enrolment day · enrolment day to see whether there is anyone interested in signing up for a new...
TRANSCRIPT
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CONTENTS
AGM Notice ...................... 1
Editorial ............................ 1
The New Website .............. 1
Chairman’s Report ........... 2
Membership Report ......... 2
AGM .................................. 3
Gift Aid ............................. 3
First Aid ............................ 3
Ben Kane Talk ................... 4
Forthcoming Events ......... 6
New Groups for 2017/18 .. 6
Groups needing leaders .... 7
Monthly Coffee Mornings . 7
Group Reports for 2016/17 8
Dartmouth Coach Trip ..... 13
Visit to Hinkley Point ....... 14
Your Committee ............... 16
Deadline for the next
edition: 20th Oct 2017
National website: www.u3a.org.uk Locally: http://Glastonburyu3a.org
The Editor’s Say
I must keep it short this time: we are stuffed to the gunwales with items for which I am very
grateful. To highlight the most important points: Enrolment Day, 24th August. Renew your
membership, preferably in advance. Fill in the Gift Aid form if you are a tax-payer. Don't do
it if you're not; that's fraud, even if you didn't mean it. Take note of forthcoming Visits. And
take a look at the NEW WEBSITE. The Group Reports are interesting and it is well worth
having a look at those for Groups you may not have considered in the past. If it's time for a
change, you could do worse than try a new U3A Group. Have a good summer. (I'm done.)
Ed.
The views and ideas expressed by the contributors to this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor nor the Street and Glastonbury U3A.
The New Website
This was launched on the day of the AGM. Please take a moment
to have a look at it and see what it can do for you. We have TWO
addresses and they will both take you to the same site. (This was
felt to be necessary because we have two town names in our title
and newcomers to the area may not know this and may fail to
find us.) So: EITHER go to StreetU3A.org OR
GlastonburyU3A.org.
This will take you direct to the site and will give you details of
Groups: what is available, when and where they meet;
conversely, if you have a free half-day, you can look at the TIME
and see which Groups take place when you are available. The site will inform you of
forthcoming Events and update you on Latest News. You will have access to all documents
AND there is the option to MAKE THE FONT (letters) BIGGER ON THE SCREEN if you have
mislaid your glasses. There is also a photo gallery which will be refreshed frequently.
When you visit the site, accept Notifications when you are asked. This will let you know of any
updates to the website (eg changes of time or place). NB This will NOT be the only way you
are notified; it is just an ADDED means of communicating with you. And to give voice to your
suggestions, comments and what-have-you, you can use the form on the Contact Us page.
I urge you to take advantage of this 'modern' means of communication if you can. Scribbling
with charcoal on tree bark was once the 'modern' way of communication – things change all
the time and this is one of those that can be of great benefit so do, please, take your chance.
Ed.
Enrolment Day
10.00—11.30 am Thursday, 24th August 2017 at Glastonbury Town Hall
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From the Chair
The next winter group programme is creeping up on
us but in the meantime the sun is shining and long
may it continue. This is the last newsletter where
Geraldine Charles will complete the layout design
and we are very grateful to Geraldine for her work
and expertise in this role. Mike Kellaway will
complete the layout design for future Newsletters.
More groups continued into the summer than in
previous years and we expect this trend to continue.
The rapidly increasing membership is an indication
of the variety of interests that our U3A provides. The
group programme for the winter terms is under
construction and there will be some new interest
groups as well as old favourites. Two new interest
groups will be a gardening club group and a Greek
Tragedy reading group. Several Group Leaders have
stepped down this year and I thank them immensely
for all the time, effort and enthusiasm they have put
into their groups. Some of these groups will run this
year under new Group Leaders and I thank them for
stepping up for these roles. Other groups will not run
this year and it will be fantastic if anyone will offer to
facilitate these groups. These include photography,
knitting and opera.
Every U3A has its own funding structure and these
vary considerably even across our local U3A network.
We have considered this huge variety of funding
structures and still believe that the way that we fund
groups best reflects the mutual-benefit ethos of the
U3A organization, where everyone, except in a few
extreme cases, pays the same amount for the same
benefit. It is encouraging to see trips so well
supported this year with all four trips being sold out.
We are currently planning trips for next year.
We are reviving monthly coffee mornings this
September and we will incorporate our talks into
these meetings. They will be held initially at
Glastonbury Town Hall, Small Hall. The new website
is now live and well worth a look. It is fresh and
exciting and Andy Pickford has done a great job on
the design. The old website is now closed and we are
very grateful to Tony Martin for his work in
maintaining that website. Our Facebook Group
continues to grow in numbers.
Our next major event is Enrolment Day on 24th
August at Glastonbury Town Hall and preparations
are well under way. We will use the small hall for
membership enrolment and for a display by our
crafts and paintings groups. The main hall will be
used for the group enrolments. This should smooth
out the process and avoid some of the bottlenecks of
previous years. I hope to see you all either at
Enrolment or when visiting groups in the autumn. It
is a good way for me to get feedback on all things
U3A and I am always keen to listen to all concerns
and suggestions. I can't promise to resolve everything
but I will certainly try.
Happy Days,
Stephen
From your Membership Secretary
With this issue of the newsletter you will find a form
to renew your membership from September 2017 to
August 2018. Many of you will remember the queues
at Enrolment last year (I certainly remember the
pressure) and although we will be making a few
changes this year to try to ameliorate that problem, I
do once again urge you, if you can, to submit your
membership renewal by post well before Enrolment
Day. All the instructions for completion and return
are included on the form with tick boxes to help you
check on yourself before popping it in the post.
I have more than 500 applications to deal with
through the year and the majority are submitted over
the next few weeks – it is a time-consuming task and
there are various little things that unfortunately slow
the process for me e.g. incomplete or illegible
information, missing enclosures, return envelopes
that don't have the correct postage–––The list could
go on. I would be very grateful if you could help me
in this regard by avoiding these pitfalls.
A couple of things to remind you of as you renew:
a. Please give renewed thought to the self-help
nature of our organisation. Is there something
more you could contribute? Maybe lead a new
group or offer your services in some other
capacity? If you have any ideas do contact a
Committee Member to have a chat.
b. Please help our Group Leaders better manage
group capacity. If you have registered with a group
but subsequently find you will be unable to join
them, it is important that you let the Group Leader
know, enabling them to offer your place to
someone else.
Finally I would like to say many thanks for your co-
operation and best wishes for another stimulating
and enjoyable U3A-year.
Julie Hillman
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Gift Aid The Committee has decided to offer all members the
opportunity to make their membership fee for the
coming year a Gift Aid donation. Gift Aid allows us to
reclaim £2.50 from the Inland Revenue at no cost to
you. You must be a tax payer and the tax you pay
must be at least equivalent to the amount of Gift Aid
we can claim on your donation (ie £2.50). There is a
simple Declaration Form to complete and return with
your Membership Form. Full details are on the form.
Gift Aid costs you nothing and we make the claim on
your behalf. This allows us to better manage the
money we receive for the benefit of all our members.
Andy Pickford, Treasurer U3A
NB There should be a Gift Aid form with your
Newsletter. Please note that this applies only to your
Membership Fee, which can be counted a 'donation'.
