbury-on-Trym Beryl Webb SECRETARY 01454 614451 Studland Court, Henleaze Road, Henleaze First Thursday of each month at 2pm 07/03/13 Every Picture tells a Story - talk by John Bartlett 04/04/13 Meeting the Stars - talk by Peter Lea 02/05/13 TBA

Weston-Super-Mare Alan Jackson CHAIRMAN 01275 858766 jackson-a21@sky.com Friends Meeting House, corner of High Street/ Oxford Street, Weston-Super-Mare First and third Thursday of the month at 10am (for coffee mornings, other events listed below) 07/03/13 Coffee Morning 12/03/13 Coach Outing to Buckfast Abbey 21/03/13 Coffee Morning 04/04/13 Coffee Morning 09/04/13 Coach Outing to Tavistock 18/04/13 Coffee Morning 02/05/13 Coffee Morning 14/05/13 Coach Outing to Weymouth and WI Tea

Weymouth Geoff Greenstreet SECRETARY 01305 832432 St. Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth Second Thursday of each month at 2.30pm 14/03/13 Slavery - talk by Mrs J Fannon 27/03/13 Coffee Morning 11/04/13 AGM 24/04/13 Coffee Morning

Yate & District Donald Kirkham CHAIRMAN 01454 317242 donald@kirkham3.orangehome.co.uk Yate Parish Hall, Station Road Fourth Tuesday of each month at 2pm 26/03/13 Tax, Care, Toy Boys and Long-term Care – talk by John Armstrong 23/04/13 Annual Lunch at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club (12.30pm) 28/05/13 Celebrities – talk by Paul Evans

LONDON & SOUTH EAST ENGLAND Banstead & District Miss Marion Pevy SECRETARY/TREASURER 01737 812129 Banstead Methodist Church Hall, The Drive Last Tuesday of each month at 10.30am - 12 noon 26/03/13 Coffee Morning and Quiz 30/04/13 Coffee Morning and Quiz 28/05/13 Coffee Morning and Quiz

Beckenham Eileen Morgan CHAIRMAN 020 8650 8784 Beckenham Public Hall, 4 Bromley Road, Beckenham First Tuesday of each month at 2pm

Bexleyheath Miss Norma Smith SECRETARY 020 8304 2466 St. Andrews Church Hall, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath First three Wednesdays in every month at 1.45-3.45pm. Every 2nd Wednesday is a Social Afternoon and Bingo.

06/03/13 Another hilarious look at families talk by Mel Rees 13/03/13 Social Afternoon 20/03/13 Trials and Tribulations of a Public Speaker - talk by Barbara Stevens 03/04/13 From Riches to Rags - my Grandmother’s Story - talk by Ray Jones 10/04/13 Social Afternoon 17/04/13 Our 42nd Anniversary Lunch 01/05/13 Spring Fair 08/05/13 Social Afternoon

Camberley Jenny Ingoe RECORDS SECRETARY 01483 757400 jenny954@btinternet.com High Cross Church, Knoll Road, Camberley Fourth Tuesday of each month at 2pm

Edgware & Stanmore Ray Broom SECRETARY 020 8427 8659 St. Lawrence’s Church Hall, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware Second Monday of each month at 2pm 11/03/13 TBA 08/04/13 Photo Journalist Experiences, Part 3 Dennis Hart 13/05/13 TBA

Enfield Susan Bentley SECRETARY & PROGRAMME 020 8360 4361 St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Silver Street, Enfield First Monday of the month at 10am (unless a Bank Holiday when it will be the second Monday) 04/03/13 Travels in Northern India - an illustrated talk by Monica Smith 08/04/13 Call My Bluff - presented by Bernard Ecker 13/05/13 Bygones (No.1) with new questions presented by Jeff Nichols

Hounslow Roy Woods CHAIRMAN 020 8230 5533 United Reformed Church Hall, 114 Hanworth Road, Hounslow Second Tuesday of each month 1.30-4.00pm 12/03/13 Birthday Tea Party

Kingston & District Mrs Jean Hall SECRETARY 020 8942 2309 Kingston Methodist Church Hall, Avenue Road, Fairfield South, Kingston Third Tuesday of each month at 2pm. For outings programme contact the Secretary.

