issue 28 autumn 2019 news · 3 thetford university of the third age news issue 28 autumn 2019 right...
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newsIssue 28 Autumn 2019
In this issue: l Upbeat message from new Acting Chair l Escape to freedom l Talks with lots of variety l A growing passion l Photo group in focus
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Looking ahead to an exciting future
THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
FIRST, let me say that I am delighted and privileged to
be your Acting Chair. I joined Thetford U3A in
2018 so I am a relative new-comer and in many ways I am still on a learning curve about our U3A.
One thing that quickly became clear to me is that our success is due to the efforts and work of those that lead our many groups and also others who volunteer to help and, of course, especially those who serve as trustees.
I believe we have been immensely fortunate in having people like Lynn Ready, whose fantastic enthusiasm and posi-tive approach as our first Chair did so much to get our U3A off to a good start.
I am also mindful of the part Catherine Dubois has played in supporting Lynn and then taking over the reins as interim chair and finally my immediate predecessor Peter Fenton who I took over from in July 2019. To all of them I say a big thank you.
My job is to maintain their good work and add to the momentum of success. I firmly
believe we have an exciting future, but I am very clear about my role and that of our committee of trustees. We do not run the U3A – you do that. Our job is primarily to facilitate and support groups in the best way we can. And even though our U3A is autonomous and self-financing, my and the committee’s responsibility is to ensure that we comply with the high standards set by the national coordinating body to which we are affiliated, along
Message from our Acting Chairwith the rules governing our charitable status. Whilst on the subject we are always seeking new committee members, if you feel you could contribute please let us know.
One of the great advantages of coming into a new job is bringing a fresh set of eyes to it. I particularly value our monthly ‘Social’ and I hope they will become exactly this, encouraging and developing new friendships. My immense gratitude goes to Lesley Braund who organises the social and without whom we would not have such interest-ing and diverse guest speakers. I’m sure many of you have ideas for the future of Thetford U3A and I welcome them so please do let us have them. Just as a note, the tea and biscuits are complimentary!
The principle that underpins the U3A is self-help. It has proved a tremendous success and I often think that society in general could learn and benefit hugely if this was adopted in many other areas of our everyday life.m
Mike Sweeting Acting Chair Thetford U3A
MIKE Sweeting brings a wealth of knowledge and ex-perience to his role.
For most of his working life he ran his own business, specialising in French polishing and gilding, alongside a directorship in a company coaching defensive and advanced driving.
He has been involved in many other organisations including the Territorial Army where his membership of Mensa might have been a factor in being recruited to the Intelligence Corps. One incident he recalls with some humour is when, as a Terri-torial on duty at the Lord
Mayor’s Show in London, he was reprimanded by an officer for having a fixed bayonet on his rifle. Luckily the Pageant Master came to his defence and there were no serious repercussions.
Mike is proud to be a Freeman of the City of London though doubtful he will use his
About Mike Sweeting our new Acting Chair
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
right to drive a flock of sheep across London Bridge.
He has been a Norfolk Free-mason for many years and is a Provincial Grand Officer.
For the past 17 years he has been a Justice of the Peace and currently sits at Ipswich court as presiding magistrate. He is also a mentor for new magis-trates and an appraiser.
His hobbies and interests
include golf, photography, reading and travel. He has joined our politics/topical dis-cussion and quiz groups.
Perhaps this often repeated belief sums up his attitude to life: ‘Never worry about some-thing until it happens’.
Mike and his wife Judith have lived in Thetford for over 20 years.m
Cover: Greyhound Alice,
waiting to be rehomed, won
the hearts of members when
she was the star of our talk in
April. Here she is pictured
with Dog’s Trust staff Josie
and Kate. Happily, soon after
Alice was rehomed.
MEMBER Jane Howard has raised over £61,000
through organising Easter Sunday boot sales.
This sprung from a very personal tragedy when her son died. He was just 21 and suffered a sudden death, sadly a cause of death for at least 12 young people every week in the UK.
Since losing her son, Jane has devoted much of her time and energy to raising funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
Boot sale Working for Tesco for 22
years, but now retired, she came up with the idea of using the car park of the Thetford store on one of the few days in the year when it is unoccupied. So every Easter Sunday for the past 16 years a boot sale has become a fixture attracting wide support. Says Jane, “Management of the store have always been very supportive especially as they are aware of circumstances that were the catalyst for raising funds for CRY.”
