December 2018 Issue No 32

MUSINGS FROM THE CHAIR Hi all

Last month I promised feedback from the first New and Prospective members morning; it was a success, we had 8 people there and increased our membership. Carolyn and I will carry on these meetings to be held the week after monthly meetings so people can find out more about us. In the absence of a monthly meeting in December, we will be having a Twixmas meeting on the 27th December like last year. There won't be a speaker, but there will be sandwiches etc, and we'll have a quiz and attempt to get rid of the post-Santa feeling. I have tickets (£2) and I will take them to the Christmas Lunch, but if you are not going to that and want tickets, please let me know if you would like to attend. I gather the Murder Mystery weekend went well after some early transport difficulties. Geraldine is now planning all sorts of goodies for next year so I hope you will all support her and make our events calendar work. I would also like to thank Mike, who has been our speaker seeker for the past couple of years. I'm sure you'll agree that his choice of speakers and organisation should be applauded. Thanks Mike. Heather Wheatley has now taken over the role and I'm sure you'll all support her in her efforts to find us interesting and stimulating speakers at our main meeting. Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Richard Hill Chairman

RED CROSS COURSE - TRIPS AND FALLS As I mentioned at our October General Meeting, we are running a course with the Red Cross on dealing with trips and falls. The session is designed to give people greater confidence by stripping out all technical and clinical language. The course will take place on Thursday 31 January from 10.00 - 12.00 in the Annexe at Mapperley Plains Social Club. (The Annexe is behind the main hall where we hold our monthly meetings and is reached by walking round outside to the right of the main entrance.) There are places available for 30 people, and we would especially like Group Conveners to attend. If you weren’t at the monthly meeting would like to put your name down, or to know more about this course, please contact me. Best wishes Maggie Grimshaw

Your Monthly Mapperley and District U3A Newsletter

THE THIRD AGE TRUST

U A3 M a Dmoments

I heard some strange chatter from the spice cupboard mid-December. But it was just the Season’s greetings

NOTICES and ITEMS OF INTEREST

TRIPS AND VISITS Visit to Melton Mowbray Visit to Melton Mowbray on Tuesday 4th December 10am – 4pm. Pick up will be from Mapperley Plains Recreation and Social Club, and the cost will be £8.00 per person. From Antiques fairs to livestock market and food treats in abundance! Sample everything the historic Melton Mowbray has to offer or settle down in one of the many cafes for a famous pork pie. Come along and visit the market, do some Christmas shopping and perhaps have a look at the largest Christmas Tree Festival in the country. As we are travelling with Community Transport we are limited to 16 places so it will be first come first served for the bus, but if numbers exceed this we can organise car share.

Christmas Meal The Christmas meal is booked for the 13th December at Mapperley Golf Club and the price will be £15.00 per person. I’m sure you will agree that it is a lovely venue with good food and reasonably priced drinks. Tickets were sold at the October meeting and all places have now been taken. Margaret Taylor will speak to the golf club to see if they can cater for larger numbers. Please add your name to the waiting list if you wish to go and didn’t get a ticket.

2019 We are now planning an itinerary for next year so if you have any suggestions be sure to let me know. For further information on any of the events, please contact Geraldine Chaffe Best wishes Geraldine Chaffe (Social Secretary) MEETINGS

November’s General Meeting Dr Edwina Edlin-White - Nottingham Suffragettes An interesting and informative talk was given by Edwina. The audience were captivated by the details of suffering endured by Helen Kirkpatrick Watts, the Dowson family and the Brownsword family, as well as famous names like the Pankhursts, Millicent Fawcett and Emily Wilding Davison, killed by the King's horse. It was fascinating to hear of the involvement of the daughters of clergymen and dissenting ministers -the Howey daughters for example. The Pankhursts often came to Nottingham. Nottingham was a liberal place and an area ripe for recruitment to the cause. Sylvia Pankhurst designed a badge with the Joan of Arc symbol on it. The horror of force feeding was described, which often led to damage to the women's throats; Elsie Howey had her throat damaged by force feeding. Mrs Pankhurst presented the Holloway medal, which was a portcullis with an arrow through it, to suffragettes released from Holloway Prison. In 1911 Mary Howey and her mother Gertrude were missing for the Census. Charles Rothera, of the well known Nottingham Solicitors to this day, revealed the fine for not filling in the census would be £5.00, but no-one was prosecuted because too many failed to fill it in!

