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SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS
NEWSLETTER NO 105
February 2015
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee Members
Membership
Secretary
Groups
Coordinator
Speaker
Secretary
Co-opted
members
Janice Tyas
David Courtenay
Maureen Stockton
Allen Surrey
Sheila Chilton
Chris Dutfield
Heather Richardson
Brian Chilton
01245 321110
01245 321093
01621 741655
01245 320743
01245 321238
01621 828806
01245 320205
01245 321238
Anne Jackson
01245 322261
Lynn Boyland
Adelaide Ogilvie
Jean Foddering
01245 321127
01245 320716
01245 320874
From the Chair,
As I am writing this the sun is shining and it is a lovely day but are we going
to get snow, I hope not.
Our third memory course us now underway and we have several names for
another course.
I would like to try something different in April and not have a speaker but
more a social gathering when I hope some groups will tell us what they have
been doing, show pictures they have painted or drawn, bring along items made
etc. Now will be a good time to advertise your group. If you want to take part
or have any suggestions, please let me know. As this will be my last meeting
as Chairman, I hope it will go well. Janice
London Walks 1 and 2
"London's Horrible History"
An indoor talk
Wednesday 18th February at 2pm
Champions Manor Hall
Cost is £5 including tea, coffee and biscuits
Open to all U3A members.
Page 2
News from Ten Pin Bowling
Derek French for the second year on the trot is Best Improver. This
year he surpassed his 2013 betterment of 7.8 %, by achieving this year a
further increase of his years Average score of 11.49 %. Second this year
is Judy Fernley’s improvement of 7.66 % over 2013’s average. Having
slipped from 2nd to 3rd this year Derek Fearnley only managed to
improved by 6.08 %.
Those of us that have not improved at all or slipped backwards Statistics
show that there is even greater scope to go forward in this coming year.
Perhaps we should all take Derek’s example and try a “Practice Makes
Perfect” technique.
Our Celebration Dinner this year will be after our Friday Bowling at
Madison Heights on the 13th February in “Henri’s Restaurant”.
NEW GROUP
FIND YOUR VOICE!
Even if you think you can’t sing, give it a try. Singing with others is
good for your health and general well-being.
We will be meeting in North Fambridge
nd
on 2 Wednesday from 10.00 – 11.30am starting in April.
If you would like to join us, please sign the list at the U3A meeting or
contact
HAND HELD TECHNOLOGY
Now will meet at the Library
Now from 200—400pm
The library has asked that any person joining the group
would to be a library member.
This is to cover the cost of Wi-Fi etc.
There are no costs whatsoever involved.
Thank you Brian Hurrell
Page 3
Book Group 1
We meet every first Monday of the month at Runwell Parish Hall between
10am and 12o’clock. We read and discuss a book a month. These are the
books that we read in 2014
Rip Tide
Stella Rimington
The Collaborators
Reginald Hill
The Little Village School
Gervase Phinn
The Road
C McCarthy
The Last Runaway
Tracey Chevalier
The Thread
Victoria Hislop
Our man in Havana
Graham Greene
Gillespie and I
Jane Harris
G I Brides
Barrett and Calvi
South Riding
Winifred Holtby
Own Choice
The Woman in Black
Susan Hill
Of these books, the most popular were
:- The Last Runaway - Tracey Chevalier
Gillespie and I
- Jane Harris
The own choice is where we each bring along a book we have enjoyed and
these books are randomly distributed. We then each talk about our book for
5 minutes.
Sue Moore, Coordinator
Tai Chi
Do you need some moments of relaxation and calm in
your life?
Come to our friendly group
Mondays 1.15 to 2.30 p.m at South Woodham Ferrers
Village Hall.
Tai Chi also helps with co-ordination, flexibility and
balance. It is suitable for all fitness levels.
Why not give it a try?
