JULY OUTING TO WREST PARKMembers enjoying the grounds at Wrest Park

Alan Shean

A full coach set off for Wrest Park. The weather forecast was not too good but everyone was sensibly kitted out with waterproofs and umbrellas.We were welcomed by the English Heritage staff, adorned with visitors’ wristbands and told where to collect information and complementary audio guides.After a quick coffee stop, we headed out for the gardens while the weather was dry. These gardens have a true wow factor. As well as the beautiful formal part there were hidden gems set in the trees, I particularly liked the Chinese gardens. We had lunch in the café during which the rain began. However, there was a lot to see and do inside the French-style mansion and learn about the families who had lived there. One particularly interesting exhibition was about Wrest Park’s role in WW1. After a cup of tea and cake we set off home. Being classed as a learners group, English Heritage allowed us free entrance to the site. The day had cost £9. What a bargain!There are more photographs on our website. Sue Jones

Issue No. 176 August 2017

NEWSLETTER

Lutterworth U3A Online

We are trying to encourage our members to make use of the Lutterworth U3A website.

Would you be interested in having an online Group Page for your Group(s) for easy access to details of future meetings dates, times, venues, and Group news? Monthly reports and date of next meeting would still be included in the printed newsletter. It does require a Group member to ensure that information on their Group page is updated regularly. Apart from reducing printing costs by reducing the size of the printed newsletter, it provides a single access point for specific Group information and any last minute changes of plans.

If this is something you would consider, our online coordinator is Kate Ayres, who can be contacted on 01455 209074 or e-mail ayresleire@btinternet.com and she will be happy to facilitate this

Car Parking at Wycliffe Rooms

PLEASE NOTEIT IS NO LONGER FREE TO PARK BEHIND WYCLIFFE

ROOMSPAY £1 ON EXIT

Lutterworth U3A Summer Photograph Competition

Following on from the success of last year's competition, we are inviting members to submit any photos taken this year. The pictures can be of any subject, in colour or black and white, and of any size up to A4. The closing date is the September Monthly meeting and the winner will be announced at the October meeting. Please put a pseudonym on the back of the photograph and provide an envelope with the pseudonym on it and your name sealed inside. Alan Shean has agreed to judge the entries and no-one will know who has won until the envelope is opened at the meeting. You can enter as many pictures as you want, so take your camera with you, get snapping and good luck!

Lutterworth U3A Summer Photograph Competition

Following on from the success of last year’s competition, we are inviting members to submit any photos taken this year. The pictures can be of any subject, in colour or in black and white, and of any size up to A4. The closing date is the September monthly meeting and the winner will be announced at the October meeting. Please put a pseudonym on the back of the photograph and provide an envelope with the pseudonym on it and your name sealed inside. Alan Shean has agreed to judge the entries and no-one will know who has won until the envelope is opened at the meeting. You can enter as many pictures as you want, so take your camera with you, get snapping and good luck!

INTEREST GROUPS AND EVENT REPORTSA number of groups have room for more members. If you wish to join any of them, please

contact the Group Coordinator

MUSIC AND MEMORIESCo-ordinator Nohline Ruff tel. 556985

On July 4th, nine of us met at Gwenda's home and she made us very welcome in a pleasantly cool room. Hope her neighbours enjoyed the music wafting through the open door as much as we enjoyed the breeze.The selections this time included a nod to American Independence Day with music by Aaron Copeland, the Beach Boys, California dreaming and a song accompanied by memories of the whole family driving down an American highway singing along to music blasting out of a boom box! We had gentler choices with Pie Jesu, Eva Cassidy's Fields of Barley and a version of Eleanor Rigby by Mark Murphy whose beautiful phrasing enabled us to hear the words anew. We couldn't find our tutus to join in with the cygnets from Swan Lake but did enjoy the music and a further extract from Sleeping Beauty. The pace and volume was increased when we heard Land of Hope and Glory. Maybe this might be a more stirring National Anthem? One of our Group Members recalled the occasion when he kissed Miss World at a banquet when this was played and Donna Summer's I feel love evoked memories of floating in a blue lagoon near Malta; envious anybody? We loved listening to music recorded by Sue's son and his three friends and felt privileged that she shared the memories surrounding it. Thank you Gwenda for your hospitality and delicious refreshments. After our August break we will meet in September at the Ruffs' house.

Nohline Ruff

DAYS OUT GROUPCo-ordinators Gordon and Sue Jones Tel: 01455 556192

Photographs from our visits are in the Gallery section of our website.

