Newsletter

Membership Secretary: Audrey Brown, Fair Lea, Oldfields Road. Uttoxeter, ST14 7QJ Tel: 01889 569608

NEXT NEWSLETTER will be out in APRIL so will Group Leaders and any other member with information they would like to share with the wider membership, please let Derek Green have your draft copy for the Newsletter by APRIL 1^st.

The pub lunch planned for Saturday 18^th February has been cancelled, but the one on 24^th March will go ahead.

SATURDAY 24th MARCH – Pub Lunch at THE PLOUGH, Stafford Road, (A518) Uttoxeter.

To all members of the poetry group, our next meeting is on Wednesday February: 1st at the Quaker house at approx: 2/15-4 pm. We will talk about a new programme for the next 6 months and we may enquire about using a different venue as it may be more convenient for our members, so a good attendance would be appreciated as it is important we please all our members. Looking forward to seeing you all at the next meeting and of course new members will be made very welcome.
Sheila Morrell 01889592995

Don’t forget to book for the 10 Pin Bowling at the Cinebowl on Friday 10^th February at 1.40pm, only £8 for 2 games. Give Phil or Alison a ring on 01889 565730. Hope to see you there.

IS BEING SHOWN AGAIN ON TUESDAY morning the 31st at 10-15am please be in your seat for 10-00am.

I have just had an e.mail from my friend in Durham who is part of an Appalachian side. They only have five dancers but have three musicians. So come on Uttoxeter U3A, where are all you wonderful musicians hiding?

There are still places available for this trip. If you haven’t yet booked, or have given me your name but not yet paid, please let me have a cheque for £35 payable to Uttoxeter U3A by Wednesday February 15^th. That date is an absolute deadline after which I have to pay Symphony Hall for the exact number of seats we need.

When I last wrote a letter for the newsletter, it was summer and we were all enjoying some sunny weather and watching Wimbledon. Now it is winter and Christmas is just around the corner but, in this newsletter, we look forward to a new year and the promise of some exciting events in the next few months.

Firstly, let me give a warm welcome to all our new members. We seem to have new members joining every week, so keep telling people what a wonderful organisation Uttoxeter U3A is. I hope you find many activities to keep you occupied and interested and if there isn’t a group for your particular specialism, don’t hesitate to mention it, as there is plenty of help available to set up a new interest group.

We have had a great start to our new U3A year with all but one interest group restarting. The Whist group which used to meet on Saturday afternoons is not meeting at present and we do thank Cynthia for leading the group and welcoming them into her home.

One group, the Water Colour Painting and Calligraphy group, has moved venues and now meets in the new Fire Station’s community room and the French Conversation Group is moving there in January. This room is free of rent and therefore helps the smaller groups who feel uncomfortable as they do not meet the rent on their rooms every week. This isn’t a problem at the moment as we have some large groups which can always help subsidise the smaller groups.

It has been quite a whirlwind since the AGM when I was elected chairman and I must say thank you to all the committee, the group leaders and you the members, for all your support. It has been a steep learning curve but I hope I have reached the top of it now. A special thank you must go to Derek Green, who has been covering the Vice Chairman’s position in the absence of an elected officer. Volunteers are required for this position. Don’t be shy; we really do need a Vice Chairman at the next AGM.

I must stop rambling now. It just leaves me to say that Phil and I wish you all the best for 2012 and hope you enjoy the interest groups and all the outings, social events and holidays that have been arranged for you.

A R T: This group meets weekly on a Monday afternoon` at the Fire Station with joint leaders Winifred Astle,( 01283 585575) and Maggie Hatchard ( 01283 820207), taking alternate weeks. The group starts again on January 23^rd 2012 at 2pm and continues until April 2nd when it will take a break for the summer.

BEADCRAFT: The Group meets every Thursday morning 9.30-12.30 at the Catholic Guild Hall in Balance Street. Our dates after Christmas: January 26^th February 23^rd March 29^th and April 26th

BOWLING – Ten Pin: For just £8 you can enjoy 2 games of bowling, including shoe hire; half-time coffee; trophies to compete for and an action packed afternoon of fun and laughter. Please contact Phil or Alison to book your place Tel 01889 565730. Monday 16^th January 2012, Friday 10^th February 2012 and Thursday 8th March 2012.

