NOVEMBER 2014

1

It seemed appropriate this month to offer our own tribute to those who

fought for our country in the Great War of 1914 - 1918. Many of us

have made the trip to see the Poppies at the Tower of London and found it a very moving experience. Although this display was

intended to commemorate the ‘First World War’, I am sure everyone

also thought of the sacrifice made by so many in later conflicts. ANN

Programme of Speakers

17 November FACTS, FIBS AND A PINCH OF SALT, an

entertaining talk by Doreen Reed (AT THE

CORONATION HALL). Note change of venue.

15 December CHRISTMAS MEETING—Entertainment by some of

our own Groups. (AT THE CORONATION

HALL). Ticket only.

2015

19 January GOOD TO BE DIFFERENT—SMALL PEOPLE

FROM JEFFREY HUDSON TO ELLIE

SIMMONS BY John Haden (AT THE DEEPINGS

SCHOOL)

At all monthly meetings doors open at 9.30 am. Coffee/tea

and biscuits are served until 10.20 and meetings begin at

10.30 am, with the exception of December’s meeting.

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIIONS!

Changes all round this month – following our AGM we are

pleased to welcome Anne

Burton (pictured left) on to the

Committee as our new Treasurer. I am sure she will

be a worthy successor to

Garth Perry and she has

already survived her first

committee meeting.

Secondly we agreed to make the November meeting our ONLY

collection time for small gifts to go to Chernobyl via Rosie and John

Sandall. There will be a box at the meeting for this and thank you in

advance for the kind donations.

Thirdly we are of course moving to the CORONATION HALL for the

next two months, usual starting time of 9.30am and a reminder that we

have permission to use the car park at the Towngate Inn as well as the

Hall car park. Please avoid parking on the road.

Finally tickets for the Christmas meeting will be on sale (usual cost of

£1) so that we can ensure enough mince pies! Entrance to the

December meeting will be by TICKET ONLY and will sold on a first come first served basis. If you do purchase one and then find you are

unable to get to the meeting PLEASE do advise me so that we can re-

allocate them to ensure all members who want to join us in a glass of

wine and mince pie are able to!

Look forward to seeing you at the Coronation Hall.

Best wishes,

Liz

Chairman

A s you turn the page you may wonder what has happened to the

Newsletter this month. In short, technical difficulties beyond our control. First our hard working printer decided it was time it retired,

quickly followed by the failure of the Graphics card in my computer.

By a miracle we did manage to get delivery of a new printer (and my

computer repaired) in what should have been time to produce the Newsletter as usual. Unfortunately the printer did not give the quality

of print we need and are used to. Liz spent three hours on the phone

on Thursday morning talking to a technician in Bombay and to be fair

he did his level best to improve matters but was unsuccessful.

As we were unable to arrange for a replacement in the time available

this edition has been printed on my ‘domestic’ inkjet printer. I have

not included the usual “clipart”, List of Activity Groups (which has

only a slight change from last month—the Quiz Group meets as 2 pm)

and one or two groups are missing their photograph. This was to save

ink and printing time. My sincere apologies for the resulting quality of

the Newsletter. Hopefully “normal service” will be resumed next

month.

Grateful thanks to Liz for all her time, support and efforts to resolve

our difficulties. Some regular reports appear to be missing, if

they have been sent and I have not included them—my

apologies. ANN

The Deepings Third Age Group

NEWSLETTER

(Visit our Web site)

DeepingsWeb site

Committee Members 2014/2015

Liz Noble Chairman

Jennie Sharman Secretary

Anne Burton Treasurer

Olwen Cole Group Coordinator

Janice Cosham Membership Secretary

Kath Allen

Jim Pringle Welcome Coordinator

Lyall Seale ) Speaker

Garth Perry ) Finders

Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor

David Scott Contact through website Webmaster

‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’

Issue No. 135

1914 1918

Photo courtesy Peter Jackson

1914

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U3A CYCLING GROUP

On 17th October, six of us met at Market Deeping bridge in glorious

sunshine. We set of North to Langtoft where we turned left to Stowe cross roads and on to Barholme. From there it was on to

Greatford where we spotted two red kites soaring. Then it was on

to Wilsthorpe via Braceborough.

In Wilsthorpe we took some time out to a worthwhile

look round the charming

Regency church which was

being prepared for a harvest festival. Then it was along

King Street to West

Deeping and finally to The

Bull in Market Deeping for

lunch.

The ride was organised by Fred Skipper who unfortunately was

unable to take part. However, he did manage to join us at The Bull.

Very many thanks Fred for arranging a most interesting ride.