Suffragette Helen Watts

Future General Meetings

Thursday 27 December 2018 - Our ‘Twixmas’ Coffee Morning and Jigsaw Swap As there will not be a formal General Meeting this month due to the Christmas Lunch taking place on the 13th December, we are having another ‘Twixmas” coffee morning. Held as usual at Mapperley Plains Social Club from 10.00 am onwards, this is intended to be a purely social event for members to meet for a chat, take coffee or tea and a variety of sweet and savoury snacks, and for new members to get to know us all a little better. There will also be a fun quiz for which a small prize will be given to the one with most correct answers. And, how about a jigsaw puzzle swap-shop? If you have any jigsaw puzzles which you no longer want, bring them along to the Twixmas meeting and swap with someone else. So take this invitation from your Committee to come and join us for a pleasant social occasion in that “limbo” period between Christmas and the New Year.

To cover costs there will be a small charge of £2.00 per person. Tickets can be paid for on the day, but it would help if you could let us know in advance if you are coming along so that we can order the food.

Speakers for 2019 Meetings Thursday 24 January East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme Dr Tim Gray Thursday 28 February The Plague Doctor - Eyam David Bell Thursday 28 March Running across the Sahara Chris Vesper Thursday 25 April Stone Carver from Lincoln Paul Ellis Thursday 23 May Wildlife Photography based on Sherwood Forest and conservation Barbara Meyer Thursday 27 June New Orleans to New York - Live Jazz Roger Browne

New and Prospective Members’ Meetings

Richard and Carolyn had another busy morning at Tipsy T on 29 November, where they were able to talk to new and prospective members.  Four people decided to join.  We had three people who had joined at the November General Meeting and another two people who had heard about the opportunity to learn more about the U3A.This is proving to be a good way for people to find out more about how they can make the most of their membership and we shall be doing another session on Thursday 3 January 2019.If you have just joined MaD U3A and would like to get to know us and what we do a little better, do come along - or, if you know someone who has recently joined or is considering joining, please let them know about these meetings.

What do you call a bunch of chess players bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer

SUNNY SCARBOROUGH WITH MaD U3A

Off to a flying start in two spaciously challenged mini buses! One flew one way and one flew another! Geraldine was on the case and immediately phoned the bus company - we were reunited in Scarborough at the Clifton Hotel. A warm welcome greeted us, with wine, sandwiches and lovely views of the sea. We very quickly settled into our rooms and strolled out before enjoying an evening meal in a spacious decorated dining room Saturday was our free day to enjoy and some of us went to Whitby or stayed in Scarborough. The evening meal was set amid a riotous murder mystery! Sunday was a free morning after breakfast and as the weather was glorious many of us walked along the sea front and watched the surfing. Everyone enjoyed this holiday and the lovely atmosphere between members. Thank you to everyone for making this weekend a memorable first holiday for MaD U3A. Thank you also to the Bridge group for lifting the evening entertainment to a level of concentration rarely seen. Last but by no means least thank you to Geraldine without whom this great break would not have been so successful. Elaine Wyatt

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Favourite Christmas traditions around the world are wonderful – sometimes wonderfully weird – and are guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit.

Here are just a few of them …..

In the Phillippines they have a giant lantern festival which is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando – the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe. Eleven barangays (villages) take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern. Originally, the lanterns were simple creations around half a metre in diameter, made from ‘papel de hapon’ (Japanese origami

paper) and lit by candle. Today, the lanterns are made from a variety of materials and have grown to around six metres in size. They are illuminated by electric bulbs that sparkle in a kaleidoscope of patterns.

In Sweden they have the Gävle Goat. Since 1966, a 13-metre-tall Yule Goat has been built in the centre of Gävle’s Castle Square for the Advent, but this Swedish Christmas tradition has unwittingly led to another “tradition” of sorts – people trying to burn it down. Since 1966 the Goat has been successfully burned down 29 times – the most recent destruction was in 2016.

In Japan they eat Kentucky Fried Christmas Dinner! Christmas has never been a big deal in Japan. Aside from a few small, secular traditions such as gift-giving and light displays, Christmas remains largely a novelty in the country. However, a new, quirky “tradition” has emerged in recent years – a Christmas Day feast of the Colonel’s very own Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions can be found in Norway, where people hide their brooms. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day, many people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen.