COMPUTER GROUPS: The Computer Groups will restart on Thursday, January 12^th at the Bank House, Uttoxeter. As in the past, the courses will be in two sessions: the first, starting at 9:30am for beginners, with a programme covering about 10 weeks; and the second, at 11:00, is for those with a reasonable grasp of the basics who wish to build specific skills. If you have not been to the group so far, but would like to start attending either of the sessions, please phone or email me for a programme of the intended topics. Philip Jackson (01889 566092) or to email (U3Acomputing@gmail.com)

CRAFT GROUP: Unfortunately we have lost three of our stalwarts due to long term illnesses.Our projects for Malawi and Headway are on-going. We meet Monday afternoons at Heath Community Centre, 2-4pm New Crafters welcome!! Re-open 9th January. Tel Marion 562393

DANCING (Country Dancing): This popular Group continues to meet every Tuesday afternoon in

DIGITAL CAMERA GROUP: Meetings are usually held in Bank House Hotel, on the 4th Wednesday of each month, from 2 – 4 pm unless shown otherwise. Keith Jones, our tutor, often sets a photographic challenge at each meeting so that we can look at our achievements the following month. The programme for the beginning of 2012 is: January 25^th: Close-up, seasonal, photographs members have taken using the information from Keith’s December workshop will be looked at and discussed. Photographic New Year resolutions will be made so please bring yours!! February 29^th: Slide shows. Members’, and others’, slide shows prepared in various ways with different programmes. Please let John know if you have a masterpiece to show and are prepared to talk about the easy, and difficult, parts of making it. March 28^th: A U3A video providing hints and tips for good digital photographs, followed by a discussion - details to be arranged. April 25^th: Weather permitting – an afternoon taking photographs of spring around JCB lake with Keith on hand to guide us into good habits. New members are always welcome. We cover a wide range of abilities and cameras so there should always be someone similar to you.

NOT DOING VERY WELL WITH YOUR CAMERA? The Digital Camera Group are considering putting on a limited number of weekly meetings, probably 4 or 5, aimed at members who have either just obtained a digital camera (at Christmas?) or already have one but feel very unsure about how it should be used. If sufficient people are interested these sessions will be arranged March/April time in 2012. They will be run by Keith and John with some helpers from the Digital Camera Group. It is hoped that many will find their photography sufficiently interesting that they will then come to our Digital Camera Group meetings to further their knowledge and enjoyment. More details are on the U3A notice-board in Wetherspoons. If these proposed sessions sound like the thing for you, please give John a call Tel 562208 or email jm.kenny@virgin.net to register your interest and contact details. He will then keep in touch with you about the arrangements.

DIM (Digital Image Manipulation) GROUP: The current DIM group is full and holding regular meetings tutored by John Roberts. There is a small waiting list but we need around 10 members before another new group can be started. Photographs are altered and improved using Photoshop Elements. You need to be adept with both a digital camera and a computer to benefit from this course. Contact John Kenny (details as above) if you want to find out more and to be put on the list.

FREEHAND MACHINE EMBROIDERY: We are a small self-help group, who would love some more members to join us. We try out different techniques on different textiles, to hopefully produce something beautiful or interesting or useful (and sometimes even all three in one!). No experience needed, but you do need your own machine. Meetings held once a month - usually the first Thursday in the month, at the Guildhall, 10-12am. Please contact Susanne Imrie 01785 819703 or sfimrie@aol.com, and I will be very happy to tell you more.

F R E N C H: From Tuesday, January 10th. 2012, the French group will meet in the conference room at the Fire Station, Uttoxeter. At the moment, there is room for only one more participant in the group, but a waiting list could be created for a ten-week session from the New Year to the end of March. For more information Tel Margaret 568328

GARDENING (Organic): Meets from 10.30 until 11.30 at the Quaker Meeting House, Carter Street. Future dates: Thursday 5th January, Thursday 2nd February, Thursday 1st March. We are planning to visit gardens such as the Bluebell Wood in Yoxhall, Ryton Gardens, Bramshall etc. Please contact Lynne by email lynne.emmett@hotmail.co.uk

G E N E A L O G Y: Having had a very successful previous term we are taking a break in January. The dates for our Spring 2012 session are as follows: February 7^th,March 6^th,April 3^rd^,May 1^st^,June 5^th^.We shall then take a break for the summer and recommence in September. New members of the group are especially welcome. For further details give me a call, Phil Greenwood, 01889 565922

H I S T O R Y: The History Group meets at the Cine bowl at 10.00am on the dates shown below - except for the school holiday periods as indicated. For further information please contact Derek Green on 01889 560122.

