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From the Chair…………….

With the AGM now over the officers and committee can concentrate on supporting the continuing growth and development of Wrekin U3A. With 10 of the 12 committee members having served on last year’s committee there is strong element of continuity and this will assist the committee in quickly moving forward to consider the challenges we face. The two new members will bring their own experience in strengthening the committee, and I look forward to their contribution over the next year. The continuing growth in membership and the numbers attending the monthly meetings are challenges which the committee needs to consider:

• How do we ensure that the “quality” of the monthly meeting is retained and if possible improved? The speaker programme is finalised, so we need to concentrate on matters within our control inside the Shifnal Village Hall.

• Many of our interest groups meet in member’s homes and this obviously limits the number of members who can attend a group meeting. In some instances new Wrekin U3A members are unable to attend the interest group(s) of their choice. The Committee has to find ways to respond positively to this challenge.

CONTENTS Chairman’s Piece................................1-2 Get Well Cards.................................................7 Get Back to the 60s................................2 Letters to the Editor..........................................7 The U3A and You....................................2 A Mystery Woman............................................7 Reading Group 1....................................3 Shakespeare Group.......................................,.8 Answers to Winter Quiz...........................3 Garden History Quiz.........................................8 Houses and Gardens..............................4 A Traumatic Shopping Experience.................9 Science Reading Group........................4 Speakers Corner........................................10-11 Your Newsletter.......................................4 Wanted............................................................11 Cultural Visits............................................5 I was on my way to.........................................11 Fitness to Participate ..............................6 Wrekin U3A Appointments..............................12 Appointments..........................16

Snowflake Break – The Cairngorms

Linda Cream and John Johnson of

Wrekin U3A join owner, Ken Robertson, at the Clansman Centre on the

Snowflake Break in February 2014

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• With your membership renewal you were given a “Membership Survey Form“. If you have not yet completed and returned your form please do so as a matter of urgency. The results of the Survey will assist the Committee in the further development of our U3A.

• Last year we have organised two additional meetings giving members the opportunity to meet the committee and group leaders, and we are arranging two meetings in 2014. We are inviting all members, who have joined since March 2013, to the first meeting on Tuesday 6th May 2014 in Shifnal Village Hall starting at 2.00 pm. The second meeting will be in September and details will be announced at the end of July.

• Looking through the list you may think that we have enough interest groups. Yes, we may, but if one member has an interest which is not on the list then that is an opportunity for a new group. Find a second member and a group can start. So which of your interests are not catered for? Let us know!

All of this, and our ongoing activities, depend on the effort and contribution of us all. There is no magic, things do not just happen- someone, may be you, has to give their time and energy to make things happen. How will you contribute in the next twelve months?

Alan Cartwright – Chairman – April 2014. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wrekin U3A Social meeting, Tuesday 24th June Get back to the ‘60s Do you remember the ‘60s - the Beatles and Flower Power? You are invited to an afternoon of ‘60s music, food and style.

Entry by ticket only - £1.50 per person. Tickets on sale at the April and May general meetings. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE U3A AND YOU How did you hear about the U3A? Why did you join? What has membership of U3A meant to you? We would like to hear of your experiences. Please contact the Editor at carolwinterbottom@btinternet.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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BOOK REVIEWS FROM READING GROUP 1

A Month in the Country by J L Carr A Month in the Country refers to the start of the recovery of a young man, Birkin, returning with shell shock and his wife leaving him after the First World War. He obtains a job restoring a mural in a country church in Yorkshire for just one month. He lives in the belfry to save a little money; the work will provide him with a reference for future work. The local people accept him, he has a friend in an oddball archaeologist working by the church and he falls in love with the vicar’s wife. The weather is always fine and life is quiet and calm. Birkin writes the book as an old man, reflecting with nostalgia on the peaceful time and the sense of belief in the future. As we are now looking back at the events of the First World War, it is interesting to look at the problems in returning to civilian life. Jean Kerr Scottsboro by Ellen Feldman This is a page-turning novel, depicting the injustices to which black people and poor whites were subjected in North America in the early 1930s, i.e. in the life time of many of us. As has been said, the circumstances described will make one realize how amazing it is that the United States of America has a black president today. Although this is a novel, told through the eyes and ears of a North American journalist, Alice Whittier, Ellen Feldman painstakingly undertook her research and one feels one is reading an historical account of those times, rather than a novel. Read it and judge for yourselves!

