February 2020

http://u3asites.org.uk/lowestoft

Special Points of Interest

Chairman’s Report

Group Updates

Photographs

Trips & Outings

Trip Reports

Diary Dates

Membership Update

Group Schedule

Registered Charity 1001662

Chairman’s Report

Inside This Issue:

Dear Members, After an unnecessarily eventful year in 2019, we turn with confidence into 2020. We are moving slowly to introduce a Cribbage Group and we are still considering the Ukulele question. This can only be answered if we have a Ukulele playing leader within the membership. Please get in touch. Also, we are planning to take part in the National U3A Day on the 3rd June. We have already hired space at the Library in Lowestoft. This will be a major operation for us, so we need volunteers, both at group level and individuals. Please get in touch. Betty Coster, who has been leader for the Scrabble Group for many years, has decided to rest up from these responsibilities. She has been a stalwart member over many years. Some of that time was spent on the committee. We thank her for all she has done and hope that she enjoys her time as a member from now on. Dorothy Lomas is retiring from leadership of the Tuesday Bridge. We thank her for all the work she has done in the U3A over many years, including her time on the committee. I have put an advert for the committee in this newsletter on page 3. Please consider this. We invite members to attend our monthly committee meetings on the second Thursday of each month (except August and December) starting at 10.00 at Colville House. Have a good year in Lowestoft U3A. Learn, Laugh and Live.

Harold Waterman

Membership Update / U3A Day 2

Music Appreciation /Rambling groups / Advert

3

A life Remembered/ Poem 4

Social History / Chuckle Corner 5

Diary Dates Committee Details 6

Groups Programme 7

Art For All / Joke 8

Computing—Living with Technology: There are spaces available in this group, which runs at Colville House on Wednesday between 10.30 and 12.30. Anyone wanting to become more proficient with modern technology, come along and see what’s on offer. The sessions are based around learning how to use laptops, which are provided, but any topic relating to technology is open for discussion.

New Group Suggestion: It has been proposed that a Backgammon group be added to the existing Chess group. Interest in the first instance to Peter Riches, Group leader.

Quiz Group: The Quiz group meets at 2. 1 5pm on 2nd Thursday of the month at Trinity Methodist Church, Lowestoft (opp. Lighthouse). Parking is available in Park Road. Members are sorted into teams at each meeting. The questions are general knowledge with some of the existing members taking it in turns to set the questions. They are a friendly lot with a good sense of humour, none of them geniuses! Come along and see for yourself. New members are always made welcome.

Groups News

Page 2 U3A Newsletter

We would like to welcome the following new members who have joined since publication of the October newsletter.

Membership Update

It is with regret that we must mark the passing of one of our members:

She will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her.

Kathleen Wimpenny

With Regrets

Margaret Allsop Susanne Bailey Gillian Barber

Carol Blanc Marilyn Booth Yvonne Charles

Mary Davis

Jerry De Mierre Christopher Fawkes

David Ford Janet Free

Gillie Grace-Hair Roy Grace-Hair Jane Harrington

Delphine Keyzor Arthur Marjoram

Wilma Marsh Christine Mills Sally Montague

Peggy Pacini Helen Parker

Cris Smith Marlene Smith

Michael Weston Shirley Wright

First NATIONAL U3A Day (Wednesday of Volunteer Week)

Every U3A across the UK is invited to:

Participate in RAISING THE PROFILE of their U3A

Help challenge negative preceptions of older adults

Invite other Third Agers to learn how U3A supports the lives of retired people.

First National U3A Day 3rd June 2020

Page 3 February 2020

MEMBERS - WE NEED YOU ON OUR COMMITTEE TO HELP RUN THE LOWESTOFT U3A. FOR TOO LONG WE HAVE RUN THIS U3A WITH A FEW MEMBERS DOING MANY ROLES. NOW WE ARE TIRED AND BADLY NEED YOUR HELP. WITHOUT IT, LOWESTOFT U3A WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE. WE THINK LOWESTOFT U3A IS WORTH FAR MORE THAN THIS. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP AND DO NOT WANT TO SEE LOWESTOFT U3A COMING TO A GRINDING HALT, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMITTEE AS A MATTER OF URGENCY. COME AND SEE OUR COMMITTEE IN ACTION. THE COMMITTEE. FEBRUARY 2020