19/03/13 AGM 16/04/13 TBA 21/05/13 TBA

Leatherhead Anne Thomson SECRETARY 01372 373258 anner.thomson@talktalk.net John Rumble Hall, Fetcham Village Hall, The Street, Fetcham First Friday of each month at 10am

01/03/13 Lunch at La Meridiana, Horsley 05/04/13 AGM followed by Bring & Buy Stall 03/05/13 My Role as a Hostess - talk by Joan Taylor

London - Catford & Lewisham Doreen Hughes SECRETARY 020 8461 4800 St. Laurence Church Hall, Bromley Road, Catford Second Tuesday of the month at 10am 12/03/13 Coffee Morning 09/04/13 Coffee Morning with Speaker - Fred Carpenter 14/05/13 Coffee Morning 23/05/13 Coach Outing to Teapot Island (to be confirmed)

London - Chiswick W4, W6 & W12 Helen Barron CHAIRMAN 020 8748 2486 Scouthaven, Wilson Walk (passage between Stamford Brook Underground Station and Prebend Gardens) Fourth Friday of each month at 2pm

London - Clapham SW4 & SW11 Miss M Farley SECRETARY 020 8870 7361 Staff Restaurant 4th Floor, PCS Headquarters, 160 Falcon Road, Clapham Junction First Thursday of each month at 10.15am. We also have a monthly pub lunch - for details please contact the Secretary

London - Dulwich & Norwood Mrs Pat Belsey SECRETARY 020 7701 4992 Railway Club, Selhurst Station Approach Fourth Tuesday of each month at 10.30am 26/03/13 Dulwich Picture Gallery - talk by Edith Stockwell 23/04/13 Bingo 28/05/13 AGM

London - Edmonton Mrs Sheila Lamonte CHAIRPERSON 020 8886 7873 Ambassador Room, Millfield House, Silver Street, London N18 Third Monday of each month from 10am - 12 noon 18/03/13 The Humorous Side of being an Actor - talk by Jonathon Fryer 15/04/13 Iceland - illustrated talk by Ian Torrence 20/05/13 Plant Sale and Bring & Buy

London - Eltham Phyllis Duignan CHAIR 020 8265 0810 phyllis.duignan@gmail.com United Reformed Church,Sherard Hall, Court Road, Eltham Fourth Thursday of each month at 10am - 12 noon 14/03/13 Coach Outing to Milestones - Living Museum 21/03/13 Bromley Theatre - Driving Miss Daisy 28/03/13 Coffee Morning followed by talk by Dawn Honeywood on Aromatherapy 11/04/13 Coach Outing to Kew Gardens 25/04/13 Coffee Morning followed by talk by Alan Payne on the Story behind your Cuppa 13/05/13 Airedales Holiday to Edgcumbe Hotel, Newquay (13-17 May) 23/05/13 Coffee Morning followed by a talk by Diana Rimmel on the Local History of Eltham

London - Fulham SW5, SW6 & SW10 Mrs Grace Phillipson CHAIRMAN Waterford House, Waterford Road, Fulham First Wednesday of the month at 10.15am.

Please contact Fellowship Office (020 8691 7411) for further details.

London - Hendon Harry Hunt SECRETARY 020 8202 7647 harrycarman@hotmail.com Various venues each month for lunch - phone Secretary for details First Thursday of every month at 12.30pm

London - Southbank SE17 Joy Creamer CHAIRPERSON 020 7407 2332 Penrose Tenants Hall, Penrose Estate, Walworth Second Wednesday of each month at 10am

London - Stockwell SW8 & SW9 Mr D Stannard SECRETARY 020 7720 0982 Job Centre Plus Offices, 246 Stockwell Road, Brixton Fourth Thursday of each month at 2pm

London - Streatham & Norbury - SW16 Mrs J E Winter SECRETARY 020 8764 6450 The Glebe Sheltered Housing Complex, Prentis Road, Streatham SW16 1QR Second Tuesday of each month at 2pm 12/03/13 The Silver Belles - Musical Afternoon 09/04/13 Produce and Plant Mini Market 14/05/13 Antarctica and South Georgia illustrated talk by Sue Henning

Maidstone Keith Hunter CHAIRMAN 01622 746792 Methodist Church Centre, Brewer Street, Maidstone Second Monday of the month at 2pm 11/03/13 Spring Fayre, Quiz and Raffle 08/04/13 Speaker from Collective Legal Solutions 13/05/13 Charles Dickens and the Civil Service - talk by Angela Hunter

North/South Harrow Mrs Doris Bending SECRETARY 020 8863 3240 St. Albans Church Hall, Norwood Drive, North Harrow Last Tuesday of the month at 2pm 26/03/13 No meeting 02/04/13 The Pennine Way - talk by Michael Welling 30/04/13 The Lord Mayor’s Show - illustrated talk by Miss M Jones 28/05/13 The Humorous Side of being an Actor - talk by Jonathon Fryer

Orpington Peter Standen VICE CHAIRMAN 01689 833358 The Memorial Hall, Methodist Church, Sevenoaks Road, Orpington First Friday in the month at 1.45pm 01/03/13 Garden Wildlife – talk by Mr Bob Fraines 05/04/13 Trading Standards – talk by Mr John Gurr

Second Wednesday of each month at 10am (except May) 13/03/13 Flying for Fun - talk by Tony Harris 10/04/13 The Honours System and Awards talk by Barbara Walsh

Sanderstead & Selsdon Ralph Perryman SECRETARY 020 8657 3487 ralph.perryman172@btinternet.com Selsdon Centre for the Retired, 132 Addington Road, Selsdon, South Croydon Second Thursday of the month at 2.30pm

South East Middlesex Mrs June Brown SECRETARY 020 8891 4680 junebrownuk@hotmail.com Various venues Various dates and times 26/03/13 Outing to Hinton Amper National Trust (Cost £21) 17/04/13 Outing to Stonor Park and Greys Park (National Trust), Henley on Thames (Cost £31 includes entry to Stonor Park and Coffee)

Staines Dorothy Dib SECRETARY 01784 441990 Various restaurants for lunch. New members always welcome.