(ie it does not apply to the class fees.)
Ed.
Annual General Meeting: 18th May 2017
I have to say that this time we really did have a
quorum and some left over. Many thanks to all of you
who made the effort to attend. The whole AGM lasted
exactly thirty minutes from start to finish. Then we
had a fifteen-minute tea/coffee break and then
Bonnie Sartin, formerly of Yetties fame, gave us a
talk about smugglers and smuggling on the Dorset
coast. The 'talk' included one poem (which most of us
learned in our distant youth but could join in the
chorus with: 'Watch the wall, my darling, when the
gentlemen go by.') and three songs, also with
audience participation (sometimes!)
The fright was that Bonnie said he sang with the
Yetties for FIFTY YEARS so we all promptly did the
sum about what his probable age is now. The talk
was interesting and amusing, with anecdotes and
yarns, but the voice really came into its own when he
sang, unaccompanied, strong and vibrant even after
all these years. Thanks also to Jennifer Westcott and
Helen Hickman who organized the teas, coffees and
washing up.
Ed.
First Aid
A course was arranged for 25th May in the Small Hall at
Glastonbury Town Hall and eighteen of us turned up.
The proportion was interesting: three men to fifteen
women. I know there are other reasons for that but it
was an interesting point nevertheless. Gavin and Val of
the Red Cross took us through the principles. Now I,
and some others, have done First Aid courses before
('about a thousand years ago' as one member put it)
and though the workings of the human body have not
changed in that time, the presentation of First Aid has.
The one fear expressed by most of us at the start was
(Continued on page 5) Bonnie Sartin
Photo: P. Thompson
Val and Gavin, our instructors
Photo: Steve Wright
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supplies the film industry and (I think) the stage but
you have to be making enough money to pay for them.
Ben's boots cost several thousand pounds but it meant
he walked the Wall in six days without ill-effect (not on
his feet anyway.)
Ben started life as a vet but at some point, and for some
reason (this is the subject of another talk he gives) he
found himself a best-selling author of historical fiction
set during the Roman era, both the Republic (down to
27BC) and the Empire (after 27BC). His days being
spent at the typewriter (laptop these days, I expect),
Ben found his waistline increasing its girth somewhat
speedily so he decided on this extreme form of exercise.
He invited two friends to join him and an expert
accompanied them to explain, both to the three walkers
and to others they encountered, what was going on. The
walk was undertaken in support of two charities:
Combat Stress, and Médecins Sans Frontières and so
far they have raised £65,000. Twenty-eight attendees in
the Hall made a cosy but sufficient number and Ben
spoke from the floor, not the stage, without a
(Continued on page 5)
Ben Kane Talk
Mud, Sweat and Tears: Walking Hadrian's Wall in Full Roman Armour
This Talk nearly didn't happen: somebody didn't turn
up to open the Hall for us but, as usual, the U3A rose to
the occasion and we got the place opened, the alarm off
and we started only 30 minutes late. It was well worth
waiting for. Ben Kane is Irish but has lived in England
for twenty years and his home is just a few miles from
Wells. He arrived laden down with: plastic box full of
his books, plus various goodies, laptop and gubbinses,
as well as: boots, leather, authentic Roman pattern,
hob-nailed sole, one pair, and an authentic replica of a
gladius, with scabbard and leather sling. A gladius was
the Roman soldier's weapon-of-choice; it is a short,
stabbing sword. The thing is lethal. The blade is twenty
inches long; the hilt another eight; its width varies
from two to three inches and the thing would very soon
make you wish you'd stayed at home and watched the
football. I asked whether it counted as an offensive
weapon (in today's streets, I mean; it certainly was two
thousand years ago) and Ben explained that because it
wasn't 'edged' (ie sharp) it was not an offensive
weapon. But it was quite heavy enough to give you a
clout sufficient to knock you out and the point was
capable of inflicting a nasty poke in the eye, if nowhere
else. (Your Chairman really enjoyed himself wielding
the sword—see photo on this page.)
Believe it or not, the boots were just as fascinating.
They were made specially for Ben by a woman whose
sole task in life is to produce authentic replicas of
footwear, any period, any shape, any material. She
Ben Kane
Photo: Steve Wright
Steve Wright wields the sword
Photo: P. Thompson
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that, if we went to help anyone in trouble, we were
liable to be sued if it went wrong. This, Gavin stressed
several times, is a MYTH. Even if it got as far as a court,
he assured us, no judge would worry if you did whatever
you, as a lay member of the public, did to help.
Obviously, if you kicked at a man-down and cracked his
skull just to see if he was conscious, this would not be
'reasonable'. But if you attempt help which turns out to
be not quite the right thing, you will not be sued. Just
don't do anything completely stupid. Use your common
sense. All you are trying to do is keep the patient alive
until the medics get there. This means: Check that they
are breathing and do something if they aren't. You have
three minutes. Then they're dead. (We were taught
'four' but that was in 1963 and maybe people can't
survive as long now as they used to.) If they are
bleeding, do what you can to stem it, control it, stop it if
possible but DON'T remove any foreign body that might
be embedded in it (glass, metal, stick). We didn't say
much about burns but breaks are to be handled as little
as possible. Just make the victim comfortable and wait
for help.
One person questioned the need for 999 calls for minor
falls but it was explained that the receiver of the 999 call
is the person who decides what level of response is
required. Do you need a full ambulance or will a
paramedic be sufficient? This threw up a very important
point which was not fully explored. If you are the
person making the 999 call you MUST be very clear as
to what has happened. Say clearly what you can see
and/or what the patient can tell you. If you shout down
the phone, He's very bad!! this does not help. You need
to say, He's banged his head and there's blood all over
the place. Or, She says her right leg hurts where she fell
on it. The 999 responder will want to talk to the patient
if they are conscious and this will help in the making of
an appropriate decision. One member told the tale of a
very severe head injury, with lumps missing and severe
bleeding, but the person making the call just said, She's
bumped her head, and the ambulance took two hours to
arrive (because it will have gone to more urgent calls
before hers). You must be clear, concise and accurate in
your request for help.
I will say that they were dealing with those of us who
have brought up families and have experience of dealing
with the minor scrapes and tumbles which happen to all
of us. One grandmother had even had to grab grandson,
up-end him onto her knee and clout him in the middle
of the back to release a piece of apple stuck in his throat
– exactly what we were told to do. (With children. With
adults, you thump them in the middle of the back, with
an overhand swing which gives greater downward force.
(Continued from page 3)
One of our students performs CPR
Photo: Steve Wright
microphone; his voice was quite strong enough to reach
us all without difficulty. Some people did purchase
copies of his book and Ben kindly autographed them for
the purchasers. He took several questions and the
whole thing lasted about an hour. Thanks to all who
came. And PS: Starting at four o'clock seems to have
solved the parking problem at Walton Village Hall, even
though we all stood outside until quarter past while a
key was obtained to allow us entry!
Ed.
