May/June 2004 Newsletter
The May Meeting
Russia - What Next?
Professor Bertram Pockney, Emeritus Professor of Russian at the University of Surrey,
gives us an interpretation of world events through Russian eyes.
Tuesday 18th May 2004
St Paul's Parish Rooms
at 2.00pm
Chairman's Notes
It was very pleasing that so many of you came to the AGM, so that our worries we might not get a quorum were unfounded, even though the weather was rather inclement. We were gratified that there were contributions from the floor and it justified our decision to include "Any Other Business" on the agenda. There was quite some discussion about our finances and elsewhere in this issue you will find an explanation as to why we have to hold what some regard as a high cash amount.
Patsy Thornton found the sixty or so responses to the questionnaire that she distributed at the AGM to be most informative and is seeking to get further input via convenors and an advert in this Newsletter to get more input from those people who don't normally attend Monthly meetings
As usual, the Regional Chairmen's Meeting was held in Wokingham at the St Paul's Parish Rooms, and I was our representative there. It is helpful for us to meet other U3A Chairmen from the Region to exchange experiences regarding accommodation, equipment and how to persuade our members to make the decision to undertake committee or convenor roles. On which subject, Don Macdonald is still seeking someone to take on the treasurer position. He assures me it is not arduous or particularly time consuming. I look forward to meeting more of you at our various functions.
Len Smith
If you know of any member who is ill please inform Marion Povall on 0118 978 6240 so that she can contact them.
Wokingham U3A
Chairman: Len Smith 01344 775517
Secretary Colin Mitchell
Membership Secretary: Gordon Wall, 55 Priest Avenue, Wokingham, RG40 2LT 0118 978 6021
Editor: Paul King
Registered Charity No: 1049995
WEBSITE www.wokinghamu3a.org.uk
Thefts from Cars
At a recent meeting two members had spare wheels stolen from their cars which were parked in the carpark of St Pauls Church. The wheels were externally mounted under the boot and were stolen without the cars being broken into.
Explanation of need for £3/4000 cash
At the AGM there were questions as to why it was necessary to retain as much as £3/4000 cash in our accounts, and this is an at-tempt to explain why it is prudent, for at least this year, to continue with our financial arrangements essentially unchanged.
We were fortunate during the last two years to be donated two laptop computers and an elec-tronic projector with the software for one of these kits. Although these did not cost us anything, it is still necessary for us to charge depreciation against the accounts to allow for when we have to replace them. Due to the nature of this type of equipment its market value declines and we have had to make allowance for that also. These two charges alone amount to £2607 and must be represented by cash. Next year the deprecia-tion will be higher due to the acquisition of the second laptop. If any of these major items were to fail catastrophically we would incur considerable expense in replacing what has become an expensive, but important, piece of kit.
With our current charges for Monthly Meetings we only just break even and our philosophy is that "The User Pays", so it is not a practical proposition to reduce charges for these meetings.
We have been fortunate in the donations of equipment we have received and these do put a healthy gloss on our accounts, but we feel we should be prudent.
Len Smith
Income and Expenditure Statement
The Income and Expenditure statement that I presented at the AGM was in error in that the Income 2002 column showed the figures for Income 2001. This came about because I copied the wrong file from my computer for the examiner to sign. I have corrected this silly mistake and an updated form is enclosed (Not on the web) with this Newsletter.
Don Macdonald
Copy date for the next issue is Friday 28th May
Gift Aid
Wokingham U3A benefits consid-erably from the gift aid rebate we claim from the Inland Revenue. Your subscription qualifies as a donation to the branch as long as you pay an amount of income or capital gains tax equal to the amount we claim off your subscrip-tion. At present, this amounts to approximately £1.25. So, if you pay that amount or more in tax, you can happily sign a gift aid form. However, once having signed a form, there is no need to sign one again: once signed it lasts forever - or until you stop paying tax or leave the U3A.