Sue Jones

READING GROUPCo-ordinator: Linda Patton Tel: 556996

At our July meeting we discussed “Mrs P’s Journey”, a biography by Sarah Hartley of Phyllis Pearsall Gross, who after finding it difficult in 1936 to visit clients who had asked her to paint them, realised that there was no map of the streets of London available.  She set out to walk all 23,000 streets and create an A-Z of London.  The book tells of her family life, which was unusual to say the least, and her tenacity in achieving her goal.  One must read over two thirds of the book, however, before we start to hear of the hardships Mrs P endured in order to create the maps.  She set up a company, Geographia, which now prints an A-Z of all major cities and she must be applauded for what she has done. However, when reading the story of her life, it was difficult to believe all we were told as there were so many inconsistencies.  At our reading group, we do not always agree about whether we enjoy the books chosen, but we are always glad that we had the chance to do so and to share our thoughts with others.  We would not necessarily recommend this book to others but did spend an enjoyable few hours in discussion.  Our choice for the August meeting is “Postcards” by Annie Proux, for September it is “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” by Thomas Hardy, for October, “The Keeper of Lost Things”, by Ruth Hogan and November, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier.  Please join us if you like reading and sharing your views with others.  We are a lovely group.

Linda Patton

GROUPS ONE AND TWO STROLLINGCo-ordinator Group One: Gwenda Jones Tel: 556923Mobile: 07986905319Coordinator Group Two: John Lee Tel: 556923

There will not be any strolls during July and August.  Details of the September stroll will be at the Strolling Table at the September General Meeting.

Gwenda & John

PLAY READINGCo-ordinator: Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614

We do not meet in July or August. Look in the September newsletter to see what we will read and where. New members would be welcome. Please contact Glenys if you are interested.

Glenys Peverley

GARDENS GROUP Co-ordinator: Linda Patton Tel: 556996

On Thursday 24th August, we are going to Leicester University Botanic Gardens, stopping at Wistow to look around the garden centre and shops and to have lunch beforehand.  This should be informative and we are having a guided tour around the very different gardens there, the cost of this trip is £17.  Our final visit for 2017 is to Castle Howard on Thursday September 28th at a cost of £30 where we shall be able to look around the house as well as the autumn colour in the gardens, which are said to be in the top 10 in the UK.  Contact Linda to book either of these trips

Linda Patton

POETRY READING Coordinator: Betty Wilson Tel: 209790

Our next meeting will be on September 6th at 2:00pm at Betty Wilson's home, 7 The Dell, Ullesthorpe when we shall look at the work of Longfellow. We would love to see more people in the group enjoying poetry. Contact Betty if you would like to join us.

Glenys Peverley

BUFFET SUPPER GROUPCo-ordinator: Gwenda Jones Tel: 556923

Dining with friends is always a delightful experience but it is greatly enhanced when the opportunity of a warm summer evening allows for the meal and chat to take place outdoors. John and Gwenda were supreme

hosts on Monday 3rd July and it was clear that a great deal of planning had gone into the occasion. As always, the food was excellent and it was not until darkness began to draw down the shades that the party felt inclined to bring the evening to a close.

Brian Fowler

What a treat it was to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and the first course of our supper outside in the lovely garden of Lynne and Derek. Two closely positioned tables of five meant we shared conversations and exchanged banter. We finished the meal round the dining table, once the evening chill set in. More delicious food and Derek's port and liqueurs for those who could manage them, ensured the conversation and joking went on until late. Thank you to everyone there for another great, social occasion.

Glenys 

In September, we will be visiting either Sheila & Tony, Tel: 553910 or Katie & Howard, Tel: 554403. Please let your chosen host know what you will be bringing and please be there by 6.45 to start eating at 7pm

Gwenda

MUSIC APPRECIATION GROUPCo-ordinators: John Peverley 553614Tony MacDonald 553910

Next meeting at home of John and Glenys on 21 September 2017

Tony

WINE APPRECIATION GROUPCo-ordinator: Sue Sharp Tel 556255

Next meeting is on October 12 2017

Sue Sharp

BIRD WATCHING GROUPCoordinator: Rita Nicholls Tel 557412 We enjoyed dry and warm weather (despite a less encouraging forecast) for our July trip to Rutland Water. Our hope to see some ospreys was fulfilled. Three were spotted on

posts, and one gave a good showing as it flew after a heron to assert its superiority.We saw 35 different kinds of birds including an excellent and prolonged viewing of a water rail and its young - very pleasing as they usually hide in the reeds. There were lots of the usual water birds, but it's always nice to see the graceful terns and grebes with their young.Our next visit will take place on August 25th. Meet 9.30 at Leisure Centre car park; bring a packed lunch.

Alan Shean.