(Continued from page 4)
But any thump at all will be better than nothing.) When
it came to resuscitation, we were told that ambulance
crews reckon if you don't break a rib when you do it,
you haven't done it hard enough. Fortunately, we
practised on a dummy, who made a peculiar squeaking
noise but didn't otherwise complain.
If you get the chance, especially if you are a Group
Leader, it is well worth the couple of hours it took to
outline the principles of Everyday First Aid. It will give
you the confidence to do something even if that is only
to reassure and get someone to dial 999. There is a Red
Cross app you can download onto your phone which
will also give you guidance and doesn't need a signal, or
wi-fi or anything else to make it work. The only thing
you do need is a smartphone of some sort and I'm
afraid mine isn't. Maybe next birthday.
Ed
PS One attendee at least has downloaded the app and I
have seen it: very impressive.
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Forthcoming Events
3D Printing Demonstration
Monday, 7th August, 2017 10.30am Taunton
Library
This is a rare opportunity to see 3D printing in action.
3D printing is an exciting and relatively new concept
which reproduces almost any solid object, from car
parts to clocks, in a plastic-type material. They will
produce objects and explain how they are designed and
how the 3D Printer produces them. There will then be
an opportunity to design and print your own objects.
The session is free. Transport is not provided. There
are buses but we will car share a much as possible.
Please let Stephen Wright know if you wish to take part
at [email protected] or 01458-442737.
Enrolment Day
10am to 11.30am , Thursday, 24th August, 2017
at Glastonbury Town Hall
At the Enrolment session you can renew your
membership for the forthcoming year or sign up as a
new member. You can get a good understanding of
each group and speak to the group leaders. You can
also sign up for groups that interest you. There will be a
display of crafts and paintings by our groups.
Visit to the Kennet and Avon Canal at Devizes
Wednesday, 13th September, 2017
Cost £13 A coach trip to the Devizes Canal Museum
with a 2-hour canal trip. Depart Street Library at 11am,
travel to Glastonbury Town Hall and collect remaining
passengers. Travel to Devizes, Wiltshire.
Visit Canal Museum. 2-hour boat trip along the canal
included. Depart Devizes at 17:00 and return to Street
Library via Glastonbury Town Hall. Arrive back about
18.00. Please let Stephen Wright know if you wish to
take part at [email protected] or 01458-442737.
Christmas Buffet
This will take place on Thursday, 14th December
2017 in the Hall at Compton Dundon, from
12.30 to 3.30. NB Please check this again in the
November issue to make sure nothing has changed.
New Groups for 2017/18
LATIN BEGINNERS Week One Weds pm 2-4 This
will be a group for Absolute Beginners as well as the
Rusty so if you are interested come along to Enrolment
on 24th August and have a chat. Or you can email me at
[email protected]. Telephone is 01749 890213. I
start from the assumption that anything you ever knew
about Latin has got lost in the murk and needs to be
gently revived.
GREEK TRAGEDY I did this at school and you'd be
surprised what themes were used in Greek Tragedy and
how many have filtered their way down the centuries so
you recognize the story outline even if you think you
know nothing about GT. (Ed)
NEW CLASS! READING GREEK TRAGEDY (in
English)
Everybody has heard of Medea, Agamemnon,
Clytaemnestra, Oedipus, but perhaps only have a hazy
idea of their place in Greek mythology. They are
monstrous characters, larger than life, the embodiment
of the extremes of the human personality; horrific and
yet impossible to ignore.
These are the figures that people Greek tragedy: their
desires, their passions, their inability to flee their
destiny grip us as soon as we enter their world. The first
tragedy we shall read will be Medea by Euripides and I
defy you not to be fascinated by its horrific heroine and
caught up in the coils of her passions.
But in order to be able to enter the world of Greek
tragedy we need to understand something of the
environment and dramatic conventions that produced
it. So we shall start with a week or two learning about
the occasions on which the tragedies were performed,
the purpose of the performance, the theatre buildings
and the theatrical conventions including the use of the
chorus. Then we meet Medea …..!
It is likely that the sessions will be on Wednesday
mornings in Week Two but I do not know the venue as
yet. If you would like to find out more about the course,
please give me a ring on 01458 850054 or email me at
GARDENING GROUP
I see a gardening group as a discussion and information
forum. Each week we would talk over and exchange
information on a different topic. Gardeners are never,
in my experience, short of something to say. We could
tackle topics such as: soil and composting, vegetable
growing, pruning of shrubs and trees, choosing plants
for different situations, favourite plants and so on. We
(Continued on page 7)
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Monthly Coffee Mornings We are re-starting the monthly coffee mornings in
September. These mornings are a great social
opportunity to meet with other members, group
leaders and committee members to discuss anything
that is of interest to you as well as have some cake and
coffee/tea and while away some time in pleasant
company at the Small Hall at Glastonbury Town Hall.
Our first coffee morning will be on Friday, 29th
September from 10.00 to 12 noon and will be an
opportunity to chat and discuss ideas for future coffee
mornings.
On Friday, 29th October the morning will include a talk
by David Usher on the Restoration Of Hestercombe
Gardens. David Usher was for over 20 years the Head
Gardener at Hestercombe House and was responsible
for the restoration project. He now runs his own
consultancy business. On Friday, 24th November the
morning will include an optional quiz at 10.30am. There
will be no coffee morning in December due to the
Christmas lunch.
Steve Wright
could visit gardens through the summer as a group and
discuss the ideas they throw up through the following
winter. At the first meeting I would like people to put
forward suggestions about what they would like to see
us do. If you are interested please contact Vivienne
Fairbrother [email protected]
HISTORY This is not a new group as such but Wilton
Wills is bringing a wider scope to the Group:
VICTORIAN BRITAIN AND THE WIDER WORLD
After years of focussing on English History we are
finally going global in the year 2017/18. Most of us will
have some knowledge of Queen Victoria's reign, but
probably little knowledge of the wider world or Britain's
relationship with countries such as France, India or
Russia. The aim of the course will be to correct this; for
example, What impact did Britain's sponsorship of the
opium trade have on China?, or What was the
significance of the Crimean War?
Here are some of the topics I want us to study:
The spread and impact of railways after 1840
Urbanisation and the growth of European towns
and cities
The Unification of Germany under Prussian
leadership
France and the Napoleonic legend
The Tsars and their role in Russian History
This is a very ambitious programme which I hope I will
be able to make palatable through the use of pictures,
relevant videos, fruitful argument and group discussion.
I will try to avoid making things too academic and
swamping everyone with too much detail. What I am
planning is a “bird's eye view” of Britain's past as a
growing world power.
Wilton Wills
Groups Which Need New Leaders
SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB
Our Sunday Lunch Club has been full for some time
and, as other members have expressed an interest, it
makes sense to try to start a second lunch club and we
would very much like someone to offer to look after this
new group. Full support will be provided and the Group
Leader of the existing group has kindly offered to pass
on some helpful tips. The format can be whatever the
group wishes it to be. The group could meet fortnightly
or monthly and could meet on Sundays or any other day
of the week. It could be always at the same venue or at
different venues, chosen by one person or by a different
group member on each occasion. This could be a very
enjoyable and sociable group and doesn't need to be a
large group to get it up and running but it does need a
Group Leader to facilitate it. If you feel that you might
be willing to run this group then please contact Stephen
Wright at [email protected] or 01458-442737.
