Kettering U3A Newsletter March 2016

Kettering U3A

15th March 2016 Kettering U3A Year 12 Newsletter 9

This Month 15th March

Being a TV Chef Zena Skinner From the Chairman— March. A month of many weathers, a busy calendar and replacement of abandoned New Year Resolutions with real commitment. March 1: St David's Day; March 17: St Patrick's; also in there Mothering Sunday and the start of BST. Time to blow away the cobwebs; clear the clutter; get on with designing those hats - you've got only two more months before the competition; volunteer. If a group is in need of a table, help (or co-opt help) in setting it up and putting away. Don't just leave it to the Committee. (If you can do without a table even better.) Give serious thought to joining that Committee and then do it. Reservations such as inexperience, imaginary over-sensitive toes and the like: bin them. Mark the real start of the year by being proactive, and forever blessed.

Mary Next Month 19th April

Harpist and Bird Songs - Nick Penny

Registered Charity No. 1108614

www.u3aKettering.co.uk 1

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www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering

Kettering U3A

Group Leaders Information

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Check that all members of your group are fully paid-up members of the U3A. Ensure that you have:A written record showing your member’s name, address, telephone number and email address.

The name and telephone of each member’s emergency contact.

The post code of your venue as this will be required by the emergency services should you need to call them out.

Send articles, reports and photographs about your group to the Newsletter Editor. Copy deadline for the newsletter is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting.

To put additional information and/or photographs on your Group’s web page on the Kettering U3A website, please email to the Web Master, Richard@Boyles.co.uk or send hardcopy to him.

Advise the Group Coordinator of any changes to your group arrangements, e.g. venue, timing, group leader etc.

Refreshments 2015 The Eden Centre will provide tea and coffee at 50p per cup with the U3A members helping to serve.

Members Information

Welcome to new members Sian Brown, Graham Clipston, Geoff White, Fay Wykes Robert Pearson, Melanie Crouch, Maddie Whitlam • • • • •

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Advise the Membership Secretary, in writing, of any changes to your address, post code, telephone number or email address.

If you are unable to attend your Group’s meeting, please advise your Group Leader in advance.

If you know one of our members has a special occasion ahead, e.g. important birthday, anniversary or if they are ill and you feel a card from the U3A would be appreciated, please contact Joan Rolfe on 01536 521531 Bring your membership card with you to the meeting and have it available for checking in.

If you cannot get to the monthly meeting for any reasons, you can get a copy of the Newsletter:-from either the Library or the Tourist Information desk, Manor House Museum, Kettering or from Desborough, Rothwell or Burton Latimer Libraries. Or via our postal service direct to your home (£10 per annum) Contact the Membership Secretary to do so.

Download the newsletter (in glorious colour) from web site, www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering & click on Links.

Monthly Meeting Dates & Speakers Apr 19 May 17 Jun 21 Jul 19

2016 Harpist and bird Songs - Nick Penny A History of Wicksteed Park Annual General Meeting To be confirmed

Aug 16 Sep 20 Oct 18 Nov 15 Dec 13

Classic Cars—Steve Wardley Kinky Boots The Old Candleworks by Marianne Perry A Tudor Christmas - Martin Sinot Smith U3A Singers (Note meeting one week earlier than normal)

Your Kettering U3A Committee 2015-2016 Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Membership Secretary Speaker Seeker Newsletter/Web site Groups Co-ordinator Committee Member (Co-Opt)

Mary Wildman Cyril Young Diane Tebbutt Elizabeth Toseland Maggi McGuire Marian Tucker Richard Boyles Cyril Young Chris Crick

01536 741 222 01536 392 065 01536 392 556 01536 460 029 01536 392 716 01536 510 354 01536 744 753 01536 392 065 01536 501 131 2

marywildman365@gmail.com c.young590@ntlworld.com di_tebbutt@hotmail.com elizabethtoseland@outlook.com maggi.mcguire@outlook.com mariantucker1954@gmail.com richard@boyles.co.uk c.young590@ntlworld.com chris.crick@hotmail.co.uk

Kettering U3A

News — Interest Groups — Visits and Reports Bridge - We have a very friendly Bridge group who meet every Friday afternoon. If you can play Bridge but perhaps have not done so for a little while then please come and join us. I must say, however, that we do not teach it and therefore you must have some knowledge of the game to be able to join. You would be made very welcome. We start each Friday at 1.30pm at the Bridge Club in Field Street and we pay £2 each week and for that you get good company, a very interesting game and refreshments.