HANDICRAFTS GROUPCo-ordinator Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614

Our next session is at Pat's home,33 Holly Drive Lutterworth, on Monday September 18th at 2:00pm .Bring anything you enjoy making with your hands which can be accommodated around a dining table. It's a friendly chatty session and we would welcome new members. There is no meeting in August.

Glenys Peverley

WHIST GROUPCo-ordinator: Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614

In July and August we have a break for the summer holidays. We play on the first Thursday of the month in Bitteswell village hall at 7:00pm. Happily, we had two new players in June, Mary and Teresa, so we are slowly increasing the number of tables we have. Do turn up if you enjoy a game of whist played in a light-hearted way. You will be very welcome. We really need more players to maintain a viable group.

Glenys Peverley

1st WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPJoint Co-ordinators:Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704Roger Watmore 01455 552431

WEDNESDAY 6th September 2017Walk Organiser: Peter & Irene Moore. Tel :- 01455 552594

Meeting Point and Time– Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.20 am to leave at 9.30 am.Directions to the Start: - Route and Distance – Take A426 towards Blaby, after crossing M1 turn right into Countesthorpe, at T junction, withTesco Express opposite, turn right into Main Street. Bulls Head 200 yards on right, Post Code LE8 5QX. Use Dine India car park just around the corner. Permission approved.Order lunch before starting walk. Toilets available.Driving distance: - 8 Miles each way.Start Point: Starting from the Bulls Head at 10.00am, head South on field paths to join the gated road to Foston. At Foston we have arranged for the 10th Century Church to be open, where the Warden will conduct a short tour. Continue North to Kilby Bridge (coffee break) to join the Canal tow path heading North West; at the Locks turn West on field paths and Woodland to return to the pub. 5.9miles in total. Only 2 Stiles.Good choice of Food on the extensive 2 for £8.00 menu. Gluten Free Food available.Nice pub and good food including “proper pies”. What could be better? Enjoy!!!Peter and Irene Moore

July Walk6 walkers left the Wharf, Welford, for a 6.7 mile walk on a calm sunny day with temperatures climbing into the mid 20’s. Heading through the village and along Hemplow Drive, we turned into attractive Hemplow Hills and entered its wood to emerge at a large field with far-reaching views. Descending the field boundary we sighted an ideal log - actually a horse jump - for us all to sit on for a relaxing break, that is except for one distracted member who couldn’t seem to erect his stick. (No comment). Resuming our walk we crossed the Grand Union Canal at Bridge 34 and after ducking around initial overgrowth on the towpath (leader’s apology) we continued a little hot but cheerily on to Bridge 38. Crossing over into fields and then over the only stile we joined Hall Lane and West End to return to the Wharf. Most of us stayed on for the ample £6 meal, and a few gluttons then ate the £3 desert. Happily, everything passed without incident for our leader who on this occasion had retained his car keys and therefore didn’t have to beg a lift home.

Tony

2nd WEDNESDAY MEDIUM DISTANCE WALKING GROUPJoint Co-ordinators: Julian Hargreaves 01455 557704Mike Chapman 01455 209972 / 07860 118426Last minute update (until 8:45am on day of walk) see http://www.ashbyparva.net/u3awalk

Date of Walk: Wednesday 13th September 2017Walk Organisers: Mike & Lesley Chapman. 01455 209972Meeting Point: Coventry Road Recreation Ground at 9.25 to leave at 9.30.Start Point and Time: Fosse Meadows. Walk starts at 10.00 am.Directions to start:  Through Bitteswell, Ashby Parva and into Frolesworth. Continue on until the signpost to Fosse Meadows. Turn left and park in the first car park.Route and distance: Round the perimeter of Fosse Meadows, we take the path to Sharnford, then to Sapcote, where we take our coffee break in the cemetery. Continuing via field paths back to Sharnford we return to the car park along the east side of Fosse Meadows. 4.5 Miles, 5 stiles.Note:- This is a repeat of a last year’s walk as there were no other offers for this month.

July walk

The last few steps to Peatling MagnaPete Williamson

15 walkers set off on a 4½ mile walk from Peatling Magna on a lovely warm, sunny summer morning. From Peatling Magna we went over fields paths to Arnesby and then by Shearsby before returning to Peatling Magna across meadow grass fields via the Parish Church. Everybody said they enjoyed the walk.

