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May 2003 News Letter Wokingham U3A Newsletter, May 2003 Chairman's Letter The AGM on 18th February 2003 saw four new committee members elected, Patsy Thornton, Margaret Jameson, Roy Madden, and myself. Unfortunately, Margaret has felt she has had to resign in the meantime due to ill health. I have been very pleasantly surprised with the levels of expertise and enthusiasm shown by the committee members. In the nature of things, people have to give up their committee duties for various reasons so we are always keen to hear from anyone who feels that they could fill one of the vacancies that may appear from time to time. Our Monthly Meetings are well attended and we have been fortunate to have talks on a variety of subjects which have been both interesting and amusing. We owe a big thank you to Betty Hughes who is relinquishing the task of arranging speakers for the monthly meetings having arranged a wide diversity of subjects. Patsy Thornton has agreed to take over the selection and booking of these speakers and we wish her well in continuing finding stimulating speakers. We are operating a "Help" desk at these meetings for the benefit of new members or existing members who may wish to join groups and I urge you to make use of it. Also do take the opportunity to speak to committee members and convenors, we do all try to wear our badges and we really would be pleased to talk to you. Finally, may I wish you a happy and enjoyable U3A year. Len Smith If you know of any member who is ill please inform Marion Povall on 0118 9786240 so that she can contact them. __________________________________________________________________________ WOKINGHAM U3A Chairman: Len Smith 01344 775517: Membership Secretary: Philip Harding, 45 Binfield Road, Wokingham, RG40 1SL 0118 978 6981: Editor Gordon Riocreux. Registered Charity No. 1049995 __________________________________________________________________________ Archaeology The Winter Programme was completed in March. It covered the Post-Roman period and considered the impact of Christianity and the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans on the Romano-British peoples. In this period until the Norman Conquest not only our language but many of the names of our cities, towns and villages emerged, e.g. Wokingham - the village (ham) of the people (ing) of Woc or Woca. Our final meeting was a workshop on Place-Names which helped us understand a little better what happened. Now the Summer programme has commenced with guided visits planned to Bignor Roman Villa, Lewes Battlefield, Malmesbury Abbey, Silchester and Verulamium. After 8 years this will complete the second cycle of meetings covering the time from the advent of humans in Pre-History until Early Medieval times. The decision on whether to start the cycle again has been made easier by the explosion of information from new techniques, excavations and genetics. Also the ability to project videos means we are not so dependent on expert speakers appearing in person. The Winter Programme 03/04 starts on 23rd October with 'Early Archaeology & Evolution' followed by 'Origins of Man & Genetics'. - Alan Povall (0118 9786240) TECHNOLOGY GROUP CONVENOR The Technology Group has a vacancy for a convenor for 2004. Applicants for this stimulating post should contact the Groups' Co-ordinator or the present convenor Objects and Principles of the U3A These will be considered in detail at the National AGM (see the Spring issue of U3A News). Any member wishing to take part in local discussions prior to the AGM should contact Wokingham's Hon. Sec U3A PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE The U3A National Office has produced an Accident Report Form approved by its insurers and recommends that a record is kept of anything that happens, however minor. Copies of the form are available from Wokingham's Hon. Sec . A few months ago, the Newsletter published a short poem on active membership, and the Editor has agreed to repeat it below: Convenors are human, too Are you an active member the kind who would be missed? Or are you just contented That your name is on the list? Do you attend the meetings And mingle with the flock? Or do you simply stay at home To criticise or mock? Do you take an active part And help the work along? Or are you simply satisfied To pay subs and 'belong'? Do you work with your committee And go right in and mix? Or leave the work to just a few And talk about the 'cliques'? Think this over members You know right from wrong Are you an active member, Or do you just belong? The reason for this is, that sitting in the Olympian heights of Groups Co- ordinator (although I do get my hands dirty, being convenor for one group and sharing the duties for another), I would hope that more members would help out at group sessions, and there is a wide variety of ways they can do so - preparation of teas and washing up, getting chairs organised and put away, suggesting and helping programme development, undertaking sessions, offering to support Convenors in group administration - which all help the Convenor. OUR NEW CHAIRMAN, LEN SMITH . By profession I am a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and I have spent most of my working life involved in the Oil & Petrochemical Industry, in the latter period of my career largely concerned with North Sea oil & gas development. I was a director of the British subsidiary in Farnborough of one of the largest Swiss engineering companies I was born and raised in Yattendon and have lived in Reading, and in Wokingham and Crowthorne for a total of 39 years. My activities within the U3A have been at monthly meetings and I am a member of the Italian Improvers Group. Other interests outside of U3A include tennis three times a week at Wellington Sports Club and racing a sailing dinghy most weekends at Burghfield Sailing Club, where I have twice been Commodore for the permitted two year periods. I also suffer with other members of ESOTERIC Investment Club I am already getting to know better the other members of the committee and the convenors and I am most impressed that the Wokingham U3A is in good hands. I shall make every effort to continue the good work that my predecessors have achieved.