Audrey Atkinson

Answers to Winter Quiz

1. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 15. Civet 2. It is the only one with a dome 16. Kismet 3. Old Kent Road and Whitechapel 17. Fig 4. Brussels 18. House of Hapsburg 5. 42 6. William Wordsworth 7. Oliver Cromwell 8. The M8 9. Sturgeon 10. Lulu 11. Wednesday 12. Canada 13. Beetroot 14. Ozzy Osbourne

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HOUSES AND GARDENS GROUP

We had planned to revisit “Swallow Hayes” in Albrighton as Pat Edwards had a collection of Witch Hazels which flower in late January. However I did not get a reply to my letter and it was sad to hear that Pat is now in a home due to dementia. Such a pleasant, knowledgeable lady with a lovely garden. We have to remember our last visit and how welcome Pat made us feel. We usually visit Attingham Park in February for the snowdrop walk. However due to the heavy rain, swollen river, windy conditions and part of the Park being closed I had to decide to cancel this visit. What a start to our new programme. We managed to visit Webbs Garden Centre at Wychbold in early March. We used the new bus in Shifnal ”Len’s Shuttle” This garden centre is huge and well worth a visit. It was too early for plant buying but I did wonder how all the purchases were going to fit in the bus with us. We did however make it safely home without leaving anyone or anything behind. PROGRAMME 19 May Revisit to Arley Hall and Gardens, Cheshire by coach. 17 June Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Leominster by coach 10 July Coughton Court (N.T.), Alcester by coach. FURTHER INFORMATION FROM EILEEN DOWELL SCIENCE READING GROUP I joined the Science Reading Group by accident (joined the U3A in the hope of going to

another group, which turned out to be full, then happened to meet Chris Smith!) but I’m very

glad I did. The group is small so everyone contributes, and I was made to feel extremely

welcome. Though not a scientist, I’ve always been interested in science matters, especially

Physics, so have much enjoyed reading ‘Why Does e = mc2?’ and ‘The Big Bang’. Lately,

we’ve ventured into the Chemistry area and, much to my amazement, I’ve found that

interesting too and have even started to understand the Periodic Table a little.

Alison Harris

YOUR REVIEW Reports from Groups are very welcome. However, the Editor’s decision on the content of the Review is final. There is no guarantee of publication and alterations may be made to fit the page.

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CULTURAL VISITS 2014 The Snowflake Break to the Cairngorms………. …………through the eyes of one of the members at the back of the bus - and you all know what they say about those at the back of the bus! The scenery was to die for; snow- capped peaks, waterfalls and babbling streams. Even the weather was kind as it only rained when we were on the coach. The Conservation Cold Climate Animal Sanctuary was an unexpected addition to the itinerary but turned out to be quite a highlight. The trip to the Whisky Distillery was interesting, and some of the party were very enthusiastic about their samples of single Malt. Some, who shall remain nameless, benefited from the samples of the non-whisky drinkers! Blair Castle was like something out of a fairy-tale in appearance from the exterior. It was interesting but not memorable on the inside. Pitlochry proved to be a good watering stop and shopping nose about for some. We didn't ascend the heights on the mountain railway due to high winds but never the less it was wonderful to see the skiers and snowboarders in action on the slopes. The trip to the Clansman Centre was very interesting but Ken Robertson, the Liverpudlian who held our attention with that rare humour of his kind, seemed to have no explanation as to why, after demonstrating his very frightening weaponry, assuring us that they could slay five Englishmen at a time, they hadn't won the battle of Culloden! We went around Loch Ness, but due to prior warning about our arrival, Nessy was on an away day. I must not leave out the hotel and staff, as they were exceptional. The food was of a high standard and varied. Our coach driver Steve must be commended for his informative chat and very pleasing manner. Lastly, but by no way least, I must say what a pleasure it was to have the opportunity to get to know my fellow members in such a congenial way. Thanks Everyone! Kate (at the back of the bus) West. (Photo next issue Ed.) Proposed visit: The History & Beauty of Yorkshire. Depart Thursday, 7th August 2014 Duration 5 days / 4 nights Accommodation 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast at the 4* Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds. Cost From £280.00 per person. Sole occupancy, £60.00 per person Itinerary includes En –route stop at Salford Quays; Haworth; Saltaire; York or Eden Camp; Ripon; Harrogate and/ or RHS Harlow Carr Return via Dunham Massey where the period as a hospital during WW1 is recreated. Full details from Jan Burrows or via the Wrekin U3A web site at: http://u3asitec.org.uk/sites/w/wrekin/docs/thehistorybeautyofyorkshire-withoutbookingformcopy.pdf Closing Date for Bookings: 26th May, 2014.

