CANVEY ISLAND

Newsletter Dec 2019 – February 2020

https://u3asites.org.uk/canvey

Registered Charity No. 1173536

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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE It’s hard to believe that Christmas is almost here – where

did 2019 go!

Throughout this year our U3A has provided members

with numerous activities to participate in and the opportunity to make new

friends. May I, on behalf of the committee, take this opportunity to thank

everyone who has worked hard to make this possible, we couldn’t do this

without you.

At the 2020 AGM on the 16th March there will be five posts on the

Committee up for election, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer,

Membership Secretary and Catering Administrator. I have to stress that to

ensure the viability of our U3A it is essential that these posts are filled. I urge

you to give serious consideration to putting yourself up for election. If you

would like to discuss any of these roles in more detail, please do not hesitate

in contacting me or any of the committee members.

The first national U3A Day will be held on the 3rd June 2020, U3A’s across

the country are being asked to take part in marking the day by hosting eye

catching events which showcase and celebrate what happens in their U3A.

Please put the 3rd June 2020 in your diary and in the New Year we will start

planning for the day, contributions and ideas from members are welcomed.

May your Christmas be filled with moments of love, laughter and goodwill,

and may the year ahead be full of contentment and joy.

LEARN LAUGH LIVE

Christine Watts - Chairman

NOTE

FROM THE

EDITOR

Merry Christmas

and a happy and

healthy New

year to you all!

Once Christmas is over, I

cannot wait for Spring to

come as I don’t like the

cold, dark damp days.

There are many who

dislike the winter

because it keeps them

housebound and lonely

and it always concerns

me to think that there

could be something I can

do to help if only I knew.

Keep your eyes and ears

out for those around you

who could be helped in

some small way. Perhaps

even your company for

ten minutes, or a phone

call would make all the

difference?

If getting to a U3A

event is difficult for you

then let your liaison or a

committee member know

and we will try to find a

solution for you.

Whatever you do, stay

safe and warm!!

Elaine Mitchell - editor

Our Annual General Meeting takes place in

March 2020

Dear Members,

The Annual General Meeting is the time when our current

committee members stand down from the committee, at the end of

their period of office and new committee members are proposed,

nominated, and voted onto our committee. The positions available

this year are: -

CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN

TREASURER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

CATERING ADMINISTRATOR

We need to ensure that all posts are filled.

We Need You!

We are contacting all our members who have

advised us of their email address, to inform them

of the new arrangements for our AGM. As you will be aware, in

the past, we have handed out your AGM pack at the monthly

meetings or posted them to you which is a costly and time-

consuming exercise. This year we intend to digitally send you

your AGM pack via email. The pack contains 5 documents which

will all be available for you to view via your smartphone, tablet,

laptop or PC. You will also be able to print the documents if that

is your preference. If you are unable to view documents from your current equipment please let me know, as soon as possible.

AGM packs will be handed out or posted, as usual, to those who

do not have email access.

The timetable for the AGM is as follows: -

Your AGM pack will be emailed or handed or posted to you on

14th January 2020. Completed nomination forms will need to be

returned to me by 11th February 2020. The AGM will be held on

16th March 2020. If you have any issues regarding our intentions please do not hesitate to contact me, as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you would like to find out how the committee

works, or you feel that you would like to become involved in the

management and development of our vibrant and forward-thinking

U3A, come and have a chat with me or any Committee Member.

Mike Collett Canvey Island U3A - Secretary

This group has been established for a number of years, we are

not competitive (well maybe just a little bit) but play for the

enjoyment of the game, it is a fun way of keeping fit and making

new friends.

We are happy to welcome new members, don’t worry if you have

never played before or haven’t played for many years you will be

made welcome. If you would like to join the group please contact

Christine Watts the Group Liaison.

Like all Liaisons and Committee Members, contact details for

Christine are found at the back of every Newsletter.

All up to date information can be found on the Website

https://u3asites.org.uk/Canvey

Just a thought…….

Before the main meetings start – why

not turn your chair to face the

speaker on the stage – you can turn it

back to chat to your friends over

tea…..