Jean & Pete Williamson 4th WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUPCo-ordinators: - Sue and Peter Creeden Tel: 01455 557888

July 2017 Walk Report

The walking group has “keen” and “very keen” walkers. With rain already falling, and the forecast for the rest of the morning no better, we were able to form a clearer picture of who was who. Tony Allen lead the walk dressed in shorts to avoid getting his trousers wet (so he said. I thought he was regressing back to his boyhood) and a waterproof top (not a pretty sight otherwise!). He was joined by six stalwart (possibly slightly mad) “very keen” walkers. We set off from the Bell at Gumley, on one of my favourite local walks, up Smeeton Hill towards Saddington before turning to pick up the Grand Union Canal to pass by Debdale Wharf and then almost up to Foxton Locks before turning across the fields back to Gumley. We were allowed the last three quarters of a mile, or so, when the rain did abate, which was good because that last climb back up to Gumley is a bit of a tester. Thanks to Tony for leading the walk and making the way much easier by doing some much appreciated advance work to clear away branches and bushes that would have blocked our way

Next walk - 23 August 2017Walk Organisers:- Lesley & Mike Chapman 01455 209972Meeting Point and Time:- Lutterworth Recreation Ground car park at 9.25am to leave at 9.30am.Start Point and Time:- The Black Horse, Walcote (LE17 4JU). Walk starts at 10.00 am.Directions to the Starting Point:- Take A4304 towards Mkt Harborough. The Black Horse is on the left. Round trip distance 5miles.Route and Distance:- From the Black Horse we take the footpath north across field paths to Kimcote, where we rest a while in the churchyard for coffee, before returning along a bridle path to Walcote. Distance 5.7miles, and unfortunately more than 15 stiles.Lunch Arrangements:- Lunches will be chosen before the walk, main courses approx £8.95

Peter Creeden

QUIZ GROUPCo-ordinator Sue Jones Tel: 556192

Why did I not do some swotting up on facts about Wimbledon? There was sure to be a quiz round on the subject as it was Wimbledon fortnight. No use regretting it. At least I now know a few more interesting details. The question is whether they will be retained by this time next year? Thank you Linda for stepping in at the 11th hour and providing us with an entertaining afternoon, and for the strawberry scones, which added to the theme.

Quiz Group Diary Aug 10th Quiz afternoon hosted by Geoff Gibbs, 7 Leire Lane, Ashby Parva, tel. 209084Sept 14th Quiz afternoon hosted by Marilyn North, at Geoff’s home, see above.

Members of this group take turns to host the quiz afternoon in their homes and at the moment, we have reached capacity. Therefore I regret to say we cannot accept any new members. However, we welcome you to join us when attending pub or charity quiz evenings and if you would like me to keep you informed of these events let me know.If you are interested in joining a second quiz group, please contact Brian Fowler tel. 209336.

This month’s brain teaser. The number 8,549,176,320 is a unique number. Why?Answer to last month’s brain teaser. Switzerland

Sue Jones

3 rd TUES DAY WALKING GROUP Co-ordinator Gordon Jones Tel: 556192

Date of Walk: We are not able to organise a walk for August. It usually well attended at this time of year. Back to normal for September.

July Walk.Brian’s walk from The Chequers at Ullesthorpe was a nice route over toward the A5 using good paths and no oilseed rape fields. The day was fine and quite sunny but not too hot though a bit warm out of the breeze. Most of the group stayed for a good lunch at the Chequers.

Future walks: I am looking for walk organisers for September, October and November. If anyone has a suitable walk that they can put on please contact me.

Gordon

SCRABBLECo-ordinator: Glenys Peverley Tel: 553614

We had an enjoyable afternoon at Brenda's when seven of us played. Linda was the out and out winner, coming top in both her games, but not only that; in the first game scored 416. Unheard of! Well done Linda. We next meet at Sandra's home, 40 Mulberry Close, Lutterworth on Wednesday, August 16th at 2:30pm. We would welcome new members joining us. Please contact me if you are interested.We would welcome new members joining us.Please contact me if you are interested.

Glenys Peverley

ART APPRECIATION GROUPCo-ordinators: Rae Flowerday Tel. 556942 & Sue Woodhead Tel. 01455 558037

This group still has a few spaces if anyone would like to join us for an informal look at art and artists from ancient to modern. We have a different video stimulus each month, chosen by the group, and enjoy the occasional visit to galleries and exhibitions. None of us are experts, all of us have different tastes and if you would like to add yours to the mix then do get in touch with Rae.For the groups July meeting we used as our source material two contrasting programmes that gave an overview of ‘Art of the East’ [principally China, Japan & India] and ‘Art of the Western Frontier’ [United States] respectively. It is clearly difficult to do any justice to either topic in a half hour programme but both of them were successful in conveying the range of artistic creation and in the case of the ‘East’ the sheer longevity of the tradition, dating back as it does for thousands of years. There was disappointment that the portrayal of art from the ‘Western Frontier’ did not extend to the creativity of the indigenous population or look

beyond the idealisation of the ‘Frontier’ as some sort of earthly idyll. Nonetheless, both programmes suggested plenty of opportunities for further study by the group. Our next meeting will be on Thursday 31st August (a week later than normal) when we will be looking at the work of the French artist, Georges Seurat. Homework is to bring along any favourite examples of Seurat’s work. Venue: 7, Magnolia Drive. Apologies to Glenys [Tel 553614].

