KINGTONU3A
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2012 – 3 pages this month
New years’ greetings to all you enlightened people. Enlightened because you have joined U3A and can enjoy the many interest groups and attend the monthly social and informative meetings we hold. Where else could you have tea/coffee, biscuits, an interesting talk and a chance to chat with friends for £1? There is a full and varied programme for our monthly meetings for the coming year—we even have Nonny James booked for Christmas 2012. So spread the word and tell you friends all about Kington U3A. Our next general /social meeting is on Thursday, February 9th at 2.00 when Don Syme will be entertaining us with a talk on his time living in the Far East
Our original interest groups continue to flourish and there are some new ones you could join too. There follows some information from the group leaders:-
Art Appreciation
Our small but enthusiastic group are never lost for ideas! We meet at Markwick Community Hall on the first Wednesday of each month at 3.15. We have looked at individual paintings from Renaissance to C20, covering diverse topics such as religious iconography, landscapes, portraits and still life. Impressionists,Pre-Raphaelites and neo classisists have all come under our scrutiny. Recently we have been studying mythological characters in paintings. Our sources range from the Open University, Google images, National and other galleries and Sister Wendy’s comprehensive guide to paintings.
New members are always welcome as they usually offer yet another interesting and individual viewpoint. Contact Ethel Joyce 01544 327771 or Val Pennington 01427 831665.
French
The French group meets twice a month (1st and 3rdTuesday mornings) at 37 Elizabeth Road. There are twelve regular members, all at different stages, but we all have a basic knowledge of French and want to practise our skills. We are using a course -“Facon de Parler”- which includes listening on CD, comprehension, conversation and reading. The topics for conversation are based on everyday situations.
There is a very good ambiance in the group and there is always much laughter and enjoyment- perhaps more fun than learning! The group went out for a French meal inNovember and that was much appreciated. We should like to welcome new members but unfortunately we haven’t room for any more at present.Group leader Mary Whittall
Church Visits (and afternoon tea) Group
I find it hard to believe that I am running this group as my association with churches has had several unfortunate black spots. The first was when I was a girl guide on church parade one Sunday and for reasons which I won’t bore you with just now, I was asked to leave the church (and subsequently the Guides)
The second was when I was old enough to know better; I was in fact a teacher. Picture if you will a bunch of tired, bored thirteen year olds being given a guided tour of York cathedral. Our guide was a very reverent, softly spoken lady of advanced years who soldiered on with her spiel despite the fact that 90% of the group were clearly not interested. I was at the back of the group (making sure that none of the kids escaped) and as I could not hear a word our guide was saying, I started pointing out things of interest to the kids at the back. I noticed that each magnificent pillar had a sculptured model of an angel part way up and coming out of their feet was an ornate spotlight. “OH look” I whispered “There is Terry Lightfoot” The kids around me got the giggles and we were asked to leave.
Well so far I have not disgraced myself on our church visits. We often have a guide who can tell us about the place; its history and the changes made to the place over the centuries. Our last visit was to Staunton on Wye where we were invited back to the home of our guide for afternoon tea and to talk about the history of the area.
Anyone wishing to join us would be made most welcome. We meet at the church on the third Wednesday of each month at 2.30. We do not meet in January or February as the churches are too cold! Contact Jo Jones for details of this springs visits on 01544 327726
Italian Conversation
The Italian conversation group continues. We stopped asking for new members when we became five, not out of any sense of exclusivity but in order to give everyone an opportunity to make a contribution. Unfortunately, two members had difficulty in attending so we became a group of three. We are now expecting to be joined by a new member; we are convinced that a small number is preferable for a group like ours. Maybe we are very garrulous but somehow we manage to keep the conversation going around a range of subjects. The dictionary is brought into use from time to time but only in desperation do we resort to English, soon returning to what passes as Italian. Members of the group are not fluent Italian speakers but regularly go to Italy and two of us have family connections there.
There IS a vacancy at the moment if anyone would like to join. We meet on the first Monday of the month. Call Derrick Rowland on 01544 327118.
