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CALDICOT & DISTRICT
Newsletter & Diary
February 2020
Monthly Meeting
Caldicot Choir Hall 2pm
www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home Reg Charity No. 1071447
THURSDAY 20TH FEBRURY 2020
SUBJECT:
BLOOD BIKES
ALLI GALLIVAN
TEA ROTA: DRAMA
THURSDAY 19TH MARCH 2020
SUBJECT:
SPEAKER:
PHOTO COMPETITION JUDGING
TRACEY CLEMENTS OF WYE VALLEY STUDIOS
“WHO DUNNIT”
PHOENIX PLAYERS
TEA ROTA: FAMILY HISTORY
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
Hello Everyone
Well once again we were entertained by the children from Caldicot Comprehensive. It was good to
hear from Sarah (the teacher) of the progress that previous children who have entertained us are
getting on in their lives. This year we had three or four entirely new pupils and as it was their first
time in front of a large audience, I think they did very well. I must say the last pupil who sang “I
had a Dream” brought a lump to my throat which made it difficult for me to thank them all for
being there.
So we look forward to next year and maybe those new ones will be there again and will have
gained a bit more confidence. It goes without saying that we enjoy our January “Speakers” as we
had 96 people in the audience.
The Third Age Trust is this year setting up a National U3A Day on the 3rd June and all U3A’s
throughout the Country are asked to participate. This falls nicely in with our celebrations and we
are already organising a challenge for a match put to the Committee by the Short Mat Bowls.
More progress is being made with the arrangements for our 25h Anniversary celebrations and I am
pleased to say that many of our groups will be participating throughout the year.
I will not be at the next meeting as I will be visiting my son and his family in Tasmania so I am
pleased to say that our Vice Chairman Rob Harry will be the front man.
Best Wishes to you all.
Pam Caines
Chairman
SPEAKERS LIST 2020 TEA ROTA
April 16th Magical Musical Moments Christine Purkiss Gardening
May 21st Rhiannon Lavis Dogs Trust Bridgend Handicraft
June 18th 25th Anniversary Party History
July 16th “Who dunnit” Phoenix Players Jive Bunnies
September 17th AGM
“Who Dunnit”
Phoenix Players
Music Appreciation
October 15th OPEN DAY Science & Natural History
COPY FOR THE NEWSLETTER
We welcome reports from all groups for inclusion in the Newsletter or forwarding to our
website. Word doc is preferred and should be sent to:
[email protected] or tel. 01291 424997 by midday on the 28th JANUARY 2020
Typed or handwritten notes should be submitted a few days earlier if possible. Please try to
limit reports to about 300 words. Angela Hodson-Hirst, Editor.
DUE TO HOLIDAY COMMITMENTS THERE WILL NOT BE A
MARCH NEWSLETTER
MEMBERSHIP
Should you change your address, telephone number or email address please let me know so that our
records are up to date. Contact details: tel: 01291 424997 email: [email protected]
Angela Hodson-Hirst
Membership Secretary
LINK SECRETARY
I would ask that if you hear of any member(s) who reach their 80th, 90th, 100th birthdays, Golden,
Diamond, Platinum Wedding Anniversaries or even Marriages between members to please contact
me so that I can send a Congratulatory card.
Also, if you hear of any member, in your group, or their family who are in hospital, sick or any
other reason I would be grateful if you would please inform me. [email protected]
Tele: 01291 421484
Betty Waite
GIFT AID
Calling all tax payers, once again I would ask you to sign the Gift Aid form to enable Caldicot &
District U3A to claim back 25% of your fee which helps to keep the Subscription fees down.
We have had repayment from the Tax Office of our claims for several years. However, we are now
able to claim additional tax on the membership fee of your Spouse/Partner or any other person who
are members of Caldicot & District U3A and reside at the same address as you.
If you are not sure whether you have previously signed a gift aid form, please contact me or
alternatively sign another current one. Forms are available on Caldicot & District U3A website or
from Angela Hodson-Hirst, Membership Secretary at the monthly meetings or from your
Convenors or myself, I have forms with me at all meetings I attend.