OPERA This Group will not be running next year
unless someone out there is interested in taking it on.
THE DEMISE OF THE OPERA GROUP Sadly, I
have decided to bring my leadership of the Opera Group
to a close. I have certainly found the last eight years
rewarding and fulfilling, but I do need to find more time
for the History Group which I lead and my other
commitments. I hope we can find someone who will be
prepared to lead an Opera Group. On the positive side,
the Glastonbury and Street U3A has a collection of
Opera DVDs as well as video equipment. If anyone is
interested in leading the group and wishes to discuss
matters with me, don't hesitate to ring me on 01458
833995
Wilton Wills
PHOTOGRAPHY This Group, too, needs a new
leader or it will not run in September 2017
Audrey Crowe has finally hung up her knitting needles
(actually, I don't think she ever will but she is stepping
down from leading the Group) so we need a new leader
for the KNITTING enthusiasts. (I'm told crochet is
permitted as well.)
8
GROUP REPORTS for the year 2016/17
PS I was unavoidably unable to attend the Group Leaders'
Meeting on 8th June so I did not have a chance to nag those
Leaders who had not got their Reports in by then. But quite
a few turned up after the GL meeting and I do thank most
heartily all those who have sent me their Reports. Ed.
LINE DANCING
I have just completed my first full year as Group Leader and
I must admit that at times it has been a challenge. The
difficulty is in trying to get a mix of dances to suit all the
abilities in the group. Some members have been coming for
quite a while whilst others are quite new. The dances can be
a challenge to those just starting out but the watch word is
Perseverance. Some of our newer members thought they
could never master the skills needed. I must admit I have
been pleasantly surprised at the whole group's achievement
this past year. One of our fun mornings was celebrating St.
Patrick's Day, where we danced many Irish dances and ate
Guinness Chocolate Cake. I am looking forward to the new
season and hope we get a number of new members to start
in September. I have been thinking of giving a twenty-
minute starter lesson prior to the main group coming in at
10.30 am. This is dependent on numbers but it would give
new dancers a head start. I look forward to meeting you at
Enrolment on 24th August and if you have any questions
give me a ring on 01458 840252 or email me on
[email protected]. Elaine Robertson
STAYING SAFE ONLINE:
Spam, hackers, scam phone
calls... these are just a few of
the subject areas tackled in a
recent U3A group, but one big
issue we also identified was
that of staying up-to-date as
the web changes very fast, and
advice given today may well be
out of date in a few months. Geraldine Charles, who taught
the course, has started a blog website to help people keep
abreast of changes in online safety advice. You can find it at
www.thesilvermoon.co.uk. "Comments and knuckle-
rappings for being insufficiently clear are very welcome,"
says Geraldine. "So much writing in this area is full of
jargon, so there is a special glossary or 'Jargon Buster' to
ensure that the site is accessible to all. The internet is an
almost indispensable resource these days; we should all be
able to use it with confidence."
DRAMA GROUP
The Drama Group started in January 2017 with Suzie and
Jim Williams keen to meet with like-minded thespians.
Suzie studied drama and music at college and has been in
various shows and pantomimes alongside her husband. We
started by reading three Derek Benfield plays which were a
bit risqué in places but great fun. Michael was brilliant as
the naughty Minister for the Environment and much
laughter was had as confusion and high jinks were the
order of the day. We are continuing our group through the
summer and will be reading some different authors. We
would very much like to perform something at Christmas
and may have a short skit written for us for such an
occasion. We are not expecting anyone to learn lines or
even act if they don't want to but if you enjoy being
someone else for two hours fortnightly and having lots of
fun this could be the group for you. Suzie Williams
LATIN READING GROUP
We have now finished our first year of being a reading
group rather than a class and I am full of admiration for
the way group has tackled quite taxing passages, not giving
up in the face of difficulty. These passages were written by
Virgil (the story of Orpheus and Eurydice) and Tacitus (the
plotting against Germanicus by the emperor Tiberius). We
have even been able to apply the techniques of literary
criticism in order to see how poetic effects are achieved in
another language. This leads to trying to arrive at not only
an accurate translation, but also a stylistic one.
We have also been brushing up our grammar, going right
back to the beginning, with homework to consolidate the
latest point. Then the third element of the session is
“Listen with Mother”, when I read out a passage in English
from a great Latin author. These passages usually give rise
to a great deal of discussion. This year, for example, we
looked at passages from a mediaeval Book of Hours, heard
how the Roman soldiers prepared for battle, learnt about a
poisoning carried out by women, enjoyed Pliny's tender
letters about his young wife and some of Seneca's
reflections on philosophy. Jennifer Westcott
LATIN YEAR THREE
We have had an interesting Year Three with some
exploration of Latin outside the book now that the group
has reached a reasonable standard in the language.
Numbers are declining a little what with one thing and
another but we are a dedicated group and we will start
Book Three of the series in September.
I am hoping to start another Beginners' Group in
September as well so if you are interested come along to
Enrolment on 24th August and have a chat. Or you can
email me at [email protected]. Telephone is 01749
890213. Absolute Beginners are welcome as well as those
who used to know something about the language but have
totally forgotten it. I start from the assumption that
anything you ever knew about Latin has got lost in the
murk and needs to be gently revived. Pat Thompson
CREATIVE WRITING GROUP.
In terms of the number of participants we may not have
had quantity in the Creative Writing group but we most
certainly had quality. As a result we have been able to
focus more on each individual’s interests and their work in
progress, whether it be a children’s book, short stories, a (Continued on page 9)
9
murder mystery novel or opinion pieces. Members have
been actively encouraged to enter local writing
competitions as an outlet for their work. Writing topics
covered have been description, avoiding clichés and
creating believable characters, what makes a good story,
poetry and many other areas. If a topic concerns writing
we have discussed it. Our session on ideas and themes for
short stories and commentary pieces was lively and
interesting. Kate's article on the instructions to be found
on a pack of toilet rolls has to be heard to be truly
appreciated! For the Spring term we have focussed on
novel writing and in particular structure and planning. We
have also discussed the nigh on impossible task of
obtaining an agent and/or a publisher. However, I
continually enjoin the members of the group to not only
keep positive but above all to keep writing. Jackie Gingell
MIXED CHOIR
We have had lots of laughs (very important ) and learned
lots of new songs (almost as important) in three-part
harmony. There has been considerable improvement
during the year and we are now considering putting
together a short programme to entertain the residents in
local old people's homes. New members are always
welcome; the only prerequisite is being able to sing in
tune. Dick Warman.
T'AI CHI
T'ai Chi has occupied two one-hour positions on a
Wednesday afternoon since September (2.00 and 3.15).