Report: TERRY NOBLE Photo: DAVID LUNN

Group Leader: FRED SKIPPER

U3A CRAFT GROUP 1

This month we managed to drag ourselves away from our tatting,

card making, and embroidery, to venture into that intoxicating world

called Hobby Craft.

Six grown women spent a very happy hour running their fingers

over fluffy knitting wools, blank cards, coloured silks and baubles

and beads, I know what you’re thinking, and Yes, we really should get out more!!

We finished up our outing with coffee and cakes and we made cursory plans for our Christmas celebrations. Julie to circulate

menus and confirm details ASAP.

JULIE MANCEY Group Leader

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

Searching for fungi in Bourne Woods proved more successful than a

recce the week before! Eight pairs of eyes helped enormously as we

found 27 different varieties, some

of which we managed to identify!!

A very enjoyable morning.

Next month, November 27th,

10am, planning next year's

calendar. Meet at Sheilagh's house - The Old Waterton Chapel, 88b

Church Street, Deeping St James

(near Hereward Way). Names to

Liz Spratley if you are going.

Report and photograph ALISTAIR SMITH

Group Leader: LIZ SPRATLEY

U3A FILM GROUP

Our next film show on Wednesday 26 November (2 -4 pm) is a love

story - "Love is a Many Splendoured Thing" starring William

Holden and Jennifer Jones. The setting is Hong Kong during the

Korean War and there is some brilliant photography. Who

remembers the wonderful title song? Bring your tissues!

Group Leaders: MAUREEN WHITLE / RITA BROWN

GROUP NEWS

At the end of December Group Leaders are standing down from five of our groups. These are Gardening 3, Gardening 4,

Learn Photography, Church Mice and Natural History. We

encourage each group to have at least two leaders and to enlist help from all members of the group to plan and organise the

group’s activities. If you can help, please contact the leader of the group or me. It would be very sad to see any of these

successful groups fail from lack of leadership.

Craft Group 3 ceased last month as no new leaders came forward to continue to lead the group. There will be a list for a

new Craft group at the November monthly meeting, please put your name on the list if you would like to join. U3A promotes

shared learning; we should all contribute our knowledge and

skills to our groups.

Please let me have your ideas for new groups, members have

shown an interest in Wine making and Flower arranging, if

either of these are of interest to you please put your name on the list at the monthly meeting or contact me. Are you finding it

difficult to join a group of your choice? Please let me know and

I will try to help.

If you spot any errors in the Activities list or the Notice board or

have any comments about groups please let me know.

OLWEN COLE

Group Coordinator

U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

Our October meeting was at Jennie Sharman's home and the

program was organised by Geoff Whittle and called 'An Eclectic

Mix of Artists and Music I enjoy.'

Bix Beiderbecke began with two items — ' Since My Best Girl

Turned Me Down', which sounded quite cheerful, and 'Riverboat Shuffle'. The Rhythmakers gave us 'I Would Do

Anything For You', then Chris Connor also played two pieces,

'Witchcraft' and 'Come Rain or Come Shine.' Muggsy Spanier and his Ragtime Band had us tapping to 'I wish I Could Shimmy

Like My Sister Kate' then 'Nobody's Sweetheart' from 1927 was

played by McKenzie and Condon's Chicagoans.

Bob Crosby's Bobcats gave us the first of his offerings with

'Spain' (1940) and Peggy Lee sang - 'Cheek to Cheek'. Count Basie and his Orchestra followed with 'Swinging The Blues' and

'Jumping At The Woodside', Charlie Parker played

'Embraceable You' and The New Orleans Feetwarmers offered 'Maple Leaf Rag’. Luis Russell and his Orchestra played 'Feelin

The Spirit' from 1929 then Julie London sang two songs - 'Sway'

and 'Our Day Will Come’.

Ever a favourite, Glen Miller played 'Seranade in Blue' and 'The

Chestnut Tree', Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers gave us 'Moanin'. Artie Shaw next with 'Begin The

Beguine',and Benny Goodman's Quartet played 'Avalon' and 'I

Got Rhythm' with Bob Crosby's Bobcats second item - 'Panama' following. The morning ended with the second item from

Bix and his Gang - 'Black Bottom Stomp’. A really enjoyable

mix of music, thanks to Geoff.

Next meeting at 12, Wade Park Avenue, 01778 342009.