Our next meeting at the Eden Centre, 21, Montague Street, Kettering Format of the meeting:1.30 – 2.15 Lounge Bar Area Tea/Coffee & biscuits available Browse the groups and chat Sign up to groups and trips 2.15—2.30 In main hall for U3A notices 2.30—3.30 Speaker 3.45 (approx) Meeting ends Wheelchair disabled access is available at the rear by phoning 01536 484 800

Contact: Sue Macfarlane 01536 523754 Busy Needles and Banter — New Year’s Resolution (not): “I must not buy any more wool; I must use up my stash.” Bewildered husbands expostulate as to why more wool when there’s a cupboard(s) already full. Simple answer: we’re all wool addicts with access to free (!) patterns that cry out to be knitted. And, what’s more, there are many worthy destinations for our work, much appreciated by the recipients: little bonnets and nifty jackets for new-borns; rather bigger outfits for imminent/ growing grand-bairns and needy African children; coats and blankets for abandoned/ rescued animals. As we knit we chat, we relax and we learn new techniques – oh, and new ways to keep Charlie out of people’s bags and away from the biscuits.

Newsletter DEADLINE— is 2 Saturdays before the monthly meeting.

PLEASE send in reports and photos or we will have to reduce the pages again and I’ll end up editing to fit less space.

You can read and download the newsletter in FULL COLOUR from our internet page at www.u3asites.org.uk/kettering Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk Speaker Seeker - One wet Saturday afternoon I sat by the phone and the computer and my list of recommended speakers from members. I phoned and emailed a variety of speakers for 2017 . Many of these speakers have to be booked a year in advance as they are so busy. Please keep information coming about good speakers. Oh yes, I was asked at the last meeting would I like the information on 2 really good speakers? With my pen poised to record their details I was delighted to have already booked them for 2017. Thank you members.

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com Bookworms — We discussed " Gentlemen and Players" by Joanne Harris, a black comedy about St Oswalds School in the north of England, an old and long-established boys' grammar school, with a cast of very interesting characters. Joanne kept us guessing until the final chapter, and we all agreed it was very cleverly written. Next meeting - 23rd March.

Contact:

Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 paulineparkin@hotmail.com

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Kettering U3A

Canals & Waterways — Twenty two members of our group had a good afternoon’s talk by Mary Matts. It was a good venue (certainly much better than last year. Once more May came up with a great talk. This time it about canals in Stamford, following the old canal routes that can still be seen. This was so interesting that we may try to follow these paths in order for us to plan a group walk next year.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the talk and we hope the group will want Mary to come back next year. We can make a decision at our November planning meeting.

Card Making 1 — Our last meeting will be on March 8th and 9th when we are back from holiday.

I would like to wish all members a Happy and Productive 2016.

Contact: Mary Earl 01536 522 456 madearl@virginmedia.com Card Making 2 — Each of the ladies for their first card chose their pack.

Similar ideas, just different backgrounds. Wow !

Several individual cards were produced based on one theme. The second card used similar flowers and much imagination. Our 3rd card was made using 'pick and mix ' from the left over box from previous weeks.

Feel free to use our ideas.

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515730 cestrachan1@gmail.com Computer Group — We meet once a month on the second Tuesday at ASDA, 2-4pm. Due to several members asking for Windows 10 advice and ASDA cancelling the 8th March, I have changed the programme as follows.

22 Mar - Windows 10 beginners + Files & Folders 12 Apr - Photos 10 May- Backups 14 Jun- Files & Folders Aug - No Meeting 13 Sep- Android Tablets & Phones Information and videos from previous sessions can be accessed from the link at the NEW web site at

Contact: Marian Tucker 01536 510 354 mariantucker1954@gmail.com

www.U3AKettering.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 e-mail: richard@boyles.co.uk As always, you can email me for any computer related advice or problems.