John Turner

HERITAGE GROUPCo-ordinator: Peter Carter Tel: 552886

On Tuesday 25th July the group visited 78 Derngate Northampton. This is a town house dramatically remodelled by the great Glasgow man, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, in 1916, for W J Bassett-Lowke who was a prosperous model engineer. It is a house of unique charm and international importance in the iconic Modernist style, as well as being the only property in England designed by the world famous Designer and Architect. Also on display is a collection of Bassett-Lowke models and trains. The property is open for 11 months of the year and is well worth the visit.

There is no meeting in August so the next visit is on Tuesday 26th September. Meet at Coventry Road car park at 1pm. This has had to be a changed venue from the planned trip to Charnwood Museum. Instead, we will be going to Kettering Manor House and Alfred East Gallery, where there is a display of the history of shoe making and is also an important gallery of art by Sir Alfred East, who was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Movement.

Peter Carter

TEN PIN BOWLINGCo-ordinator: Alan Kemp Tel: 203009

If you enjoy exercise with a friendly group of people join us for tenpin bowling.  We meet on the 2nd Friday of the month at 9.30am on the car park at the recreation ground.Contact Alan Kemp for more information.

Alan Kemp

UKULELE GROUPCo-ordinators: Peter Sneath and Barbara Wilkinson Tel: 553254

Meetings will take place throughout the summer on the following dates: August 14th and 28th and September 11th and 25th, usual place, usual time.New members are always welcome.

Peter & Barbara

LIVELY DISCUSSION GROUP

The group is never shy of taking on board challenging topics and at the meeting on July 20th Brian Fowler posed the question ‘Who has the right to decide? The question was based on the heart wrenching decisions that have to be taken by loved ones, doctors and lawyers in respect to patients whose existence is dependent on artificial feeding and ventilation. On another level, members present considered the recent pleas to The High Court by people who have diseases that will slowly erode all of their capacity to cope and who are asking for a review of the law on assisted death.

As always some very erudite reasoning was voiced with views that considered all of the sentiment and the cruel reality that is involved in such decisions. The consensus being that it is inhuman to allow a person to be locked into their own body often in pain.

Group members will be notified of details of the next meeting

Brian FowlerFAMILY HISTORYCo-ordinators: Sue Turner Tel: 554455 and Barbara Wilkinson Tel: 55325

At our July meeting we enjoyed a visit from Mick Rawle who spoke about ‘Enclosure and the Village Labourer’. Mick gave us much to think about as we heard how the Enclosure Acts came into being, the conditions that the

Acts imposed, the consequences for the working people and the desperate plight in which many labourers found themselves. Mick closed by showing an example of a framework knitter who through lack of work and illness was so reliant on handouts to keep him and his family from starvation.

We will not be meeting in August or September due to holidays so our next meeting will be on Monday October 23rd at 2pm at the One Stop Shop on Gilmorton Road in Lutterworth.Sue Mackrell will tell us about ‘Leicester and Hinckley Workhouses’.All welcome Sue Turner

JAZZ GROUPCoordinator Graham Ruff -Tel: 556985

Just a quartet made up the group at Jim Davey's home in July. We each brought a large selection of music, ranging across the whole of Jazz. This included vocals from Peggy Lee, Earth Kitt, Louis Jordan and Julie London. Instrumentals ranged from Sidney Bechet  and Benny Goodman, to Bix Beiderbeck and Dave Brubeck. We also heard from Humphrey Lyttleton, both introducing radio items and playing in 1950. Jelly Roll Morten was heard talking about the tune Maple Leaf Rag and playing Kansas City Stomp. Other pianists we listened to were Bill Evans and George Shearing. Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits followed Bobby Jones's "Bringing In The Sheep."We talked about a visit to Swanage Jazz Festival, submarines and electrical engineering. In all we managed to play some 20 pieces during an enjoyable afternoon. We ended with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band who had made the very first Jazz recording almost exactly 100 years ago....... doesn't time fly by, even on a summer's afternoon? We will not meet in August but will reconvene at Alex Bullard's house, 15 Rowan Drive Greenacres, Lutterworth on Sept 26th. As always, please notify the host on 01455 554116 if you will be attending. Any new members will be most welcome

Graham

TABLE TENNISCo-ordinator: Carole Harrington Tel: 553438We meet every Monday (except for Bank Holidays) together with Wycliffe U3A from 2pm to approx.4pm at Walcote Village Hall. New members are always welcome. Carole Harrington

SINGLES DINING GROUP Co-ordinator: Val Howson. Tel: 552130Email:-vhowson4@gmail.comMonthly lunch organisers vary

A smaller than usual party met at The Bell Inn Gumley in July but the cross table conversation was lively and interesting. It is very much part of the occasion for such social interchange whilst waiting for the meal. The chatter flagged a bit whilst the excellent food was consumed but picked up when appetites were replete.