Page 4
Walking Group
The walking group meet on the first and third Friday of the month; we are
not a strolling group and do walk at quite a stiff pace with few stops. If you
would like to join us, just turn up. Alternatively please feel free to contact
me for further information about walking, using any of the means listed at
the back of this newsletter. You can also get more details about the walking
group from our web site; http://walking.swf-u3a.org.uk, which is updated
monthly.
February Walks
Friday 6th February - Burnham Walk - 6 miles - please meet in Burnham
Marina car park at 10 am.
Friday 20th February - Purleigh Walk - 5.5 miles - please meet in Purleigh
sports field car park at 10 am.
Advance Notice of March Walks
Friday 6th March - Crondon Park Golf Course Walk - 7 miles - Please
meet in Galleywood car park (the one off Margaretting Road) at 10.00.
Friday 20th March - Danbury/Thrift Wood Walk - 5.5 miles - Please meet
in Mayes Lane car park in Danbury at 10.00. Bob Tyas
SWF U3A CURRY CLIQUE
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th March 2015,
7.30 for 7.45pm
The venue:
The Balti Bhujon
24 Mill Road
MALDON
CM9 5HZ
Tel: 01621 852564
All starters and main dishes from the menu will be
charged at half price. Approximate cost of a two course
evening meal excluding drinks should be £10
. Payment to be paid to the restaurant on the night.
Board will be out at meetings.
Graham Evans Tel 01621 742524
Page 5
Gardening
In January we joined with Blackwater Group at Stow Maries for an
interesting talk about Alpine Plants. Michael Sullivan discussed with the
group the growing and cultivation of the alpines also the history of the
various varieties and where they could be found in their native habitat. It
was a very interesting talk with Michael’s obvious joy in extending his
collection each year. The talk was enhanced by the beautiful pictures from
Michael’s computer. He belongs to the Essex Alpine Society which meets
at Rawreth not far from here. Unfortunately he did not bring the plants
promised as he had an urgent trip to hospital. We also had a slide show of
snowdrops to complete the talk. After very interesting questions from the
group refreshments were served and thanks again to the members involved.
Future Programme
Monday 9th February A talk by Dr. Simon Charlesworth. Highly
acclaimed Lavender grower and breeder. A winner of many Chelsea Gold
medals..
Talk at Symthe Hall Stow Maries 2pm Cost £5. 00 including
refreshments. We are planning to visit his nursery Downderry in
Kent where he will walk and talk more and also onto Great Comp. Garden
( to lunch and walk garden) on Monday 10th August( in the planning)
Monday 9th March Writtle college for ‘walk and talk’ with Tom Cole
often heard on BBC gardening on Sat. Arrive Writtle college 10am. Lunch
can be had there at member’s expense. Cost £2.50
Monday 10th April Visit to Glebelands Nursery Hullbridge/Hockley for
hands on hanging basket making talk with plants available. Members will
make own basket with materials there. More details later. Mary
Our Web Site
This contains details of past and future meetings. It also
has a copy of the newsletter each month, so you can check
any details. http://www.swf-u3a.org.uk
The Crouch Valley U3A web site is at
http://www.crouchvalleyu3a.org.uk/
Page 6
Local History
Tuesday 17th.February (This is the 3rd. Tuesday)
A talk given by Andrew Rothwell about War Artists. Andrew has given us
two talks before on artists which have been extremely interesting. 2.00pm in
Champions Manor Hall. The cost is £3 per person. Sheets will be out at the
meeting.
Tuesday 10th.March
A talk given by Richard Wenley about the history of Bolingbroke & Wenley.
2.00pm in Champions Manor Hall. The cost is £3 per person. Sheets will be
out at the meeting.
Tuesday 14th.April
A talk & show at the Southend Planetarium with free time to visit the
Central Museum and the Beecroft Art Gallery. (Situated on the site of the old
SOS Library). 1.45pm for 2.00pm start of talk. £3 per person. Sheets will out
at the meeting. Allen
London Walks
This month is our "Indoor walk" entitled London's Horrible History at
Champions Manor hall Wednesday 18th February from 2-4pm. This is
open to all u3a members so if you haven't already done so you can come and
put your name on our list. It is £5 pp and there will be refreshments.