Country Matters — In February a record number of us – 19 in total – met at the Spread Eagle Cottingham for a snowdrop walk around East Carlton Country Park. These are particularly good this year and we were, once again, blessed with a beautiful sunny day. We returned to the pub via Middleton taking in plenty of birdsong along the way. On arrival at the pub we each had a drink but after waiting some time we were told that the chef hadn’t turned up for work that day! We were not impressed and made the decision to ask for our money back, having already paid for our meals before setting off- and made haste to The Chequered Flag in Corby where we enjoyed a reasonable meal albeit rather late in the day! Mental note: avoid The Spread Eagle in Cottingham!

March’s trip will already have taken place by the time the magazine is in print, at The Queen’s Head Higham in Ferrers on Thursday, 10th March 2016 for a walk around the nature reserve. April’s meeting will be starting from The Vane Arms in Sudborough 10.15 for 10.30 start on Thursday 14 April 2016.

Contact:

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Derek Warren 01536 518 560 derek@thewarrens.me.uk

Kettering U3A

French - 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2pm

Discussion Group — Next meeting April 12th at 2.pm at the Parish Church Rooms when the subject will be of course The E.U. -----Take It or Leave It The subject at the February meeting was Shopping about which everybody had at least some experience despite the fact that men get bored after 20 minutes while women can last at least 2 hours, frequently longer. However, as women are the majority at the meetings were brisk with plenty of personal illustrations.

The accommodation at the Church Rooms is limited and if every member of the group were present we would be uncomfortable. So regrettably we cannot take any new members until further notice.

Contact: Richard Ling

Contact: Diana Ellis 01536 723 380 Friday Pop-In - The most successful meeting, the first in 2016. The coffee Pop-In continues to be very popular, with four new members joining us.

In a light-hearted way we discussed many subjects from local news, visits to members’ gardens, theatre trips and ways to keep fit, some venture out on bikes.

This is not for the faint hearted.

The time has now come for the me to step down after several years of which I have enjoyed. Thank you for your company and support.

Janet Chivers has come forward to take over the running of the coffee morning and I trust you will give her your support.

01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com

Contact: Janet Chivers 01536 214 250 janet.chivers@talk21.com Family History - Yesterday was our second meeting and we focussed on a few of the 332,000 genealogy internet web site links indexed on www.cyndislist.com The results of the survey have been analysed and shared with the members via e-mail.

For those who signed up for the group but were unable to attend, keep an eye out for news via e-mail and the web site below. Also please send me any more suggestions or interests you have which we can use for future meetings.

So far, two car loads of people are going to Who Do You Think You Are—Live at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday 8th April. More information on the web site.

Next meeting is Monday 11th April and we will work together and attempt to break down YOUR brick walls.

Bring along your genealogical sticking points and you never know, someone may have the answer, or at least point you down a new path of research.

English Studies— (Shakespeare) For our March meeting we shall be rounding off Julius Caesar, ready to start Macbeth on the second Monday in April (11th).

If you fancy joining us – it’s not heavy and it’s not like school as you remember it – that would an admirable time to begin.

Copies of the play are provided. We shall be looking at other authors and other genres in due time.

www.U3AKettering.co.uk Contact: Richard Boyles

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com

French Conversation - Our second meeting once again was very chatty. Our topic was 'food', which gave us a good opportunity to update our vocabulary.

Our next 2 meetings dates have been changed due to holidays.

Our new dates are : 11th March and 8th of April at the same venue.

Did you known that 'broccoli' is the same in both languages.

Contact: Michele Junin 01536 671 971 m.p.junin@outlook.com

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01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk

Kettering U3A

History - At the well attended History Group meeting on the 7th March, we had a very fascinating and interesting talk by Ian Addis called “Out to Play in Kettering”. This covered the history of the parks in the Kettering area including North Park, the Rockingham Pleasure Park and Wicksteed. Ian had carried out extensive research and uncovered details not known previously. We all hope that Ian will be able to return later in the year to continue his talk.