Report : ANNE JONES

Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES

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U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

Thirty one

members of the group

assembled at

the Blue Bell

at Belmesthorpe

for our

November

walk. The weather was

cloudy but

dry, much to

the relief of yours truly

who had organised the route and had promised good weather for the

day! We left the village passing through fields occupied by alpacas

and some old fashioned breeds of pigs. The animals seemed as curious about the walkers as the walkers were about them! We then

made our way across the Gwash valley into Stamford. We passed

along Drift Road by the “Tech” leaving the locals wondering if full

walking gear, boots, sticks and all, were really necessary for negotiating the streets of the town. We were soon however in open

countryside once more making our way back to the pub via Ryhall

in some surprisingly warm sunshine.

In the evening following the walk we held our planning meeting and we have now assembled an interesting and varied programme

of walks for 2015. Our next walk will be on December 1st and it

will be led by David Scott. We will meet at the Golden Pheasant at

Etton at the usual time. On the assumption that most folks will be sick of the sight of turkey by the end of the month we will not be

having a Christmas menu. Details will follow in due course.

Photo: DAVID SCOTT (Does it remind you of anyone?)

Group Leader: CHAS FERGUSON

U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP

For our October meeting we had a quiz afternoon arranged by two members of the Group. Margaret had our minds working for

answers to her questions on Antiques etc; and Pat brought along

many strange and unusual items for us to examine and try to make a

guess as to what they would have been used for. We had two winners, Janice and Fiona, and a big thank-you to everyone who

made it such an enjoyable afternoon. Report: IRENE BEEKEN

Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY

U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

Almost up to full strength this month and we all tackled some new

design Christmas Cards, courtesy of Heather Bumfrey. Thank you

to her for the planning of this.

We hope to do a little more on Christmas items this month together

with some gathering of ideas for next year. Meeting as usual at on

Monday 17 November at 2pm.

LIZ NOBLE

Group Leader REMINDERS:

Please do not forget to purchase your ticket for the December

concert if you wish to attend. As last year, entrance will be BY

TICKET ONLY and the number available is limited. If you are unable to attend Monday’s meeting and would like a ticket, contact

Liz as soon as possible. Should you purchase one and then cannot

come, again please let Liz know as soon as you can so it can be

allocated to someone else if necessary.

U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

Just a select few came to Gardening at Liz Noble’s house this

month, many of the group are off on their hols again!

We all had a good chat and watched a DVD on encouraging wild

life in the garden. Sadly the producers all thought we had an odd

acre to spare for this purpose, but it was good to get some ideas for a

smaller scale! Christmas lunch next month.

LINDA HILL

Group Leader

U3A HISTORY GROUP

The speaker at our October meeting was Ian Jones. Many of us

know from his previous visits to the group that Ian’s special interest

is in social history and his talk this year had as its focus another

Victorian philanthropist, Elizabeth Fry.

Mrs. Fry worked to improve the dreadful conditions which women

prisoners faced during the nineteenth century. Although we

remember her prison reform (and are reminded of her importance in the history of this country with her portrait on the £5 note in our

pocket!), we also learned that her Nurses’ Training School was an

inspiration to another famous Victorian woman, namely Florence

Nightingale. Thank you, Ian, for another of your very interesting

talks.

The Group’s next meeting will be on Wednesday 19th November

when member, David Wright will be the speaker.

Report by MARY BURTON

Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON

U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

Nine of us met in November to listen to each others’ stories from our suggested list of topics. Several people had chosen the title of

‘The House’ and we had various pieces, some autobiographical,

others fiction. Dot had us in stitches with her tale of a pretty blue tit who fell in love with a handsome bird and built a nest, where they

reared two chicks, Peter and Paul. We didn’t know whether to laugh

or cry when she found out her partner was two timing her!

Next month is our Christmas meeting and lunch, which will follow our usual pattern of a ‘bring and share’ meal at my home. I’m sure

it will be as delicious as always.

JUDY ROBINSON

Group Leader

U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP

The meeting this month was held at Jean's home so we could arrange a calendar of events for 2015.

A lively discussion took place and ideas banded around. We then

compiled a list of events for people to follow up and finalise at Angie's house in January. Jean served a lovely home made cake and

scones with home made jam and cream for us to have with our

coffee or tea. Thank you Jean it was really enjoyed by us all.

Our next meeting is the Christmas Lunch at The Horseshoe at

Thurlby on Wednesday December 11th. 12.45 for 1pm.

Report: AVRIL WILLIS

Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD

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U3A NORDIK WALKING GROUP

Our last walk

for the month of

October was

Friday 31st

Halloween, and

what a glorious afternoon it

was. Only five

members were

able to make it but with

temperatures

hitting 21

degrees it was a delight just to be able to be out in the sunshine

enjoying the final day of “summer” for 2014.