Love Christmas, but think it could be improved by a spot of roller-blading? If the answer is yes, visit Caracas, Venezuela this year. Every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning – so far, so normal – but, for reasons known only to them, they do so on roller skates. This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church in safety, before heading home for the less-than-traditional Christmas dinner of ‘tamales’ (a wrap made out of cornmeal dough and stuffed with meat, then steamed).

Follow this link to read more about these and other strange Christmas traditions

DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD TOYS? Those Christmas gifts from last century could be worth £££.Furby toys are worth between £20 a d £200, Barbie dolls up to £500, Action Man up to £600, Hornby Trains up to £700, some Star Wars figures can fetch as much as £1,000! Pokemon cards, Nintendo Game Boy, Sony Walkman, Pez dispensers, Beanie Babies, Ninja Turtles, My Little Pony … and a whole lot more could have a significant value today. Check it out - maybe those old toys and games could be worth a lot.

CHRISTMAS IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Home to festive markets, independent boutiques, cosy pubs, and sparkling events, spending Christmas in Nottinghamshire is a truly magical experience. From ice-skating to family pantomimes and theatrical extravaganzas, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas 2018.

One of the highlights of the festive programme is the Winter Wonderland in Nottingham's Old Market Square, which features the biggest Christmas market in the East Midlands. Wander through the traditional market stalls, treat yourself to a warming mulled wine or skate on the ice rink in the centre of the square. We once again welcome the French ski lodge-style Sur la Piste bar, where you can warm up with Bailey's hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment whilst soaking in the festive atmosphere in the square. Those with an adventurous spirit will love Bar Altitude, the all-glass chalet perched on high, serving up cocktails and panoramic views of the Christmas crowds below. There will also be a variety of children's rides, including a brand-new 30m toboggan slide. Christmas is a magical time at Newstead Abbey, experience the enchantment of a Storybook Christmas as fairy tales come to life in the lavishly decorated rooms of Lord Byron’s ancestral home. Explore the beautiful gardens on the Christmas trail, peruse the great gifts and gorgeous decorations in the gift shop or treat yourself to a traditional Christmas afternoon tea in the Victorian Kitchen. You might even meet Snow White, Prince Charming or Father Christmas himself! Wollaton Hall will be decked out to the nines this Christmas, with festive family tours of the grand house and the charming Stories with Santa events running every weekend throughout December. Join them in the courtyard for a very special weekend on the 15 – 16 December, where the mulled wine will be flowing and the sounds of carols, a traditional bass band and Christmas readings will fill the air. Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends to meet Santa Paws in the special Doggy Grotto. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a pantomime, and Nottingham is lucky to have a variety to choose from. Never-Never Land comes to the beautiful Theatre Royal, as they present Peter Pan featuring Joe Pasquale as Smee and none other than Only Fools & Horses Boycie as Captain Hook. A Nottingham legend comes to Nottingham Playhouse this year with Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood giving you your festive fix of slapstick comedy, boos and hisses and all round silliness. Over at Motorpoint Arena, hit West End and Broadway musical Elf: A Christmas Spectacular brings its special brand of festive cheer on 28th - Sunday 30th December, featuring pop legend David Essex and singer Martine McCutcheon.

Aren’t we lucky to live in this great city?

WINE BEFORE BED MAKES YOU LOSE WEIGHT Not only does it have twice the alcohol content as most beers, but it's chock-full of antioxidants and researchers just found evidence that it can even help you lose weight if you drink it before bedtime. Scientists from Washington State University and Harvard discovered a chemical in wine, called resveratrol, that helps the body's fat cells from acquiring more fat. They found that drinking two glasses of wine a day can help lower your risk for obesity by about 70%. Part of why wine is recommended in the evenings is that its calories help maintain your feeling of fullness, reducing your cravings to binge on foods late at night. Another study out of the University of Denmark also revealed a distinct relationship between waistline and consumption of wine: people who drink wine everyday have slimmer waistlines than those who do not. And, if you needed any more reason to go grab a few bottles of wine, Harvard's study on weight gain found that out of 20,000 people tested, every single one that gained a significant amount of weight did not drink alcohol! So, now that you have a bit of science backing you up, don't get embarrassed by your half-a-bottle-of-wine-every-night habit; it's something to be celebrated! (I’m not sure how seriously we can take this, but I thought it was a jolly thing to include at this festive time of year. Cheers - Ed.)