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IS THAT U3A TRIP SUITABLE FOR YOU? Whenever our Event Organisers or Group Leaders plan an outing for U3A members there will be the almost unspoken understanding and expectation that everyone will be able to go. But will they? Some trips may involve physical activity or endurance which some might find daunting or even impossible; others may need assistance in order to complete the activity schedule. As a Committee we consider that both members and activity leaders have a responsibility in these circumstances in order to ensure that the event can be satisfactorily, safely and comfortably enjoyed by all participating members. The following guidance note has been prepared for just these reasons. Wrekin U3A - Guidelines for ability to participate in an Activity Activity includes visits, outings, trips etc Guidelines: for members and activity leaders. Preparation: Activity leaders provide an outline; this is likely to include, but is not limited to:

• Start and return times: • Travel time and scheduled stops: • Access and facilities at the venue(s), any known limitations on access: • The distances and walking conditions anticipated.

Members decide: if they are fit and able to fully participate. Members should make their own enquiries if more information is needed, leaders may offer support with such enquiries.

Confirmation: In “signing up” for an activity members are confirming • that they consider themselves fit and able to participate in the proposed activity. • that they have read, understood and are able to comply with the activity outline, and

any further information received, such as that given by a Tour Operator. Responsibility of a member requiring assistance: A member anticipating requiring help or assistance during the activity is responsible for making such arrangements. There is no obligation on other members to undertake such assistance. A member can arrange for such assistance to be provided by someone (who does not need to be a Wrekin U3A member) joining the activity at full cost. Members are required to:

• provide the event organizer with contact details for use in case of an emergency. • consider arranging relevant travel insurance. • carry a current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (European travel only). • ensure they carry any necessary medication required for the duration of the activity.

Disputes: If a difference of opinion arises, between an activity leader and a member regarding the member’s ability to participate, the matter must be immediately referred to the Groups’ Coordinator. Agreed by Wrekin U3A Committee – January 2014.

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GET WELL CARDS Wrekin U3A cares about its members and, therefore, if a member is seriously unwell or has had an operation, the committee feels it is appropriate to send a Get Well card to show that someone is thinking of them. This is especially important for those who live alone. So if you know of anyone who is ill and who would appreciate a card, then please contact Helena Gill on 01952 613428 or email her at helenagill@btinternet.com giving a reason. Sympathy cards and Thinking of You cards may also be sent. Again, please contact Helena. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Review Editor, I need to thank Chris Smith for her letter in the last Review on hearing aids. I can now say as she said "Now I am wired for sound", having taken her advice .I am now the proud owner of two NHS digital hearing aids, and three weeks in, my brain has adapted to hearing fully. Now Barry has to ask me to turn up the radio and television! Like Chris I would encourage anyone with even mild hearing loss to go to their doctor and be referred for a hearing test. It only took a month between seeing my doctor and having my hearing aids. The rest is down to patience and perseverance!! Yours sincerely, Gill Stimpson. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR It has been decided that Letters to the Editor would bring added interest to the Wrekin U3A Review. Letters can cover any subject which may be of interest to our age range. You may wish to share memories or have an amusing story to tell. Comments on current affairs are welcome but please do not include something which may be controversial or which could be libellous. I look forward to receiving letters for the next issue. Don't forget the deadline is 31st March 2014. A MYSTERY WOMAN I never knew my Mother as she died when I was a baby and I was looked after by my Grandmother (my Father’s Mother) My Father had remarried when I was very young, and I had always believed that my Stepmother was my Mother until I was told the truth when I was about ten years old. I can still remember the shock and sinking feeling today, and my feelings towards my Stepmother changed. It would have been much kinder had I known the truth from the beginning. As children do, I started asking questions about my Mother, but no one knew anything - it seemed that she had married my Father, had me, died and disappeared except for her grave. Colin’s daughter was visiting us, and as she is doing family history research for her side of the family, I told her that I would love to find out about my mother. She agreed to help me and started by sending for my Mother’s birth certificate to find out her Mother’s (my Grandmother on her side’s) name. From this we found that my Grandmother had also died within a year of my Mother’s birth and she was also looked after by her Grandmother. I found that my Mother had an older brother that I never knew, so the search for his family begins and relatives that I have never met. Also that her Grandfather (my Great grandfather) died leaving an estate of approximately one and a half million pounds in today’s money. What happened to it all? Helena Gill