LEISURELY RAMBLING: Meet at Bramshall Road carpark 9.30am (car share) Future dates:

For more information or if you would like to lead a walk please contact Thelma on 01889 566461

M A H J O N G: Meets at the Bank House fortnightly on Monday afternoons 2pm-4pm. Restarts on January 9^th. New players very welcome. Please contact Ann Tel 01889 569993.

MUSIC APPRECIATION: The group meets at the cine bowl at 10.30am to listen and learn about music that may or may not be familiar to you. The selection is mainly classical although we do occasionally play items from a different genre. You are more that welcome to come and join us on any of the dates shown below. You will be made most welcome.

10th January / 24th January / 21st February / 28th February 13th March / 27th March / 17th April 24th April. NB. Although we try to meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday's of the month the cine bowl is not always available so some of the above dates do not fit. If you would like any further information please contact Derek Green on 01889 560122

P O E T R Y: Future dates for our Poetry Group held at the Quaker house 2.15 - 4 pm as follows:
JANUARY 4th, FEBRUARY 1^ST, MARCH 7^TH, APRIL 4^TH, MAY2nd and JUNE 6th
We have a different subject at each meeting and sometimes join Cheadle U3A when they have guest poets who are very entertaining. We are also hoping that one of our members is going to hold a workshop in the near future. Everyone is welcome to come and join our group on any of the dates stated. For more information please contact Sheila on 01889 592995.

RECORDERS: We continue to enjoy playing pieces in 3 or 4 parts, with one or 2 players to each part, and we are improving all the time! We meet again on Monday, January 9^th. For more information please contact Brenda on 01283 814710 or email welch646@btinternet.com

SINGING FOR PLEASURE: We are delighted to report that this informal, mixed (men too now!), friendly Group has reformed under our new leader, Rhoda Castle, and meet at the Catholic Guild Hall at 11.15am on Wednesdays. We are currently meeting weekly in preparation for our Christmas performance at Wetherspoons on 14^th December and also at the New Year Social on Friday, 20th January at Wilfred House. Thereafter we may return to fortnightly meetings. New Year dates as follows: January 4^th, January 11^th and January 18^th For more information please contact Maureen on 566025. No auditions – just turn up!

Members’ Musings:Reminders from Thelma: Payment for Pipes in the Barn £15.50 (Cheques made out to Uttoxeter U3A) by 6^th January please. For those booked on the Norfolk & Sandringham trip: could you please let me have the balance of £239.00 (single room supp £19.00) by 10^th February. Cheques made payable to: Simply Groups Trust Account. Thank you.

U3A HOLIDAYS: Following advice from the Third Age Trust, our headquarters, we need to make a few changes to how we pay for any holidays we go on arranged by U3A.

In order to be covered by the Travel Companies public liability insurance, all payments should be made on an individual basis, directly to the company and NOT to the U3A.In this way a contract is clearly established between an individual and the company, rather than with the U3A as an entity.

So in future ALL cheques, and cheques only please, will have to be made payable to the Travel Company for both the deposit and then the remaining balance. This does not include personal accident/injury or travel insurance. Both these are your responsibility to take out to cover yourself and you will be asked to sign a form saying if you have/have not any travel insurance. I am sorry that this sounds so formal but we do need to protect Thelma from personal liability. Alison Belt

Thelma worked her usual magic with our recent trip to Scotland. Our coach was superb and the drivers so helpful – taking us over to Edinburgh in the East to escape the rain on “Christmas Eve”. Whilst some of us looked over the royal yacht and had a coach tour of the city with a fantastic guide, others explored the city on their own.

A visit to Glamis Castle was magical and seeing pictures of the Royal Family at play, from small children to the present day, added to the personal feel of the castle. The rooms we saw were breath-taking and it was easy to see how the late Queen Mother loved staying there.

Dinner on our last evening there, “New Year’s Eve” was hilarious with screaming balloons, paper hats and lots of laughter whilst the patient staff tried to serve another delicious meal. Later we were entertained by a piper and two beautiful lassies performing Scottish dances.