We will also be taking names and money (£6 ) for our March walk entitled
Ghosts of the West End. The meeting place will be: Embankment tube,
Riverside exit, street level. On: Wednesday, 18th March 2015 at: 7pm. It
would be nice to meet up at about 5pm for a meal before we start the walk.
Please let us know if you wish to do this so that we can book tables. Mary
and Kay
YOGA, RELAXATION, PILATES, MEDITATION
This class is held at the village hall, entrance around the
back as we are using the bar area where the floor is
carpeted.
From Tuesday 7th October classes start at 1.45 pm .
Cost £6 a class with saver options available once we
build up numbers.
Please call or text Kay for more info: 07714467750
The class is suitable for all levels. Kay
Page 7
London Theatre
The Book of the Mormon - Wed mat. 11th February.
Cats - Wed mat 25th February. 6+ £39.50 + 60p fee. Tickets available at
the meeting.
Taken at Midnight - Wed mat. 11th March – 6+ £32.50+49p
10+ £29.50+45p. Tickets available at the meeting please have cheques
available for payment.
Miss Saigon - Thurs mat. 23rd April - 10+ £32.50 + 49p fee. Tickets
available at the meeting.
Memphis - Wed mat 24th June - 10+ £39.50 + 60p fee I have tickets on
hold. Please have cheques available and confirm your availability at the
meeting.
Gypsy - Wed. mat. 6+ £45+68p - 10+ £39.50+60p 40+ £35+53p. Starring
Imelda Staunton is coming to the Savoy Theatre in April and booking
through to November - Board is out for interest and I will be looking at
booking in July or August if this doesn’t clash with holidays.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – Wed mat. – 8+
£30.00+45p Booking until 9th May. Board will be out for interest.
Currently a short run but offer is for a small group.
On the streets of Madrid, a city pulsing with art, industry, and passion,
Pepa's world is unravelling. Her lover leaves her. And then she meets his
wife -- and his son -- and his new girlfriend. Meanwhile, Pepa's best friend
is tangled up in her own romantic crisis with a suspected criminal, leaving
Pepa with only the taxi driver to help navigate the Gran Vía ahead.
My contact says it's a fab show - a play and a musical all wrapped into one.
Tamsin Grieg is fantastic and so is Hadyn Gwynn. It's funny, moving,
good music - everything! And will appeal to men too !
Hay Fever – Thurs mat. - 8+ £29.50+44p From 7th May until 1st August.
Board will be out for interest. Also a short run but will book if there is
sufficient interest. Felicity Kendal gives the greatest performance of her
career as Judith Bliss - once glittering star of the London stage - in Noel
Coward's hilarious comedy of bad manners. Pauline
Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle
baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When
they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service.
'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
Page 8
Art and Architecture
Our programme for 2015 is now nearly all booked up. This is
available via email. If you would like to be added to the email circulation
list please see me at the meeting or email me at
chris.miles48@yahoo.co.uk.
I will also have some printed versions available on Wednesday.
We have two booking lists open:
Courtauld Gallery. Tuesday 24th March
This needs to be confirmed by the gallery but the plan is for a guided tour
of the permanent Collection at the Courtauld Gallery (Somerset House in
the Strand, London). The collection spans the Gothic / Medieval period to
Impressionism, Post Impressionism and the 20th Century. Tickets will also
include entry to an exhibition of Goya drawings titled 'The Witches and Old
Women album'. I have requested a start time of 11.30am.
There is a limit of 25 for this tour. We will collect payment in March and I
estimate the cost to be £10 or £12 depending upon numbers going.