If you have any queries please contact me on 01291.422925 or [email protected]
Glenice Dallow
Gift Aid Co-ordinator
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Beryl Read who celebrated her 80th Birthday in January and to David Evans
who celebrates his 80th in March.
CONDOLENCES
It was with sadness to hear that Jean Matthews passed away in January. Jean was a regular walker
with the Stragglers, attended monthly meetings and enjoyed many Special Events holidays.
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
Ronald Prettyjohns
Nick & Margaret Saffin
Nigel Poole
Anita Rae
Jean Bailey
Christine Foy
Barrie Monday
THANK YOUS
HANDICRAFT
CHRISTMAS PARTY RAFFLE
FAMILY HISTORY GROUP
Wanted for April 2020 a new Convenor for the Family History Group
I have decided the time has come to hand over the reins of the group with effect from the March
meeting and a new approach from a willing Genealogist is required for April 2020.
A successful genealogy search comes from a combination of knowing which records exist; how to
get them and at a price you can afford; being able to select from alternative solutions; and knowing
how to get the most information from the documents you find.
During my 6 years at the helm we have had various successes, finding a relative of Edward III and
also Sir Walter Scott (a mining engineer not the author). The successes also went as far as tracing
Di Jones in Merthyr but alas Fred Smith has eluded us to date.
I hope the members who have attended over my tenure ship have obtained as much pleasure as it
has given me over these years, and wish them all the best in finding past members of their family as
well as cousins and family members who they did not know existed.
At present we meet on the 4th Friday of the month but if a new Convenor wishes to alter this
arrangement I feel sure that the existing members would agree.
Should no willing Convenor come forward I regret that this group will cease after the 28th March.
If anyone would like more information, please contact me on 01291 421523 or 07541779974.
John Jeffery
NEWS AND INFORMATION
Would all group Convenors please send me news and information for the monthly Newsletter
& Diary which will be included in the table below. Thank you. Editor
ACTIVITY GROUPS INFORMATION
ART
Every Wednesday 1.30 to 4.00pm, Recreation Hall,
Portskewett.
Convenor …………...Mary Richards
Tel: 01291 329236
COMPUTING
Every Friday 9.30 to12.30am at the Baptist Church,
Neddern Way.
Convenor……………John Mills
Tel: 01291 420045
Discussion/Demonstrations.
Digital Image competition with Ann Taylor-Heard
Second Friday of the month 10.00am to 12 noon
Digital Image Topics: TBA
CRUISE SHIP BRIDGE
Every Monday 1.30 to 3.30pm Council Day Centre
Contact……………Acting Convenor:
Tony Hodson-Hirst Tel: 01291 424997
DRAMA
Every Friday 2.00pm Portskewett Hall.
Convenors …………Pam Caines
………………….…. Dianne Payne
Tel: 01291 420750
FAMILY HISTORY
All welcome at Bethany Baptist Church. Caldicot.
Convenor…………John Jeffery
Tel: 01291 421523
4th Friday of the month 9.30 to 12noon
GARDENING
Indoor meetings run from October to April in the
Scout Hall on second Thursday of the month
at 2.15 pm
Convenor……………Pauline Marx
Tel: 07544 671870
Feb 13th: Invitation to the Natural Science & History
Group for Jim’s Film show
Mar 12th: Justine Shoulter of Far Hill Flowers
Apr 9th: Tredegar House & Gardens.
Speaker... Steve Morgan, Head Gardener
Apr 29th – May 1st: Trip to Pashley Manor & Garden
Tulip Festival and Great Dixter Garden.
HANDICRAFT
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10.00 to
12.00pm Council Day Centre.
Convenor……Beryl Lewis. Tel: 01291 421661
Assisted by…Jill Greenhalgh. Tel: 01633 548968
HISTORY
3rd Wednesday of the month 2.15pm Council Day
Centre
Convenor………. Sheila Ford. Tel: 01291 422185
Feb 19th: Holy Roman Empire. Speaker...Stuart Fyfe.
Mar 18th: The Tec Seng shipping disaster. Speaker......
Gaynor Chapple
Apr 15th: Poetry in History. Speaker.... Mary Rooney
May 20th: The Cotswold Navy. What’s in a name?