Advert

I’ve recently moved from Malaysia to Carlton Colville and have hugely appreciated the warm welcome I’ve been given as a U3A newbie. The first group I joined is the Walking Group and on a dull and overcast 23 January six of us explored the natural and man-made coastal scenery of Gunton and North Lowestoft. We started at St Peter’s Church and walked as far as Britain’s most easterly point – the Euroscope at Ness. Parts of this stretch look rundown and forlorn and of course there is extensive industrial activity there with the Bird’s Eye factory and other enterprises. There is also much evidence of ongoing beach erosion, but at the same time, on this stretch are a host of treasures, including Sparrows Nest Gardens with its film studio and Italian restaurant; also the

lighthouse and the Maritime Museum. On the way, Britain’s most easterly café, the Lighthouse Diner, is an excellent refreshment stop. We rounded off the walk with a quick foray into Gunton Woods to see the early snowdrops and aconites. All of this will be very familiar to most readers, but as a newcomer I found this walk most informative and educational. Warm thanks to Bridget and Paul for organising it, and indeed, all the forthcoming walks to look forward to.

Jane Harrington

Rambling Group walk 23 January, 2020

Each Thursday the Music Appreciation group meet at St Margaret's church hall. Our members have various musical tastes, and it can be most interesting to hear other people's choices of music ranging from popular music of the day to the classics. We are a friendly group where new friendships have been formed. New members are always made to feel most welcome.

John Fuller

Music Appreciation Group

Page 4 U3A Newsletter

Young Bridget (LOL ed.) has goaded me to publish my life history in the Newsletter ( Yawn ). In order to deflect her nagging, I suppose that I best submit something :--

Part 1 - Introduction Did you know that I have performed at the Royal Albert Hall on three occasions? Firstly with my side drum, during a Boys Brigade Display. Secondly, when my Air Cadets pals made a third-scale Tiger Moth and we pushed it into the arena. Lastly, in September 1982, I sang “ Rule Britannia” at the Last Night of the Proms. On 5" July, 1956, I changed my name. When I first met Margaret in Interlaken, I don’t know why, but I said "and I'm Johnnie". We went on to marry and every Christmas I was allocated the task of writing over 100 cards, having to concentrate whether I signed “John”, or "Johnnie". Another important month in my life was September, 2008, when I first attended U3A Art and Music Appreciation groups. I thoroughly enjoy preparing my presentations and then sitting back and taking in the handiwork of others. Unfortunately, I have a heart problem, and will have to pause attending the many activities. Undaunted, I will return in 2020 !! Keep Smiling.

Part 2 - I Hate Sport At my Clapham Grammar School, I was in Cavendish House. It was there that I learnt that cricket balls hurt. I was always so padded up that it was impossible for me to run. So, I took up Rugby Fives, where the balls hurt as much, but, at least, I was allowed to dodge them. My family was so poor that they could not afford to buy me a tennis racquet; I protected my right hand with a padded glove. | never did have a left glove. I could not master rugby with its stupid rule that you cant pass forward. I ran backwards, but that was not accepted. I was Cavendish Reserve Team, substitute goalkeeper. It was many months before I learnt that goalies are allowed to handle the ball. As a teenager, I would cycle with my father to Stamford Bridge to watch the second half of all Chelsea’s home matches. Well, at Half Time, they would open up the gates, and let the plebs in for free. We paid for a whole match, when Moscow Dynamos visited. Unfortunately, they went on to win 9-0. That was also the score when I took my son to see Spurs thrash Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup. David tore up the programme I'd bought him. Last week, Southwold RFC beat Ongar RFC 97-0. Pity they missed that last minute penalty. Chelsea used to be known as the Music Hall Club. They’re not laughing now. John/Johnnie Butler

A Life Remembered - In parts

Have you been to Fritton? To the Flea Market, garden Shop and Owl Centre there? Seen in the latter, the rescued birds – who’ll give you a baleful, unblinking, yellow-green-eyed stare. There’s lots of other creatures there you’d perhaps enjoy to see and the Flea market’s full of all sorts of things, with the exception of a flea! The Owl Centre’s animals are varied - owls, goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, to name but a few. It’s almost like a friendly, small, but well run zoo. There is no charge for admission – what is there, is an awful lot. It’s worth a special visit – just ensure to put some money in the pot. For young folk – I’d say don’t miss a treat, it’s a short and pleasant journey - there’s lots of creatures there to meet. David J Hancock 13.09.19

