For Knutsford and District – August/September 2010

Chairman’s Comments

I hope you are all enjoying the summer despite the rain.  As September approaches it seems  in some ways more of a new beginning than January, shades of back to school, new term etc., and is for Knutsford U3A a new date for subscription renewals now due from September 1^st.  The Membership Secretary really appreciates her task being made easier by members renewing as promptly as possible.  At £15 the subscription is still a bargain, now enhanced by the addition of five new groups:  Personal Image, Scientific Books, Speakers’ Group, Beginners German and a Travel Group.  Further details appear elsewhere in the Newsletter. 

Together with the new programme of outings due to come out in September we have a lot to look forward to this autumn, so don’t miss out on the chance to learn a new skill, have a day out, or join the Travel Group for a holiday with other members.

 I hope to see as many of you as possible at the special meeting on September 9^th.

 Carole English

News Letter distribution.

The Committee, ever mindful of the need to control operational costs, have reviewed the method currently used for the distribution of the news letter. Our current membership is running at 367, approximately 240 of which have already agreed to receive the news letter by Email. The remainder, in hard copy,  are either collected at the monthly meeting or sent by post. At these numbers, even at second class post, it can add up to a tidy cost, circa £250 to £300 per annum.

If there are any of you who currently receive their news letter by this method but are able to receive it by Email can you please let the Editor  (01477 532007 (alanu3amackenzie@uwclub.net) know by emailing him with your E address. For readers who have not got Microsoft office, the newsletter is downloadable from the website.

It is appreciated that there will be people who, for many good reasons, are not able to do this but any help you can give in this direction would be greatly appreciated and of benefit to our overall finances.

Hardwick Hall Outing Booking Form

Name (s) …………………………………………………………………………………………

Address ………………………………………………………………………………………….

              …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Phone     ………………………………….

!/we should like to join the visit to Hardwick Hall on Thursday September 30^th at a cost £13 :00

per person and enclose a cheque for £ …………………..

Meetings at St Vincent's Church Hall - 2nd Thursday of each month

Free to U3A members: £1.00 For Non-Members.   2:00pm Start.

Group Leaders / Co-ordinators meeting. An important day for your diary.

Join us on Thursday September 9^th to meet other members, chat to our Group Co-ordinators, and find out about our exciting autumn programme of classes, activities and outings.  You will also be able to renew your annual subscription Complimentary afternoon tea will be served.

We shall be ready to welcome you from 2pm.  Stay all afternoon, or just call in.

Do not miss this once a year opportunity to see what goes on in your U3A.

A Walk Around Manchester Continued : Talk and slideshow

Committee for 2010/11 

Carole English     Chairman        01565 625815

Sheila Fitches  Joint Vice-Chairman   01565 633076

Rod Howgate      Joint Vice Chairman   & Groups Co-ordinator                        01625 582924

Georgina Blackburn                     01565 653436

Tim Donelly      Treasurer             01565 633569

Jean Ellis Groups Co-ordinator   01565 651222

Lynda Harris                                  01565 621058

Margaret Hinde Membership Secretary 01565 872643

Margaret Joscelyne                      01565 633147

Alan Mackenzie Newsletter Editor   01477 532007

Nell Napier                                     01925 754563

Doreen Steel Programme Secretary       01477 544492

Website

The Knutsford & District U3A website at www.knutsfordu3a.co.uk contains information about General Meetings and details of all Activity Groups. It is regularly updated and enables members to check on latest information on their particular interest.

Website Editor: David English :

Tel 01565 625815 or

E: davidjenglish@tiscali.co.uk

DONATION TO HOSPICE

David Coggar, who was our speaker at the general meeting in June, has forwarded a letter he has received from St. Luke’s Hospice in Winsford.  David donated his speaker’s fee to the Hospice, and I think you will all be pleased to know that money from your subscription fees was used in this way.

HARDWICK HALL 

Please forward cheques made out to Knutsford and District U3A :  

Jean Ellis, 21 Willow Green, Knutsford, WA16 6AX : Tel: 01565 651222

New Groups 

The Antiques Group will have a guided tour of The Hat Works (hat museum) in Stockport at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 14th September.  A few extra places are available, so if you would like to join us, please contact Tessa Gurney (01477 533076.  The tour costs £2.60 per person and we plan to go by train.