The Bobbin Lace Group This group continues to meet whenever we can fit it in, usually once a month. Lace making is an extremely slow process and large projects can take months or even years, as with a table-cloth I've been working on for approximately 10 years. Obviously, I haven't been throwing the bobbins about on a daily basis, mainly because I've so many other groups I go to and other commitments. It's also due to the biscuit and drink breaks and putting the world to rights. We enjoy our meetings even if there is very slow progress. The equipment to make lace can be expensive and not easy to find these days so it's not for everyone but once started it can be very addictive. Anyone that may have visited Bruges has probably seen lace being made. There are many types of lace including Torchon a simple pretty lace which can be used to make book marks, paper weights, pictures and mats, Honiton which needs even more equipment and is a lightweight lace, and Tape which basically looks like a long, thin bandage with twists and turns. If anyone is interested in seeing some lace making just get in touch.

Submitted by Zena James – Group Liaison

Essex Association of U3As Study Days Over the next six months the Essex Association of U3As are running three interesting Study days to which you are invited. Geology

Sunday 1st March 2020 at Broomfield Village Hall, 158 Main Road,

Chelmsford CM1 7AH

Start time 10.00 am

Cost of the day is £15.00 which includes lunch.

Prepare to have your mind stretched by geological time and take a tour of

Britain through time-travel spectacles.

We shall look at rocks, fossils and minerals that help us to interpret the

scenery and to work out what Britain was like in the past.

There will be illustrated talks and hands on activities.

Advanced Genealogy

Thursday 2nd April 2020 at St Cedds Hall,

Start time 9.30 am

The cost of the day will be £15.00 which includes lunch.

Toni Nobard is a genealogist with over 40 years experience in the field. She

has had two books published on the subject and until recently had a business

researching other people's family history.

Topics for the day:

Getting the most from the Census

Breaking down 'brick walls'

Dating old family photographs

Introduction to DNA for family history

The Study of Trees at the Arboretum

Monday 11th May 2020 at Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG.

Start time 10.30 am

The cost of the day is £10.00. (lunch NOT included - bring your own lunch)

Please note the Marks Hall will be closed to the public on this day.

The Arboretum forms an enviable collection of trees originating from every

temperate area of the world and miles of leafy woodland walks to explore and

enjoy.

The Senior Arborist will be taking you through the differing areas of the

world's trees.

Please note that this day will be on uneven ground, it will also involve

steps and grassed areas which may not be suitable for those with reduced

mobility or wheelchair use

The above Study Days are open to U3A members of Essex Association

of U3A's only. Application should be made through their website.

Ever thought about speaking to someone you have never

spoken to before at the next U3A Meeting – it could make

their day – and be the start of a wonderful friendship for you

both!

Cards For Fun 1

This long running group meets

regularly to play all sorts of card

games. Much more than playing

cards it is the opportunity to get

together once a month, have a

good chat and laugh. As the

only male member Alan does well to keep his sanity some

months when the sugar in the biscuits takes effect on the

ladies! Since we cannot get any more people around our table

a second group has started that meets where there is more

room, so contact Cards for Fun 2 if you too would like to have

a fun time playing cards and making friends.

Submitted by Elaine Mitchell – Group Liaison

SPRING NIGHT

2020 WHEN – FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 2020

DOORS OPEN 7.00PM - QUIZ

STARTS AT 7.30PM

WHERE – SMALLGAINS HALL, CANVEY ISLAND

ENTRY BY TICKET ONLY, COST - £5 EACH TICKETS FROM ALAN MITCHELL

MEMBERS MAY BUY TICKETS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY (SORRY, ADULTS ONLY)

COME ALONG AND HAVE LOTS OF FUN - TABLES OF UP TO 8

(CAN BE MADE UP ON THE NIGHT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A TEAM)

FULL BAR OPEN, BRING YOUR OWN NIBBLES

(NB ONLY DRINKS BOUGHT FROM BAR MAY BE

CONSUMED AT THE QUIZ)

Group Coordinator’s News

Christmas will soon be with us so I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and

a healthy Happy New Year.

The next Liaisons meeting will be held at Smallgains Hall on Friday January 24th at

1.30pm. This year is a special time for the U3A as it will be holding its first National

U3A day on Wednesday 3rd June 2020. We will be discussing this event at our

Liaisons meeting and finding ways to promote what our U3A does and how we can

show some of the fantastic activities and groups to our new members and also the

public. I would urge you all to attend the January meeting so you can be involved

with ideas and suggestions on how you could promote your group for this special

day in June.