Speaker..... Paul Barnett
Jun 17th: Welsh History through the Ages. Various
JIVE BUNNIES
Alternate Thursday evening
7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Portskewett Recreational Hall
Convenor……………Wendy Protheroe
Tel: 01291 422829
Feb 6th & 20th
Mar 5th & 19th
MUSIC APPRECIATION
4th Thursday of the month 2.00 to 4.00pm. Council
Day Centre.
Convenor……………Jan Potter
assisted by……………Adrian Dallow
Tel: 01291 794034 (Jan)
Tel: 01291 422925 (Adrian)
Feb 27th: Celebration of St David's Day so any Welsh
music, composers, performers etc
Mar 26th: Theme for March is People in uniform: i.e
Military, Police, Boy Scouts, Nurses, Guides
SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY
Meetings to be held 1st Monday of the month 10.00
- 12.00 noon. Scout Hall, Sandy Lane
Convenor ………………. Bob Whitehead
Tel: 01291 422232
Feb 3rd: The importance of trees and woods.
Speaker....Jeremy Evans, woodland advisor for the
Woodland Trust
Mar 2nd: Insect Armageddon – the world decline of all
insects by 41%. Speaker..... Max Wilson BSC (Econ)
Lond, BSC (MHN) RMN Ret. Volunteer with the
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Apr 6th: The protection of wildlife throughout the whole
of Gloucestershire. A talk by the Gloucestershire Wildlife
Trust
SCRABBLE
Alternate Fridays 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Town council
Day Centre.
Convenor………Glynis Croft
Tel: 01633 400529
Feb. 14th & 28th
Mar. 13th & 27th
SHORT MAT BOWLS
Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm. Scout Hall.
Friday evening 7.00 to 9pm
Convenor……………………Roland Carey
Tel: 01633 881302
Additional Sessions:
Our Short Mat Bowls now meets on Friday evenings, in
addition to the Wednesday afternoon sessions. So, if you
would like to try to “roll a ball” on Friday between 7pm
and 9pm please contact Roland Carey
SINGING FOR PLEASURE
Meet every other Monday 10.00am to 12.00pm.
Recreational Hall, Portskewett.
Convenor…………………. Sue Shepherd
Tel: 01291 423089
2nd & 4th Monday of the Month
Feb: 10th & 24th
Mar: 9th & 23rd
SPANISH
Monday Mornings 10.45 to 12.00 various venues.
Convenor………………Julian Wood
Tel: 01291 421095
SPECIAL EVENTS
Convenor………………Pam Caines
Tel: 01291 420750
Feb 10th – 14th: Caernarvon, The Celtic Royal Hotel
May 13th – 18th: Jersey
March 25th 2020: King & I, Bristol Hippodrome
SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB
Convenor………………Pam Caines
Tel: 01291 420750
TABLE TENNIS
Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm Scout Hall, Sandy Lane
Convenor………………Les Mitchell
Tel: 01291 421567
UKULELE
Every Tuesday 2.00 to 4.00 at the Recreation Hall
Portskewett
Convenor………………. Christopher Spiller
Tel: 01291 424694
WALKING GROUPS
WHEN: Every Tuesday 9.00 & 9.30 am
WHERE: Caldicot Choir Hall Car Park.
For further information please contact Convenors
ALL WALKS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
STRAGGLERS
3 – 4 miles – easy and moderate
Convenor………………Brian Hopkins
Tel: 01291 422387
Feb 4th: Undy with Fran & Avril. Lunch: Wheatsheaf
Feb 11th: Local walk with Brian. Lunch: The Haywain
Feb 18th: TBA
Feb 25th: Craig-y-Dorth with Glenice & Adrian. Lunch:
The Huntsman
Mar 3rd: TBA with Jim & Anne. Lunch: TBA
Mar 10th: TBA with Jenny & Gill. Lunch: TBA
Mar 17th: TBA
Mar 24th: TBA
Mar 31st: Parkend with Myfanwy. Lunch: The Nags Head
AMBLERS
Around 4 miles – moderate with some hills/stiles
Convenors……Gaynor Pask Tel: 01633 882492
Jeanette Trask Tel: 07415035914
Feb 4th: Caldicot with Francesca. Lunch: The Haywain
Feb 11th: Caerwent with Glynis & Marie. Lunch: Coach
and Horses
Feb 18th: Cardiff Bay coach trip with Ann & Sue.