The groups are mixed, very friendly and open to anyone
looking to enjoy this light and friendly exercise. We meet
every week in a very comfortable room at Crispin Centre in
Street. Parking is next to the car park that was adjacent to
Tesco's. Public buses stop just a few feet away at the library
and run very regularly. There is no precedence from a
health or fitness perspective; hopefully you will feel
invigorated and healthier from undertaking this relaxed
exercise. The classes follow the style of the Lee Family T'ai
Chi, and include the well-recognised T'ai Chi form and Qi
Gong. The Lee Family style (Yin and Yang) has been in
existence for over 3,000 years and we teach this
unchanged style today. In the classes we also address
balance, posture and breathing. Equipment is simple: just
bring yourself along with some comfy shoes and loose
clothing. Enjoy. Steve Cousins
POETRY FOR PLEASURE
We started last September with a full house, literally and
figuratively. And I started my tenth year as leader with
confidence but soon came down to earth with a bump,
again literally and figuratively. An ankle fractured in
three places curtailed my U3A activities until January
when, broken yet unbowed, I limped boldly into the New
Year. When we did meet, we enjoyed a variety of poems,
chosen as usual, by members of the group. These included
translations of work by contemporary Polish poets, poems
by black poets, by Walt Whitman on the American Civil
War, by Laurie Lee, and a collection topically and
(Continued from page 8) brilliantly written by one of own members. A few of our
number have moved away, or have other commitments so
if you would like to join us, do come along to enrolment.
Lorna Mowinska
LOCAL HISTORY
Once again the Local History group has had a consistently
good attendance each week with approximately forty
members on each occasion. Subjects covered have been
varied, with talks given by both members and outsiders.
One session was asking everyone to contribute their
memories of ‘their first job or school’ and it transpired that
one member was even subjected to an armed robbery
whilst at work, many years ago, and not many people can
claim that! This event went so well that members asked we
try something similar in the future – which we will. Whilst
writing I must also thank all the members who contribute
to each session, by putting out and back chairs and for
providing and sorting out the teas and coffees each week. I
could not do this job without them. Francis Thyer
CALM MEDITATION GROUP
The new group met for two terms and learnt techniques to
help them deal more easily with everyday stressors and
make the most of the present moment rather than spend
excessive time reliving the past or worrying about the
future. They loved meditating together in a safe and
supportive environment.
Comments overheard include ‘improved calm &
wellbeing’- ‘a place of safety’-’ I feel like a child, more able
to play in and with life’- ‘I am less reactive to life’ – ‘I feel
more calm in general’
As I am away for the autumn and have other commitments
in 2018, I will be running only one, ongoing, six-week
course from Jan 11th to Feb 15th [2018] inclusive, probably
at the Quaker Meeting House in Street 10 – 12noon. This
of course is dependent on sufficient interest.
Maya R Carrington 07780998347 Body Calm & Mind
Calm Coach & Trainer www.mayacarrington.com
PAINTING FOR PLEASURE
We have had an enjoyable year producing a variety of
paintings and hope to be painting outdoors during the
summer, weather permitting. We are a very friendly and
enthusiastic group meeting alternate Tuesdays and
Fridays who just paint for pleasure, "doing our own thing".
Friday seems to be the most popular day but we always
have vacancies on Tuesday and anyone who enjoys
painting as much as we do will be most welcome to join
us. Jill Webb
WHIST
We have had a total of eighteen members this year who
play whist on alternate Thursday afternoons. The play is
not serious, and is progressive which allows fellow
members to meet and talk socially as well as play whist.
Graham Jackson (Continued on page 10)
10
QUILTING INTERMEDIATE
Once again the intermediate Quilters have had a most
successful Quilting Year with a group of committed and
enthusiastic ladies. We have learnt new skills, working on
more complex and challenging blocks and techniques.
Ideas and expertise have been shared amongst the group
and at the start of each session, with our regular 'show and
tell', everyone has been overwhelmed by the amount and
quality of work produced by members of the group. As well
as traditional Quilting, we have made beautiful items
including: A bag for Quilting rulers; a quilted knitting
needle case; an iron holder and of course, Christmas gifts.
Members' personal projects were always welcomed. We
also had a really successful visit to the Malvern Quilting
Show, along with members from other U3A Quilting
groups. We would like to take this opportunity of wishing
our members every success in their future Quilting
adventures! Jackie and Ann
QUILTING FOR PLEASURE
Group members often focus on their own quilt ideas. This
year we have been making some spectacular quilts for
wedding presents, new grandbabies, embellished wall
hangings, art quilts and quilts in all manner of styles that
are on our wish lists. Together we have played with paper-
pieced landscapes, made our own paper-pieced animal
patterns (wow), improvised: cutting curves (leaves), sliced
into fabric and added slips of fabric (grasses and crosses).
We still have so many quilts to make and so many ideas to
try out so why not join us? Lise Payne
MORE QUILTING
We are a small friendly group who enjoy sewing/
patchwork and quilting. This is the third year the group
has been running and we have achieved at least one quilt
each per year. Some of us are complete beginners though
many have more experience. This year we will work on a
block per session to finish at home. These can be added to
as you wish. You will work toward completing a full single
bed size quilt by the end of the year. We meet on alternate
Wednesdays at St Mary's Church in Glastonbury from
10.00a.m and finish around 13.00. There is limited parking
behind the church accessed from Morrison's garage road.
Complete beginners are very welcome and we are happy to
teach and support. You will need to be able to use and
bring your own sewing machine. Advice can be given on
other equipment required such as fabrics, cutters, cutting
mats and rulers at the first session.
This year we have been working on blocks from Eleanor
Burns and Sue Bouchard's Quilt in a Day Underground
Railroad* which originated during the American Civil War
according to Ozella McDaniel Williams, whose oral account
passed through her family for a hundred and fifty years
and claims that runaway slaves were guided by messages in
certain quilt patterns. We have produced a variety of
beautiful quilts, some using the more traditional colours
(Continued from page 9)
used by the ladies of that era, and some with our modern
fabrics and colours. It is always amazing to see the
different quilts taking shape. In addition to learning how
to create these wonderful blocks and quilts we have also
learned some interesting historical facts about this era.
Carolyn Read and Ruth Tidball
* Quilt in a Day Underground Railroad Book Eleanor
Burns & Sue Bouchard ISBN1-89177613-4
FRENCH Beginners and Improvers
These two groups are both going well. The members seem
to appreciate learning French from scratch or recalling
what they remember from their schooldays. Neither is a
conversation group. We mainly use the BBC Talk French
scheme on a Wednesday and Façon de Parler on a
Monday. These are courses specifically written for adult
learners and they aim to cover useful vocabulary in an
amusing way touching on the grammar where necessary. If
you are thinking of joining one of these friendly groups you
would be very welcome. To find out more please contact
me on 01749 676707 or [email protected]
Shirley Gunter
FRENCH CONVERSATION
The group has worked hard through the year and overall
attendance has been high.
At every session each member tells a short anecdote ----
sometimes “off the cuff,” sometimes prepared ---- but
always interesting and often humorous. After tea and
biscuits (when I am afraid to say English breaks out!) we
take it in turns to read and translate articles from books,
magazines or newspapers which cover many different
topics.
It has been an enjoyable and stimulating year with a lot of
laughter whilst improving our French language skills.