This year’s boot sale saw over 100 cars taking space
with a valuable £1752 raised for the charity.
Jane has had a say in how some of the money is spent. One of the first things it went towards funding was a £4000 ECG machine to help with screening those potentially at risk, and several years ago free
Fundraiser extraordinaire
checks using the machine were offered at Thetford Academy. Jane was delighted with the response as nearly 100 people between the age of 14 and 35 took part.
Fundraising isn’t the only thing that occupies Jane’s time as she also runs a slimming group.m
Jane Howard, centre, with friends helping on her raffle stall at the boot sale.
DID anyone know the answers to our ‘mystery corner’ pictures in our last issue?
The curiously-shaped wooden object likened to a cross was a real puzzler, but our picture of it in use explains all. Lynn Ready, who sent it in, says it comes from Australia. Trust the Aussies to keep us guessing, but ‘good on ya’.
So who is the happy youngster on her tricycle? We’ll reveal all at our October social get-to-gether or maybe some-one will know the answer already.m
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It is with sadness that we report the death of local historian David Osborne, one of Thetford’s best-known figures. He was famous for his research on the town’s history and for talks he gave. More on David will be in our next issue.m
SINCE starting in April, coffee mornings have
proved popular and credit for this must go to former chair Peter Fenton and members Lesley Green and Anne Fabian. Together they were responsible for the idea as another way members can get together to socialise and chat.
Fourteen members regularly come along for the twice monthly events held at the Salvation Army coffee lounge in Magdalen Street, and they enjoy discussing a host of subjects. They’ve even had beetle drives which have added
extra competitive fun. Coffee mornings are held on
the second and fourth Thurs-
days of the month from 10 to 11.30am.
Just pop in and join us or if you’d like more information contact Anne Fabian on 01842 761506m
if members are keen to bowl more.
There is also the opportunity to join the league at Mr G’s bowling centre.m Sue Smith Ten Pin Bowling Group leader
WE have been meeting regularly at Mr G’s in Brandon on the 2nd & 4th Monday for the past year and welcome new members to join us. When there are more than four Mondays in the month, we usually fit in an extra session
More for Ten Pin Bowling
An ingenious wine bottle and glass holder.
Members enjoying a coffee morning. Photo: Julian Fabian.
Coffee mornings brew success
Mystery corner
THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
WITH memories of the 100th anniversary of the First World War and all the commemorative events gradually fading, it becomes even more important to remember the sacrifices made by a whole generation and how this affected them and their families afterwards.
And it wasn’t only about those killed in battle. Many survived but were either injured or scarred by their experiences though, when they came home, they received little or no recognition of the contribution they made.
Now a project ‘Peace comes to Thetford – The Forgotten
Soldiers’ aims to remedy this. The project led by the
Leaping Hare’s Community Investment Company and funded by a National Lottery Grant, seeks to find out as much as possible about their lives and then commemorate them with information on display boards placed at Thetford cemetery.
Our former chair, Lynn Ready is spearheading our U3A in-volvement and is keen to recruit members to help in the project.
Our Woodworking group is also lined up to make Christmas trees for a trail to highlight the project during the festive period.m
Search for Forgotten Soldiers
David Osborne dies
NOT without some justifica-
tion, the four-member quiz
team made up of members of
the Wine tasting group call
themselves Premier Cru.
In the third of our highly-popu-
lar Fish & chip Quizzes, Pre-
mier Cru showed their win in
the previous competition was
no fluke. The team took the
honours again although Wind
& Dragon and Spec Girls were
in close contention.
As usual, after the serious
business of being tested on
general knowledge, everyone
relaxed and enjoyed delicious
battered cod fillets supplied by
Croxton Road Fish Bar.
A big thank you goes to
Membership Secretary and
Trustee Gil Roberts , who
confirmed the teams’ composi-
tion and collected entries.
Catherine Dubois
PS See you at our next
Fish & Chips Quiz planned for
January when we have
additional tables available so
more teams can take part.m
which abound in the River
Lark which runs through the
gardens.
Further afield we have
travelled to Gooderstone Water
Gardens and Fairhaven
Gardens and usually transport
can be arranged for members
who don’t have their own.