A thousand thanks to Thelma (her stock of jelly-babies must be exhausted by now) and for all the chocolates and personal care she showered us with will stay in the memory for ever. Here’s to the next time!! Jean Hayward

CONCERTS: The concert on November 3rd lived up to our expectations! Now that we're into our second year of concert trips, there are one or two questions in my mind. Is everybody happy with concerts conducted by Andris Nelsons and John Wilson, or would you prefer more variety? Are you happy with 2 concerts a year, or would you prefer more, or less? If you'd like more variety, do you have a favourite period or composer whose music you are particularly fond of? Or do you enjoy discovering new things? Are you happy with the choir seats with the view of the conductor in action, and of what happens in the orchestra (such as the strange “things” on some players' shoulders' last week – which were checking the decibel level around them). Or would you prefer to sit in the body of the hall, which might well cost more. (I'll have the seating plans including prices at Coffee Mornings if you'd like to have a look.) I have booked Choir seats for April but we could try something else for the 2012-13 season! If you have strong views about any of this, let me know. Brenda Welch

BIRMINGHAM TATTOO: Owing to a cancellation there is one spare ticket for this fantastic event on Sunday, 11^th December leaving Tesco’s at 9am or, if preferred, coach only for shopping etc. If interested please contact Thelma on 01889 566461 or Audrey on 01889 569608 a.s.a.p.

MILK CONTAINER TOPS: Many thanks to all the members who have responded to my appeal with such enthusiasm. It has increased the amount collected considerably but is still only a small amount compared with what it could be. It will continue to be an on-going project so it is never to late to start saving. For more information please contact Audrey on 01889 569608 and please leave a message if I am not available.

From our LIAISON OFFICER: I would like to thank all the Group Leaders who kindly helped me to sell U3A Diaries again this year. Also many thanks to all members who bought summer garden produce each week – the total of £31.16 added to U3A funds is due to your generosity.

The AGM held in Nottingham was well attended. The lectures were linked with education and scientific subjects and all the speakers were experts in their field of work.

The Summer School in Cirencester was another success – fully booked with interesting groups including Singing for Pleasure, History, Literature and many others. These bring U3A members together from all parts of the world, as well as the UK. Next year there will be a Summer School at the excellent Harper Adams Agricultural College, not far from Stafford, lasting three days, offering good food and accommodation as well as evening entertainment. Cynthia Firman.

USEFUL TIP: Many members will know they can save money on train fares by booking in advance on the internet and most of us would instinctively gravitate to Trainline. Unfortunately they add extras like a charge for credit cards. Well, a relatively new firm, redspottedhanky.com does not add any charge for credit cards or postage and now accept Tesco Vouchers. From 1st December 2011 your Clubcard vouchers will be worth 2x their value for redspottedhanky.com. As Reward tokens usually last six months it could be worth investigating. I have used them and found them very good.

Any other good ideas and useful tips? Please share them so that we can all benefit.

J A N U A R Y

NEW YEAR SOCIAL

FRIDAY 20TH JANUARY 2012 7pm – 10.30p.m at WILFRED HOUSE

Please bring a plate of food for the Buffet Table and your own drink and glass

Tickets £4 available from Thelma on 01889 566461 and Coffee Mornings

F E B R U A R Y

Wednesday, 8^th February 7.30pm at Garrick Theatre, LICHFIELD

SINCERELY NOËL
staring Alistair McGowan & Charlotte Page

The impossibility and necessity of love is certainly the theme of many of the songs and poems showcased in this wonderful evening some of which will be performed publicly for the first time. £17.50 (+ extra if car sharing req) Tel Audrey 569608.

Saturday, 18^th February.

PUB LUNCH at THE PLOUGH, Stafford Rd. Uttoxeter 12.15 pm Book and order by 13^th February.

Menu from Maggie Tel 01538 751848 email chris.washington@btinternet.com

Saturday 18th February

Johann Strauss Gala Evening

Derby Assembly Rooms

Price £28.00 payment with order a.s.a.p. Tel Thelma 01889 566461

M A R C H

Friday 23^rd March 7.30pm at Garrick Theatre,LICHFIELD

Go Play Up Your Own End

A group of neighbours fight against the odds to rebuild their lives, relationships and the city of the birth (Birmingham) in a Britain made bankrupt by two world wars. The story is told with humour and song showing the pragmatic Brummie and Black Country spirit and ingenuity remains. £21 (+ extra if car share req.) Tel Audrey 01889 569608

Saturday 24 March PUB LUNCH.