We have had suggestions for new groups given to me recently, including

Technology, Gardening and Calligraphy and many others, there is a list of these on

the Groups Notice Boards which you can read at the monthly meetings and also at

our social afternoons at Smallgains. If you are interested in any of the groups please

enter your name on the sheets provided or for more information email me via the

links on the website. We still need people to help start the new groups up so if you

think you have some experience or something to offer and could help other people

learn a new craft or skill or just be able to organise, then we really need your help.

Jan Collett – Groups Co-Ordinator

Merry Christmas to all the members

from your committee

Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a

happy and healthy New Year come from

these members

To All members - Best Wishes from Georgia and Derek

To everyone. Best Wishes from Barbara Taylor

Wishing everyone happiness and good health - Linda M

To all members from Eileen Sharp

To all our friends at U3A Maureen and Fred

To U3A friends, Love and best wishes Val N

Ten Pin Bowling – Greetings from Christine

To all my friends at the U3A from Maureen Wood

To all my friends in the U3A Chris P

To all members. Best wishes from Gill B xx

To all our friends at U3A from Sheila and Pete

To all my friends at U3A from Iris Eagle

To all our friends from Michael and Mary

To all our friends at the U3A from Al and Jen B

Best wishes to all at the U3A, from Marge

Badminton – Merry Christmas from Christine

To all my friends at the U3A, love from Pearl H

To U3A Friends, Love & Best wishes Val Nelson

To all my friends in the U3A. Best wishes Chris

Best Wishes for the New Year to all from Pauline D

Best wishes to all at the U3A.Happy Xmas – Rita

Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas – Ann R

All the Card Groups–Very best wishes from Elaine

To all members who know me – Kath Darwood

Wishes for peace and good health to all – Carol N

To all our friends in the U3A. Best wishes Mike and Jan

All our Friends Old and New from Reg and Jan

To all my U3A friends – a Joyous Noel, from Julia

Holiday Spanish ‘Feliz Navidid’ from Christine

Knit and Natter – Greetings from Christine Watts

From Joan and Hugh Greetings to all U3A Folks

Quizzers and Snappers – from Alan (and Elaine!)

Committee – Relax and Enjoy – Christine

Thanks to Barbara (and Carol) for selling these Greetings

Can you these cryptic birds. For example – Hole digger would be a myna (or mynah) bird.

The answers are on page 18

. Good Luck -

1. Regal angler.

2. Batman’s sidekick.

3. Female sailor.

4. Change direction.

5. Cavalier in strong wind.

6. Dogs do this.

7. A replete mother.

8. Rolling tobacco.

9. Margarine.

10. Silent big white bird.

11. Often found on building

sites.

12. You would tie this.

13. Breathless.

14. Cut-throat William.

15. Done after chewing.

16. Speedy.

17. Fairgrounds often have a

big one.

18. It is illegal to walk in this

way.

19. Little Margaret pastry.

20. Black hair.

21. Extra chicken.

22. Moan.

23. Cutlery invoice.

Ten Pin Bowling

Fun, friendship, competition and exercise they are some of the

reasons why you should join our U3A’s Ten Pin Bowling group.

Amongst our group we have some excellent high scoring players and

a few, like myself, who just enjoy the game and are thrilled with an

occasional strike. We play monthly at the Hollywood Bowl at the

Festival Leisure Park, Basildon, the current price is £6.40 for two

games.

As well as having fun there are health benefits from playing, it burns

calories, strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, balance and hand-

eye coordination. The best part is: there are almost no limits on who

can bowl, it's a low impact, easy-to-learn sport, making it great for all

fitness levels.

So, if you already love bowling, or are looking for a new way to have

fun and stay fit why not give Ten Pin Bowling a try.

To join the group contact Christine Watts, the group liaison.

N.B. If you know of any member who is

unwell, or has recently suffered the

bereavement of their partner, or just needs a

friendly call to see how they are feeling,

please contact our Members Liaison, Georgia

Draper. Her contact details can be found on

the back page of this newsletter and she will

follow up on your suggestion with a card or telephone call.

DATE TRIP BOOKING DESCRIPTION

WEDNESDAY 29TH JANUARY 2020

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

THEATRE

TICKET FACE VALUE £85.00

U3A PRICE £48.00

COACH £15.00

FROM 12.45pm

18TH NOVEMBER

FULLY BOOKED

Great long running show at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY

WINTER LANDSCAPES

ESSEX VILLAGES &

PERRYWOOD GARDEN CENTRE

COACH ONLY PRICE £14.00

FROM 12.45pm

16TH - 20th DECEMBER

Visit some of Essex’s villages, stop for refreshments & lunch on route, then on to Perrywood Garden Centre.