NEWS FROM INTEREST GROUPS Creative Writing It’s amazing how much fun can be had with the words Cow; Cauliflower; Copper and Crisis. Our writers were extremely creative and we thoroughly enjoyed the results. There is no meeting in December. The next meeting will take place on Thursday 10 January 2019 at 2.00 to 4.00pm. The subject will be “A Place I Used to Know That Is No Longer As It Was”. As usual, the target is around 1000 words. The group has reached capacity for the time being. Anyone wishing to join the group can be on a waiting list. Please contact the Group Convener.

It’s Christmas morning, where the heck do you think I’ve been all night?

Challenging Photography

From a 'full house' of 36 entries, choosing the best three was so very difficult. The subject of Rust seemed to get everyone oxidised (joke) and there were so many amazing photographs. In First place was Ruth Smith with a picture of a rusty old Spanish Trawler. In second place was Chris Padgett with a delightful study of a line of rusty old stanchions. And, in third place, our newest member, Pauline Reed with a delightful dragonfly stamped in a metal sheet. Congratulationals to all our members for a superb display. Best wishes Malcolm Playhouse Theatre Group Nottingham Playhouse have just announced their Spring 2019 productions, amongst which are - February : ‘Wonderland’ (by popular demand), which many of us have seen and enjoyed. May : ‘The Memory of Water’ a comedy drama about three grown apart sisters, hilarious and heart breaking. June : ‘One Night in Miami’ - what would have happened if Cassius Clay, Malcolm X, Jim Brown (footballer) and Sam Cooke got together. Packs a full punch. Just a reminder that all U3A members are entitled to a free programme (except for the Panto) when presenting their ticket to the Front of House Team. Looking forward to seeing you at The Playhouse. Judith

Shorter Walks Group The Shorter Walks Group is taking a Heritage Route through parts of Gedling village. Meet on Friday 7 December for a 10.00 am start, at The Miner's Lamp, on the corner of Main Road, Gedling and Willow Lane. The idea for this walk is to enjoy some of the history of Gedling and share our knowledge. The following link takes you to a document produced by Carlton U3A Local History group that was based on some work originally done by children of Priory Junior School. Please note that our walk is not following the exact same route as described in the document but the information will help you to make the most of this walk. Gedling Walk - The document is available for all members to download or view online and is on the Mapperley & District website on the Short Walk page. The walk duration is two hours. We will finish at The Willowbrook public house on Main Road Gedling. Full details have been sent to members who have registered interest. For more information please contact the Short Walk Convener via this link.

How many letters are there in the Christmas alphabet? 25 - there’s no-L

What song do they sing at a snowman’s birthday party? ‘Freeze a jolly good fellow’

Why did Santa’s helper see the doctor? Because he had low elf esteem

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? A mince spy

Wine AppreciationIn Sue's absence, "Down Under, but Different" gave the Wine Lovers the chance to taste wines from well known producers but wine styles or grapes not normally associated with these vineyards. All the November wines were from Sainsbury's. Prices may have changed since they were purchased.First up was a delightful very pale pink Pinot Grigio from The Ned (2017 Marlborough New Zealand, 13%). Not a bad word was to be said about this light, easy wine, the kind of wine to have when you come home and kick your shoes off. Excellent at £8.00. The Villa Maria Chardonnay 2016, 13.5% (also Marlborough New Zealand) was not enjoyed - "Maybe if there's nothing else...". Are we all being influenced by the Chardy haters? But it had quite an unpleasant burnt/metallic taste and at £7.75 cost almost as much as the lovely Ned PG. Next was McGuigan Black Label Rosé (2017 South Eastern Australia, 11%) and most thought this was a lovely summery wine, although there were a few dissenters. However, good value at £6.50 and much better than most rosés, not overly sweet.