Further information from Maggie Tel 01538 751848 or email chris.washington@btinternet.com

Friday, 30^th March

B A R N D A N C E

Wilfred House Friday 30th March 2012 7pm to 10-30p.m.

Please bring a plate of food for the Buffet Table and your own drink and glass

Tickets £3 available from Thelma Tel 01889 566461 and Coffee Mornings

A P R I L

Monday, 2nd APRIL 2pm

T U T B U R Y C A S T L E

Come along and meet Nell Gwynne in the Great Hall who will give us a talk on the character followed by cream tea in the pretty tea room. Car share £13.50 Tel Thelma 01889 566461 and Coffee Mornings

Saturday 14^th April 2.30pm matinee Garrick Theatre, LICHFIELD

ON GOLDEN POND

A timeless and endearing love story staring Stephanie Powers, Richard Johnson & Elizabeth Carling

£23 (+ extra if car sharing req.) Tel Audrey 01889 569608

Wednesday April 25th

C O N C E R T at Symphony Hall, Birmingham

John Wilson conducting the CBSO playing British Classics including Elgar, Coates, Delius and Ketelbey.

Coach leaves Tesco 10.30am – return approx. 6pm.

Details are on the notice board at the coffee morning each week.

Brenda Welch Tel: 01283 814710 e-mail: welch646@btinternet.com

M A Y

Wednesday, 2^nd May

BOSCOBEL HOUSE AND MOSELEY OLD HALL

Footsteps of a king “Discover the tale of Royal fugitive ~ King Charles II”

Coach departs Tesco 9 am

English Heritage Member: £15.50 N.T.Members: £15.00 Non English Heritage or N.T Members: £21.00

N.T. & English Heritage Members: £9.50 Tel Thelma 01889 566461 or at Coffee Mornings

Wednesday 23^rd May

ALTON TOWERS HOUSE & GARDENS

Have a peep behind the scenes and enjoy an evening conducted tour of our local famous attraction and learn about the history of the ruins from Alton Lodge to the present day. Designated free parking and refreshments included £11. Meet 5.45pm at Alton Towers or 5.30pm at Tesco if car sharing required. Tel Christine 01889 591254 or Thelma 566461

Saturday, 26^th May 2.30pm matinee Garrick Theatre, LICHFIELD

Vienna Festival Ballet

SWAN LAKE

£18.00 (+ extra if car sharing req) Tel Audrey 01889 569608

J U N E

Thursday 7^th June 7.30pm Garrick Theatre, LICHFIELD

SWING IT WITH THE OPERA DUDES

The Garrick welcomes the hilarious Opera Dudes with their unique blend of style, swing and slapstick humour. This is one of the funniest and most original classical double acts you will ever see. No other act will take you from Verdi to Elvis or Lloyd Webber via Rachmanioff and Donald Duck! With backing from a live swing band prepare to be entertained, enraptured and incapacitated in equal measure.

£18 (+ extra if car share req) Tel Audrey 01889 569608

D E C E M B E R

Monday 3^rd December for five days

TURKEY & TINSEL on the ISLE OF WIGHT

Price £255.00 – single room supp. £17.00 (7 only)

Deposit by 31^st January Cheques made payable to Dunwood Travel Ltd.

Full details from Thelma at Coffee Mornings 10am – 11am upstairs in Wetherspoons

9th Jan	Derek Green	The Chartist Movement 1838-1859
16th Jan	Alun Munslow	A History of Cities - 1. London
23rd Jan	Maggie Washington	Art History -
30th Jan	Sanita Duddes	History & Development of the WRVS.
6th Feb	Chris Washington	Crime & Punishment in the 18th century.
13th Feb	Half Term	No Talk
20th Feb	Alun Munslow	A History of Cities - 2. New York
27th Feb	Derek Green	The Maya Civilization
5th March	DVD	Samurai Japan - "Lost Treasure of the Ancient World"
12th March	Maggie Washington	Art History -
19th March	Alun Munslow	A History of Cities - 3. Manchester
26th March	Derek Green	George I - The First Hanoverian King
2nd April	Easter Holiday	No Talk
9th April	Easter Holiday	No Talk
16th April	Alun Munslow	A History of Cities - 4. Chicago
23rd April		T B A
30th April	Derek Green	T B A