Feb 25th: Tockington with Mel. Lunch: The Swan Inn
Mar 3rd: Tintern area with David & Bridget. Lunch: TBA
Mar 10th: Devauden with Fran & Sue. Lunch: TBA
Mar 17th: TBA with Patsy & Norma. Lunch: TBA
Mar 24th: TBA with Jenny & Stan. Lunch: TBA
Mar 31st: Aust with Linda & Lyn. Lunch: Boars Head
STROLLERS
4.5 – 6 miles moderate plus with hills & stiles
Convenor………………Rob Harry
Tel: 01291 421282
Feb 4th: Blaenavon with John T. Lunch: The Rising Sun
Feb 11th: Wye Valley with Judi M. Lunch: TBA
Feb 18th: Wyndcliffe with Jen & John. Lunch: Chepstow
Hotel
Feb 25th: Llanhennock with Jan & Judi S. Lunch: TBA
Mar 3rd: Trelleck Grange with Linda & Harry. Lunch:
The Lion
Mar 10th: Wetlands with The Jackie’s, Irene & Sonia.
Lunch: Waterloo
Mar 17th: TBA with Marie & Gill. Lunch: TBA
Mar 24th: Cardiff Bay bus trip with Lindy & John.
Lunch: Own choice
Mar 31st: Aust with Jen & Bill. Lunch: The Boars Head
STRIDERS
5 – 7 miles – moderate & strenuous
Convenor.………Richard Harding
Tel: 01291 420305
Feb 4th: Cwm with Moo & Carol. Lunch: The Huntsman
Feb11th: TBA
Feb 18th: TBA
Feb 25th: Trellech with Jim. Lunch: The Lion
Mar 3rd: TBA
Mar 10th: TBA
Mar 17th: Pontir with Linda & Peter. Lunch: TBA
Mar 24th: TBA
Mar 31st: TBA
CASTLES IN WALES PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
OPEN TO ALL CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A MEMBERS
THIS IS AN APPEAL TO ALL MEMBERS OF CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A TO ENTER
THE ABOVE COMPETITION.
It has been disappointing that there has been so little response and photographs have not been given
to John Mills for this competition therefore we have extended the closing date for these to be
given to John till end of February.
I am aware that there are many good photographers among you and would appeal to you to take
your photo and bring it to John at Bethany Baptist Church on Fridays between 9.30–12.30pm.
There may have been a misunderstanding of what is expected at this stage, all we want is an A4
photograph with your name and castle on the back to be displayed at the March meeting when an
independent professional, Tracy Clements from Wye Valley Studios, will judge the 3 to go forward
to the next stage.
It is only the 3 chosen that will be as a digital image which if in doubt there are experts in this field
who will help you at this stage. Again I appeal to you to send in a photograph.
PLEASE DO NOT LET CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A BE THE ONLY WELSH U3A
WHO HAVE NOT SENT IN ENTRIES.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me on 01291.422925 or at
Glenice Dallow
Group Co-ordinator
GARDENING
MEETING 9TH JANUARY
At our first Meeting of the New Year we were given an insight into “Gardening for
Bumblebees” by Max Wilson, on behalf of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Max showed us pictures of the different types of bumblebees and where their habitats are. Also
showing how they have declined in many areas. Indeed, in the Northern Highlands they are now
extinct.
Over the last 70 years numbers have dropped 70% and many species are threatened with extinction,
because of the loss of 97% of their homes due to modern farming, new insecticides and global
warming.
He told us that Monmouthshire is one of the better areas where bumblebees are still living, and our
native “carder” bee is found on Magor Marsh.
There are about 250 kinds of bee in the British Isles. All bees live off pollen and nectar, which
they find in flowers. We can all help by planting more wild plants and fruit bushes.
Many of us took away leaflets at the end of the talk.
PASHLEY MANOR & GREAT DIXTER GARDENS
There are still four places available on the Trip to Pashley Manor and Great Dixter Gardens on
29th, 30th April and 1st May.