McGuigan Classic Pinot Noir (2017 South Eastern Australia, 13%) was fruity and spicy with vanilla notes, well rated as a lovely light easy drinking wine and amazing value at £5.35. A star! Brancott Estate Merlot (2016 Hawke's Bay, New Zealand 12.5%) had mixed reviews, with dark fruit and smoky tobacco on the palate and more body than the Pinot Noir - probably best drunk with food. Finally, Wolf Blass Red Label Shiraz Cabernet (2017, South Eastern Australia, 13.5%) had fruity plum and pepper on the palate and a mellow aftertaste. Lovely for some, too cloying for others, best with food we thought, and would stand up to a game casserole. At £6.00, reduced from £7.00 this was thought to be very good value. We could make room for one more member in the Wine Appreciation Group. Please contact me if you want to join in the party. At our December meeting we will once more be pairing some of the special food we have at Christmas with some lovely wines - always a great afternoon!

NATIONAL U3A NEWSLETTER

If you’d like to read the National U3A Newsletter just click on this link and sign up to receive your copy - National Newsletter

PLEASE REMEMBER to let the Membership Secretary know if your personal details change. If you don’t you may stop receiving Third Age Matters, email information and the Newsletter etc.

The MaD Moments Newsletter is published monthly in digital format. Hard copies are available for members who do not have email. Please contact your Chairman Richard Hill or speak to one of the Committee members.

The Third Age Matters magazine is available in a text only format to make it readable with screen reader. (You will have to register with the Resources section. Let me know if you have any problems and I will send you a text file.) If your household receives two copies of the Third Age Matters monthly magazine it would be very helpful to us if you could bring your second copy to the next main meeting, so that new members can have a chance to browse this. With thanks Your Committee

NEW INTEREST GROUPS Bowls Group The first meeting was on Tuesday 6 November at 6:15 pm at The Richard Herrod Centre, Foxhill Road, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 1RL. Future meeting dates to be decided

Freddie`s Antiques Road Show History through items brought to meetings by members … but not necessarily antiques!! Meeting monthly on TUESDAY afternoons.

Geography - A Road Trip This new group will commence on Wednesday 9th January 2019 at Arnold library from 2.00 until 4.00 pm and will be an on-going monthly event. Dates for the meetings throughout 2019 will be given at the first meeting.

National Trust Visits We are hoping to have this new group starting up next spring. It will only run through the summer months. Watch this space for more details in 2019.

Wood Carving A member mentioned she would like to learn woodcarving. I have done a little but had to give up as the blocking out (the boring bit) was affecting my shoulder muscle. I still have a few tools but we would be grateful if anyone knows of someone with a lathe, or some means of cutting easily. No skills are required, but you will need to invest in at least two gouges and a mallet. Woodturners would be very welcome - but that's a different kettle of animals. We have a strong possibility of a venue - St Paul’s at Carlton. There are currently four people interested so we probably have room for a couple more. I’m happy to be Convener if no one else is willing. Cheers Martin Cooke

If you wish to make suggestions for new groups or to join those already set up please get in touch. Ownership of each group lies with the members of that group and they get together to agree on times and places.

Two free taster sessions are available to those who are not members of MaD U3A. To find out more please go to the website. Each group below has a link to the relevant page.

What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas quacker

How do snowmen get around? They ride an icicle

What is Santa’s favourite pizza? Deep-pan, crisp and even

What do reindeer hang on their Christmas trees? Horn-aments

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsilitis

INTEREST GROUPSEach group has its own page on the website giving details of the group’s activitiesDo please remember to let the Convener for your group know if you won’t be able to make it to a meeting. They go to considerable time and effort, and sometimes expense, to get the group organised and running smoothly for you - please don’t let them down by just failing to attend. An email or phone call is all it takes.Art History Convener : Julie Rigby Meet : 3rd Thursday from 10:00 - 12:00 am Venue : Mapperley Plains Sports and Social Club Next meeting : To be announced For more information, contact Julie Rigby at Art History convener

Book Club Convener: Martin Cooke Meet : 2nd Tuesday at 10:30 am Venue : Members’ homes Next meeting : Tuesday 11 December - ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens We have room in Bookclub for two people. First come first served. Please contact the Bookclub Convener.