SUNDAY 29TH

MARCH

THRIPLOW DAFFODILS

COACH ONLY PRICE £14.50 (ENTRY TO VILLAGE

PAY ON DAY £8.00)

FROM 12.45pm

20TH JANUARY

Step back in time as you walk the beautiful traffic free lanes of the village. Visiting open gardens, craft barns, marquees and stalls.

SUNDAY 19TH APRIL

COLUMBIA ROAD

FLOWER MARKET & COVENT

GARDENS

COACH ONLY PRICE £15.50

FROM 12.45pm

17TH FEBRUARY

Columbia Road is well known for its flower market where you can

purchase anything from border plants,

garden ornaments to full grown trees, and

then on to Covent Garden.

SUNDAY 24TH MAY

LEEDS CASTLE

MEDIEVAL JOUST

PRICE £29.50

FROM 12.45pm

16TH MARCH

Leeds Castle will be putting on a medieval show where If you wish you can dress up for the occasion.

WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE

RYE, TENTERDEN &

KENT COUNTRYSIDE

COACH ONLY PRICE £15.00

FROM 12.45pm

20th APRIL

Some of Rye’s cobbled lanes date back to medieval times, where you will find half-timbered houses. Also, great Antique shops. Then on to Tenterden.

THURSDAY 16TH JULY

ELY CATHEDRAL &

MARKET

COACH ONLY PRICE £15.50 ENTRY INTO CATHEDRAL

APPROX £7.00

FROM12.45pm 18th MAY

Visit Ely where there is a very large market and Cathedral, housed in the Cathedral is the stained-glass museum.

IMPORTANT – Wherever possible and especially for the higher priced

outings could you please pay by cheque made payable to Canvey Island

U3A. This saves the need for anyone to handle large amounts of cash

and will be much appreciated by the Bookings Team.

Remember when booking you may book two tickets for yourself and two

tickets for someone who is not able to be at that meeting (although not

for someone who is coming later, as that is not fair to your fellow

members.) You may only be able to book two tickets for yourself when

tickets are limited.

If you are not able to get someone else to get tickets for you then

please call Kay or Lynne immediately after the main meeting to see if

tickets are still available. Thank you. Quiz Answers from Page 14

1. Kingfisher.

2. Robin.

3. Wren.

4. Tern.

5. Nightingale.

6. Wagtail.

7. Fulmar.

8. Shag.

9. Stork.

10. Mute swan.

11. Crane.

12. Knot.

13. Puffin.

14. Razor bill.

15. Swallow.

16. Swift.

17. Dipper.

18. Jay.

19. Magpie.

20. Raven.

21. Moorhen.

22. Grouse.

23. Spoon bill

COFFEE/SOCIAL AFTERNOONS The Committee believe that our members continue to enjoy the opportunity

to have more social time with other members and to make new friends. So,

we will continue with the monthly Social meetings. This also gives us an

opportunity to keep open an on-going booking with the Smallgains Hall in

line with any contingency plans, should the Paddocks cease to be available

to us.

It was felt that Members would get more benefit from the Main Meeting

and the Coffee Social afternoon being better spaced apart in the month.

There will be no Coffee Social Afternoon in December but the schedule for

2020 is as follows: -

31st January; 6th March; 3rd April

Thereafter it will be held on the

first Friday of the month.

Doors open from 1.3pm to

3.30pm at Smallgains Hall

Coffee, tea and biscuits will of course be available free of charge

We believe this will give us an ideal chance, from time to time, to invite

providers of useful information to give us a very brief talk and to be available

to members for them to ask their questions on a one to one basis, pick up

literature etc. It is also an opportunity to play board games etc. so if you

have any ideas let a Committee Member know. This is your meeting so let

us work to make it what you want…speak to any Committee Member.

BUS PASS SAFARI GROUP

……………………

So far, this new group have had three very successful outings, the

last of which was to Maldon. This went like clockwork; the buses

were all to time and we arrived in Maldon just in time to find

ourselves somewhere for lunch. The weather was perfect, and we

found ourselves a lovely little café tucked away in a side street, sat

in the sun and had our lunch. After this we walked down the High

Street to the River and walked along looking at the boats, then into

Maldon Promenade Park for a lovely stroll.