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SHAKESPEARE GROUP There have been some changes to the Shakespeare Group’s programme for 2014:

• The meeting on Monday, 21st April coincided with a Bank Holiday (Easter Monday); so was not held;

• The meeting on Monday, 21st July will take place in the afternoon (2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.) instead of the morning.

The cancellation of the Easter Monday meeting means that Peggy William’s 3 sessions on The Two Gentlemen of Verona ahead of the visit to see this in live performance at Stratford-upon-Avon on Thursday, 14th August will now take place on the mornings (10.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon) of 19th May and 16th June and the afternoon of 21st July (2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.). Barry & Gill Stimpson. GARDEN HISTORY GROUP This month’s quiz has been devised by Pam Vincent of the Garden History Group. Many thanks to Pam. Answers in the next issue of the Review. 1. In 1851 Joseph Paxton built the largest greenhouse/conservatory in the UK. What was it called? 2. What flower is named after the 16th German botanist, Dr Leonhart Fuchs? 3. The Heligan Estate, including the Lost Gardens of Heligan, was bought by which family in the 16th century? 4. What was the first garden ever taken on by the National Trust in 1947? 5. What was the first vegetable to be grown in space in 1995? 6. From which European country did the garden gnome originate? 7. Which carnivorous plant did Charles Darwin describe as ‘the most wonderful in the world’? 8. What was the famous 18th century gardener ‘Capability’ Brown’s Christian name? 9. What garden implement did Edward Beard Budding invent in 1830? 10. What Asian country invented and developed the wheelbarrow?

A Thought for a new Month

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the

other, totally worn out and screaming:

“Wooo Hoooo what a ride! I wanna go round again!”

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Anonymous. A TRAUMATIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