Scientific Book Group 

Have you ever read any books by Richard Feynman, Stephen Hawking, Ben Goldacre, Primo Levi, Simon Singh or Richard Fortey? What did you think of them? These popular science writers aim to communicate their passion for their subjects, new developments in their fields and explore the history of science in an accessible way. Our new Scientific Book Group is aimed at anyone, whatever their background or education, scientific or non-scientific, who would like to explore the ideas put forward in a variety of popular science books, clarify their understanding and take advantage of specialist knowledge that other members of the group may have. We’ll choose a book to read each month and then discuss it in a friendly, informal setting in a member’s home.

Our diverse backgrounds and differing levels of understanding will enable us to help each other get to grips with the latest topics in physics, chemistry, biology and maths and learn more about famous scientists, past and present

Please phone Christine Falder on 01565 654721 if you would like to register your interest, or come and find out more at the U3A general meeting on Thurs 9^th Sept. The day and time of our monthly forum will be decided to suit those joining the group.

OUTING TO HARDWICK HALL

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 30^TH - BOOK NOW!

One of the most splendid houses in England, built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1590’s and unaltered since.  Rich tapestries, plaster friezes and alabaster fireplaces colour the rooms, culminating in the hauntingly atmospheric Long Gallery.

Outside there are a herb garden, orchards and lawns and you can take a circular walk in the parkland.

There is a restaurant at Hardwick, or you can bring a packed lunch if you prefer.

Entry is free to National Trust member.  Please bring your membership card on the day.  Non-Trust members entrance fee:  £9.00 for house and garden.

The coach will leave from Knutsford bus station at 9.30am, and leave Hardwick at 4pm.

The cost will be £13 per person.  Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, and U3A members have priority.  Non-members will be able to book if the coach is not full.

 All cheques must be accompanied by a booking form. Cheques made payable to Knutsford and District U3Ashould be sent to Jean Ellis.

Please note:  confirmation of you booking will  not be sent – you will only be contacted if we  are not able to proceed with the outing.  If you  would like confirmation that your cheque has  arrived please contact:  Jean Ellis. Tel No. 01565 651222

German for Beginners

It is hoped to start a new course in German in September/October.  This would be for complete beginners, or those with a little knowledge of German.  If interested contact David English, tel. 01565 625815 

Travel /Holiday

We are hoping to start a programme of group holidays for members of Knutsford U3A. If you would like further details or would like to express an initial interest please contact Muriel Robinson, tel.: 01565 631410.

Membership Renewal : 2010/2011

Please find enclosed my Cheque (payable to Knutsford U3A) as follows :  

1-2* No. members @ £ 15           Each      £

together with a SAE for my/our membership card(s) 

* Select as applicable                                                                                                              Please see reverse side for address 

Email address  : ………………………………………… 

If you do not wish to receive your news letter by Email,  PLEASE TICK HERE   ...............

News from groups 

U3A Computer Group 

The next sessions will begin in September 2010 when we plan to offer a Basic Computer skills course. This would suit members who have some basic knowledge. As practise is needed between sessions regular access to a PC is needed. 

Copies of a U3A self tuition course "Computer Basics for Seniors "are available for loan. This course covers basic word processing, e mail and Internet skills. However you need some very basic computer knowledge e.g. switching on / off and what the various “bits” do.  

Unfortunately we still do not have the skills to offer basic training on Apple Macs. If any member uses an Apple Mac and is able to spare us some time to help beginners, we should like to hear from them. 

If you are interested in the Beginners Course, borrowing the course book or helping with Apple Macs please contact Robert Watson (01565 633147)

Personal Image Course

Monday mornings 10 – 12 at the Knutsford Methodist Church on the following dates:

27 September, 11 October, 18 October

25 October, 8 November, 15 November.

The course will cost £15.00

To be led by Catherine Jones who is leading a similar course at this time for Bramhall U3A.

·      This forms the basis of the six week course.

·      Colour analysis - working out your dominant colour to find out which colours suit you best. Your dominant will be one of the following: light, deep, soft, cool, warm, clear

·      How to apply makeup using colours to match your dominant colouring.

·      Your body shape and which fabrics/styles suit you best

·      Your face shape, hairstyles and glasses to suit

·      How to organise and weed your wardrobe

·      How to dress to suit your personality

·      Fantasy shopping in catalogues. Sharing your favourites

Let's go shopping! We'll go to M & S and put everything you have learned into practice.  You don't have to buy!! 