We started our walk by parking on the bend on the Peakirk road and

walking by the river up to Low Locks. The grass on the path was

short so walking with our poles was good. On the opposite bank the well tended gardens of the houses almost reached the edge of

the water. Some owners were pottering around their gardens while

others were sitting reading or even sunbathing. As we walked

further along I startled a bird and saw a flash of blue, was it a kingfisher, I’m not sure but would like to think it was. Also on the

river were swans and a few ducks. Our walk took us as far as a

field where sometimes horses are kept but this time it was empty, it

was at this point that we turned and retraced our steps back to where

we had parked.

Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed it but I expect the weather on our

next walk won’t be quite so warm!

Group Leader: ANNETTE WATKINS

U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP

The Foodies November meeting was very lively, with nine of us

trying our hands at new Indian inspired dishes. These included Aloo Chap, Red Lentil and Coconut Vegetable Curry, Spiced Fish and

Vegetable Kebabs, Kedgeree, two very different chicken curries,

spicy Shepherds' Pie and finishing with Cardamom Khulfi (ice

cream). Two people had also made Naan bread and we discussed techniques for that. We all enjoyed trying new things, and many

thanks to our hostess.

After our early December pre Christmas celebration, in the new

year we shall be experimenting with Scottish Food in January, Welsh in February and Irish in March. If you would like to join us

for some simple cooking and casual lunching, please contact me as

below.

KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader

U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP

The next Sunday Lunch will be on Sunday 30 November, at the

“The Goat”, Frognall at 12.30 pm. If you wish to join this event

please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffith or add your name

to the list at the meeting on Monday, 17th November.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

David Alcorn, Val McDermott, Janet Gosnell, Jim

Torrance, Pearl O’Brien, Trevor and Julie Walker

all from Deeping St James and Susan Hutton from Northborough.

U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP

Our October meeting took place at Kathleen Tanner’s home and

took the form of ‘Any Questions, Any Answers?’. We had a lively

discussion on a wide range of gardening topics. We didn’t really

resolve very much, but we picked up some very handy tips from all

of our members, including the control of pests and diseases, pruning,

and general cultivation problems. Thank you so much to Kathleen for hosting this meeting at short notice as we were hoping to get a

behind the scenes tour of Glenside Nurseries.

Our next meeting will be on 18th November at 10.00 am at the home

of Rita and Charlie Stevens. This will be our planning meeting for next year. We are hoping that everyone will bring some good ideas

for the 2015 programme.

EDDIE ADAMS

Group Leader:

U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

This weekend has been very special for lots of people and as a group we looked into family members that went to war, some to return,

others to lie in foreign fields or die later from the effects of war.

Members of the group brought along their research and shared it

with us all. Newspapers are a great source of information and we could see that members found out more about their family group this

way. We had pictures of memorials and a lovely embroidered card

sent to a son from the front. All the members who visited the display

over the weekend said how much they had enjoyed it. I would also like to say how brilliant it was. A big thank you to those who were

involved.

With Christmas fast approaching we have decided that we are going

to celebrate in ‘style’ with a fish and chip lunch. So with that in mind we will be meeting earlier at 12.30. Next month’s meeting will

be 12.30 pm 8th December at the Community Centre.

We would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. Anyone

interested in joining our group or just having a chat about what we

do, please give me a call. Anyone who would like any help, can

contact me on my e-mail address. I may not have the answer but I

will probably be able to point to the person who does.

PEG TORRANCE

Group Leader

U3A DIARIES

June still has a few U3A Diaries available which are good value at

£2.00 each. Please make her day and buy one if you do not already

have one!

GROUPS WHO WOULD WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

The Wanderers Walking Group, Discussion Group, Nordic

Walking, Guitar for Pleasure, Quiz Group, Bookworms Group and the Art Appreciation Group. Please contact the group leader for

more information.

PLEASE SEND ALL REPORTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS FOR

THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER TO ANN HOLMES BY

MONDAY, 8TH DECEMBER.

5

U3A “PACERS” GROUP

Fourteen Pacers left

the Blue Bell in Glinton on a cold but

bright November day.

We walked through

the village of Glinton on the Peakirk road,

turning down the old

Fox Covert Road

heading towards Werrington. We went

over the newly

constructed railway footbridge stopping on the other side near the

spring outlet for a group photo.

Passing the Werrington Centre on our left headed for Cuckoos

Hollow and enjoyed seeing all the wildlife on the lakes, including a

pair of swans with three cygnets. We returned through Werrington

going over the newly refurbished Hurn Bridge and up the old

Lincoln Road back to The Blue Bell for a well earned lunch.