Thanks to Graham Morgan our host on this occasion. The August lunch on Thursday 17th will be managed by Caren Simpson, who should be contacted for booking. All lunch group members have been provided with details for each month until Christmas and who to contact in each month. If in doubt contact Group Leader Val Howson or Brian Fowler.

Brian Fowler

SHORTER WALKS GROUPCo-ordinators:Lyn Foxwell Tel: 01455 553492Fay Goodwin Tel: 01455 207822

A small group, 8 in all went to Draycote Reservoir for our July walk. We walked all the way round, a total of 5 miles although 8 km sounds further!! School holidays ensured that there were plenty of visitors and many cyclists, some of whom disregarded pedestrians. One poor lady didn't move quickly enough and fell, grazing her face and arm quite badly. There were many feathered friends. Apart from the ducks, geese and swans we saw grebes, terns a cormorant and an egret. It was a warm dry day and the sun appeared later on. We had a very nice lunch at the Waterside Restaurant.

Next walk on August 22nd to Pittsford ReservoirMeet at Coventry Road 10:00am

Fay

MUSIC FOR FUN - SONGSTERS GROUPBill Tomkins Tel: 01455 552864bill_karen26@hotmail.com

We shall have a break after the Garden Party and start our autumn programme on Monday 4 September, meeting regularly on first and third Monday each month until December.We have welcomed new members throughout the year and shall be very pleased to see more new recruits in September. As our membership is very largely female at present, it would be good to see some more men so that we could sometimes have a well-balanced contrast of male and female tonal character – something we cannot do at present. New lady members will also be very welcome, of course!

Bill Tomkins

SINGLES TAKEAWAY SUPPER GROUPCo-ordinator June Clayton Tel:209545

No report this month. Please see September newsletter.

HOLIDAYS GROUPCo-ordinator: Caren Simpson:  mob 07708304858 or landline 01455203554

At our July meeting we all made suggestions for future Short Break Holidays. It was great to see new and old members and we look forward to seeing everyone at our September meeting, when we hope to confirm future holidays.

There is no meeting in August.

The next meeting is Friday 15th September, 10 am at the Garden Barn, Cotesbach.

Caren Simpson

THEATRE GROUP Co-ordinator: June Clayton Tel: 209545

Next theatre visits:Thursday August 31st ‘Top Hat’. A 7.30pm performance at Kilworth House. Transport not provided. Your ticket now available so please telephone Jean 01455 209882Thursday October 19th Ballet, double bill, ‘Song of the Earth & La Sylphide’. A 2.30pm matinee performance at Milton Keyes, leaving Lutterworth Wycliffe Rooms 10.30am. Cost £37 to be paid ASAP. Just 2 places left.Thursday November 2nd ‘Cabaret’. A 2.30 matinee performance at Milton Keynes leaving Lutterworth Wycliffe Rooms mid- morning. Cost £45 to be paid ASAP and BEFORE the beginning of September

All payments to Jean Williamson 11 Lammas Close Ashby Parva LE175JF-Tel. 01455 209882. Cheques to Lutterworth U3A Social AccountPossible future visits will be forthcoming – please see August newsletter

June Clayton

JOINT GOLF SECTIONLutterworth and Wycliffe u3aCo-ordinator Peter Moore Tel: 01455 552594E-mail – peter79moore@googlemail.com

PLEASE RESERVE THESE DATES

Seasons forthcoming Golf Days

Whetstone G.C. Thursday 7th September 2017Sandwell Park G.C. (away day) Thursday 19th October 2017

Full details in future Newsletters.