“We make sure there is
something to interest every-
one,” stresses Mary Neal.
“Talks are given by specialists
and experts or by our members
who enjoy sharing their own
experience and knowledge.
Quizzes are popular and these
give everyone the opportunity
to test their knowledge of
gardening.
Sometimes we also play a
DVD or have a demonstration
follow by a group discussion
over tea and biscuits.
If you would like to learn
more about your garden, be it
large or small, come and
join us.”
For more details contact
our Group Leader, Mary Neal
on 01842 761717.m
Report by Anne Fabian
THE Gardening Group has
been running for four
years with an average of 20
members and they have a
novel way of creating extra
interest at monthly get-
togethers.
It’s a competition where
just taking part earns points
while winners and runners-up
score even more.
At the end of the year, points
accumulated are added up and
the top scoring member is
awarded a cup. Says Group
leader Mary Neal: “It’s a fun
way of involving everyone and
at the same time we all learn
more about gardening.”
Regular gatherings are held
at the Church on the Way at
10am on the first Monday of
each month, and on the third
Monday of the month the
group visit different garden-
based locations such as
Thetford Garden Centre and
Lynford (Arboretum) when the
snowdrops are out.
A recent trip to Fullers Mill
Gardens at West Stow offered
plenty to explore and there was
a fascinating talk on crayfish
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
Gardening group digs with novel idea
Premier Cru wins quiz double
Gardening group members on their visit to Fullers Mill Gardens.
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
Sessions over, smiles and
handshakes exchanged, it’s
time for tea or coffee and an
opportunity to chat with fellow
bowlers and catch up with
news.
The Brecks Indoor Bowling
Club (BIBC) at Breckland
Leisure Centre have gener-
ously dedicated Tuesday
afternoons to our U3A Indoor
Bowling Group and we play
from 2 to 4pm. Recently
another rink was recommis-
sioned making four for us to
play on, and this provides a
wonderful opportunity for
newcomers, who are assured of
free coaching for their initial
three sessions.
If you enjoy being
with people who bring fun into
relaxing bowling, if you are
confident you enjoy fairly
good health and have the
necessary flexibility to deliver
your woods, then you are made
for us.
Interested? In the first
instance, please contact me,
David Stacey, on 01842
766953 or email:
[email protected] I’ll be
delighted to hear from you!
David Stacey Indoor Bowling Group leader (Note: David is also a qualified Norfolk indoor bowling coach.) m
Fun...fit and gently flexible?IF the sound of laughter
echoing around the rinks is
anything to go by, U3A
bowlers of all abilities appreci-
ate each other’s company,
demonstrating their varied
playing skills. It certainly
unites us as a happy and
mutually supportive group.
Super athletes we are not!
But bowlers should be reason-
ably fit to make the most of
our weekly two-hour bowling
sessions.
Relaxing
The pace of games evolves
naturally with no deadlines or
targets to achieve they are
simply relaxing afternoons in
easy company.
Players benefit from a
degree of flexibility since most
of the activity naturally centres
on bowling the woods
– followed by a stroll down the
rinks in readiness for the next
end.
month at the Church on the
Way on the second Wednesday
starting at 2pm. Anyone
interested in history is very
welcome to join us.m
Judi Boutle
History Group leader
Jenny Cox, left, and Val Bick check the placings around the Jack.
THE HISTORY group likes a
challenge and for its current
study and discussion it has
chosen The Reformation.
The subject is enormous
because it affected not only
England, but other countries
across Europe.
History challengeAt their first session on the
topic, members decided how
much they could manage to
tackle and how to approach
their research.
The group meets once a
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
Julian Fabian’s name gives little clue about his origins and to those who know him, to
all intents and purposes he is British.
Yet in the mid-1950s it could have been
very different story, for in Hungary, Julian’s
country of birth, his surname is as common
as Smith is in Britain.
Julian was just four when, with his mother,
he was among the thousands who fled their
homeland to escape the Soviet
invasion and brutal crackdown on
Hungary’s attempt to become a democracy.
His memories are vague, but seeing
Russian tanks surrounding Budapest where
he lived have stayed with him.
“It must have been a desperate time for so
many including my parents,” he points out.
“We had the chance to escape and families
had to decide what they would do because
there probably wouldn’t be another oppor-
tunity.”