Eileen and I are busy trying to book speakers for the rest of the year and the programme so far is as follows: 4th April The history of Thrapston 2 May Bank Holiday no meeting 6 June Women at War 4 July Sir Christopher Hatton & Queen Elizabeth 1 1 August The Tresham family 5 September To be arranged 3 October To be arranged 7 November The Gunpowder Plot 5 December To be arranged

Gardening Group — Sunday 17 April (10am to 4pm) Briarwood, 4 Poplars Farm Road, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, NN15 5AF. A garden in two parts with original sculptures, lawns, colourful borders, blossom trees, climbers, lily pond, summerhouse and water feature. Crafts for sale and home made teas. From Kettering take the A6 past Wickstead Park towards the A14. Turn left into Warkton Lane and 200 yard further turn right into Poplars Farm Road. Admission £3, children free. Proceeds in aid of Northamptonshire Garden Scheme which raised £2,637,000 last year.

Car share if possible.

Contact: Ray Bradbury 01536 516 587 prbrad@live.co.uk German Basic Conversation — Contact: Joe Fletcher 01536 722 399 Golf — Our regular group meets at 1.30 pm Fridays at Pytchley Golf Club still seems to be the most popular time !!

Contact: Eileen Mason

01536 725 925 edmason5@yahoo.co.uk or Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com

Contact: Alan Stephens 01536 726 911 or 07931 637 660 or alanstephens26@outlook.com

Looking at Churches — For our February meeting we had a talk for a change, entitled ‘Stories of a Northamptonshire Pastime’. This was by Mr Bob Bett, whose hobby is visiting churches and graveyards with his wife, and they had been to 270 so far. We thought we had done well, going to 50 in 4 years. We have some to go yet.

Mr.Bett had made a scrapbook of all the churches, taking photos of every one, even if they could not always go inside. They take a picnic and go to a few villages each time, looking at headstones on graves as an extra interest. He showed us large photos of the more important features of some of the places that they had been to, such as the variety of styles in windows, Norman, Saxon and Medieval etc.

He made the idea of sitting in a graveyard in the sun, eating sandwiches, sound very appealing.

The donations this time went to Cransley Hospice and we were able to give £50, which tied in nicely with the u3a talk the previous day, when Diana Patrick told us all about the Hospice.

As the talk took place in Rothwell church, Roy took some of the group down into the Bone Crypt afterwards to see the remains of 1500 bodies. For anyone who is interested, it is open in winter, on 2nd Sunday of the month 2.30pm to 4.30pm. In Summer it is open every Sunday afternoon.

Our next visit is to St.Wilfred’s Church, Kibworth , Leics. LE8 ONB. on Wednesday March 16th at 2.0pm.

A few years ago there was a book written by Michael Wood entitled ‘ The Story of England’, which went on to become a popular TV series.

Heartbeat— The next meeting will be on Monday 4th April 2016 at 10 a.m. We will meet outside the Old Forge Coffee Shop, Cranford, NN14 4JE. This will be a circular walk of 30 minutes and will be on footpaths, so it will not be muddy. We will be able to meet in the Old Forge afterwards for coffee. Hope to see you there.

Contact: Bridget Ling 01536 515 816 b_r_ling@hotmail.com

Knit and Natter - Our latest project is to knit for the shop at The Bee Hive. This is a community set up to blur the borders between education and vocational learning for special needs. There is a cafe serving a full range of delicious snacks and meals the students prepare with the help of a fully trained chef. They also house two Nearly New Shops which help to raise money to keep the project going. If you would like more information contact The Bee Hive, Kingsthorpe, Northampton 01604 714098 Contact: Annette Chidwick 01536 523 867 annette.chidwick@tiscali.co.uk

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Kettering U3A

Lunch Club — The members of the Lunch Club had a very enjoyable meal at the Red Lion at Broughton on the 21 February. The next lunch will be held on Tuesday 22 March and will take place at The Lamb in Little Harrowden. New members will be very welcome.