Bridge : Learn to play Bridge Convener : Freddie Davies Meet : New course of 15 sessions will start early 2019 Fortnightly, Tuesday afternoons Venue : Convener’s Home If you are interested in joining the course please read my page on the website. If, in the meantime, you wish to comment or enter your details on a waiting list, please see me at the meeting or email me at Bridge Group Convener

Challenging Photography Convener : Malcolm Darroch Meet : 4th Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm (except January) Venue : Room 2 Arnold Library - £2 per head to cover room hire Next meetings : 16 January - subject ‘Public Transport’ 27 February - subject ‘Delicious’ Contact Malcolm Darroch for more information

Creative Writing Convener : Carolyn Luckhurst Meet : Once a month, varying days, at 2:00 - 4:00 pm (latest) Venue : Convener’s home Next meeting : Thursday 10 January 2019 - ‘A place I used to know that is no longer like it was" We are able to take a couple more people. Please contact Carolyn for further information

Discussion Group Convener : Lynn Majewski Meet : 2nd Monday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Venue : Room 1 Arnold Library Come and join the group in a friendly atmosphere, liberally laced with beverage, and, perhaps, make new friends in the process. If you wish to join please contact Lynn by email at lynnmajewski@hotmail.com

Family History Convener : Claire Wilkie Meet : 4th Monday at 2:00 pm Venue : Arnold Library Next meeting : Monday 28 January 2019 at 2:00 pm If you want to comment or show more interest in this group, please send an email to the Family History Convener via the website

Freddie's Antiques Road Show Convener : Freddie Davies Meet : Monthly on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Venue : To be decided First meeting : To be announced Looking at history through items brought to meetings by members (but not necessarily antiques!!) Meeting monthly on Tuesday afternoons.

Games Convener : Marion Wright Meet : Wednesdays from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Venue : The Punchbowl, Porchester Road, Nottingham We meet each Wednesday in an alcove at the back of the Punchbowl, or tucked away in a cosy corner of the bar. There is no room charge, but we pay £1.00 a head for tea and coffee, which is provided during the afternoon. Contact Marion via this link - Games Convener

Gardening Convener : Chris Padgett Meet : 3rd Monday at 10:15 am - 12 noon Venue : Various Next meeting : Monday 17 December at 10:30 in the Cafe at East Bridgford Garden Centre We have 30 members - a friendly, cheerful group of enthusiastic people who share an interest in gardening. None of us are experts, but we all have willing hearts and hands, so why not join us? For more information, just send an email to the Gardening Convener. Whatever your gardening interest, I look forward to hearing from you!

Geography Road Trip Convener : Freddie Davies Meet : 3rd Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Venue : Arnold Library First meeting : 9 January 2019 A members` participation group discussing the characteristics of various countries. For more information please contact Freddie Davies

Geology 1 : The Magic of our Solar System Convener : Freddie Davies First meeting: New course of 10 sessions starting January 2019, alternate Tuesdays 2:00 - 4:00 Venue : Arnold Library If you are interested in learning about our sun and the neighbouring planets in the vastness of space and what they mean to us on Earth join this course for a voyage into space and time. Please visit the website page for full information.

Geology 2 : The History of the Planet Earth Convener : Freddie Davies First meeting: New course of 10 sessions starting January 2019, alternate Tuesdays 2:00 - 4:00 Venue : Arnold Library This is be a follow-on from ‘The Magic of our Solar System’ course. To find out more about this course please visit the website page.

Geology 3 : The Earth’s Crust - and how we survive on it Convener : Freddie Davies First meeting: New 10 session course starts Wednesday 5 December 2018, alternate Thursdays 2:00 - 4:00 Venue : Arnold Library First meetings are Wednesday 5 December and Wednesday 19 December - it’s not too late to join. This short course will deal with the amazing and volatile structure of Earth’s crust and how we use it and survive on it. To find out more please visit the website or speak to me at our general meeting.

Funny how the year you stop believing in Santa is roughly the year you start getting socks

Glamping Group FOR ALL MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN OWNERS - ACTUAL OR ASPIRING We meet occasionally, rather than on a fixed basis, and at various venues to be decided by the group themselves. It is envisaged that much of the activity will take place between meetings with tips and information being exchanged as required between members and by a variety of means.