With only the belongings they could carry,
Julian and his mother managed to flee to
freedom across the border to Austria and
then eventually made their way to England.
“The saddest thing was how it split
families,” says Julian. “Like my own
family, many of my relatives including my
grandparents remained. And not being able
to visit Hungary for so many years after the
Russians reinstated their harsh rule we
gradually lost touch with many relatives
and friends.”
Julian has few regrets though about
having left all those years ago and was
young enough to grow up feeling as British
as anyone. He worked mostly in the London
area and moved to Norfolk in 1983 when he
retired from a job in the motor trade.
He and his wife Anne are both active
members of our U3A. He leads the badmin-
ton group and belongs to other sports groups
and the gardening group, Anne organizes the
twice-monthly coffee mornings (see report page four) and is a member of the gardening
and art workshop groups.m
News in brief from around the Groups
Escape to freedom and a new life
Regrettably our Industrial Tourism Group has no visits planned, but it is hoped the programme will restart in the near future. Tennis Group is looking for a new leader to take over from Vivienne Enefer. If you are interested contact: Martin Slater Ellie Hurry‐Palmer is now the contact for the Scrabble Group who meet at The Bell Hotel at 2pm every other Wednesday. To contact Ellie please phone 01842 750081
Julian points to where he came from in Hungary.
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE
Talks diary dates for 2020
starters. The programme kicked
off with local auctioneer
Edward Crichton giving an
amusing insight into his job and
with the popularity of TV
programmes such as ‘Flog it’
and ‘Antiques Roadshow’, it
was no surprise that this talk
proved a winner. Some
members also brought along
items which Mr Critchton
happily gave his view of their
likely value.
Special
Our AGM this year also
featured something special –
speakers from the Dogs Trust
plus Alice a greyhound one of
their residents looking to be re-
homed. She quickly became
star of the show.
The work of the Leaping
Hare and its promotional
banner ‘Everything Thetford’
was the focus of Corinne
Fulford’s talk which high-
lighted so many positive things
about the town and the unique-
ness of what it has to attract
visitors.
One of the most fascinating
talks was given by Philp Caine
who started out as a hotel chef
and via various jobs including
working on oil rigs ended up
managing the facilities and
amenities of oil bases in the
Middle East.
Memories of yesteryear were
reawakened by Brian Thurlow,
reprising the role of Master of
Ceremonies to a tee with all the
flowery expressions and
singing music hall favourites
speakers is, ‘will they be
entertaining and interesting’.
Another aim is have a variety
of subjects wide enough to
appeal to everyone regardless
of interests.
Take this year’s speakers for
VARIETY is the spice
of life and if you are
looking for it, our talks
programme certainly boasts
plenty in store for everyone.
They’ve become a highlight
of our social get togethers in the
Carnegie Room, which take
place on the fourth Thursday of
each month.
For those who have not
yet come to any talks, they start
at 2pm with doors open
at 1.45pm.
After brief announcements
and updates about groups and
other items, the guest speaker
(or speakers) is/are introduced
and usually their talk lasts for
about 45 minutes with question
time at the end although some
welcome them during the talk.
The key to the choice of our
January 23rd Fraser Harrison History of Thomas Paine
February 27th Tony Diamond Hoxne Hoard
March 26th Pat Alkar Project Duken
April 23rd Tony Dobbin Making our Magazine
May 28th Bernard Locket Gilbert & Sullivan
June 25th Sarah Doig Ancestral Heritage
July 23rd Horace Parsons Bury Tower
August 27th Karl Lumbers Trinity House
Sepember 24th Lynn Ready Travels in India
October 22nd Anne Newmeiry My Suitcase,
My Patience and Himself
November 26th Doreen Read Festive Themes
December 10th Xmas Party
Variety of talks spoils
9
us for choice NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
to put everyone in the festive
mood for Christmas.
Talks are completely free for
members, all you need is your
membership card to show at
the door. Non-members can
also attend, paying just £2.
And everyone can enjoy a free
cuppa with biscuits after the
talk.m
sparking laughter and applause
from all.
Feathered friends were the star
attraction for what was more a
demonstration than talk at our
Far left: Corinne Fulford speaking about the Leaping Hare. Above left: Twiglet, a White-faced owl, is a‘watch the birdie’ favourite. Left: With Grandparents duties in August it was good to see these young-sters enjoying the talk on our feathered friends then able to handle Twiglet. Top above: Auctioneer Edward Critchton giving his expert view on a member’s antique. Above: Philip Caine’s books were in demand after his talk.