_______ __________________ 2003/2004 COMMITTEE The following members were confirmed as officers or committee members at the Annual General Meeting on 18th February. POSITION Chairman, Len Smith: Vice-Chairman, Patsy Thornton: Groups' Coordinator, David Tinker: Secretary, Colin Mitchell: Newsletter Editor, Gordon Riocreux: Treasurer, Don Macdonald: Lifelong Learning Representative, Alan Povall: Membership Secretary, Philip Harding: Committee Member, Roy Madden: Additionally, Margaret Jameson was confirmed as a committee member, but unfortunately subsequently was obliged to resign for reasons of health. Gill Borlace and Peter Harms occupy co-opted positions as New Members' Representative and Equipment Manager respectively. ________________________________________________________________ [Editor's note - Fifty Years Ago went astray last month, so I am pleased to give you a double ration this month!] FIFTY YEARS AGO March 2nd. Misty, which later turned to fog. Had a slight attack of diarrhoea first thing this morning. Took a dose of the mixture which Mr. Pollard had made up for Bertie, and this seemed to improve things a bit, though I felt a little slack and not like work at all, so for once I didn't feel that I was wasting time talking to Bertie when she came downstairs. This evening Jim and I went to the Whitton Odeon to see John Mills in "The Long Memory", and the supporting film "Gentlemen, the Queen". "The Long Memory" seemed very footling, but the record of our dear queen's life was very well worth seeing. Quite foggy when we came out. March 7th. The Queen came to Twickenham to see Army v. Navy Rugby match. To Palladium tonight by coach. Didn't enjoy the show, although the acrobats were clever and Alfred Marks has a good voice, but the American singer was awful and Max Miller vulgar and slimey. March 13th. Called in at Edmonds and bought two Zorbit towels at 4s-lld. (25p.) each- very good too. Took my pearls into Mr. Huntley's for re-stringing; he has some very good Coronation souvenirs. I wish to goodness I could get a whole lot of new undies and smart dresses, coats, jumpers and cardigans. March 16th. Very cold this morning, but a really lovely day later; bright sunshine and quite warm. Bertie went up to B.O.A.C. and has got her return flight put forward to April 19th. March 25th. A lovely sunny, really warm day. Queen Mary's life will be an inspiration for generations to come. Mr. Churchill broadcast tonight but we did not feel so much moved by his broadcast as we did for that of our dear King. I bought ½ lb. sweets at the Blue Cabin, and except for a few I gave to Jim, I ate them all, very greedily! March 26th. A lovely morning, but rain fell tonight the first time for 36 days. Shan't soon forget today; I felt so awful-dizzy and faint, and sick. Rather think it was the result of the sweets I greedily ate yesterday, and if that was so, then I deserve all the discomfort. Jim and Bertie were very helpful. Sat around feeling cold and miserable for most of the day. Bertie went off to Horsham to see a friend and is probably coming back tomorrow. March 27th. Feel well this morning. Johnny Bull, the sweep was here at 9.50am to sweep the dining-room chimney 3s.-6d/ (17p.) and it seemed no trouble at all to get cleaned up afterwards. It's now 11.05pm and Bertie hasn't arrived home, so conclude she's staying at Horsham. March 28th. Jim and I walked along by the river from Twickenham to Richmond - a lovely walk. Bertie came home about 10.20pm. She enjoyed her short visit to Horsham and said the countryside there is delightful. April 1st. Bertie and I went to the Odeon at Whitton and saw "Come Home Little Sheba" and "Hurricane Smith", two very mediocre films. I didn't want to go at all, but it seemed churlish to refuse. The film of our dear Queen Mary's funeral was very moving. April 19th. Glorious sunny day, but a very cold wind. Bertie left London Airport to fly home at 10.45am. Terry, Jill, Ruth, Eric and myself were all there to see her off. April 23rd. Got small front bedroom ready for Bishop & Cox to decorate. April 24th. Mr. Cox started on the small front bedroom. I'll be thankful when all the rooms are finished. April 25th. I washed out the bath and lavatory basin which Mr. Cox has messed up. Hatcher rang and said Alf had left "Podge". Tragedy. (Long-term readers of FIFTY YEARS AGO may remember that Alf and "Podge" were discussing their wedding plans on 1st. May 1948 - Alf not very eagerly! It's in the May/June 1998 newsletter if you've still got it. They went to live in Brighton, and there have been various diary entries afterwards of visits to the couple. R.) April 27th. Bishop & Cox finished the small front bedroom and are starting on the other rooms tomorrow. April 30th. Rained all day. Bishop is still working on our bedroom. Shall be very thankful when the house is straight again May 3rd. Glorious hot day. Cut sandwiches, made Thermos of coffee and went off to Brighton .Met Edna ('Podge') at West Pier at 2p.m. Her hair looked awful-short and straight. We were nearly exhausted by the time we'd walked along the Undercliff to Rottingdean. Edna sails for Canada on Friday. May 8th. Edna off to Canada, (interesting to note that 'Podge' is now referred to by her proper name after the breakdown of her marriage. A hint of my aunt's disapproval R.) May 19th" Jim and I