You can book your place and select your meal at the main meeting held the 15 March – just see Molly Lucy and Marjorie Bosworth who have arranged the lunch.

Looking at Churches — continued He based his book on Kibworth, telling the history of a typical English village, from Roman times onwards.

Unfortunately we won’t be having Michael Wood as our guide, but we hope to find someone to tell us the tale.

On Wed.April 20th at 2.0pm it will be Isham church.

Contact: Janet Clements 01536 507 721 janet.clements@ntlworld.com

Contact: Maggi McGuire 01536 392 716 maggi.mcguire@outlook.com

NEW WEB SITES - I have set up a new web site to share access to our main U3A Kettering web site, the Computer Group and Family History Group sites at

www.U3AKettering.co.uk

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Kettering U3A

Musical Circles 1 — The emphasis was on 'the voice' for the first part of our February meeting with Bryn Terfel and Aled Jones singing the beautiful 'Panis Angelicus' to start us off. This was followed by Sissel (a Norwegian performer) singing 'In Marble Halls'. In contrast 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' by Noel Coward was delivered at a rather rapid pace by Ian Bostridge.

The beautiful love duet from La Boheme was sung by Angela Gheorghiu and Robert Alagna and the theme of love continued with 'Una Furtiva Lagrima' from Donizetti's 'L'elisir d'amore'. Bass baritone Bryn Terfel then delighted us with 'Cavatina' from the film The Deer Hunter.

After tea we watched the ballet 'Carmen' from the Royal Opera House, Coventry Garden. This was Carlos Acosta's swan song which he choreographed and also danced the role of Don Jose. He was partnered by Marianela Nunez. Despite poor reviews we all enjoyed it and found it rounded off another pleasant afternoon.

Playford English Country Dancing Due to illness etc. I have had to suspend meetings until after Easter. Our numbers are very low so new members would be very welcome.

Contact: Jean Beaver 01933 224 474

Stitchin' Time— Our first meeting was a roaring success, with new skills of crochet and cross stitch being taught. Knitting was also being done, so needles and hooks were the order of the day. Many thanks to Dianne for offering her home for our future meetings. Next meeting - 6th April.

Contact:

Contact: Carole Bradbury 01536 516 587 cabrad@me.com

Musical Circles 2 — We met at Barton Seagrave on a wet and cold afternoon but soon settled down in front of a fire and listened to trumpet Aire by Jeremiah Clarke, followed by Handle's Water Music Suite and Royal fireworks music, Holst's Jupiter, Rise Glory Rise and Voi Avete sung by Emma Kirkby, Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody no 2 and Carnival.

After an interval we heard Mahler's Symphony no5 finale and Mozart's Symphony no 40. Our next meeting is on the 16th March.

Contact: Eileen Mason 01536 725 925 edmason5@yahoo.co.uk

Photography Group —

Contact: Trevor Rudkin 01536 711 976 trevor.rudkin@gmail.com

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Pauline Parkin 01536 799 197 paulineparkin@hotmail.com

Kettering U3A

Safe Driving —

Safe Driving — continued Almost 60% said drivers should retake the driving test every five years after age 70, 85% said drivers should pass an eyesight test every five years once they have reached 70, and more than half said that drivers aged around 70 should be required to have a medical examination.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive officer of the IAM, said: “A driving licence is a passport to freedom for all ages but particularly so for mature drivers. As grandparents it’s about helping their family access jobs, education and childcare as well as keeping themselves independent and mobile. The psychological impact of giving up a driving licence shouldn’t be underestimated.

“Reaction times and physical mobility are affected by age and all drivers need to make an informed decision about when to give up. We need to make it as easy as possible for mature drivers to make that choice armed with the full facts and all the support they need.

“While some might need to accept the decision they cannot keep driving safely on the road, we believe some are pushed into giving up before they really need to. A professional opinion counts for a lot, and there are many organisations that offer advisory voluntary assessments that will give a mature driver the confidence they need to enjoy many more years of happy motoring – including ourselves.”

Independence and mobility key for mature drivers The majority of mature drivers want to continue driving as long as they are safely able, according to a survey commissioned by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), citing independence and convenience as the main reasons.