If you’re interested please contact Vic Blake for more information

Heraldry : An Introduction Convener : Freddie Davies First meeting: New 10 session course starting Wednesday 20 February 2019. Alternate Wednesdays 2:00 - 4:00 pm Venue : Arnold Library, Room 2 The first meeting of this re-offered group of 10 meetings will be held at Arnold Library from 2.00 until 4.00pm on Wednesday 20th February. Dates of future meetings (usually fortnightly) will be given at the first meeting. A colourful booklet I have prepared will be handed out. If you’d like to know more please contact the Heraldry group Convener

Historical Architecture Convener : Freddie Davies This 12 meetings course, its third time of being delivered at our U3A, finishes on 6th December. If you wish to comment or show more interest in this group, please send an email to the Historical Architecture Group Convener

Indoor Mat Bowls Convener : Doreen Edwards Meet : To be advised to group members Venue: Richard Herrod Centre, Carlton Cost : £5.25 Future meeting dates - to be fixed

International Dining Convener : Margaret Taylor Venue : Various Next Meeting : Thursday 24 January 2019 at Emilios Greek Restaurant in Arnold This group meets once a month on the same day as the General Meeting. For information please contact the International Dining Group Convener.

Italian Speech Convener : Joice Hall Meet : Wednesdays from 12.00 noon - 1.15 pm (no meetings during school holidays) Venue : Arnold Library, Meeting Room 2 Ciao. This beginners group meets every Wednesday.

Local History Conveners : Dorothy Ritchie and Michael Payne Meet : 1st Wednesday from 10:00 - 12:00 am Venue : Mapperley Social Club, Games Room Next meeting : Wednesday 5 December - a visit to Nottingham Council House If you would like to know more about this group please send an email to the Local History Convener

Luncheon Club Conveners : Martin Davenport and Sheila Stacey Meet : 3rd Wednesday at 12:00 noon Venue : Various Next meeting : To be advised Usually we dine on the third Wednesday in the month but there will not be a meeting in December. The next meeting will be at Coopers Brook in Arnold on Wednesday 16 January, starting at 12 noon. Please contact Martin for details.

If I could have Christmas dinner with anyone in history dead or alive, I would choose alive

Music Appreciation Convener : Joan Davis Meet : Usually 1st Monday of the month at 7:00 pm Venue : Members’ Home Next meeting : Monday 3 December - Christmas music The group is not able to take any new members at the moment, but please contact Joan Davis or Maggie Grimshaw if you want to put your name on the waiting list.

Philosophy Convener : Vic Blake Meet : Usually 4th Tuesday from 10:30 - 12:00 pm Venue : Convener’s home Next meeting : Tuesday 18 December The group is currently full but if you want to comment or show more interest - or perhaps convene a second group, please send an email to the Philosophy group convener

Playhouse Theatre Group Convener : Judith Gamble Meet : Various Venue : Nottingham Playhouse MaD members are now able to experience certain productions of great theatre at the special price of £7.00 per ticket. Tickets will be available at the monthly meetings, when you can sign up and pay. To book tickets, or for more information, please contact Judith via the website.

Play Reading Convener : Sue Cullen Meet : 1st Thursday (usually) from 1:30 - 4:30 pm Venue : Member’s Home Next meeting : Tuesday 11 December - ‘Season’s Greetings’ by Alan Ayckbourn This friendly, supportive and encouraging group meets for 3 hours which enables us to read a whole play in one afternoon. The group is now full, but if you’d like to put your name on the waiting list please send an email to Sue via the website .

Shorter Walks (3-5 miles) Convener : Carolyn Luckhurst Meet : Monthly Venue : Various The next walk : Friday 7 December. Full details are on the Website. The first Short Walk of 2019 will be on Friday 18 January at Bestwood Park, mostly on well-defined footpaths. The Walk Leader will be Pam Gartside. Those who have registered interest will receive full details via email nearer the time. For further information please contact Carolyn.

Spanish Conversation Convener : Vic Blake Meet : To be decided Venue : Convener’s home This group isn’t running at the moment but if you would like to show interest or for more information please contact Vic via the website

Walking Convener : Martin Davenport Meet : Alternate Fridays at 10:15 am Venue : Various Next Meeting : Friday 4 December - A 6 mile walk from Rufford Park to Wellow For details, please contact the Walking Group Convener

Wine Appreciation Convener : Maggie Grimshaw Meet : 3rd Wednesday at 2:30 pm Venue : Convener’s Home Next meeting : Wednesday 19 December - ‘Festive Food and Wine’ We could make room for one more member in the Wine Appreciation Group. Please contact me if you want to join in the party

Thanks to the Wine Appreciation Group for this extra-special Christmas Cake Recipe

Ingredients : 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup butter, juice of 1 lemon, 4 large eggs, half cup nuts, 2 cups dried fruit, 2 teaspoons mixed spice, brandy, port.