August meeting, when
Phoenix Owls brought
along several species
of the magnificent
birds.
And for September
it was a rather differ-
ent story of flying by
Keith Thomas speak-
ing about his 35 years
as a pilot in the RAF.
October’s talk title
‘Passports, Assassins,
Traitors, Spies’
sounds so intriguing
that it will be hard for
anyone not to be
tempted to come
along to hear what
Martin Lloyd has
to reveal.
Finally to round off the
year’s talks, Linda Scoles’
‘God Rest Ye Merry’ looks set
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
HAVING an allotment and
growing your own fresh
produce can be one of the most
satisfying hobbies.
Linda Chambers certainly
thinks so, for she is a keen
enthusiast enjoying the ‘fruits’
of her allotment near her
home.
Linda became a member of
our U3A soon after she retired
in 2018 and over time joined
the cinema & theatre, quiz,
badminton and woodwork
groups.
Besides this quartet of
activities, it is her allotment
that she especially enjoys and
is where she spends much of
her time.
Open air
“Being in the open air and
seeing the things I’ve planted,
growing and producing a crop
beats going to the supermarket.
Not only do I know how
everything has been grown, but
it is so fresh and really tastes
wonderful and has no chemi-
cals added,” she says.
Linda has worked hard over
the seven years she has had her
allotment, often spending two
to four hours at a time, three or
more times a week depending
on the season and weather
conditions.
The busiest time is early
Above left: Linda with some of her allotment produce. Below: Taking part in the Great East Swim.
complete novice; now she can
play a very competitive game.
The same applies to wood-
working where, with guidance
from others more experienced
in carpentry, she has completed
several projects including a
very impressive bird box.
Her drive to do things well
also applies to swimming. “I
love to swim, and have always
yearned to do the crawl stroke
properly. Then, when I entered
Suffolk’s Great East Swim
event for the first time, I had
the opportunity to learn with a
coach.” Spring preparing her sizeable
plot at Brandon for the wide
variety of things she grows –
everything from aubergines to
potatoes. Fortunately, as well
as being green fingered, the
soil is rich and loamy and at
just £30 a year, Linda reckons
her allotment is a real bargain.
Asked what’s the secret to a
successful allotment, Linda is
emphatic: “Hard work. There
is always something to do,
whether it’s weeding, digging
or watering in dry spells,” she
adds.
Linda is undeniably a
very determined and energetic
person, squeezing a tremen-
dous amount into her busy life
as shown in the way she
approaches other interests and
activities.
When she started badminton
with the U3A group, she was a
Enjoying a hobby that just grows and grows on you
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
Not only did she master the
stroke, which enables her to
plough through the water of
Breckland Leisure Centre’s
pool three times a week covering
a mile in 55 minutes, but she
successfully completed two Great
East Swims and would likely have
done so again this year. It was
only because it clashed with her
birthday when her sons and their
families arranged a special dinner
and theatre trip to London.
The treat was to see the musical
‘School of Rock’ and you could
well say it was a perfect choice
for Linda who, at 70, still rocks in
the many things she does and
shows that being active helps
keep you young at heart.m
This year’s Christmas Party on Thursday 12th December at the Carne-gie Room promises to be a magical event.
Entertainment will be provided by Marco the Magician, performing his tricks around the tables so everyone has a ‘ringside’ seat.
There’ll be the usual Christmas Fare plus a raffle, free to all members, but the com-mittee welcomes and appreciates the donation of any prizes.
Make a date for it in your diary.m
Sign language
starts soon
Sunny smiles from Linda enjoying her allotment.
PLANS are afoot to start a new group with the aim of learning sign language, or signing as it is also known.
The idea comes from Trustee Lesley Braund, who is in the process of collecting names of members interested in joining the group.
If you haven’t already been in touch with Lesley she will be delighted to hear from you.
With 11 million people either deaf or suffering im-paired hearing in the UK, it means that sign language can open up a whole new world of communicating. Learning signing is rewarding and you can choose how proficient you want to be, but even a little knowledge is valuable.