Music Appreciation
This group meets at 2.00 on the fourth Thursday of the month at 10, Banley Drive. We listen to a range of musical styles, not just classical stuff. Those who wish to are encouraged to put together a programme, while some are content to just come and listen; either way, we all enjoy the varied styles of music chosen . Space is limited but if you want to join us call Jo Jones on 01544 327726.
The Moral Maze
The Moral Maze is a discussion group which meets at the home of Irene Smith on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 2.30. We will be discussing the use of stem cells but will probably move on to other issues such as Banking Bonuses or the Occupation of St Paul’s.
For further details contact Rodney Wood on 01544 327237.
Industrial Archaeology
This group meets on the first Monday of the month at 2.30. At the indoor meetings this year we have been entertained by individual members recounting places they have been, things they have found or particular interests that they have, all of which are related, however remotely, to Industrial Archaeology.
Our outsides visits have proved very popular and have included visits to Brosely Pipe Works, a leadand silver mine at Llywernog in Ceredigion, studied the fascinating development of Staunton Mill and been through the railway workshops and a ride on the Severn Valley Railway. While in the area we also visited the working Daniels Mill near Bridgenorth with its huge waterwheel. Our most recent visit was to the Elan Valley dams where we ventured along a passage within one of the dams, emerging to a spectacular view from above the centre of this awe-inspiring structure.
Family History
Do you want to try to find out more about your ancestors? If so there is a mass of information available which make it relatively (excuse the pun) easy to trace families back to the mid-1800s, especially if they are from the UK and with luck even further back. Much of this can be done in the comfort of your own home if you have internet computer access, and I am only too happy to help you on your way. Please get in touch and if we have enough demand we can restart this group. But be warned- family history researching can be addictive! Call Ivor Clucas on230837
Creative Writing / Writer’s Circle
This group is restarting in February, meeting at Irene Smith’s at 2.30 on the first Friday of the month. At the moment there are six of us, so we would welcome a few new members. Call Jo Jones on 01544 327726 for details. No previous experience necessary!
KINGTON U3A NEWSLETTER MAY 2011
Let me start by thanking Jo Jones for her sterling work in the chair; hers will be a hard act to follow, and we all hope to continue to feel her cheerful influence on the life of Kington U3A. Thanks, Jo – you are a star.
We are delighted to welcome Anne Bull to the committee; Anne takes over the role of Interest Group Coordinator from Ivor Clucas. Thanks for stepping up to the plate, Anne; I’m sure you will put your personal stamp on this key position. The rest of the committee remains unchanged, and I will continue to organise speakers for monthly meetings. I’m still working on the Chippendales for Jo, but I’m told that they don’t do speaking engagements!!!
No doubt Anne will be sorting the coordination of the groups so I will only mention here that the German Group although in suspension at the present is still raring to go but needs a leader (someone with a bit more German than the rest of us) There is also a strong desire for the Creative Writing Group to get back into gear. So if you feel that you could help with these or indeed have any ideas for new groups please contact Anne. (370235).
We have found that it isn’t possible to get a speaker for every meeting, mainly because of the cost – we simply can’t afford it on our current income, and my heartfelt thanks go to the members who have given the most excellent talks for us for a cup of tea and a biscuit. We have arranged to have film shows at some meetings where it has not been possible to have a speaker, and I think this may be the reason for the low attendance at the April meeting. So back to the drawing board with that idea.
These meetings should help us to develop and inform our membership – if we can’t maintain interest in the meetings; I fear that the interest groups may begin to struggle. We must address the issue of monthly meetings seriously, and we need your input, so we would love to see you at the May meeting on the 14th, and at the AGM on June 9th at the Kington Football Club , 2pm where you can air your views.
May I remind you that membership fees are due in May and you will find a renewal form enclosed with this newsletter (or as a separate attachment if you are receiving this by e-mail) and we would be most grateful if you would also return the form if you do not wish to continue your membership.
Kington U3A belongs to all of us, so let us all do what we can to see that it continues to thrive.
Yours sincerely
Lesley Gudge
Chair