It was two days before Christmas. Three guests were expected to arrive that day after battling with the heavy winds and pouring rain on the motorways. The Boss discovered essential items had been omitted from the previous day’s big shop, usual before the festive occasion. As one guest was expected to arrive in time for lunch, preparation and cooking of the roast and accompaniments was under way and, caring spouse that I am, I did not wish the Boss to endure the horrific weather conditions, and I bravely volunteered to undertake a task which I did not normally carry out on my own; shopping at the Super Market! Donning waxed all weather coat, with mobile phone in pocket, switched on ready to receive further instructions, I opened the garage, drove out the car and was on my way when – my super intellect mulling over the logistics of the exercise - it occurred to me that I did not have on my person the means to pay for the purchases. Returned to the house, found my wallet, and to the strains of a not expressed comment – “idiot” – departed once again. For the first time in my experience the Tesco car park was full; eventually I took the spot vacated by a departing shopper at the furthest possible spot from the store entrance and reached for the pound coin needed to secure a shopping trolley. This was invariably kept in a dedicated slot between the car seats, but it was not there! As always, there were no coins in my pockets so I had to settle for using one of the store wire baskets. Nothing wrong with that, baskets are used by many shoppers, but not to carry a large box of Xmas Crackers and two large packets of toilet paper with the other items needed! By sense of habit I opened the boot of the car to select a couple of reusable plastic bags in which to carry my purchases but found none; they had all been used for the previous day’s big shop and not returned to the car! It was a wet, cold walk from car to store, where I picked up a basket. From much experience in wheeling a trolley in the wake of Boss Lady who slowly decided and extracted required items, I knew where the items needed were located, so, in a very short time, toting a box of crackers under one arm, a packet of toilet paper under the other, and with full basket in hand, I headed for the checkout area. Utter chaos! There were queues of heavily laden trolleys at most of the stations, with the tinkling tones of the bar code readers playing a tune much loved by stores management and, I suppose Tesco shareholders. Not part of my share portfolio, unfortunately, but as often occurred, my memory took me back to the time when I invested in a village shop where the sale of contents of just a couple of the trolleys would have equalled a total day’s takings! Having selected what appeared to be the least congested till, I joined the queue behind a lady with a large trolley full of a major Christmas shop. Seeing that I only had a basket and a few other items she suggested I should use one of the nearby self-service payment machines. Once, many moons ago, being in a hurry, I attempted to pay for a single item, forgotten from the main list, by using one of those complex machines; it was embarrassing to hold up the customers waiting behind me until being rescued by a girl who looked almost young enough to be my great grandchild! I recounted that experience to the lady who listened most sympathetically, eventually most generously suggesting that I should go in front of her. The girl at the till had listened in, with some amusement, to our conversation and was most helpful when I attempted to pay the bill by inserting my credit card in the reader the wrong way up! It was still wet and windy during my long trek to the car. It was only after I reached it that I realised I still carried the wire shopping basket which should have been left in the store! Being reluctant to make the uncomfortable return trip to the store, I decided to put the basket, with shopping, in the boot with the intention of returning the basket on the next shopping trip. During my shopping spree a large and long 4x4 vehicle had parked in the next parking bay, leaving just enough space for me to squeeze through the gap and open my driver’s side door. This narrow gap rendered the reversing procedure into the limited access aisle difficult, an action being complicated by the constant progression of incoming and departing vehicles behind me. A few tentative reversing efforts later, I was relieved when a family entered the car parked in front of me, moved off, and allowed me to depart by driving forward. It was with a sigh of relief that I arrived home, pressed the button opening the garage door, off loaded my purchase and entered the house. I was greeted with the comment, “I tried to get you on the mobile; did you have it switched on?” Of course I did! Madam (aka Boss Lady) had tried the wrong number! When I related my traumatic experiences, I was touched when I saw tears in her eyes, until realising they were not of sympathy, but of laughter! Thus ended a memorable, and only to be repeated in the most dire circumstances, shopping expedition!

Brian Heap

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SPEAKERS’ CORNER

The Man who was Shakespeare (January) Frieda Barker introduced herself as a retired school teacher who had taught English and History for 40 years. She had always been fascinated by Shakespeare and how little we know about him personally, much beyond his birth in 1564 and his death in 1616. Although Shakespeare is generally thought to have been educated at Stratford Grammar School, there is no record of his having been there or to either of the two Universities. His family were trades people, probably she claimed, illiterate.

It is because, amongst other things, of the absence of all but the sketchiest of information about his early life that doubt has been cast on his authorship

of the plays and sonnets. Consequently, no less than 64 alternative authorships have been attributed to his works. One of the foremost was the famous Elizabeth playwright and poet, Christopher Marlowe. But what motive would Marlowe have had for hiding behind Shakespeare’s name? He had already in 1587 had a successful play, Tamburlaine the Great, performed on the London stage. But by 1593 he was – or was he? - dead at the age of 29, supposedly having been killed in a brawl in Deptford tavern. But there are questions surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance from the scene.

Whoever was the author of the plays must have been well-educated. The plays show a considerable knowledge of Latin, history and geography.

So what do we know of Marlowe? Well, a great deal more than we know about Shakespeare. He was educated at King’s School, Canterbury and may have been a cathedral chorister. Then he went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on a scholarship, so he was, clearly, very intelligent. He spent 61/2 years there and translated much of Ovid into English. This is still published. It was while he was in Cambridge that he wrote his very successful first play, Tamburlaine the Great, and went on to write a number of well-known plays, such a Dr. Faustus. But it was while he was studying for his Masters degree that he disappeared when he was recruited as a ‘courier spy’ by Sir Francis Walsingham, who was Elizabeth I’s trusted spymaster. Walsingham’s son, Thomas, succeeded him in this role and became a friend of Marlowe’s, who also became the friend of another of the Queen’s favourites, the free-thinking Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1593 Marlowe was summoned to appear before the Privy Council to investigate allegations that he held heretical religious views. This would have put him in fear of his life. However, he was given ‘bail’ and required to report back to the authorities daily. But 10 days later he was gone and the inquest into his death was carried out by the Queen’s coroner. However, the man whose knife was supposed to have killed Marlowe was found to have acted in self-defence and given his liberty. He was himself a government agent and immediately returned to the Queen’s service. Marlowe was reportedly buried in Deptford, but the location of the grave is unknown. It could have been a plague pit. The coroner’s report was discovered in 1925 and provides a great deal of information about the inquest. Since then, the theory that Marlowe’s death was a set-up by his friends in the service of the Queen, like him, has been gaining in popularity.