Don Macdonald
Civic Award for Ken and Eileen Goode
We were pleased that two of our members were recognised in the recent Civic Awards 2004 from Wokingham Town Council. Ken and Eileen were given the award for their hard work in promoting and supporting music in the area. As the nominator said: "Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they have contributed greatly to the social life of Wokingham and well deserve this tribute."
Study Group News
Convenors are cordially invited to attend a conference to be held on Monday 17th May 2004 in the Main Hall of the Wokingham Town Hall. The hall will be open at Noon to the public, with displays and leaflets, to encourage new mem-bership, as part of the Wokingham U3A contribution to Adult Learners Week. The Convenors business meeting will run from 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Coffee/Tea will be avail-able before 2.00pm.The hall will be open until 4.30pm.
I hope that as many convenors as possible will come although I am aware that some of you will be on holiday. I would also like to invite 'would-be' convenors to join us. The agenda will be somewhat different from previous occasions. Following the necessary notices there will be an opportunity for some imaginative brainstorming which I hope will be entertaining as well as informative.
Any Convenors who can come into the Town Hall at noon to help with the Adult Learners effort would be heartily welcomed. Please let me know if you are able to help in this way.
Pauline Riocreux
Tennis and Swimming at Whiteknights
Ring Heather Bradly for tennis all the year round, or for swimming in the Summer when the weather is warm enough for an open-air pool. £1 per person per hour doesn't cover costs but adds to the charity donations that Heather makes. You will be very welcome, and a cup of tea will be included.
Language Groups
Language groups are being served well by BBC Worldwide - from May there are new interactive French and Spanish beginners' courses and in June and July revised editions of Deutch Plus 1, Italianissimo 1, French Experience 2 and Suenos World Spanish 2. BBC2 Learning Zone will be running TV series for the first three. There will also be a new series on Chinese (Mandarin) language and culture and on for Greek in May. Teachers and learners will benefit from material available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages
New Groups
Members suggestions for new groups are being studied and there will be further announcements later in the year - hopefully, in time to start them up in the Autumn.
Is there a member who would be willing to organise Theatre trips - there was a very active group at one time but, I think, the Conve-nor fled to Australia. If you would like to join such a group, please, either send me a note to 38 Nash Grove Lane, or sign up at the next open meeting. I just need a name and a telephone number for contact. Obviously it can only get off the ground if there is someone (or two people) who will take control.
Pauline Riocreux
Jazz Appreciation
On 20th. March I attended a Jazz Appreciation Network Day organ-ised by Reading U3A.
This was the first event of it's kind for, and by, the Jazz Network, and U3A members had come from all over the South of England and some from the Midlands.
The morning was devoted to small group discussions and in the after-noon we were given a talk by Digby Fairweather (cornet and trumpet player) who has an interest in jazz education.
Digby accompanied by his group; double bass, drums and guitar, then played some tunes for us and he explained how they worked on the variations of the main theme.
To round off the day we were treated to a jam session by the quartet which was received with very enthusiastic applause.
It was an opportunity to network with jazz enthusiasts from other U3As, some of whom had started their own Jazz Appreciation Groups, and this made me wonder whether there were any members in Wokingham U3A who admired Artie, were mad about Miles, and enjoyed Ella, who would be interested in a Jazz Appreciation Group. If so, give me a ring on (O118)9781185.
Rosemary Goldschmied
Comparative Religion
When I ventured the idea of setting up a new group on Comparative Religion at the end of last year I didn't know if I would get any takers. In the event we held our first meeting on Thursday 25th March and there were sixteen of us. This is just at the limit of how many we can accommodate in our own homes which we all prefer to do.
We have decided initially to study the six main world religions as we felt our knowledge of most of these was limited and an excellent video "The Pillars of Faith" made a good introduction. Our second meeting will take a closer look at Hinduism. Ultimately we hope to widen our knowledge of other faiths and their impact on world populations and culture.
Ronnie Beecham
All Saints Tower Bells
As you may know the Tower Bells at All Saints Church are due to be restored and rehung. As this event only becomes necessary about once every century it is quite an occasion. John Harrison came to us in March and told us about this fascinating subject. When requesting a date to visit the Bell Tower and see the restored bells and the view he suggested we go next year after the meeting, when we can announce the date and hopefully go after a wedding to see and hear the bells being played.