Sheelagh Gorham
NATURE PAINTING GROUP
I want to thank the new group for their patience and
consideration as this was my first time as a U3A group (Continued on page 11)
Photo: Ruth Tidball
11
FILM CLUB
This has been running monthly since January 2017 and
provides the opportunity for participants to select,
experience and discuss a wide range of genres chosen each
month by a different member of the group. A dozen of us
meet in our home on The Roman Way, Glastonbury, and
the intention is to continue into the autumn. Films
selected so far have been:
Piccadilly (1929) A British drama from the very end of
the silent era, written by Arnold Bennett, and starring the
sensational Anna May Wong.
City of God (2002), directed by Fernando Meirelles A
hard-hitting and critically-acclaimed crime drama set in
the favelas of Rio de Janeiro with a largely non-
professional local cast.
Went the Day Well (1942), an Ealing Studios
production, based on a short story by Graham Greene,
directed by documentary film maker Alberto Cavalcanti,
and featuring Leslie Banks together with a young Harry
Fowler and Thora Hird. This British wartime propaganda
film ventures beyond many of its counterparts with its
often startling reflections on class and gender, and its
technical virtuosity.
Spirited Away (2001) A Japanese anime film, from the
celebrated Studio Ghibli, written and directed by the
veteran Hayao Miyazaki, which received the Academy
award for best animated feature.
Still Crazy the 1998 British comedy, penned by Ian Le
Frenais and Dick Clement, about the revival of a fictional
1970s rock band, with a veritable smorgasbord of British
character-acting talent including Bill Nighy and Timothy
Spall.
The Lives of Others (2006) A taut German drama set in
East Berlin prior to re-unification, whose focus on
surveillance has sinister connotations for today. Finally, Carol Reed's impressive 1947 film noir Odd
Man Out, starring James Mason. Joanna Cobb
HISTORY OF ART: THE BIGGER PICTURE
This group continues to thrive, with most members already
on my list to continue in the autumn although there should
be room for a few new ones. Our meetings are lively and
sociable occasions and we are all enjoying the venue at the
Red Brick Building. Since my progress report in the
previous Newsletter there have been some modifications
and all of them to the good. The lift is still not operating
but this is of no consequence to us as we are now meeting
in the beautiful new studio space downstairs which has
much better access, proper blackout, more comfortable
seating and greater proximity to the Bocabar for
refreshments.
We are continuing to examine a range of works of art from
different periods, nationalities and in a wide selection of
media, including painting, sculpture, tapestry, stained
(Continued on page 12)
leader. I have discovered that beginners are rarely that and
that art is part of many pastimes.
Over the year we explored various techniques in water
colour so that everyone can develop their own unique style
of painting. We learn so much from each other and my
knowledge has increased as a result. I hope theirs has too.
This sharing of knowledge is fundamental to the group's
learning and it is what makes the class so enjoyable. What
a lovely group of painters! I look forward to the next term.
Alison Green
PETANQUE
Beginning as a trial last summer, the group has thrived to
become a fully-fledged established group. From a modest
start on the small ‘terrain’ (pitch) at Walton, we have now
run throughout the year with thirty people on the books
and fielding typically 15-20 people at a session,
necessitating a move to the multiple ‘pistes’ (lanes) firstly
at ‘The Three Wells’ pub but more recently at Compton
Dundon.
Pétanque, the best-known version of French ‘boules’
games, is very easy to pick up and become reasonably
proficient in (or lucky!) quite quickly. It has a nice levelling
mix of skill and randomness due to irregularities in the
stoned playing surface. It is quite social and we have a lot
of fun and laughs, especially in the warm, although we
have been amazingly lucky with weather conditions to
date. So successful has this been that we have decided to
continue on right through the summer, still on a
fortnightly Wednesday afternoon Week 2 basis. We are
even likely to be fielding two équipes at the Wells Charity
Boules competition on 9th July. If you are interested in
joining us now, or when term starts in September, contact
me, Peter Lander, on 01458-860000 or
[email protected] Peter Lander
BEGINNERS UKULELE
"I've never played an instrument before!" Not a
problem. "I don't read music!" Not a problem. "I want to
learn!" That's good enough for me. "I'm going to practise
like mad!" That's music to my ears.
The current Beginners Ukulele group only started in
January. All eight members were keen to carry on for a
second term after Easter so by the time you read this we
will have had 12 sessions in total. In that time we've
learned the basics of ukulele playing, mastered a dozen or
so chords, including some quite difficult ones, sung a
variety of songs, and had a lot of fun and good company. I
hope that most of the group will carry on –by joining the
U3A Ukulele Band in September– and I will be at
Enrolment Day to see whether there is anyone interested in
signing up for a new Beginners group. And on that subject,
at the risk of stating the obvious, two hours once a
fortnight isn't going to turn anyone into a virtuoso player.
However, a few minutes' practice every day will really build
up the technique and the confidence. And it's fun! Happy
strumming to all. Pat Mead.
(Continued from page 10)
12
glass, book illustration and many more. As I have
previously explained, 'The Bigger Picture' encapsulates
the way that we experience works of art in their fullest
historical context, accompanied by contemporary texts and
music. However in so doing we have become so involved in
our subject that the original plan of six focus works in the
spring term proved over-ambitious so we only managed
three! No matter. We are not having to meet any targets or
pass any exams so we are giving ourselves time to enjoy
the art. Consequently, in the autumn term we will move on
from 17th century Dutch still life painting to consider
Hogarth, the Foundling Hospital and the beginnings of
British public art galleries, followed by late 19th-century
Russian landscapes and questions of national identity,
through to artists' responses to the Great War,
appropriately enough in November. Our short summer
course consisted of two meetings, based around the
subject of 'Flowers and Plants in Art', in which we
journeyed from ancient Egypt right through to the 21st
century. Joanna Cobb
TABLE TENNIS
The four table tennis groups all had a very successful year
with each group being at full capacity. Groups are usually
limited to a maximum of thirty players but fortunately not
all members turn up each week. All the groups meet at
Ashcott Village Hall where four tables are available. Each
session lasts two hours, with a short break for tea/coffee
and a biscuit. Balls are provided and bats are available. All
the sessions are primarily for fun and, even though players
of league standard attend, the games are not taken too
seriously. The games are all played in doubles format with
players rotating thereby giving everyone roughly the same
playing time.
The Tuesday morning group meets all year, from 10.30am
to 12.30am, and is generally attended by the more
experienced players although several players attend more
than one group and all players are welcome. The two
Friday morning groups meet all year, one from 9am to
11am and the other from 11am to 1pm. These groups of a
more mixed ability and the 11am to 1pm session is ideal for
members who have played table tennis in the past but are
a bit rusty. The Friday afternoon group meets during the
winter, and for ten weeks during the summer, from 2pm to
4pm, and is an ideal starting point for members
completely new to table tennis. New players are welcome
at all the groups and members can turn up at any time for
a taster session. Guidance can be given on the rules and
how to play. Table tennis is good exercise for all ages and a
great way of keeping fit whilst having fun and socialising.