Third Tuesday of each month

Sutton Pam Davis SOCIAL SECRETARY 020 8641 2114 Friends Meeting House, 10 Cedar Road, Sutton Last Monday of the month at 2-3.45pm 11/03/13 Informal Lunch (TBC) 25/03/13 My Life as a Taxi Driver - talk by Bill Monroe 17/04/13 Informal Lunch (TBC) 29/04/13 Canine Partners - talk by Catherine Pleasance 13/05/13 Visit to the Docklands Museum (TBC) 20/05/13 Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay: Peter Bates, Debt Collector for SeeBoard

Whitstable & Herne Bay (inc. Canterbury) Linda Swift LOCAL CONTACT 01227 276583 lindaswift2@sky.com Swalecliffe & Chestfield Community Centre, St. Johns Road, Whitstable Fourth Thursday of the month at 2.00pm (except Mar)

Worcester Park Peter Tharby CHAIRMAN 020 8337 7423 petertharby@blueyonder.co.uk Old Malden Scout Hall, 411 Malden Road, Worcester Park First Monday each month at 2.00-4.00pm (If Bank Holiday, then second Monday) 04/03/13 Entertainment in Wartime Britain - talk by Mike Brown including recordings and other memorabilia 08/04/12 Canadian Rockies and the Inner Passage to Alaska - illustrated talk by Roger Bricknell 13/05/13 A return visit from and a sing-a-long with The Banstead Accordion Club

Romney Marsh Mrs Win Owen CHAIR 01797 362598 winefrideowen@aol.com The Assembly Rooms, Church Approach, New Romney

ENTER YOUR POSTCODE AND FIND YOUR NEAREST GROUP ONLINE at www.csrf.org.uk SPRING 2013 WINTER 2012

61

the last word

My

favourite things…

Actor Julian Glover is known for the great variety of roles he’s played during his career. These include General Maximilian Veers in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Bond villain Aristotle Kristatos in For Your Eyes Only and Walter Donovan in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He has also appeared as Grand Maester Pycelle in the TV series Game of Thrones and BBC’s Merlin. He is appearing on stage in Maurice’s Jubilee, currently touring the UK but kindly managed to find time to share his favourite things.

1

Painting

“The Hay Wain” by John Constable.

Not only, in my opinion, the most beautiful creation in paint ever made, but because within it lies a perfect evocation of time and place, a place which the artist persuades us with no difficulty at all, is where we want to be.

2

Novel

“Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck.

So funny, so real, so easy to read!

The wonderful layabouts portrayed jump out of the pages and tickle your nose so generously and movingly. And, like my preferred painting, reveals a period of time and experience, which was then and, quite palpably, now.

3

Music

Mozart’s 21st Piano Concerto

Played by anyone who can play the piano! Just play it; you’ll realise why!

Film

5

Quotation

“There is nothing either good or

bad but thinking makes it so”.

William Shakespeare.

The quote comes from Hamlet, Act II, Scene II and is spoken by Hamlet to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern when they arrive at the Danish court.

6

City

Edinburgh

Now, before whoever-they-are destroy any more of beloved Prince’s Street and it’s adjacent elegant and sinewy squares and alleyways. The contrast of the Old and New Towns irrevocably separated by that dramatic, rocky valley never ceases to entertain and please me. And the people are so GREAT!

7

COLOUR

Gentian

Its stark simplicity I find constantly uncomplicated and sensual.

Can’t make up my mind about this one. Either Brief Encounter or It’s a Wonderful Life. These two are my Desert Island DVDs - I could watch them forever. Their themes are universal and particular at the same time.

62

SPRING 2013 www.csrf.org.uk

8

ANIMAL

Cats

My wife, Isla Blair made the same choice in this column last year, while touring with Steel Magnolias. There has never not been a cat or cats in my life, and never will be.

9

Historical Figure

James Boswell The erratic, funny, witty, far too serious self-deprecating lawyer, letcher and brilliant biographer of the great and garrulous critic and lexicographer, Dr Samuel Johnson. I once had the enormous pleasure of enacting him in a play with Timothy West as the Doctor. I loved him so much I named my son, Jamie, after him!

10

Flower

Gentian Violet

Well, the colour obviously!

It’s size and delicate shape, even more than the simple violet, which I also admire, I find most pleasing.

Maurice’s Jubilee is touring around the UK. For more information visit the website, www.mauricesjubilee.com