Full payment for this Trip will be needed at February Meeting please.
Pauline Marx
SPECIAL EVENTS
JERSEY - WEDNESDAY 13th MAY - MONDAY 18th MAY 2020 - £545pp (PLUS SS)
MAYFAIR HOTEL, ST HELIER
I have now been informed that we shall be flying out of Cardiff Airport, it will mean an early start for
all of us as the flight is at 9:45am so, up early as we will have to be at the airport for 8:00am. A coach
will pick you up as usual at the designated pick-up points and will take us to Cardiff Airport where
you will check in. We will arrive in Jersey at 10:45am. A coach will be at the Jersey Airport to take
us to the Mayfair Hotel St. Hellier and as normal we will be unable to register into the hotel until the
afternoon.
I have not arranged excursions for the duration of the holiday as we would have to hire a coach
there which would add to the price. There are two ladies at the hotel who arrange excursions each
day and they will advise you where and what days certain trips are available and, if you are
interested they will book these for you. Other than that you are free to do and go where you like.
Our return journey we will leave Jersey at 11:20am on Monday 18th and arrive in Cardiff at 12:20pm.
Obviously I will update you on all arrangements nearer the date.
Unfortunately we have been charged single supplement on all single rooms at £115.00 per room. I
am sorry this has to be paid but it is entirely out of my hands. At present I think I am able to
reduce single supplement of £55 per person which I hope you will agree is quite a saving. I will
confirm this later when I get the final invoice.
I will be requiring the balances for this holiday, at the latest, at the March monthly
meeting.
It is strongly advised that you ensure you are adequately covered by insurance. Edwards can
offer this at £44.00 per person subject to policy terms and conditions.
THE KING AND I - BRISTOL HIPPODROME 25th MARCH 2020
This is all paid for now and I have the tickets which will be handed to you on the coach when we
go as I don’t want anyone losing theirs before the day.
The coach which is with Grindles will pick us up at 1:30pm outside the Doctors surgery and as the
show is approximately 3hours long, including short break they will pick us up at 5:30 to bring us home.
Thank you all for your support.
Pam Caines
DRAMA
We will next be presenting a Who Dunnit in March as part of our contribution to the 25
th Anniversary
celebrations. This will be the first of five which we hope to do throughout the year. This time you will
be involved in the play as you will be listening for clues as to “Who Dunnit!” We will be asking you to
sit in teams and put your heads together to solve the murder!!!
Pam Caines
UKULELE
In January the ukulele group played for the Alzheimer’s Society in the Catholic Church hall, where
we were made to feel very welcome.
On Saturday 8th February we will be playing for Dementia sufferers alongside Thornbury Ukulele
group at the Bethany Baptist Church, Caldicot from 2-4pm.
Chris Spiller
MONTHLY DIGITAL IMAGE PHOTO COMPETITION
January’s winning photo
was taken by Roy Langfield
MY STORY
1944 Palestine, British mandated area, this is where l was born and lived for a few months. My
father was at the time seconded to the PPF, Palestine police force. Here he met my Mum and in
1942 they married.
In1945 my Mum and I travelled from Port Said in Egypt by boat to the UK. It took three weeks.
As a less than 1yr old l don't remember any of the journey though Mum was quite ill. My Dad's
family lived in Porth Casseg, St Arvans and we had to cross a field, very deeply covered in snow.
My Mum was quite anxious as she had never seen snow on the ground only on the mountain top.
When l was three my sister was born and l promptly told my Mum to send her back with the
postman, fortunately that did not happen.
At 5yrs old l went to the Church school in Chepstow and then to Bridge street. I did not pass the
11plus and therefore went to Portwall Secondary School. I must have had some reasonable ability
as l managed to stay in the top stream all the way through.
l do not have any qualifications and started work at 15yrs old in Woolworth in Chepstow, serving
on the sweet counter at first and then put in charge of the toy counter. With other jobs in later years
in retail (shop assistant) l finished work as an optical assistant/receptionist on retirement.
I have lived very happily with my husband for nearly 52yrs. We have one son and one
grandaugther who we love very much but sometimes fear for the future.