Spencer House. Monday 29th June (11.30am)
We will be visiting Spencer House, billed as 'London's most magnificent
aristocratic palace' was built between 1756 and 1766 for John, the first Earl
Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Although this a little way off we need to get a good idea of numbers
wishing to go as guides need to be booked and this will affect the cost. We
may need to limit numbers to 20 but if there is sufficient interest there is the
option to book two guides (so up to 40). Until we know the numbers we
cannot cost it out but would expect the cost to be between £10 and £15
Chris and Roy
One day the sky was falling!!
One day an infant school teacher was reading the story of Chicken Licken
to her class. She came to the part of the story where Chicken Licken tried to
warn the farmer. She read, '... And so Chicken Licken went up to the farmer
and said,
'The sky is falling, the sky is falling!'
The teacher paused then asked the class,
'And what do you think that farmer said?'
One little girl raised her hand and said,
'I think he said:
'I can’t believe it--- a talking chicken!''
Page 9
A dark and stormy night
Bob Hill and his new wife Betty Hill were holidaying in Europe... as it happens, near
Transylvania. They were driving in a rental car along a rather deserted highway. It
was late and raining very hard. Bob could barely see the road in front of the car.
Suddenly the car skids out of control! Bob attempts to control the car, but to no avail!
The car swerves and smashes into a tree.
Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the
passenger seat and sees his wife unconscious, with her head bleeding! Despite the
rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to get her medical assistance. Bob
carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he
sees a light. He heads towards the light, which is coming from a large, old house. He
approaches the door and knocks. A minute passes. A small, hunched man opens the
door. Bob immediately blurts,
“Hello My name is Bob Hill and this is my wife Betty. We've been in a terrible
accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone?"
"I'm sorry," replied the hunchback, "but we don't have a phone. My master is a
doctor; come in and I will get him!"
Bob brings his wife in. An older man comes down the stairs.
"I'm afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor; I am a
scientist. However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had a basic
medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory”.
With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her downstairs, with Bob following closely.
Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own
injuries, so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table. After a brief examination, Igor's
master looks worried.
“Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion”. Igor and his master work
feverishly, but to no avail. Bob and Betty Hill are no more.
The Hills' deaths upset Igor's master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his
conservatory, which houses his grand piano. For it is here that he has always found
solace... He begins to play, and a stirring, almost haunting melody fills the house.
Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. His eyes catch movement, and he
notices the fingers on Betty's hand twitch, keeping time to the haunting piano music.
Stunned, he watches as Bob's arm begins to rise, marking the beat! He is further
amazed as Betty and Bob both sit up straight!
Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the conservatory.
He bursts in and shouts to his master:
"Master, Master! ..... The Hills are alive with the sound of music!"
The reason the golf pro tells you to keep your head down . . . is so
you can't see him laughing.
Phyllis Diller
Page 10
Today’s speaker is Ian Keeble ‘Satirist to Insanity’
4th March:
Ian Currie
‘Do‘Do-itit-yourself
Weather Forecasting’
Ian has been with us before. This time he will try to explain how weather
forecasting is achieved. Perhaps we should wait till after the talk to book
our holidays.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Members:
Jean Foddering (Leader)
Monica Streamer (Treasurer)
Dorne Knott
Pat Golding
Unni Vester-Hodgson
Shirley Watters
News on the Snooker Front
Due to reduced numbers snooker on the Second Thursday cannot be
maintained. Crouch Valley U3A meet for “Games “in SWF Village Hall
Games Room on the 4th Thursday of the month between 2 & 4 o’clock and
we have been invited to join them.
The Crouch Valley Contact is Joyce Sachs.
Along with snooker they also play pool, darts, and other board games, so
bring along your various weapons chaps.
David Courtenay
Page 11
.