The Owl Centre

Page 5 February 2020

Social History - Visit to Waveney Rush

Waveney Rush is the leading worldwide supplier of the highest quality rush products. It can be found tucked away behind a huge wooden gate and woven wicker fence, overlooking Oulton Broad. The historic techniques carried out in the building can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times and, as part of our planned programme, the Social History Group were recently lucky enough to have a guided tour of the premises by Millie , the workshop manager, who made us most welcome.

The tour of the workshop started in the room where the rushes are stored, the smell as you walk into the space is wonderful

Here the bundles of reeds that are harvested both locally and in Holland are soaked, drained and mangled (to make the rushes easier to handle and pliable), from here they are taken up to the work shop where they are plaited, woven, stitched and shaped into their products, all of which are environmentally friendly.

The talented weavers undoubtedly have a skill and dedication to their craft. They stand for 8 hrs a day plaiting and weaving the rushes into continuous bands of various widths.

The woven bands are then left to completely dry before painstakingly being stitched together by hand to make carpets, runners, matting, baskets and various other bespoke items.

Their products grace many rooms in National Trust properties as well as the homes of Royalty and the rich and famous.

The reputation of Waveney Rush is such that, when a piece of rush matting (circa 1500) was found beneath a false floor at Hampton Court Palace in 1993, the company was commissioned to create a replica weave of rush matting in the 9 ply pattern to cover an area of 43 sq yds.

During our visit, the ladies in the workshop demonstrated their talents and answered the myriad of questions we threw at them. Our group got the opportunity to

see at first hand the skill involved in weaving and construction, which has been handed down over many generations.

Thanks to Millie, the morning was rounded off with tea and homemade cakes, which were delicious!

The perfect ending to a superb visit.

Tim Harris

Chuckle Corner-submitted by Annie Pearce

A vegan said to me, “People who sell meat are disgusting”. I said “People who sell fruit and vege-tables are grocer!”

Apparently, you can’t use ‘beefstew’ as a password - It’s not stroganoff! On Monday we start Diarrhea Awareness Week. Runs until Friday. Be careful when you follow the Masses - Sometimes the M is silent. Hear about the new restaurant called Karma? - There’s no menu: You get what you deserve.

Page 6 U3A Newsletter

Committee Contacts

A list of upcoming speakers at our monthly meetings from 10.15am at the London Road Baptist Church:

Open Meeting Speakers

March 25 John Midwinter ‘Climate Change—What should we do about it?’

April 29 Sarah Doig 'A Sign of the Times' - Told through East Anglian vil-lage signs

May 27 David Reeve ‘Protecting our Royals’

June 24 Members only Annual General Meeting

Chairman Harold Waterman chair@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Secretary Cathy Craig secretary@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Treasurer Peter Riches treasurer@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Membership Sec. Irene Creevey membership@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Groups Coordinator William Rouse groups@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Minutes Secretary Julie Hogg minsec@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

IT Manager Michael Weston itdept@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Newsletter Editor Bridget Newbery newsletter@u3a-lowestoft.org.uk

Outings are arranged monthly throughout the year. With the exception of theatre trips to Norwich, transport is provided from pick-up points around Lowestoft. The outings are very friendly and can be enjoyed by members who are on their own. Payment for trips can be made by cheque (payable to Lowestoft U3A) or can now be made electronically into the U3A bank account, details 09-01-28 90136266 (please let me know if you are paying by this method). If paying by cheque, write the name of the outing on the reverse and if you are paying for other members please list their names. Booking and payment is usually required four weeks before the trip. Theatre visits often have to be paid for well in advance. Thank you to all those who completed the choices form for this year’s outings. The following programme is based on the results.

Theatre Visits and Outings

Wed 18 March Theatre Royal Norwich

Behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal, 2pm. Tour & cream/cake Tea. Own Transport. 20 places only. £9.50/£8.25.