Stephen Wright
RACKETBALL
The Racketball group meets at the Victoria Club in Street
each Wednesday morning from 10.30 to 12.30. We play all
(Continued from page 11) through the year. Rackets and balls are provided. The cost
is £2 per session on a turn-up-and-play basis. Members do
not sign up for a season but just pay for the session so it is
easy to come along, try it and see if it is for you with no
commitment. Racketball is played on a squash court with
similar rules to squash but is a much slower game with
large bouncy balls and bigger rackets. It can be played by
all ages and more people in the UK now play racketball
than play squash. We have the use of four squash courts
and participants can play as much as they like or sit out
and watch and chat as much as they like. It is all very
casual and based upon people having fun and light
exercise. New players are always welcome. Guidance can
be given on the rules and how to play. Just turn up on the
day with comfortable clothing, non-marking trainers and a
drink. Give it a try. You will be surprised how much fun it
is. Stephen Wright
UKULELE
The ukulele group began the year under the leadership of
Vaughan Williams. We are a friendly group of mixed
musical experience but all extremely keen to progress their
playing and have a lot of fun in the meantime, and what
better instrument for that than the ukulele! Sadly,
Vaughan's health deteriorated towards Christmas and Pat
Mead took the helm, very capably organising the
Christmas party. It was then decided that I should take on
the rôle after Christmas. The group is now around twenty
strong with a few more joining us next year from Pat's
beginners group, necessitating a change of venue. During
our sessions we cover a diverse range of musical styles
including traditional, pop, rock and roll, and jazz
standards, singing along as we play. In fact anything goes
and members are free to bring in suggestions. We cover
some rhythmic work, different strumming and picking
styles and gradually extend our chord knowledge and thus
our repertoire. Most in the group play soprano ukuleles but
we also have some concert, tenor and bass ukes. We
usually end the session with a request spot where members
pick their favourites. Mostly we have FUN.
Wendy Howiantz
READING SHAKESPEARE Groups 1 & 2
During the year 2016/17 another four plays were given the
U3A treatment. Before Christmas, Group 1 enjoyed the
light-hearted and amusing Twelfth Night and then in the
New Year they went on to read Richard III – what a
contrast! There was lively discussion as to whether
Shakespeare had been fair to this most unfortunate King.
After several years of leading this group, June Kelland is
stepping down as Group Leader. The group wants to say a
big thank you to June for all her time and effort. They have
really enjoyed their sessions under her guidance but
happily she will be staying with the group so members can
still look forward to her contributions ‘from the ranks’ as it
were. In fact everyone will be doing their bit sharing in the (Continued on page 13)
13
Dartmouth Coach Trip
Forty-five of our members enjoyed a coach trip to
Dartmouth on Wednesday, 7th June. Avalon supplied us
with a spanking new 55-seater coach.
Some people visited the Britannia Royal Naval College and
Museum; some took different trips up and down the river;
some took the steam train to Paignton and some took the
opportunity to meet up with friends. Most seem to have
indulged in cream teas. The weather was very kind to us,
with a mixture of warm sun and clouds but no rain until we
were about to come home. As a bonus, we didn't lose
anyone on the way. What a lovely way to spend a day.
Steve Wright
research of the chosen plays as new Group Leader, Alan
Parr, does his best to follow in June's footsteps. The play
they have chosen for the autumn term is The Taming of
the Shrew.
Group 2 immersed themselves in the story of Henry VI. It
had been their intention to read all three parts over the
two terms but it soon became apparent that this wasn't
feasible and they instead restricted themselves to just parts
1 and II, thereby allowing ample time for discussion,
including comparison of the plays with historical record to
reveal a great deal of shaking up of chronology, places and
people! Undeterred, and fully hooked, the group will be
reading Part III next, to be followed by Richard III.
Both groups are at capacity but will accept names for a
waiting list in case a place should come available. Contact
Alan Parr (Week 1) or Julie Hillman (Week 2).
BOOK GROUP
This group met fortnightly through the autumn and spring
terms and monthly over the summer (3 sessions still to
look forward to); each time enjoying a lively exchange of
ideas and opinions regarding the selected text. Some space
is given to personal experience and anecdote but by and
large we stay on topic. My personal favourites of the year
were Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses and
William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying but ask any of the other
16 members and they may well make a different selection.
Any one of the 14 titles is a strong contender; there wasn't
a single turkey amongst them. I'm afraid the same can't be
said of the short story collection we sampled over the
autumn term. Reader, I Married Him: Stories inspired by
Jane Eyre: all but Lionel Shriver's contribution got an all-
round resounding thumbs-down. By extreme contrast Guy
de Maupassant's Best Short Stories has enchanted us
beginning to end.
The six titles that will take us up to Christmas are: The
Disappearance of Adele Bedeau (Graeme Macrae Bedeau);
Room (Emma Donoghue); Sunrise (Victoria Hislop); The
Little Red Chair (Edna O’Brien); The Essex Serpent (Sarah
Perry) and The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy).
The group is about as big as it can be for enjoyable
discussion with everyone having a chance to have their say
but I am keeping a waiting list, in case spaces become
available or indeed, should there be sufficient interest, to
help another group get off the ground. Julie Hillman
FAMILY HISTORY
Over the last year participants in this group have been
introduced to some of the many sources of information for
family historians. The internet is a rich resource and the
comparative value and reliability of sources was discussed;
both the many free websites and subscription sites were
considered.
(Continued from page 12) Some members of the group were just beginning their
family history, others were continuing, sometimes after a
break; all were introduced to new resources as well as
advice about avoiding pitfalls. For those who have
previously worked alone on their research there was ample
opportunity to swap ideas with others. As in previous years
access to wi-fi enabled participants to spend part of each
session exploring the sites discussed with assistance
available if required.
Although the group focused on online resources, other
ways of obtaining information were identified. With this in
mind one session was spent on a visit to the Heritage
Centre in Taunton where Somerset records are kept. For
those whose main researches are outside the county it
provided an idea of the rich variety of information that
might be available in other Record Offices around the
country. Susan Ripley
WINE APPRECIATION
This was a new group from Last September. Fourteen
members signed up for the group and we meet monthly
with the aim of having fun. Each month we have a theme
chosen by the members. We have a price limit on the cost
of wine at a maximum of £10 a bottle. At the end of each
meeting we vote to find the wine we consider represented
the best value and the wine we enjoyed the most. In the
winter term the themes for each month's tasting were
Sauvignon blanc, sparkling wine, Spanish wine, and (in
December) wine to go with Christmas dinner. In the spring
term the themes have been New World wines, Australian
wines, South African red wines, Italian white wines and
Italian red wines. We have one more meeting this summer
which will be a blind tasting session. We also hope to have
a visit to a local vineyard. This a light-hearted venture with
members enjoying a social atmosphere and learning a little
about wines as we go along. We are looking forward to
continuing for a second year. Because we meet in
members' homes the number we can accommodate is
small but there will be limited space for newcomers in
September. Andrew Boatswain
14
Visit to Hinkley Point
Wednesday 17th May 2017
I have got myself into a pickle with the Hinkley Point
Visit. I have had three reports of how it went and now
I have run out of space to fit everything in. I am very
grateful to all those who went to the trouble of writing
and rather than cut anybody out, I have had to wield
the green pen with some ruthlessness. But everybody
has a say, if an abbreviated one. With apologies, Ed.