You can contact Lesley on 01842 824074 or email [email protected]
Party magic
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THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
AT the Wine Tasting
group’s annual garden
party sampling the liquid
nectar wasn’t the only priority
as the occasion coincided with
one of the members celebra-
ting a ‘vintage’ birthday and
everyone joined in raising a
glass to wish him many happy
returns.
It was a lovely event reports
Judi Boutle who leads the
group. But thank goodness for
conservatories and the shelter
they give from the rain.
Tasty food provided by
members and an interesting
selection of wines including a
surprisingly good sparkling
Shiraz, tenuously chosen with
the ‘birthday boy’ in mind,
made a perfect combination to
enjoy regardless of the weather.
The group’s September
event proved another success
when they visited one of the
oldest English vineyards –
Chilford Hall in Cambridge-
shire. They enjoyed tasting
some of the vineyard’s award-
winning wine followed by an
afternoon tea.
Currently, our group is full
and has a waiting list, but if
anyone is interested in leading
another new group I am happy
to provide advice and
support.m
Judi Boutle,
Wine Group leader
Modern classics are page turners for new group
nom de plumes in order to be
published.
Also ranging further afield
there are many wonderful
writers from other lands to be
read and commented on. Alan
Paton, John Steinbeck and
Pearl S Buck. In fact as a
lovely book group reader
recently remarked “so many
books, so little time”
So come, join us and bring
your suggestions we will have
a “lucky dip” to determine
future books if enough ideas
are forthcoming.
To contact me email:
[email protected] or phone:
01842 765729m
Joy Anderson Group leader
OUR new Modern Classics
group had its inaugural meet-
ing on September 5 when
Daphne du Maurier’s classic
‘Rebecca’ was the first book to
be discussed. Next will be
Thomas Hardy’s ‘Under the
Greenwood Tree’.
As the time range for the
modern classical selection will
be up to the 1930’s some of us
may have read them at school
and now can reread them with
a different mindset in a differ-
ent century. Perhaps in dis-
cussion we can reflect that
many of these books were
written before females were
able to vote, several famous
women writers had to use male
Wine group raise glasses for vintage birthday
What if...? This poem was read recently at our Poetry Group. Few, if any of us, cannot be touched by the beauty and poignancy of these few simple words written 200 years ago, but resonating with us as much today as they did then.
What if you slept And what if In your sleep You dreamed And what if In your dream You went to heaven And there plucked a strange and beautiful flower And what if When you awoke You had that flower in your hand Ah, what then? Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)
13
continued on page 14
IF NUMBERS are an indica-
tion of success, then our
Photography Group with its’
30 members must surely rank
as one of the most popular.
In a way this should be
no surprise as almost everyone
indulges in taking pictures in
some form or another mainly
thanks to most mobile phones
having built-in cameras.
But to make a group
successful needs a lot more
than a casual interest in taking
snaps. This is where Group
leaders like Carole Herries
with her husband Rae play
such an important part.
For the group’s last Friday
of the month meetings, the
couple ensure interesting
sessions that give members
‘exposure triangle’. In another
session they showed how black
& white continues to have a
part in capturing stunning
pictures.
Members Robert and
Bridget Hubbard led a valuable
practical session on ‘still life’
photography, and in yet
another session, macro photo-
graphy was the focus of a
guest expert from a Cam-
bridgeshire region U3A.
Still to be enjoyed is a
session on Carole and Rae’s
speciality, wildlife photogra-
phy including taking sunrises,
sunsets and snow scenes.
the opportunity to learn new
photographic skills. They also
involve and draw on members’
own knowledge and expertise.
Examples during the year so
far, saw David Fossey and
Robert Hubbard leading a
session on landscape photogra-
phy, visiting some of the most
scenic locations in Norfolk
and Suffolk.
Back to basics
For those keen to learn
more about technical aspects,
member Andy Temple ex-
plained the benefits of High
Dynamic Range (HDR) in
producing great images, while
a ‘back to basics’ session by
Carole and Rae concentrated
on using the camera in ‘off
auto’ and introduced the
So much to make our photography group click
THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
Above: Photograhy group members with cameras at the ready.
14
THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
Instead of the usual drawing or painting, members of our Art Work-shop group tried their hand at clay modelling. Given it was for only one session, they nevertheless produced some creative efforts, though everyone agreed that using air drying clay is quite challenging to master.