Mon 27 April Eye. Picturesque small town. Town trail. Abbey Hall, tea. £40.

Wed 13 May Ely Tour of the Cathedral, Oliver Cromwell Museum. Time in town. £37.

Thurs 14 May Theatre Royal Norwich

The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter, 2.30pm. Own Transport. £35

Wed 17 June Mannington Hall North Norfolk

Home of the Walpole family. Tour of house and gardens. £31

Thurs 9 July Wells, Railway & Walsingham

Free time in Wells, Return railway trip. Visit Abbey gardens and Shrines. £36.50.

Fri 21 August Framlingham Castle & Bedfield Hall. Tour and tea. £48.

Mon 21 September Kentwell, Long Melford

Tudor House and gardens. £35.

Fri 6 November Bletchley Park Home of the Code Breakers. £43.70.

Page 7 February 2020

Monthly Meetings: Last Wednesday of month (not July, Aug, Dec) 10 for 10.30 am London Rd Baptist Church

Lowestoft U3A Programme February 2020

Writers’ Group 10.00-11.30 Colville House 2nd & 4th Monday

Photography 10.00-12.00 Homes (telephone for details) 1st & 3rd Monday

Scrabble 10.00-12.00 Colville House Weekly

Social History 10.00-12.00 Colville House 3rd Monday

French (proficient) 10.30-12.00 Homes (telephone for details) Fortnightly

Art for All 13.30-15.30 Colville House Fortnightly

Bookworms 14.00-16.00 Colville House 2nd Monday

Table Tennis 14.00-16.00 United Reform Church Weekly

Play Reading 10.00-11.30 Wesley House Weekly

Country Dance 10.00-12.00 St Marks Church, Oulton Broad Fortnightly

Spanish 10.30-12.00 Homes (telephone for details) Weekly

Bridge 13.15-15.45 Colville House Weekly

Canasta 14.00-16.00 Seagull Theatre 2nd & 4th Tuesday

Family History 14.00-16.00 Homes (telephone for details) 2nd Tuesday

Carpet Bowls 10.30-12.30 Colville House 1st & 3rd Wednesday

Computing - Living w. Tech 10.30-12.30 Colville House Not last Wednesday

Chess 14.00-16.00 Colville House 2nd & 4th Wednesday

Computer Clinic 14.00-16.00 Colville House Weekly

Mixed Crafts 14.00-16.00 Colville House Weekly

French Improvers 10.00-12.00 Colville House Weekly

Music Appreciation 10.00-12.00 St Margaret’s Small Hall Weekly

Rambling / Walking 10.15-12.00 Various 4th Thursday

Science 14.00-16.00 Homes (telephone for details) 2nd & 4th Thursday

Tai Chi 14.00-16.00 Colville House Weekly

German 14.30-16.30 Homes (telephone for details) Weekly

Quiz Group 14.30-16.30 Trinity Methodist Church 2nd Thursday

Art Appreciation 10.30-12.00 Colville House Weekly

Luncheon Club 12.00-14.00 The Hotel Victoria 1st Friday

Bridge & Rummikub 13.30-15.30 Colville House Weekly

World History 13.45-15.00 Telephone for details Last Friday

Singing 14.00-16.00 St Margaret’s Small Hall Weekly

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Lowestoft

Right: Picture of a Pug - In Pastels by Irene Creevey

Below: 2 Watercolours by Annie Pearce

Art For All Group

The Art for All Group meets on the first and third Mondays of each month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Colville House. Below, you will see an inspiring collection of paintings from some of the members. Our 2020 programme is now available on the U3A Lowestoft Website. If for any reason, we have to change one of the scheduled dates, we try to let our members know well in advance. During some sessions we concentrate on our own work, exchanging ideas and techniques as we go along. Other times, we set a theme to motivate us. Twice termly, we invite a guest artist to give a demonstration of their work and these sessions are al-ways very popular. If you require more information, don’t hesitate to contact Les Prettyman, group leader, whose details can be found on the Website. New members are always made welcome.

I was mugged by a thief last night on my way home.

Pointing a knife at me...He asked me “your money or your life!”

I told him I am Married...so I have no money and no life…

We hugged and cried together.

It was a beautiful moment…

Submitted by Annie Pearce