If you would like further details please ring Margaret Cole on 01565 633569

Bill's walk on 2 June.   

On Wednesday, 2 June, the sun shone beguilingly on 23 members of the walking group as we set off to the Roaches, near Leek for a walk which was dedicated to the memory of the late Bill Stanton.  The Roaches are a substantial outcrop of rocks which are 500 metres high with splendid views all round.  We started at the Paddock Farm Tea Rooms in a way Bill would have thoroughly approved i.e. coffee – some even indulging in cake or bacon sandwiches.  We then climbed up to the ridge and had a steady walk of about 5 miles, with a picnic lunch at the northern end.  We returned in time for afternoon tea in the approved Bill manner.

Thanks to all those members who helped to make this walk that little bit special.

 Please return this slip to :                              Margaret Hinde

                                                                               1 Warford Hall Drive

                                                                               Great Warford

                                                                               Alderley Edge           

with SAE (to yourself)                                        SK9 7TR       

Speakers’ Group

David Skinner : tel. 01565 632483 would like to hear from any member interested in joining this group where you would prepare “fun” presentations to give to the rest of the group. The accent would be on oral skills in the manner of the Toastmaster/mistress style.  It is hoped to launch this group in September 2010.

David has given this description of the approach he is proposing:

Do people listen when you speak?

Can they hear what you say?

Do you have a good tale to tell?

Is it long and confusing?

Do you need to address a large gathering?

Will your nerves leave you speechless?

Speakers Clubs take many forms. They can train you for national qualifications and competition, or just be gatherings of people who like to speak, laugh and learn.

After 8 years membership of a semi-formal club at Alderley Edge I have learned many basic skills of successful speaking but am not an expert. My proposal for the Knutsford U3A is to start by giving members a regular opportunity to speak to the group, without interruption, and pre-select group members to give feedback on their performance. This format will evolve.

Geology Group 

If any one is planning to attend the general meeting in  September then please help to promote what we have been doing in Geology this year.
From soundings that I have taken already people want to continue studying geology as we have been and for those of you who went to Styal, Fred outlined some topics that he could cover for the rest of this year and into next year- we will confirm this list when we all get back together in the class room. Fred is only able to do one session a month so if he continues with us on that basis he won't be able to start another beginners course. However we could perhaps recruit some more people who already have a foundation in geology and want to explore the topics we plan to cover.
The walk around Knutsford and Styal were very well received by those who were able to make it and many thanks to Fred for organising these trips.  Next month is Tegg’s Nose but Jo and I may not be able to make it.  For those of you going who want to buy a lunch we would recommend the Ryles Arms (see their site at: http://www.rylesarms.com/   )
Also thank you to Jon and David who took some excellent photographs at Styal and circulated links to them.

Poetry Reading Group

No meeting in August - next one September 7th - Poet: Thomas Hood.

 U3A Luncheon Group

No lunch booked for August -

Next one September 19th: Lunch at The 3 Greyhounds,  Holmes Chapel Road, Allostock WA16 9JY.  Organiser Veronica Gordon.
Sunday Lunch booked for 12.15.  - Please contact Veronica Gordon if you would like to come along T 01565 873 762.

Local History

There will be no August or September Meeting. Next meeting Thursday 28^th October. Details to follow.

Future Newsletters

There was so much information this month that we have had to extend to six sides. This has caused some layout difficulties for which we apologise.

You will also notice that it spans two months, August/September, which has led the Committee to think that this may be a good format for the future. It enables information relative to September, subscriptions etc, to be presented more timely in August whereas previously they have had to be in June.

Please advise any member of the Committee of your views on this matter.

Ed.

Antiques

Contact Tessa Gurney 

Tel: 01477 533076

Art Appreciation 2

Co-ordinator Jennifer Harrison 01565 633578

Art Appreciation

Meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month

7.00 p.m. Royce Court

Co-ordinator: Margaret Joscelyne

Tel: 01565 633147

Amblers

Walks take place twice a month  on Mondays or Wednesdays Meet at 10:a.m in the Dog Lodge layby

Co-ordinator Sheila Fitches

Tel:01565 633076

Book Reading I

Meeting on the first Monday of each month

2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Members’ Homes

Co-ordinator: Rosemary Binns

Tel: 01565 633946

Book Reading II

Meeting on the first Thursday of each month

10.30 a.m to 12.00 noon

Members’ Homes

Co-ordinator: Monica Beswick

Tel: 01565 651515

Book Group 3

Co-ordinator Freda Froelich 01565 633045

Bridge

Meeting on alternate Fridays 10:am a.m. to 12.00 a.m.