Sample a little of the brandy to check quality, then sample the port. Take a large bowl, and check the port again to be sure it is of the highest quality. Repeat with the brandy. Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 cup of brown sugar. Beat again. At this point, it’s best to make sure the port is still okay. And also cry another tup of the brandy. Turn off the mixer thingy. Break 2 eggs and add to the bowl. Pick out the bits of eggshell then turn on the mixter and chuck in the dried fruit. Pick the fruit off the counter-top and put it into the bowl a piece at a time whilst trying to count it. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, turn the thingy off and pry fruit loose with a drewscriver. Beat on the turnerer again and throw in the flour. Laugh loudly at the snowstorm effect. Sample the port again to test for toxsisticity. Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something. Check the brandy. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one tablespoon of spices, or whatever comes to hand. Greash the oven. Dollop the mixture into the cake tin, aiming carefully. Scrape the the stuff that missed the bowl off the floor and add it to the tin. Turn the cake tin to 200 degrees and fall over the cat which is licking the remains off the floor. Pour yourself a good tot of brandy to shteady your nervouses. Have another one; it was a bad shock. Don't forget to burn off the teater. Finally, put cake tin in washing-up bowl, finish the bort and prandy, wipe the counter-top with the cat and go to bed. Happy Chrishmash

SUGGESTIONS BOX Your ideas about our U3A, its running and groups are very welcome. You can let us have your ideas and suggestions either by putting them into the Suggestions Box at each monthly meeting, by sending an email us by using the contact service on the website. It’s YOUR U3A. Be creative and think outside the oblong receptacle!

IT’S YOUR NEWSLETTER … Are you enjoying it? Is there something you’d like to add?This is YOUR Newsletter - if there is some content you’d like to add, or remove, or if you would like to share with us an article you’ve seen, or a story or poem you’ve written - anything you feel would be of interest to the members of MaD U3A, please contact the Editor with your submission or suggestion for consideration.

BBC news reported sightings of an unidentified flying object on Christmas Eve. It was a U-F-ho-ho-ho

THE LITTLE MaD QUIZ1. Which plant did the Celt's refer to as 'all healer'?2. Who composed the music for the festive season ballet 'The Nutcracker' ? 3. Plus or minus one year, how long does it take a Scotch Pine Christmas tree to reach a

typical retail height of 6 to7 feet ?4. Why were Joseph and the expectant Mary on the road to Bethleham in the first place ?5. What does the word Christ mean ?6. What kind of animal delivers gifts at Christmas in Syria ?7. Which Italian cake, popular at Christmas, belongs to Tony?8. The American ad writer Robert L. May invented which colourful Christmas character in

1939?9. What is wrong with the Grinch's heart in 'How the Grinch stole Christmas' ?10. According to UK tradition, when exactly is 'The Twelfth Night' ?

Answers to November’s Quiz :1. Miles Davis, 2. Sunday Express, 3. HMS Pinafore, 4. Phileas Fogg, 5. Dubonnet, 6. Rhea, 7. Sidewinder, 8. Cistercians, 9. West Side Story, 10. Edouard Manet

And finally ……. (As told by a Vicar … ) Three clergymen are waiting at the pearly gates to get into heaven. St Peter appears and tells them that they can come in if they give him something connected with Christmas. The first produces a box of crackers. “Oh crackers, lovely. We’ll have fun with those. Come on in” says St Peter. The second offers a Christmas pudding. “Delicious” says St Peter “Most acceptable. Welcome, come in.” The third clergyman presents St Peter with a pair of ladies panties. St Peter, somewhat taken aback, looks quizzically at him and asks what they have to do with Christmas. “Well” says the third clergyman “They’re Carol’s”

Happy Christmas!

Your Committee Richard Hill Chair Carolyn Luckhurst Vice Chair Anne Elliott Treasurer Maggie Grimshaw Business Secretary Chris Padgett Membership Secretary

Geraldine Chaffe Social Secretary Sue Cullen Newsletter Editor Vic Blake Committee Member Jill Cunningham Committee Member Elaine Wyatt Committee Member

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The three stages of man - He believes in Santa Claus. He doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. He is Santa Claus.