Peter Moore

BRIDGECo-ordinator: Kathy Scott-Simons Tel: 559945

We meet at a different venue during each month.  If you enjoy a social game of bridge, please contact me for any further information.  Kathy Scott-Simons

NOTICES AND MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

HOPING TO JOIN LUTTERWORTH U3A?If any members have friends who are interested in joining us, please give details of their address, telephone number and email address to our membership secretary, Alan Shean Tel: 01455 283512

Current Committee Members

Post Name NumberChair Linda Patton 01455 556996Vice-chair Ken Patton 01455 556996Secretary Sue Woodhead 01455 558037Treasurer Gill Alford 01455 553431Assistant Treasurer Gordon Jones 01455 556192Membership Secretary Alan Shean 01455 283512Newsletter Editor Carmel Kerslake 01455 553790Programme Secretary Margaret Foster 01455 553258Minutes Secretary Gwen Edwards 01455 209649Groups Coordinator Brian Fowler 01455 209336Committee Member Liz White 01455 230899Co-opted member Mick Barrows (Equipment Organiser) 01455 556570Co-opted member Peter Sneath 01455 553254Co-opted member June Clayton 01455 209545Co-opted member Kate Ayres (Online Co-ordinator) 01455 209074

MONTHLY MEETINGS

These are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 9.45am, in the Wycliffe Rooms, George Street, Lutterworth.

Between 9.45am and 10.15am, coffee and tea will be served. The speaker will commence at 10.30am and the speech will last for 45 minutes.

FORTHCOMING SPEAKERS

September 12th - Julie Ede on Bess of Hardwick HallOctober 10th - John Bristow from The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife TrustNovember 14th - Danny Wells talking on the subject 'The Victorians and the Christmas Season'December 12th - Christmas Extravaganza! (Members)

NEWSLETTER BY POST; E-MAIL or ONLINE

Please contact the editor if you need one posted or emailed.

Contact details:

Carmel Kerslake - 3 King’s Way, Lutterworth, LE17 4QA Tel: 01455 553790or 07815410167 (mob)

email: kerslakec@hotmail.com

The newsletter is available online in more detail and in colour on the website:https://u3asites.org.uk/lutterworth/newsletters

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER ENTRIESPlease ensure group reports, notices and news are submitted before Friday 1st September 2017 pm.

U3A diaries 2018

U3A diaries for 2018 will cost £2.50. If you would like one, please contact Alan Shean before 15th of August (either atalanshean@btinternet.com or at 01455 283512) who will order them for you. Payment can be made on receipt of the diary.

Alan Shean

EVENTS FOR THE DIARY

Wednesday August 16th – LUTTERWORTH U3A ANNUAL TREASURE HUNT QUIZ Thursday August 24th – Gardens Group Visit to Leicester University Botanic GardensThursday September 28th – Gardens Group Visit to Castle Howard

Events details are available online athttps://u3asites.org.uk/lutterworth/events

Special Notice

I have received a request from the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour at the University of Leicester.It says, “My name is Kayleigh Warrington and I am a researcher from the (above) dept.  We are conducting a project looking at reading in older adults (aged 65+)

The experiment involves reading sentences and answering simple comprehensive questions on a computer.  In order to provide us with detailed information about the reading process, your eye movements will be monitored throughout using an eye-tracking device.  Eye-tracking is completely harmless and simply uses an infrared camera to record where you are looking.  No computer knowledge is required in order to take part.

To take part you must: Be aged 65 or overBe a native UK English speaker (learnt English as your first language in the UK)Have no history of dyslexiaHave no serious eye disorders (eg macular degeneration, advanced cataracts) 

The study takes place at the university and will take around one and a half to two hours to complete.  In exchange for participation, we are offering a £25 payment as well as reimbursement of any travel expenses.

If you have any questions, or are interested in taking part, I can be contacted via email (klw53@le.ac.uk) or telephone 0116 229 7176. Your participation could ultimately help us to understand the reading difficulties experienced by older adults.Thank you very much.” If any of you is interested in helping with this research, please contact Kayleigh and let us know of your experiences as the U3A is a valuable source of information to researchers and of course, not only is it helpful in the long term but an interesting experience to be part of such research.  We are encouraged to try to help as an organisation.  Linda

Charity Corner

Postcards for MAF:- Please remember to save your postcards and let Brian Fowler have them, either by post to him at 16 Roman Close, Claybrooke Magna LE17 5DU, or at any General Meeting

Stamps for the ‘Medical Alert’ Charity Please remember to save your used postage stamps for Liz White, who is collecting these for the charity.