Leicester Warren Hall, Bexton Lane

Co-ordinator: Wendy Hurst

Te: 01565 722921

Computing

Meetings will start again in September 2010

Co-coordinator: Robert Watson

Tel: 01565 633147

Creative Video Production

Co-ordinator John Napier

Tel: 01925 754563

Crown Green Bowls

Meeting each Tuesday 10.30 a.m.

The Railway Inn Mobberley [Summer]

Winter Indoors: to be arranged

Co-ordinator: Betty Montrose

Tel: 01565 873414

Crown Green Bowls 2

[Summer] Meeting each Friday 10.30 a.m

The Railway Inn, Mobberley

[Winter] Indoors: to be arranged

Co-ordinator: Petra Pickup

Tel: 01625 861278

Current Affairs

Co-ordinator :Lynda Harris

Tel: 01565 621058

Drawing and Painting

2^nd &4^th Monday of each month

01:30 PM. to 03:30 PM

Egerton Boys Club, Mereheath Lane

Co-ordinator: Berry Northen

Tel: 01565 873053

Family History

Meetings on the second Friday of each month

From 14 November 2009 2.00 p.m..Royce Court

Co-ordinator: Mary Lipyeat

Tel: 01565 652635

French [Intermediate]

Meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month. 2::00 p.m.. Members Homes

Co-ordinator: Jill Board : 01565 652940

Garden Visits

Random meetings – i.e. when the gardens are open.  Planning meetings about three times a year usually on a  Monday at 128 Grove Park

Co-ordinators: Janet Walker & Jean Heap

Tel: 01565 634177 & 01565 633661

Geology Group

Co-ordinator : Peter Rose

Tel :01565 651159

Local History

Meeting on the last Thursday of each month

11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

The Heritage Centre

Co-ordinator: Joan Leach

Tel: 01565 634668

Luncheon Club

Meet 3^rd Sunday of the Month at 12:15

Contact : Veronica Gordon

Tel : 01565 873762

Needlecraft Group

Meeting on the third Thursday of each month

10.:00 am to 12:00 noon. Members’ homes

Co-ordinator : Judith Shirley

Tel 01565 652448

Performance Arts – Theatre and Concert Visits

Random meetings dependant upon performances. See Website for full programme details.

Contact : Anna Smyth 01565 651979

Philosophy

Meetings on the 3rd Wed of each month.

10:30 a.m . to 12:00 noon, Royce Court.

Co-ordinator Doreen Evans.

Tel: 01565 634229.

Play reading.

Meeting on the last Friday of each month.

09:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

64 Glebelands Road

Co-ordinator Eileen Stanton

Tel: 01565 633930.

Poetry Reading

Contact Veronica.Gordon

Tel : 01565 873762

Scrabble

Co-ordinator Avril Slade 01565 633997

Spanish

Meeting each Tuesday, 10:00a.m to 11:00a.m.at The Heritage Centre.

Co-ordinator : David English.

Tel:01565 625815

Spanish (Group 2)

Meeting each Tuesday 10:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m at the Leigh Arms

Co ordinator:  Lynda Harris

Tel :01565 621058

Walking

Walks take place on alternate Mondays and Wednesdays. Meet at 09:30  at the lay-by on Mobberley  Road.

Co-ordinator : Margaret Cole.

Tel: 01565 633569.

Walking Group 2

Co-ordinator : Rod Howgate

Tel: 01625 582924

Wine tasting.

Meeting on the second Monday of each month.

7: 00 pm at Royce Court.

Co:ordinators Margaret Joscelyne & David Rowland.

Tel:01565 633147 & 01625 860290.

Writing for pleasure

Meeting 3rd Friday each month  :

10:00 am in members’ homes

Co-ordinator : Michael Goldman

Tel: 01565 651717

Performance Arts.   

Anna Smyth is to retire from the working group at the end of the year and a successor is urgently sought.  The role involves assisting the group put together a programme of monthly visits to plays, concerts, opera and ballet.  Individual members take responsibility for separate events but an enthusiastic theatre goer is needed to co-ordinate their efforts. If you are interested or want more information please contact Rod Howgate on 01625 582924. 

Salutations Anna