From LINDA KUSMIREK:
Security is very tight so when we met at the EDF
centre in Bridgwater we signed in and passports were
checked. After a short slide introduction in the small
theatre giving us the first of many facts and figures
(f&f) we went back to our cars for the drive to the
power station site, 3 miles from the town. Then we
were passport-checked again, donned our hi-vis
jackets, hard hats, eye and ear protectors and
received our identity pass. Next it was through the
rain to the working innards of the Station itself, to
another barrier and pass recognition electronics. You
would expect it to be big as, externally, it can be seen
for miles around, but somehow its immensity
internally impressed itself. The few human workers
were dwarfed in this massive chamber of pipes and
tubes and unknowable machinery. Maintenance,
security and safety are paramount. Due to the seven
metres of concrete separating us from the reactors
they were anxious to let us know how little radiation
we were receiving – apparently less than that
produced by one brazil nut. Hmmm. All EDF
employees (500 to 600) are given regular medicals
and most carry a radiation dose meter which is
machine-checked at least once daily. Some areas were
extremely noisy, some not. Comparatively, the large
computer control room was quite busy. To look at, this
equipment was not as modern as you would expect. I
hasten to emphasise “to look at”. It was most certainly
high tech as there were several long banks of
computer screens, and many buttons, knobs and
lights, all being closely monitored along with
procedures being rigidly followed. By the time Hinkley
‘C’ is operating one wonders whether such a control
room will be bigger or smaller. Whether one approves
of nuclear energy or not this tour gave us a small
insight into an awe-inspiring industry and I'm sure we
all appreciated this opportunity and thank the
committee for organising it.
And from HEATHER and MARTIN KENNARD
U3A members met at EDF’s Angel Place Visitor
Centre in Bridgwater where we were shown a film by
Becky, our initial guide, covering what we would see
and the security, health and safety procedures we
would encounter. Our processing began with a check
that we all had satisfactory photographic
identification before travelling to Reactor B at Hinkley
Point. On arrival we were split into two groups. All our
identification was again required so that each group
could be issued with passes. Maggie was to be our
main guide for the visit, supported by Becky to act as
tail-end Charlie to avoid anyone getting lost. We went
through turnstile gates to the main entrance. Here we (Continued on page 15)
Group outside the power station
Photo: Steve Wright
15
had to sign that we agreed to be wanded (like at the
airport) before we were issued with hard-hats, high-
visibility jackets and earplugs. Those with hearing aids
could exchange their hats for ones with hinge-down
bunny-ears which looked quite fun. Maggie pointed
out the lampshades on poles that collect dust from the
atmosphere, which is then checked for radioactivity.
The tour proper began with details of the timeline of
the site then we donned ear protection and entered
the station through the turbine hall which is little
different from any other power station with lots of
noise and pipework transporting steam and
condensing it once it leaves the turbines which turn
the generator that produce our electricity. We moved
on to the reactor building and a gallery that
overlooked the control room. It had a very Seventies
look with dials, knobs and switches that had never
been changed since it was built. Maggie's husband
retired as the supervisor in charge after 47 years in the
facility. In all that time he had only accumulated half
the maximum dose of radioactivity allowed by EDF for
staff, which is half that again allowed by law. Anything
that happens in the station is handled from this room.
Then we entered the reactor hall, ten storeys up.
Looking down you could see the top of the nuclear pile
where fuel and control rods were loaded. It was under
30 metres of concrete. Everything was spotless and
the gantry, which handled all the nuclear elements,
was huge. Maggie explained all the processes and the
safety procedures that were undertaken by the
equipment, checking with one of our members who
was a physicist that she had got it correct. Becky took
us through a demonstration of radioactivity given off
by everyday items ranging from walnuts to watches.
The luminous hands of her demonstration watch gave
off more radiation than was present in the reactor
hall.
As we left the hall we passed by the decontamination
area where staff leave from areas where they might be
subjected to radiation. Two people picked at random
as they passed the exit plugged in their personal
monitors which showed that they had not received any
exposure. We arrived back at the entrance where we
shed our safety gear and thanked our guides for a
most informative couple of hours. We were pleased to
find that we did not glow in the dark that night.
Finally, from SUE and ALAN WITHERS
We started the actual tour in the turbine hall which
was very noisy so the ear defenders were welcome. As
we entered, a large digital display was pointed out to
(Continued from page 14) us which indicated the amount of power currently
being generated by the turbines. At this time it was
about a third of the total capacity due to the fact that
the reactor had recently been re-started following a
period of maintenance. It would take two or three
days for output to reach the maximum.
Up on the tenth floor we went into a small showroom
where another of our guides explained the whole
generating process with the aid of large pictorial
displays. Of particular interest was the part of the
process where spent fuel rods were removed from the
body of the reactor and replaced by new ones.
From this showroom we could see down onto the top
of one of the reactors (there are two at Hinkley Point
B). Obviously the reactors themselves are fully
surrounded by a thick concrete shell so all that's
visible are the plates covering the top access point for
the fuel rods. The size of the building containing the
two reactors is a vast but largely empty space in part
due to the great height required above the reactor for
a huge lifting machine that is used in the replacement
of the fuel rods. Also on view in the same showroom
one of our guides demonstrated the amount of
radiation which exists in our everyday world using a
special wand that recorded those levels. It was
interesting to note that quite common objects are
radioactive. We were particularly interested to note
that of the samples she was using a piece of granite
from Ontario, Canada (where my sister lives) was
hugely more radioactive than similar rock from our
own local area.
Then it was on to the Control Room which we viewed
from a gallery. The guide had previously described it
as being reminiscent of early episodes of Star Trek.
We had to agree with him. There were three large
control desks, one for each of the reactors and the
central one for the supervisor. The desks were
festooned with knobs, switches, dials and screens. No
modern press buttons or touch screens here. The
technology of the late 60's and early 70's is now
backed up with modern computer systems behind the
scenes. The uses of various controls were explained to
us including safety features and how the reactors can
be shut down in an emergency. We also saw how staff
are checked at the start and end of each shift to
measure their exposure to radiation which is,
amazingly, negligible. This was the last stop on our
very informative tour. Our only small criticism is that
it would have been useful to have a brief overview of
the overall process before we started the tour of the
buildings so we would have had a better idea of the
various machines and installations we were passing.
16
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STREET & GLASTONBURY U3A Committee Members July 2017
Chairman &
Group Co-ordinator
Stephen Wright, 12 Westacre, Street,Somerset BA16 0UG
01458 442737
Vice Chairman
Mike Ellington, Farthings, High Street, Ashcott TA7 9PL
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Treasurer
Andy Pickford, 89 Somerton Road, Street BA16 0DN
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Secretary
Helen Hickman, 12 Woods Road, Street BA16 9PS
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Newsletter
Pat Thompson, Greenloaning, West Compton
Shepton Mallet BA4 4PD
01749 890213
Publicity
Andrew Boatswain, Actis House, Bere Lane,
Glastonbury BA6 8BB
01458 832195, 07974 397356
Committee Member
Peter Griffiths, 19 The Boardwalk, Street BA16 0AJ01458 445107 or
07765 387341