This is just a short article which may interest some.....
How many of you could tell us a little about yourself or family? I am sure that amongst our
membership there are some interesting stories that you can send in to the Newsletter.
Betty Waite
CREATIVE WRITING STUDY DAY
This study day, The Basics of Creative Writing, is scheduled for Wednesday 29th April 2020. It's a
full day (10am to 3.30pm.) and the venue is Malpas Court in Newport. This venue is easily
accessible by both car and public transport and there is plenty of free parking.
The speakers will be Marcia Humphries (Cr. Wr. Adviser) and Jo Brooks. The day is designed for
both beginners and also those who already write but are looking to consolidate their knowledge.
Members will be taken through elements of the short story (including plot/character/editing and
revising etc.) but don't touch on poetry.
It'll be a fun day with talks and writing exercises.
Cost is £12.50 and this will include a lunch (freshly prepared in the kitchens at Malpas Court) and
refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits).
The Basics of Creative Writing
A Study Day for writers will take place on Wednesday, 29th
April 2020. The speakers will be Marcia
Humphries (Creative Writing Adviser) and Jo Brooks. The content is suitable both for beginners and
for more experienced writers.
The day will run from 10am. to 3.30pm. and there will be talks on different topics, each followed by a
fun exercise.
The venue is Malpas Court, Oliphant Circle, Malpas, Newport NP20 6AD. It is easily accessible by
car or public transport and there is free parking.
Cost is £12.50 which includes lunch and refreshments.
If you wish to attend, please fill in the form and send, together with cheque for £12.50, payable to
NEWPORT (S.E.WALES) U3A
to me: Pam Cocchiara, 10 Oaklands Park Drive, Rhiwderin, Newport, NP10 8RB.
NAME .............................................................................................
E-MAIL................................................................................................................................................
NAME OF U3A........................................................................................................................................
ANY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS OR ALLERGIES.....................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
Numbers that can be accommodated for this event are limited. Please send your application by 15th
March in order to ensure your place.
Confirmation of your booking together a lunch menu and details of how to reach the venue will be
sent nearer the date of the event.
If you would like any further information about the day, please contact me: [email protected]
or by telephone 01633 892928.
FEBRUARY’s CROSSWORD
January’s solution
ACROSS
1. Assortment (7)
5. Group of insects (5)
8. Large herbivorous
mammal (5)
9. Pagan (7)
10. Unfeigned (7)
11. Ledge (5)
12. Lifted (6)
14. Appraise (6)
17. Notions (5)
19. Fruit (7)
21. Direction (7)
22. Taut or rigid (5)
24. Days of the month
(5)
25. Embroiled (7)
DOWN
1. Chart (3)
2. Inert gas (5)
3. Dissimilar (7)
4. Reverberated (6)
5. Photos (5)
6. Attain (7)
7. Public declaration
(9)
10. Decorated food
(9)
13. Imprecise (7)
15. Abridge (7)
16. Captured (6)
18. Secret agents (5)
20. Invalidate (5)
23. Conclusion (3)
LET’S DO SUDOKU!
Solutions next month
January’s sudoku solution
CALDICOT & DISTRICT U3A
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & TRUSTEES
Chairman
Pam Caines
01291 420750
Vice Chairman
Rob Harry
01291 421997
Treasurer
Tony Hodson-Hirst
01291 424997
Business Secretary
Rob Harry
01291 421282
Committee Secretary &
Network Contact
Elaine Yeomans
01291 420666
Membership Secretary
& Direct Mail
Angela Hodson-Hirst
01291 424997
Newsletter & Diary Editor
Angela Hodson-Hirst
01291 424997
Gift Aid Co-ordinator
Glenice Dallow
01291 422925
Group’s Co-ordinator
Glenice Dallow
01291 422925
Speakers Secretary
Anne Duke
01291 408216
Link Secretary
Betty Waite
01291 421484
Linda Stewart
01291 420005
Linda Howells
01291 423395
Helen Wormald
01291 423765
OFFICERS
Registration Alma Gaskell
Public Relations
Webmaster
Dave Edwards
Ann Taylor-Heard