A photo-opportunity walk
around the town gave members
plenty to shoot, from the river-
side to the Priory, and from
Kings House Gardens to
heritage buildings like the
Ancient House Museum.
“We want to raise the level
of pride amongst residents and
encourage the development of
a positive culture in the town.
“The end product of the
project will be a handsome
‘coffee table’ book for free
distribution to all 10,000
households in Thetford. Addi-
tionally, it is hoped to display
photographs at selected venues
throughout the town.”m Carole Herries Photography Group leader
Night time photography will
also see that no one is in the
dark about this challenging
area, and a private view of the
Burrell Museum will capture
some of the town’s industrial
past. Finally, at Christmas,
members will ‘show and tell’
some of their favourite
photographs.
Taking pictures in ‘the field’
has already figured in the
group’s programme with a trip
to Wells for seascapes and
landscapes, but it is Thetford
that comes into the spotlight in
an exciting and ambitious
project called ‘Our Beautiful
Thetford’. It’s exactly what
members aim to show in
pictures they take of all that is
great and good about Thetford.
Dad’s Army’s Captain Mainwaring in the picture with our photog-raphy enthusiasts.
Art workshop finds clay a challenge
She is delighted with the
finished result and also that she
was able to save a lot of
money.
Her most recent project was
also challenging, though very
different. Made from various
woods ranging from English
oak to Brazilian mahogany – a
clock of distinctive design.
“I love the thought that it is
unique and unusual,” she adds.m
EVEN if you’ve never tried
your hand at making things,
joining our Woodwork group
opens up many opportunities
to do so.
DIY is not only very satisfy-
ing, but it can also save
hundreds, if not thousands, of
pounds as Vivienne Enefer
discovered.
After getting a frighteningly
expensive quote for fitted
wardrobes she decided to
make her own. “The great
thing about our woodwork
group is that help and advice is
always on hand,” Vivienne
points out, “so tackling an
ambitious project becomes
much easier.”
Woodwork time and moneysaver
Unique design for timepiece.
15
Useful contact informationMike Sweeting Acting Chair of Trustees 07770 432088 [email protected]
Jenny Bird (Secretary) 01842 752182 [email protected]
Lesley Braund (Publicity) 01842 824074 [email protected]
Gil Roberts (Membership) 01842 766166 [email protected]
Rosemary Madders (Vice Chair) 01842 761812 [email protected]
Paul Vice (Trustee) 01842 755442 [email protected]
Peter Fenton (Trustee) 07836 507847 [email protected]
Martin Slater (Groups Facilitator) 01842 890360 [email protected]
Tony Dobbin (News magazine) 01953 718449 [email protected]
Chris Hayes (Website) 01842 762356 [email protected]
THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019
THERE was lots to see and
do on the Holiday group’s
Spring break at Eastbourne.
With Brighton not far away
along the coast, a day trip to
the resort was one of the high-
lights and a visit to the famous
Pavilion was a ‘must’.
Lynn Ready’s impression of
the Regency building sums it
up. “Amazing and fantastic!”
The interior proved just as
exotic as the outside with
fascinating displays, an eye-
catcher featuring hats worn by
famous people, one even in the
shape of frying pan complete
with bacon and eggs.
Other excursions took the
group to Rye and Hastings,
where some chanced a ride on
the country’s steepest funicular
railway to reach the top of the
town’s West Hill.
Less scary was taking the
train to nearby Lewes, where
members saw the house that
Thomas Paine, Thetford’s most
famous son, occupied when
he lived in the town for a
Spring holiday offers plenty to explore
number of years.
A holiday destination is yet
to be decided for 2020, but
Devon has been mentioned as
a possibility.m
Lynn Ready
Holiday Group leader
Members of the Holiday group pose with Brighton’s Regency Royal Pavilion in the background. Below: Thomas Paine’s house in Lewes.