We are not walking in December but are meeting at 11am on

December the 3rd at The Old Coach House, Market Deeping to plan

our next year's walks followed by Christmas lunch.

LYNN AND STEVE WHITE

Group Leaders

U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP

Twenty three people attended the visit to Paston Church. It was a

really lovely visit and it surprised us to learn that there had been a

church on the site for 800 years and probably one other Christian

Church before the present one. In ancient times the site was also

home to a heathen temple too!

Evidence of the older church can be found next to the font where

there is a Saxon stone with its spoon shaped carving perhaps dating back to the 10th Century. The font is medieval and lead lined. It is

thought to be the oldest construction in the church. The present

building is mainly of Gothic structure. The belfry arch is massive

and acutely pointed. From its capitals project two grotesque figures, one of a monk, the other a nun. Each has a cowl drawn closely over

the head. There are two stained glass windows. The belfry has three

bells. The earliest is inscribed ‘Praise the Lord. 1601.

Have you heard of Mountsteven Avenue? Edmund Mountsteven was an Elizabethan business man who returned to Paston with a

fortune to become a benefactor of the church and the local Jacobean

almshouses.

There was a magnificent tea and everyone thanked the Rector for a lovely afternoon. Next month’s visit is to Langtoft. Thank you Lyall

and best wishes to Frank in his new life in Stamford.

Report by SANDRA JONES

Group Leaders: LYALL SEALE / FRANK MILLS

U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP

Our November meeting was at the home of Ann Holmes who gave us a programme of ‘Mainly Concertos, featuring several Wind and

String Instruments from the Orchestra'.

We began with Beethoven's 'Rondo A Capricco in G Major, (also

known as 'The Rage Over A Lost Penny , pianist Ronald Brautam. Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2, 1st movement, played by

Cristina Ortiz and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra followed.

Then we heard ‘Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-Saens

played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with violin soloist Nicola Benedetti, and Mozart's 'Horn Concerto, soloist; Barry

Tuckwell, and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Peter

Maag. .../...

.../...

A little known composer to some of us was Antonin Vranicky, and

we heard his Cello Concerto in D minor, 1st.movement played by the Prague Chamber Orchestra. soloist; Nichal Kanka. Haydn was

Ann's next choice, the Trumpet Concerto in E Flat played by Alison

Balsom. The Oboe Concerto - Adagio by Alessandro Marcello

followed this and then something really different - Concerto for

Drums by Louis Bellson, but very enjoyable.

Ann ended her program with something that has been in all our

thoughts this month and we heard Kathleen Jenkins beautiful

rendering of 'I Vow To Thee My Country', and Elgar's 'Nimrod' played by the Coldstream Guards. Thank you Ann for a program

with a difference.

The next meeting is at Terry Noble’s home. Report: ANNE JONES

Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE

U3A “WANDERS” WALKING GROUP

The

Wanderers'

November

walk took place around

Greatford,

one of South

Kesteven's most

picturesque

villages. Luckily, the weather was exceptionally pleasant for

November and in unexpected sunshine eleven of us started off from the Hare and Hounds car park. Our route took us round Greatford

church before tracking south to Barholm across the fields and from

thence north westish to Shillingthorpe Park. Bravely walking through a large herd of cattle we moved up to near Banthorpe Wood

before swinging back across the fields (mercifully not quite as

muddy as expected) to the woods behind Greatford Hall and then on

to a warm welcome from Mr Steve Rigby, the landlord of the Hare

and Hounds, and a fine lunch.

The venue of our December walk is yet to be finalised but will be

quite local followed by lunch and a planning meeting. Any new

members warmly welcomed.

BARRY AND HILARY AKAM

Group Leaders

U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

Once again 24 members did well to undertake a very pleasant 5.25

mile walk in mild and dry conditions in view of the rain that had

fallen and was forecast for the days before and after. The walk was another variation of a Ferry Meadows/Nene Park walk, which

Maggie is adept at finding, before lunching at the Lakeside Kitchen

and Bar which opened earlier this year. Many thanks to Maggie

Griffiths for leading the walk and organising the lunch.

The next walk on 11 December will be led by David Scott and

myself and will be part of the Hambleton peninsula at Rutland

Water. The starting point for the circular walk is the roadside after passing through Hambleton village before making a short journey

into Oakham where lunch will be taken at the Wetherspoons pub

which opened in May of this year. More detailed instructions will be

given by e-mail in due course. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone David by the Tuesday preceding the walk, if

possible,

GODFREY PARKES Group Leader