Beryl Page
Annual Garden Party
We are holding our annual Garden Party on Tuesday 15th June at Whiteknights on the Ridges. In case you haven't been before Whiteknights has a lovely garden which you can enjoy. The open-air swimming pool will be open so please bring your swim-wear.
Everyone is asked to bring a plate of finger food which will be shared to provide a magnificient feast. Please also bring your own plate for eating off.
There will be a bar with drinks at very moderate prices.
Entry will be £1.00 per person and the proceeds will go to Heather Bradley's children's charity. There will also be a charge of £1 per person using the swimming pool.
Volunteers are needed to set up the garden on the morning of the 15th. Please call Don Macdonald on 01344-774386 if you are pre-pared to help.
Garden Party Transport
Members can take advantage of a 16 seater coach provided by Keep Mobile for return transport be-tween Denmark Street Car Park and Whiteknights, for the Garden Party on 15th June 2004. Wokingham U3A is now a Group Member of this organisation. If you wish to use this service please write quickly to me at 38 Nash Grove Lane, RG40 4HD. If you really can't make it to Denmark Street and need to be picked up at your home address, or if you are using a wheelchair, please tell me. If there are more than 16 people looking for transport I may have to take a first-come-first-served approach.
Pauline Riocreux.
Group Visits
Accidents can occur, and it is helpful to know who should be contacted if a member taking part in a Group Visit has a mishap. There is obviously little problem in this respect if the member is with a spouse or friend, but if you are on your own please consider carrying a card which give the name and phone number of anyone who should be contacted. Put it in your purse or wallet - then you can be fairly sure it won't be needed!
Gordon Riocreux
SIXTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
May 1st. Wet. As it was pouring with rain, we went with Rene to The Ritz cinema to see Dawn Patrol, a film which epitomised the futility of war. A.R.P. were recruiting as we came out. We're living in terribly confusing times.
May 2nd. Wet again. Mrs.Linskill and I went to the Ideal Home Exhibition at Earls Court. Felt dead when we got home, but loved it. She bought, inter alia, a garden bench, and I bought a rug from St.Dunstan's -17s 6d (88p.approx). How I do loathe escalators! As luck would have it, Win called whilst I was out, and Jim was in the green-house and didn't hear her knock. I'm sorry about that!
May 4th. Finer. Thank God. Rug was delivered from St. Dunstan's this afternoon, and I'm delighted with it.
May 16th. A very rough, wild morning. Cold, grey and stormy. Do wish the weather would be better. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose went on escalators yesterday. So I'm darned if I won't, and enjoy it too. Jim has bought himself a very good four-piece suit in Harris tweed from Gamages. We had tea at Lyons feeling very married.
May 19th. Have just been down to the chickens to see how Biddy, the lame pullet, is getting on now that we have put her in with the oth-ers. Found all the other pullets gathered round in a sinister group pecking at the unfortunate cripple crouching on the ground. Very little 'esprit de corps' there!
May 21st. A glorious day. Went to an A.R.P. lecture by Dr. Anderson at the clinic in Bath Road. If I was more suitable I'd join the Nursing Auxiliary, but don't think I am. J
une 2nd. Had an orgy of shopping this morning, and bought a grey felt hat to match my grey coat, and two pairs of shoes.
June 3rd. Submarine Thetis sunk off Liverpool with 98 men aboard. A ghastly tragedy.
June 6th. Blazing hot. Caught the train to Waterloo. It didn't stop at Clapham Junction so we had to take the 'bus from Waterloo to Victoria. Arrived at Brighton at 11 a.m. Too hot to go on the Under-cliff Walk, so we stayed on the front until the afternoon when we had a glorious ride over the Downs past the Dyke and stopping at Henfield for tea. Arrived back at Brighton at 6p.m.and sat on the Palace Pier until 8. Caught 8.25.train and was home by 11p.m.