Magazine production team: Tony Dobbin & Gil Roberts. Printed by Rollmark using vegetable-based inks on paper from woodland with a continuous programme of replanting to offset the CO2 production used in its manufacture.m
Every effort is made to ensure information in TU3A News is correct at the time of going to press. All personal information provided by members will be used only in accordance with the Data Protection rights of individuals, and will be kept secure and used only for U3A contact purposes.m
Mahjong Claire Norris 07958 977326 Tuesdays 2.00pm Café One
Music Linda Brightman 01842 761739 Mondays 9.30am Croxton Village Hall and Church on the Way
Photography Carole Herries 01842 761889 4th Friday of month 10.00am Church on the Way Poetry Gil Roberts 01842 766166 3rd Wednesday 10am
Politics/Topical discussion Catherine Dubois 01842 750866 2nd Friday 10.30am
Quiz Group Irene Vaughan 01842 764566 Last Friday of the month 11.00am
Science & Other Stuff Chris Hayes 01842 762356 3rd Tuesday 10am
Scrabble Ellie Hurry-Palmer 01842 750081 Alternate Wednedays 2.00pm The Bell Hotel
Short Tennis Margaret Swinger 01842 755891 Tuesdays 12.15pm Leisure Centre (not in school holidays)
Spanish-Beginners Shirley Arnold
01842 750544 Thursdays 10.30am
Spanish-Advanced Shirley Arnold
01842 750544 Fridays 1.00pm
Spanish Conversation Liz Aguilar
07818 803049 Weds 11.00am The Bell Hotel
Sunday Lunch Club Anne Pearson
01842 338251 2nd Sunday - Conservative Club
1pm and
last Sunday of the month - The Bell Inn 12.30pm
Table Tennis Vivienne Enefer 01842 754018 Fridays 12.00 noon Leisure Centre
Table Tennis 2 Colin Hill 01842 810890 Mondays 12.00 noon Leisure Centre
Ten Pin Bowling Sue Smith 07941 828646 2nd & 4th Monday 10.30am Mr G’s Brandon
Tennis Vivienne Enefer 01842 754018 Thursdays 10.00am King’s House Garden courts Walking 5-10 miles David Stacey 01842 766953
Walking under 5 miles Teresa Richens 01842 765951 Alternate Mondays 9.45am The Light cinema
Wine Tasting Judi Boutle 01842 753365 email:
[email protected] Monthly
Woodwork Paul Vice 01842 755442 Mondays 10.00am
World War History Ken Teesdale
01842 752430 Last Friday of month10.00am
For more information about Thetford U3A see our website www.thetfordu3a.org
Antiques & Collectables Catherine Dubois 01842 750866 2nd Wednesday 10.30am
Art Workshop Lynn Ready 01842 338267 3rd Thursday 2.00pm Church on the Way
Badminton Julian Fabian 01842 761506 Wednesdays 10.00am Leisure Centre
Book Club Jenny Bird 01842 752182 First Wednesday 2.00pm Thetford Library
Bridge Steve Hodgson 01842 752389
Mondays pm
Chess Colin Hill 01842 810890 Tues & Thurs 9.30am Salvation Army coffee lounge
Cinema/Theatre Shirley Arnold 01842 750544 Last Tuesday of month 12.30pm Café One
Coffee mornings Anne Fabian 01842 761506
2nd and fourth Thursday 10am
Salvation Army coffee lounge
Cookery Carole Herries 01842 761889 2nd Tuesday 12.00 noon Church on the Way
Day Trips Gerald Bass 01842 752947 4th Weds 2.30pm United Reform Church
Dog Walking Ellie Hurry-Palmer 01842 750081 Mondays 10.30pm
Family History Sandra Slater 01842 890360
Alternate Wednesdays
French-Inter Catherine Dubois 01842 750866 Mondays 10.00am
French Upper Catherine Dubois 01842 750866 Alternate Fridays 2.00 pm
Gardening Mary Neal 01842 761717 1st Monday 10.00am Church on the Way
Genealogy Jean Barnbrook 01953 681533 1st Thursday 10.00am Thomas Paine Hotel
German Joan Scherb 01638 780749 2nd Wednesday 1.30pm
Handicrafts Lynn Ready 01842 338267 3rd Thursday 10.00am Church on the Way
History Judi Boutle 01842 753365 2nd Wednesday 2.00pm Church on the Way email:[email protected]
Holidays Lynn Ready 01842 338267 1st Monday 2.00pm
Indoor Bowls David Stacey 01842 766953 Tuesdays 2.00pm Leisure Centre Modern Classics Joy Anderson 01842 765729 1st Thursday 2pm Thetford Library
Thetford U3A is a Registered Charity Number: 1161699
A to Z Groups guide THETFORD UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWS ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2019