INTEREST & ACTIVITY GROUPS
Amblers
Meet 4th Friday @ 11am
Contact:- Maureen Jones
01245329324
Art & Architecture Meet 4th Tuesday @
Co-ordinator :- Chris Miles
01245 401015
e-mail:- chrisandkaymiles@yahoo.co.uk
Art Group Practical Meet 3rd Tuesday 1.30pm – 4:30pm
Co-ordinator :- Ali-J Wilson
e-mail:- alijaywilson@btinternet.com
Bird Watching
Meets 1st Thursday @ 10:00am
Contact :- Eileen Maclean
01245 426232
01245 321160
Book Group 1
Meets 1st Monday @ 10.00am First Monday.
Co-ordinator:- Sue Moore
01268 763679
e-mail:-Sue.moore@blueyonder.co.uk
Book Group 2
Meets 1st Monday @ 7.30pm. First Monday
Co-ordinator :- Pam French
01245 400311
e-mail:- derekpamfrench@hotmail.com
Cards and Games
for fun
Meets 4th Wednesday
Co-ordinator :- Adelaide Ogilivie
e mail:- adelaide.ogilvie@btinternet.com 01245 320716 .
Computer Self Help On line forum No Meetings
Group
Co-ordinator :- JG Weston
e-mail:- jgw321@gmail.com
Craft Group
Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays @10:00-12:00am
Plus 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @10:00-12:00am
Co-ordinator :- Sandra Rolfe
01245 320374
E-mail - sandra.rolfe@btinternet.com
Curry Clique
Meets third Tuesday of alternate months
Co-ordinator Graham Evans
01621 742524
Page 12
Discussion Group
Meets 3rd Monday @ 2:00 – 4:00pm
at members homes
Co-ordinator :- Margaret Hill
Digital Photography Meets 4th Friday @ 10:00am
Group
Co-ordinator :- Ali-J Wilson
e-mail:- alijaywilson@btinternet.com
Drawing Group
01245 426232
Meets fourth Monday of the month at 2.00 - 4.00 pm
Co-ordinator :- Ali-J Wilson
01245 426232
e-mail:- alijaywilson@btinternet.com
Family History Group Meets 4th Tuesday 2:00-4:00pm
Co-ordinator :- Pat Golding
e-mail:- patgo121@gmail.com
Film Making
01245 320997
01245 320846
Meets 3rd Thursday @ 10:00 – 12:00am
Co-ordinator :- Ken Pratt
01245 324930
e-mail:- ken.pratt@btinternet.com
Film Viewing Group Meets 3rd Wednesday @ 2:00 – 4:30pm
Co-ordinator :- Linda Cusick
01245 329817
e-mail:- lindacusick@me.com
French Group
Gardening Group
Golfing Group
Meets 2nd Thursday @ 1:30 – 4:30pm
Co-ordinator :- Jean Foddering
Meets 2nd Monday
Co-ordinator :- Mary Dodd
e-mail:- mbdoddswf@aol.com
01245 320874
01245 328179
Meets every Monday Morning
Co-ordinator :- Bob Tyas
01245 321110
e-mail:- robert@tyas82.freeserve.co.uk
Hand Held Technology Meets 1st Thursday @ 1:30—3.30pm
Group
Co-ordinator:- Brian Hurrell
01245 324148
e-mail: handheldtechnology@yahoo.co.uk
Local History Group Meets 2nd Tuesday @ 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Contact :- Allen Surrey
e-mail:- a.surrey@sdtl.com
01245 320743
Page 13
INTEREST GROUPS continued
London Theatres
Meets to suit Tickets
Co-ordinator :- Pauline Coster
01245 320437
e-mail:- coster@brentpc.orangehome.co.uk
London Walks
Group 1
Meets 3rd Wednesday when walks are scheduled
Co-ordinator :- Mary Brindley
01245 329162
e-mail:- royandmary@homecall.co.uk
London Walks
Group 2
Meets 4th Thursday when walks are scheduled
Co-ordinator :- Janice Tyas
01245 321110
Luncheon Club
Meets 2nd Thursday for lunch @ selected venue
Co-ordinator :- Heather Richardson 01245 320205
e-mail:- heatherhmr99@waitrose.com
Music Appreciation Meets 2nd Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Group
Co-ordinator :- Heather Richardson
e-mail:- heatherhmr99@waitrose.com
01245 320205
Play Reading Group Meets 3rd Tuesday 10am until 12 noon
Coordinator Judith Walker
01245321380
email jmary.orchidplace@talktalk.net
Snooker Group
Meets 4th Thursday 2:00 pm to 4.00pm
First floor SWF Village Hall
Co-ordinator :- David Courtenay
01245 321093
e-mail:- david.courtenay@talktalk.net
Science & Technology Meets 1st Thursday 10:00 – 12:00 pm
Group
In the Meeting Room @ Champions Manor
Co-ordinator :- Carol Weston
01245 325080
Singles - Social
& Dining
Meets 3rd Monday for lunch 11:30 am
Co-ordinator :- Joan Bridger
Val Weidenhaur
E-mail Valinda69@talktalk.net
Strollers
Meets 4th Monday 10:30 am
Contact :- Anne Jackson
Coordinator: Jill Hiskitt
Page 14
01245 328369.