decided that Brighton would be best for our holiday. so I 'phoned the Pembroke Guest House. Advertised in the Middlesex Chronicle. The woman who answered sounded very pleasant, so I fixed up to go there from June 27th. To July 4th. Sent £1 note as deposit. May 25fh. Blazing hot. Put two Union Jacks out for the Coronation. May 27th. Saw a large American car outside Deeks so concluded that the Whedons had arrived. Lovely surprise-a parcel from Gibraltar which Fred (her sister Frederica. R.) sent when she was there .Muscatels, almonds, dried apricots and a tin of cream. Called in at Deeks and Christine gave me a lovely handbag-linen trimmed with beads-and a sewing set I was delighted. Felicity hasn't altered, at all: she's a nice child. (Christine and Felicity A were last on a visit to England from June 20th to August 16th. 1951 See 2001 May/June and July/Aug newsletters. R.) June 1st. By train to Victoria. Buckingham Palace, The Mall, St. James's Palace, Marlborough House, Clarence House, Whitehall, Victoria Street, Westminster Abbey. and then home. (Obviously a trip to see the Coronation decorations. R.) June 2nd. Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Windy, cold and heavy showers... Got up early this morning, St. Stephen's church was very well filled for 8 o'clock Communion where we all prayed for our Queen who is being crowned today. Felt quite cold in my grey costume and white blouse. To Rose's by 10.a.m. So very kind of her to invite Jim and me, Cis and George to see the television, together with Clara Butler, Dorothy Oakley and her mother. We drank the Queen's health in sherry and had a wonderful day-seemed in another world. We left just after 10.p.m. and walked home. June 6th. The Derby at 5.50.this afternoon. Sir Gordon Richards won on Pinzer. The Queen's horse Aureole came second. June 9th. Arthur Deeks came in this morning: he's sick and tired of Spencer(his American son-in-law. R.) and will be thankful when he has gone back to Frankfurt. To "A Queen is Crowned" at the Odeon with Jim this afternoon. A grand film. June 10th. Had a cold 'perm' at Roe Dore's. Was dubious about having it done, but very pleased with the result. June 14th. Little Felicity called. She's not very happy about returning to Germany tomorrow-would sooner stay with the Deeks or go back to America. Spencer has a depressing effect on the poor kid. ____________________________________________________________________________ THE RETURN OF THE HAIKU The haiku is a tiny poem of Japanese origin, usually only three lines long and a total of 17 syllables. The first line consists of five syllables, the second seven, and the third five again. The Poetry and Creative Writing Group first tackled this form of poetry in November 2000, and the results were published in the newsletter for Jan/Feb.2001. It was the subject again for last February's meeting where we concentrated on the theme of wood-one of the five elements in Taoist cosmology. The following are some of our efforts. (Note: there are no titles, punctuation or capital letters in this form of poetry.) coal burns in the hearth huge trees of aeons ago rise up the chimney (Richard Dadd) the autumn wind blows reviving rain on acorns helps the new trees grow (Norma Gilchrist) the young lovers go hand-in-hand into the woods trees share their secret (Rosemary Goldschmied) smooth and warm to touch carven bowl of hollowed wood filled with red apples (Ann Mayors) sycamore Leech ash complete the wooden out view bending in the wind (Pat Tucker) fenced all around imprisonment for the foe barbed wire their view (Mary Wilson) Rosemary Goldschmied, Poetry and Creative Writing Group ______________________________________________________________________ Copy date for the next issue is 31st May ______________________________________________________________________ Outreach - The Wokingham Community Strategy As you may have seen in U3A News local U3A's are encouraged to engage with their wider communities for their mutual benefit. This is called 'Outreach'. For our U3A this takes the form of supporting initiatives for older people and promoting Life Long Learning after retirement. The chart below shows the relationship of the various Partnerships/Forums operating in Wokingham District. These are attended by Councillors, WDC Officials, Agencies (Police, DSS, etc), Voluntary groups and local Business. For four years we have supported the Older Peoples Forum, which has resulted in a Conference and follow -up workshops and presentations. District wide seminars are now being planned. The Learning & Skills Partnership provides useful contacts which may lead to more consistent access to expert speakers and improved accommodation. Recently the Local Strategic Partnership has been finalising the first Community Strategy which is based on three years of consultation. It was launched on 14th March under the title 'Building on Success' and is an attractive and easy to read document which shows the key priorities across the District for the next three years. Copies are available in the libraries and on the WDC website at www.wokingham.gov.uk. For further information or comments contact me. Alan Povall (0118 9786240) LSP Links to Learning Partnership & Older People's Forum (Alan Povall U3A Rep. on all three)
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