The report, called Keeping Older Drivers Safe and Mobile, surveyed more than 2,600 drivers and exdrivers between the ages of 55 and 101 and was written by Dr Carol Hawley from the University of Warwick Medical School.

Although the report found 84% of driver respondents rated their driving ability as good to excellent and 86% rated their confidence as a driver as good to excellent, there were some factors which would persuade them to give up their car keys.

The survey stated: “Most current drivers would consider giving up driving if they had a health condition or a health professional advised them to stop driving.

“General practitioners, doctors and opticians/ optometrists are the most influential people to give advice on giving up driving.”

Given the reasons why mature people value driving, it is no surprise they are reluctant to give up their vehicles.

Some 82% said that driving was ‘very or extremely important’ to them, and women were significantly more likely to rate driving as ‘extremely important’ than men.

The top five reasons why mature drivers wanted to keep driving were:

Steve Clorley 01832 732342 or 07973 624815 stephen.clorley@yahoo.com Roy Franklin 01536 482808 or 07751 106617 r.franklin672@btinternet.com Singing For Pleasure — Group A is well into rehearsals of the new and varied programme and has a number of “gigs” already booked. This Group is now full. Contact: Jill Dee Group B members, now including two gentlemen – more welcome – are learning songs from round the British Isles including All Through the Night in your actual Welsh, singing songs from shows and “oldies” with actions, and doing the Lambeth Walk round the room. It’s all great fun, good for the health, and very educational! Places still available. Please note there will be no rehearsal on Good Friday: next rehearsal will be April 8th.

Reason/Frequency/Percentage of survey Independence/422/18.0 Convenience 416/17.7 Mobility/getting around/203/8.7 Freedom/202/8.6 Lack of public transport/148/6.3

Contact: Mary Wildman 01536 741 222 marywildman365@gmail.com

Sugar Craft— If anyone who would like to learn, but feels they are hopeless, come to watch as we work and I guarantee that they will soon realise that they can achieve good results.

Despite their determination to keep driving, the majority were in favour of measures to increase their safety on the roads including retesting and checking of various aspects of drivers’ health and competence to remain behind the wheel.

Contact: Joan Allingham 01536 722 610

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Kettering U3A

Spanish, Intermediate — The Spanish conversation group continues to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We have the use of a training room free of charge so our sessions continue to be free.

Just occasionally we cannot have the ASDA room and when this happens we have an alternative at a total cost of £10 per session. We use the book Pasos 2 which is for second level students and we are now well on the way to completing that.

Because of the size of the ASDA room, we are now really at full capacity. However, we would be happy to consider one or at most two more members but because of the level our members are at, having completed more than two years of study, new students would need to have a reasonable knowledge of Spanish and be able to converse at a fairly fluent level.

Trips & Visits - The dates for the proposed visit to Eltham Palace is Thursday 30 June the cost is currently showing as £37 per person. However subject to numbers this figure will be reduced. If we have guided tour the cost would be £4.00 per person.

If you do not wish to have a guide and are a member of the English Heritage then you can enter free. This information would be needed one month before travel Also I will need full payment at the earliest as the booking must be confirmed by 30 May! We are also proposing a visit to the Bank Of England museum. Entry is free so it would only involve the cost of a coach to London. Anyone interested please let me know no dates yet discussed.

Finally it has been brought to my attention that concerts in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday are on in St Albans. Unfortunately I don't seem able to find the details however I will endeavour to see what could be arranged.

Contact: Maureen Curd 01832 732 361 maureen@u3akettering.co.uk

Walking Group - 18 hardy walkers set out on the morning of Wednesday 2 March from the Griffin’s Head at Mears Ashby for a 5.5 mile walk towards Sywell Reservoir. The forecast was dire and Neil and I expected a few cancellations, but we U3A group are obviously made of sterner stuff! The first part of the walk was across a few fields, which thankfully were not too muddy given the recent rainy weather, the only challenge being a rather high stile. However, we came prepared with a beer crate to negotiate said stile we’re nothing if not resourceful! The walk around the reservoir was uneventful, only challenged by rising wind and rain/hail showers at intervals. The return journey to Mears Ashby tested our mettle, battling through rain, sleet and a brief snow shower. On reaching Mears Ashby the majority of the party opted to head straight for the pub and warmth, whilst Rob joined Neil and I on a wander around the village, admiring many attractive cottages and gardens with snowdrops, aconites, daffodils and other spring flowers. A good lunch was enjoyed by all at the Griffin’s Head, sausages being the outright favourite choice!