01245 324813
01245 322261
01245 320794
Tai Chi
Meets every Monday 1:15 – 2:30 pm
@ SWF Village Hall
Tutor :- Gareth Chandler
e-mail:- gochandler@btinternet.com
07760 234536
Ten Pin Bowling
Meets 2nd Friday & 4th Tuesday @ 9:45 am
Madison Heights in Maldon
Co-ordinator :- David Courtenay
01245 321093
e-mail:- david.courtenay@talktalk.net
Walking Group
Meets 1st & 3rd Friday
Co-ordinator :- Bob Tyas
01245 321110
e-mail:- robert@tyas82.freeserve.co.uk
Weekend Dining/
Sunday Dining
Meets 1stt Sunday
Coordinator:: Anne Jackson
Whisky Appreciation Meets 4th Friday @ 2:00 pm
Group
Co-ordinator :- Alan Golding
email:-alan.golding@btinternet.com
01245 322261
01245 3208
Wine Appreciation Meets 2nd Friday 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Group 1
Co-ordinator :- Bob Tyas
01245 321110
e-mail:- robert@tyas82.freeserve.co.uk
Wine Appreciation Meets 2nd Friday 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Group 2
Co-ordinator :- Gerald Malone
e-mail:- gjmalone@yahoo.com
01245 325572
Wine Appreciation Meets 2nd Friday 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Group 3
Co-ordinator :- Brian Chilton
e-mail:- sheila.chilton@talktalk.net
01245 321238
Please note the deadline for inclusion in next month’s
Newsletter is Thursday 26th February
E-mail to Lyn Kear at f.kear365@btinternet.com, tel.321367
or post to
11 Clements Court, SWF, CM3 5FB.
Page 15
Day of the
Week
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
A
M
P
M
A
M
P
M
A
M
P
M
A
M
P
M
A
M
P
M
Luncheon Club
French
Music
Appreciation
Tai Chi
Gardening
Craft Group
Play Reading
Local History
Group
Walking
Film Viewing
London Walks 1
Film Making
Craft
Art Practical
Curry Clique
WEEK OF THE MONTH
2nd
3rd
Golfing Group
Golfing Group
Singles Social &
Dining
Tai Chi
Discussion Group
South Woodham Ferrers U3A
Interest Group Programme
1st
Golfing Group
Book Group 1
Tai Chi
Book Group 2
MONTHLY
MEETING
Bird Watchng
Craft
Science & Technology
Hand Held
Technology
Walking
Ten Pin
Bowling
Wine
Appreciation
1,2,3
Theatre as Arranged, Curry Clique, third Tuesday of alternate months
4th
Golfing Group
Strollers
Tai Chi
Drawing Group
Ten Pin Bowling
Craft
Art & Architecture
Family History
Cards and Games for
Fun
London Walks 2
Snooker
Amblers
Photography
Whisky
Appreciation