Although Frieda Barker did not adduce any direct evidence, the Marlovian theory claims that Marlowe was smuggled out of the country to safety in what is now Italy, which could explain why so many of Shakespeare’s plays are set in and around the Italian peninsula and often involve storms at sea, duplicity, disguise and faked death. This was a fascinating talk delivered with persuasive style. No doubt the debate over the authorship of the plays will continue for as long as the plays are performed.

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The Best of Shropshire (February)

Richard Bifield is a well-known face locally. In his professional life he was involved in developing tourism in the area and, spurred by this and his love of Shropshire, he is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history, architecture and landscapes of the county. Using an extensive range of photographs he took us on a journey around the county based on his personal choice. From familiar scenes he extracted many interesting nuggets of information. For example, as a result of a recent substantial bequest the Jackfield Tile Museum now has the most important tile collection in the world. John Fowler, the designer of the Albert Edward Bridge, which spans the Severn at the Ironbridge Power

Station, was also responsible for the world-famous Forth Railway Bridge. Overall, this was a most enjoyable late winter reminder of the abundance of beautiful countryside and attractive places on our doorstep.

Barry Stimpson

WANTED Ordnance Survey Map of the Telford area showing motorways and the town centre. This does not need to be up to date. Wanted for comparison with an 1833 OS map. Please contact: Helena Gill on 01952 613428 or e-mail helenagill@btinternet.com

I was on my way to............. by Jean Hancock I was on my way to work one dark morning, a distance of twenty miles. I was supervisor at the Little Chef at Laceby near Grimsby and was going to open up the premises. I was also in charge of the safe keys so I always needed to be there on time. I had just come off the motorway when my car cut out but I managed to pull on to a grass verge at the entrance to a field. I flagged down a Tarmac van which was fortunately passing and I explained to the driver that my car had broken down. He could see that I was a little upset and offered me a lift to the Little Chef. I locked my car and found myself in their van sitting on a wooden bench with some Tarmac workers on their way to work. They kindly dropped me off where I needed to be and I was able to open on time. Later, Judy, one of my work colleagues, was telling a customer that I had broken down on the way to work and he offered to go to where I had left the car to see if he could get it going for me. I was extremely busy at this time and Judy, with my permission, gave him my car keys. Sometime later, while I was still busy, he brought the keys back and told Judy he had got it going. I left work at the end of my shift and caught a bus to the nearest stop to where I had parked my car which was about half a mile away. When I arrived my car had gone. I could not believe it and walked round and round the spot as if it would miraculously appear. I was unaware that this was the day that Prince Charles had arrived at Humberside airport and was then accompanied by a cavalcade of motor bikes to visit the area. After the visit, he left for the airport again. The motorbike cavalcade that had been escorting him was returning to their base and were coming towards me. In a bit of a panic because I thought my car had been stolen, I waved at the lead motorcyclist to get him to stop and explained my situation. There were six huge motorbikes in all and even larger policemen with big helmets. The angels were with me that day because the leading policeman knew all about my car. He said to me, “Can you see that police box over there?” I looked at the telegraph poles and the lamp posts and could not see anything so I said no. He asked me again if I could see it and as he was becoming annoyed with me I thought it would be easier to say yes even though I could not see it. I found out he meant the building across the road enclosed by a high wired fence. I attracted the attention of the police inside who let me in. After lots of questions, they finally released my car to me. They thought it a danger to Charles so they had moved it. I was thankful to get home that day and continued using my car to and from work as usual. After a couple of days while I was at work, Judy pointed out to me the man who had fixed my car. I went across to thank him and he asked me if I had had it mended. I replied that I thought that he had repaired it for me. He said that he had only done a quick repair with a piece of cardboard and an elastic band. I quickly took it to the garage!