Doreen Wickham

It is with great regret that we learn of the death of Doreen Wickham, who has died of a heart attack while in hospital. Doreen was for many years the leader of the Craft Group, and both she and her husband Alan have been involved with Weston U3A from its very beginning. We send our condolences to Alan and his family, and also to Doreen's many friends.

This picture of the disastrous fire at Weston-super-Mare pier was taken by Peter Watson, our newsletter editor, at 10.00 am on Monday, 28th July, only three hours after the fire started. It is remarkable that this much-loved feature of our town was destroyed in such a short space of time. We all hope that it will not be too long before it is rebuilt and that we who live in Weston and all our visitors will once again be able to enjoy all that it has offered us in the past.

Shirley James has provided us with the following report on Keith Anderson's "Word & Wit event that was obviously much appreciated by all those who took part in it.

WORD AND WIT

On 16th May we were treated to another Word and Wit Speaking Contest held in the lovely old Mayor's Parlour in Weston Town Hall and a most enjoyable time it was.

We listened to amusing poems and limericks from Stan Radcliffe - delivered in his usual witty manner - followed by a personal assessment of the Art Appreciation Group by Bernard Openshaw which gave a real insight into the subject.

Eight Speakers told us who their heroes were and the judges chose five to talk further about their ideal holiday. All the subjects were fascinating and the three worthy winners were then presented with quite impessive awards.

Three members of the book club read extracts from three different books ( spanning 100 years in time ) on a theme of ' the visit '. These certainly illustrated changing times!

Keith Anderson gave a great rendering of ' Brahn Boots ' and William Paton delighted us with his harmonica playing throughout the afternoon.

Looking forward to next year's Word and Wit a limerick came to mind -

One fine spring day
In the month of May
Was Word and Wit
Oh what a hit !
Long may it stay

Here are a few more reminders for you. The following trips have still a few vacancies

West Somerset Railway & Dunster on Monday June 16th

Dartmouth and the Naval College on Wednesday July 23rd

Blaise Castle & the SS Great Britain on September 1st

Northern Spain for 6 days, from September 24th

A few reminders for you all

The Group Leaders' Meeting will be on Friday July 4th at 2 pm at St Paul's Church Hall.

The Information afternoon will be on September 4th between 2 anbd 4 pm at St Paul's Church Hall.

The "Singing for Pleasure" Summer Concert will be held on June 24th (pm) at St John's Parish Church.

The July lecture will be on the 25th instead of the second Friday of the month. It will be about local village architecture and anyone interested in taking part in an Architecture Group is invited to stay behind afterwards to discuss setting one up.

A coach trip to Weymouth

Betty Bussell, who is a member of our Weston U3A, has asked us to let everyone know that she still has some seats available for the coach trip she has arranged for the St John's Women's Fellowship and she would be happy for any U3A members to join them.

The coach will leave Weston-super-Mare at 9.15 am on Tuesday, 3rd June and it will stop at Hornsbury Mill for coffee. It will return 6.30 to 7.00 pm.

The cost of the trip will be £15. Ring Betty on 632898 for more information and joining instructions.

We must point out that the trip has nothing to do with Weston U3A and anyone who does decide to participate will not be covered by any of our insurance arrangements.

Tony Layland has just sent us these pictures taken during the recent expedition undertaken by the walking group. The stocks were found in the churchyard at Stoke St. Gregory.

Slough Manor, near Stoke St Gregory

The River Tone, near Athelney