Knit and Stitch needs volunteers like you to join us at Lutterworth Methodist Church on the first Thursday of each month between 2 and 4pm to help make Linus quilts (for children in need of a hug) or to knit items for charities and good causes. All equipment and help is provided. Knit and Stitch is also looking for donations of cotton fabric, threads, wadding and knitting wool. Just turn up to a meeting or for more information ring Sue Turner on 01455 554455

Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2017Sue Turner will be co-ordinating a Christmas Shoebox Appeal again this year and hopes to fill 150 boxes for children in Eastern Europe and Africa. If you have any large shoeboxes, unwanted Christmas wrapping paper or small items please could you consider donating them to this cause? Items needed for the boxes are stationery (pens, pencils, rubbers, crayons, felt-tips, notebooks, colouring books), personal (soaps, flannels, combs – freebies from hotels are perfect!) and toys (balls, cards, yo-yos, cars, soft toys). Donations can be left at 32 Bitteswell Road, Lutterworth or Sue can be contacted on Lutterworth 554455 or kelowna32@supanet.com. Thank you. Sue

ANNUAL WALKING QUIZ

The Annual Walking Quiz has become firmly established as a ‘Tradition’ and as a ‘Must Do’ event inSummer. The date for this recreational stroll around a nearby village answering questions that challenge the keenness of the eye and sharpness of mind is WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16th. The event will be open to teams of up to 6 persons and pre-booking is essential. There is a maximum number that can be released into an unsuspecting village and a limit on numbers who can be catered for afterwards at the dining venue for the post-quiz scoring ceremony and prize presentation.

Details of the quiz venue will be announced at the Summer Picnic on August 8th. That will be the closing date for team entries unless maximum numbers have been reached prior to that date. The post-quiz dining venue will be Ullesthorpe Court Hotel, where a two course meal will be available.Total cost per person, to include the meal is £15, payable not later than August 8th

(cheques payable to Lutterworth U3A Social Account)Drinks at the bar/tea/coffee after the meal to be paid on the day.

LUTTERWORTH U3A GROUP MEETINGS – TIMING GUIDE

GROUP LEADER TELEPHONE FREQUENCY TIMEMONDAYBuffet Supper Club Gwenda Jones 01455 556923 1st From 7.00 pmTable Tennis Carole Harrington 01455 553438 1st & 3rd 2.00-4.30Music for Fun - Songsters Bill Tomkins 01455 552864 1st & 3rd 10.15Music for Fun - Ukulele Barbara Wilkinson

Peter Sneath01455 553254 2nd & 4th 10-12noon

Handicrafts Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 3rd 2.00-4.00Family History Sue Turner

Barbara Wilkinson01455 55445501455 553254

4th 2.00-4.00

TUESDAYReading Group Linda Patton 01455 556996 1st 10.00-12.00Music & Memories Nohline Ruff 01455 556985 1st 2.00-4.00Strolling Group 1 Gwenda Jones 01455 556923 3rd am - variesStrolling Group 2 John Lee 01455 556923 3rd am - varies3rd Tuesday Walking Gordon Jones 01455 556192 3rd 9.30 onwardShort Walks Group Fay Goodwin

Lyn Foxwell01455 207822 01455 553492

4th 10.00 onwards

Jazz Group Graham Ruff 01455 556985 4th 2.00-4.00WEDNESDAYPoetry Betty Wilson 01455 209790 1st 2.00-4.001st Wed. Walking Group Roger Watmore

Julian Hargreaves01455 55243101455 557704

1st 9.30 onward

2nd Wed Medium Distance Walking Group Julian HargreavesMike Chapman

01455 55770401455 209972

2nd 9.30 onward

Play Reading Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 2nd 10.00-12.00Scrabble Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 3rd 2.30-5.004th Wed Walking Sue & Peter

Creeden01455 557888 4th 9.30 onward

THURSDAYWhist Drive Glenys Peverley 01455 553614 1st 7pmQuiz Group Sue Jones 01455 556192 2nd 2.00-4.00Wine Appreciation Group Sue Sharp 01455 556255 2nd EveningMusic Appreciation John Peverley

Tony MacDonald01455 553614 01455 553910

3rd 10.00-1200

Lively Discussion 3rd 2.00-4.00Art Appreciation Rae Flowerday

Sue Woodhead01455 556942 01455 558037

4th 10.00-12.00

FRIDAYBridge Kathy Scott Simons 01455 559945 Weekly 2.00-5.00Ten Pin Bowling Alan Kemp 01455 203009 2nd 10.00-1.00Holidays Group Caren Simpson 01455203554 3rd 10.00Bird Watching Group Rita Nicholls 01455 557412 4th 9.30 onwardVARIOUSGarden Visits Linda Patton 01455 556996 Varies DaytimeHeritage Group Peter Carter 01455 552886 As arranged VariesTheatre June Clayton 01455 209545 Varies Varies

Jean Williamson 01455 209882Pauline Harrison 01455 209064

Days Out Gordon & Sue Jones

01455 556192 As Arranged Varies

Singles Take-Away Group June Clayton 01455 209545 Varies EveningSingles Dining Val Howson 01455 552130 Varies VariesGolf Section (Lutterworth & Wycliffe) Peter Moore 01455 552594 As arranged Varies

Always check online for possible timing variations. Check with the group leader if you are not sure.