Our return trip was the same, buses were all on time. Eight of us

went on this trip and we all said we would like to go to Maldon

again, perhaps including a short boat trip next time, probably next

April or May.

Our next trip is going to be to Chelmsford, this will only involve

two buses, on arrival there will be a choice of fresh air in the local

park with a walk; culture in Chelmsford Cathedral, where on a

Friday lunchtime they have short musical interludes and also there

is a cafe; and/or shopping.

I have had to close the list for this group as it is not feasible to take

too many on buses, there would be a problem if we could not all get

on the same bus, plus keeping everyone together would sometimes

prove a little problematic. Obviously a second group could always

be formed if anyone is interested in leading this.

Speak to the Groups’ Co-ordinator Jan Collett.

Submitted by Jean Duffield – Group Liaison

Local Theatre Group

I want to thank ALL the group members who have

participated in local theatre trips this year, where would our U3A be

without you! Bless you all. I am looking forward to another year of fun,

laughter, singing along, clapping, jigging up and down and the

creation of special memories with our fellow U3A Theatre Group

friends. Seasonal good wishes to you all and may the New Year be

blessed with lots of happy moments we can share together.

If you are not a group member and wish to come and join us, all the

information is on the Canvey Island U3A website or give us a call. My

email address is on the Groups list.

Chris Summers – Group Liaison

MONTHLY MEETING DATES

Third Monday of the Month -unless it is a Bank Holiday

Meetings are at 1.30pm with doors opening at 12.45pm

and at The Paddocks unless otherwise published

(These dates can also be found on the reverse of your membership card)

‘Free Spirit’

Kate Cole will give us a talk entitled "Essex Witches". Kate's talk puts the

witchcraft trials of Essex into their legal and historical context and explores local

Essex cases to explain why there were so many witchcraft court-cases within Essex.

17th February Roger Dorking will be presenting his humorous talk entitled "Tales From The

Smithy"

16th

December

20th

January 2020

17th

February 16th

March AGM

20th

April 18th

May

15th

June

16th March Canvey Island U3A AGM including the election of five committee posts.

The AGM will be followed by entertainment from "Scott Elvis". Scott is a

popular Elvis tribute act.

John Field will give a talk on Tommy Cooper

Polite Notice We would respectfully ask that you turn off your mobile phones during the

meetings. If you are likely to need to leave during the speaker’s presentation

kindly sit at the back of the hall and leave quietly.

- Thank you

DON’T THROW IT IN THE BIN!

Back in the summer, after using my routine bowel screening kit, I was

diagnosed with bowel cancer. This came as a complete shock, as I had

experienced NO symptoms at all, and I considered myself as being fit and

healthy. I am not overweight, I have never smoked, enjoy healthy eating

and keep active, so not a likely candidate for this condition, so I thought!

When I asked my surgeon “How long has the tumour been there?” his reply

was “About a year”. The tumour was successfully removed and I have since

thought to myself, if I had not had the screening, I could still be walking

around completely unaware of its existence and by the time it had grown

enough to cause problems, my future could have been much more

uncertain. So, when you get your next screening kit through the post, please

use it and don’t throw it in the bin!

Roger Summers

Membership renewals Membership Renewals for 2020 are nearly completed and should be so by the end of December. After this time there should only be Membership Cards for collection at subsequent Meetings. If you have not collected your card by the time the AGM paperwork is posted out it will be included with that. All other Cards will be posted after the AGM. There is a lot of work involved in the renewal process so it should be done before the end of December 2019. If you still have not renewed you may do so in one of these ways. You may hand your form and payment to me or, if you prefer to post your renewal, you may do so by using a cheque and sending to me, Elaine Mitchell, at 41 Crescent Road, Canvey Island. SS8 7JZ All cheques should be made payable to Canvey Island U3A If you prefer to make a Bank Transfer – the directions are on the form – but remember that you still have to complete the form and return it to me. After managing to hold the Membership Fee at £18 since 2015, your committee have decided that it is necessary to increase the Membership fee for 2020 to £20. This is in line with our increased expenses. Please note that the Membership Fee for 2020 is £20.00

RAFFLES The raffles held at the main meetings help to fund

both the special prizes at the Christmas meeting and the refreshments provided at various times

throughout the year. Please buy a strip of tickets whether you are planning on staying to the end of the meeting or not so we can continue to

provide the quality of prizes and provide added refreshments.