June 16th. Rained hard. To the Ritz cinema to see Storm Over Bengal, Trade Winds, Society Dog Show, and the King and Queen in Washington and New York. A wonderful show for 6d (2½p).
June 20th. Thunderstorm with heavy showers. To Harley Street with Emily this afternoon. She is getting obsessed with her bowels and constipation - a great pity and very nerve racking. Dr. Anderson assured her that she was better and gave her some cascara evacuant, and I do hope to Heaven she'll soon be alright.
June 1Oth. A.R.P. exercises were a washout. I and three other First Aid workers were supposed to be casualties in the event of an air raid. The First Aid man who dealt with us knew less about First Aid than we did!
Rosemary Goldschmied
National Conference and AGM 2004
Wokingham U3A is entitled to send two voting members to the Con-ference and AGM and refunds from branch funds the accommodation and travelling costs of the two members who attend. For the 2004 event we will also refund the accommodation and travelling costs of a third member of Wok-ingham U3A. Anyone interested in taking up this offer should WRITE to Colin Mitchell (see page 2 for address). Closing date for applications is 31st May and if necessary there will be a draw for the name of the successful member at the Garden Party on 15th June.
Summary of informa-tion in U3A News No 67
The Conference and AGM takes place between 23rd and 24th August 2004 at the University of Leicester Conference Centre. Cost per person - En suite accommodation £149, Basic accommodation £134. See U3A News No 67 for further details and how to obtain an Information Pack.
U3A Public Liability Insurance
U3As and their members are insured for public liability through insurance taken out by the Third Age Trust (U3A National Office). Further details of this are held by all of Wokingham's convenors and committee members. Claim forms are held by Colin Mitchell.
Shared Learning Projects
The Third Age Trust is organising two shared learning projects. One will be operated from the V&A Museum between May and July 2004 and the other will be based at Somerset House in The Strand from October to December 2004. Further information from Colin Mitchell (see page 2 for address).
E-mail Communication Skills
A booklet on the above and said to be excellent is available from the U3A National Office at the cost of £1.50 (including postage)
Virtual U3A
The Third Age Trust hopes to establish a "Virtual U3A" which will offer isolated learners as many of the benefits of full membership of a conventional U3A as is practicable by making use of computer technology and the Internet. A pilot study will be starting soon. The Virtual U3A is intended to help current or former U3A members who have become isolated, for example through impaired mobility, through taking on responsibility as a carer or for other reasons. Please bring this to the attention of those you know who might benefit from it. Further information from Colin Mitchell (see page 2 for address) or the National U3A web site.
Monthly Meetings
I am most grateful to all those members who have returned questionnaires. It has given me a much clearer idea of your prefer-ences and interests, and I have been able to fill the speakers diary for next year by following your suggestions. The vast majority of responses have come from those who attend Monthly Meetings regularly. It would be illuminating to hear also from those who are elsewhere on Tuesday afternoons. Do you just have better things to do, or would you prefer a different form of meeting? Should we have more time to socialise? Have you been to one or two meetings and de-cided that they are not for you for any reason? If you have anything useful to suggest, or a positive criticism to make, do contact me directly, or fill in a questionnaire form (all group leaders have some). Patsy Thornton, Speakers' Secretary 01344 774812 .
U3A Equipment Loan
Any members wishing to borrow equipment for talks to our Groups should contact:- For Overhead Projector & Screen - Don Macdonald Tel: 01344 774386, For Laptop, Electronic Projector & VCR - Brian Pettitt Tel: 0118 978 3824, For 35mm Projector, stand & flip chart - Alan Povall Tel 011 978 6240, equipment matters or problems. Note: Bookings must be made well in advance if you wish to ensure it is available when needed.
Alan Povall
INVITATION
To our Annual U3A
Garden Party
On Tuesday 15th June (Note date subsequently changed to 29th June)
12.30pm to 4.30pm
On the Ridges at
Whiteknights
Proceeds in aid of Childrens Charities