Next month’s walk will be lead by David Hamilton, starting at the King’s Head in Apethorpe - PE8 5DG meeting on Wednesday 6th April at 9.45 for 10am start. Please put your name on the sheet at the next U3A meeting on Tuesday 15 March, or contact David on 01536 518900. The King’s Head have asked us to make our meal choices prior to 15 March, so please speak to David about this.

Contact: Bob Thorogood 01933 650 551 bob@rltservices.co.uk

Theatre Goers — Local At the moment, the Theatregoers group is trying to get a new group leader.

So in the meantime Richard Boyles is presenting an evening of blues/rock music with a multi award winning artist, Laurence Jones.

Contact: Helen Neale 01536 723 899 or 07763 980 840 or Neil Burton 01536 526 966

For tickets Contact: Richard Boyles 01536 744 753 richard@boyles.co.uk

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Kettering U3A

Writers Group— This month we were short on numbers (illness and dental appointments) but long on laughs. Tony gave us a choice of six subjects - one member even managed to get them *all* into her writing in a hilarious jaunt through the murky world of criminality. We had a meditation on the heart prompted by St Valentine’s Day, thoughts on ‘A Dark and Stormy Night’ (including the priceless tale of the child who asked for the darkness to be turned on so that he could go to sleep), and a couple of short stories.

It may not be high literature but it sure as hell is fun.

We’ve room for one or possibly two more to join in that fun - first come, first served. Contact details on the Group’s notice board at the Third Tuesday monthly meeting or see below. The suggested topic for next month (thanks, Elizabeth!) is ‘The Most Important Job in the World’ but you’re welcome to bring along a piece on a subject of your own choosing.

Next month’s meeting will be at 2pm on Tuesday 5 April at the usual location - the Parish Church Rooms in the Market Place. Easy to get to Horsemarket bus stop nearby and plenty of free parking!

Water Colour Painting Classes - The Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from September to March. There are no classes from April to August. Our classes are held in the Parish Hall, Market Place, Kettering, NN16 0AL, from 1.15pm to 3.15pm.

The Winter Term dates are as follows:March 10th and 24th (last class) The Autumn Term starts again on 8th September 2016.

Fees for each term are around £10.00 (6 classes).

If you are interested in painting or drawing then come along to our classes. You may use oils, water colours, acrylics or pastels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter we welcome everyone.

You must be a fully paid up member with the U3A before you are able to join us, otherwise we shall be very pleased to see you.

On the 15th March at the U3A Meeting our Group will be holding an Exhibition. Some paintings will be for sale and others will be displayed to let you see their work. Do come and view our paintings.

Contact: Tom Piercy 01536 712 581 tom@tom-and-ann.demon.co.uk

This picture of "Venice" is painted in Acrylics by Bob Thorogood

Wining and Dining - Nineteen of us enjoyed a meal at the Tong Thai restaurant in Kettering. The food was delicious and the service excellent.

We shall have been to La rue de la Gare in Desborough by the next U3 A meeting.

On April 13th at 7.0pm we shall be dining at the Neville Arms Medbourne, LE16 8EE. If you are interested in joining us please let me know at the next U3A meeting or by 5th April.

Contact: Christine Strachan 01536 515 730 cestrachan1@gmail.com

"Ben" is in Acrylics and is painted by Ginnie Drummond.

Check it out...

www.U3AKettering.co.uk Contact: Jo Beaver on 01933 224 474 or Barbara Goodall on 01536 523 259

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Kettering U3A

Kettering U3A Interest Group Timetable Please contact group co-ordinator for more information before joining a group Day No fixed day Safe Driving

Co-ordinator

Tel.no

Venue

Frequency

Time

Steve Clorley Roy Franklin Ray Bradbury Bridget Ling Maureen Curd

01832 732342 01536 482808 01536 516587 01536 515816 01832 732361

varies varies varies varies varies

varies varies varies varies varies

varies varies varies varies varies

Marian Tucker Maggi McGuire Carole Bradbury Annette Chidwick Maggi McGuire Richard Boyles Trevor Rudkin

01536 510354 01536 392716 01536 516587 01536 523867 01536 392716 01536 744753 01536 711976

Home

3rd Monday

10.00 – 12 noon

Mary Wildman

01536 741222

varies Home Counties CommunityCentre LDS Church, Rothwell Road varies Home Home

3rd Monday 1st & 3rd Mondays 1st Monday 2nd Monday 1st Monday 2nd Monday 2nd Monday

2.00pm 10.00 – 12 noon 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.30—12.30 2.00 – 4.00pm

Richard Boyles Richard Ling Mary Earl Diana Ellis Maggi McGuire Joan Allingham Tom Piercy

01536 744753 01536 515816 01536 522456 01536 723380 01536 392716 01536 722610 01536 712 581

ASDA, Kettering Parish Church Rooms Home Home varies Home Parish Church Rooms

2nd Tuesday 2nd Tuesday 1st Tuesday 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4th Tuesday weekly 1st Tuesday

2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 2.00pm varies 1.30 – 4.00pm 2.00—4.00 pm

Joe Fletcher Bob Thorogood Pauline Parkin Mary Earl Janet Clements Eileen Mason Jean Beaver Ann Kemp Pauline Parkin Christine Strachan

01536 722399 01933 650551 01536 799197 01536 522456 01536 507721 01536 725925 01933 224474 See Newsletter 01536 799 197 01536 515730

Home varies varies Home varies varies St.Andrews Church varies Home varies

Fortnightly 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 3rd Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1st Wednesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday

9.30 – 11.00 am 2.00 – 4.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm 10.00 - 11.30am 2.00pm 2.00pm 10.30—12 noon varies 2.00 - 4.00pm varies

Christine Strachan Derek Warren Mary Wildman Barbara Goodall Jo Beaver

01536 515730 01536 518560 01536 741222 01536 523259 01933 224474

varies varies Home

3rd Thursday 2nd Thursday Fortnightly

2.00 – 4.00pm varies 10.00-12.00

Parish Church Rooms

2nd & 4th Thursdays

1.15 – 3.15pm

Sue Macfarlane Janet Chivers Michele Junin Alan Stephens

01536 523754 01536 214 250 01536 671 971 01536 726911

Bridge Club, Kettering Kino Lounge, Market Place To Be Advised Pytchley Golf Club

weekly 1st Friday 3rd Friday Every Friday

1.30 – 4.00pm 10.00 – 11.30am 2.00—4.00pm 1.00 – 4.00pm

Co-ordinator

Tel.no

Venue

Frequency

Time

Canasta

Margaret Hall

01536 512215

Kettering Bridge Club

Weekly

2.00-4.30pm

Swimming

Isabel Collins

01536 520971

Kettering Pool

Weekly

9.00-9.45am

Singing A

Jill Dee

01536 514054

Fuller Church

Fortnightly Fridays

10.00-11.45

Singing B

Mary Wildman

01536 741222

Fuller Church

Alternate Fridays

10.00-11.45

Gardening Group Heartbeat Travel Groups Monday Card Making 2 Musical Circles 1 Knit and Natter History Family History Photography Theatre English Studies Tuesday Computer Group Discussion Group Greeting Card Making French Lunch Club Sugarcraft Writers Group Wednesday German Conversation Spanish Conversation Bookworms Card Making 1 Looking at Churches Musical Circles 2 Playford Dancing Walking Stichin’ Time Wining & Dining Thursday Canals & Waterways Country Matters Busy Needles Water Colour Painting Friday Bridge Friday Pop In French Conversation Golf

Joint Meeting with Ise Valley U3A Day

Monday

Friday

12 RJB/2016