Weston-super-Mare U3A

2008-08-17T01:36:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-07-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-07-07T02:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-07T02:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-12T03:32:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-05T03:34:00.000-07:00

Slough Manor, near Stoke St Gregory

2008-05-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

The River Tone, near Athelney

2008-05-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

These three villianous looking characters were apprehended during a recent expedition of the U3A Walking Group. We are pleased to see that the punishment they so richly deserved was meted out to them.

2008-04-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Cothay Manor

We are informed that it is necessary for a few more tickets to be sold for the trip to Cothay Manor on Sunday May 11th for it to be viable.

(£17.50, including cream tea, leaving Locking Road car park at 1.30 pm)

Anyone interested should contact Martha Perriam without delay

2008-04-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

A challenge!

Make sure you can get back, though!

From the 1st April pensioners are able to travel on buses free to any destination in the country after the rush hour. Already there are those jumping on the band wagon to take advantage of this.

We have just been told of a web site that is challenging pensioners to compete to find who can make the longest journey. We doubt if the busy members of our U3A will have the time to enter into this competition, but any who would like to do so should log on to this web site to find out the details:

www.buspasschallenge.co.uk

2008-03-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Course on World Religions

The editor of this blog has to offer his apologies to Ken Marsh, who provided him with information on his new course on World Religions that commenced on 6 February at 2.30 pm at Locking Castle Church. Unfortunately, due to an error for which Ken was entirely blameless the message was sent to a wrong address,

The course is designed to explore the beliefs and practices of the most wide-spread religions across the world and which we experience most frequently in Britain today. The course began with Christianity and will also include Judaism. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and New Age Spirituality.

Remaining sessions will be held on 5th and 26th March and 2nd and 16th April.

2008-03-02T07:20:00.000-08:00

David Hunt

We would like to let members know that David Hunt's funeral will take place on Monday March 10th at 2.30 pm at the Crematorium and afterwards at the Conservative Club, Alexandra Parade.

2008-02-25T02:06:00.000-08:00

Your help is wanted.

Weston U3A relies entirely upon the voluntary services of a host of individuals. We are exceedingly grateful to all group leaders and to those who work in the background providing the essential services needed to keep us going. We appreciate that many of our members are unable to help, sometimes due to their age or health, and sometimes because their other commitments prevent them from doing so.

However, we appeal to anyone who could spare a little time to consider coming forward. There are two areas where help is urgently need.

Firstly, we need volunteers to help at our weekly coffee mornings held at the Friends' Meeting House in the High Street. Reg Whittaker and Noel Feltwell have been setting out and clearing the tables, etc. for many years, and they have recently been joined once a month by Jack Luxon. They could do with more help for the other Tuesdays and for holiday relief.

Secondly, due to the sad demise of Dave Hunt we need to find another cashier. He took in the monies collected at the coffee mornings and banked them every week.

If you can help, send an e-mail to webmaster@u3aweston.org.uk giving your name and contact details, together with the job you could do and you will be contacted as soon as possible. We are asking you to do this, as we try as far as possible not to disclose telephone numbers online. as doing so can attract unwanted spam.

2008-02-24T01:51:00.000-08:00

David Hunt

We very much regret having to inform our members that David Hunt, who was Weston U3A's cashier and as such will have been well known to those of you who are regular attenders at our weekly coffee mornings, died suddenly at home this week. He was also for many years the leader of our Table Tennis Group. He will be greatly missed.

We send our condolences to his family and friends.

2007-12-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

A very Happy Christmas to all the members of Weston-super-Mare U3A

2007-11-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

The Walking Group in October 2007. Although they did not find a hippopotamus they too said there
was nothing quite like it for cooling the blood.

2007-11-01T03:22:00.000-07:00

On their way back from this expedition the Walking Group bought a couple of fish and a few loaves.
They will be putting on a lunch for the members of U3A Weston next week.

2007-10-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

Mr John Wilcocks

We regret to inform members that John Wilcocks, who was the leader of the Psychology Group for some years, died on the 28th October.

We send our condolences to his wife and family and friends.

The funeral will take place at the crematorium on Monday 5th November at 3.30 pm and afterwards at the Friends Meeting House. His wife would appreciate it if anyone who knew him woluld jolin her then.

Annual Carol Concert

This concert, given by the Singing for Pleasure group, will be held at St John's Church at 12.15 on Tuesday December 11th.

All members are welcome. There will be mince pies after the concert.

Coffee Mornings

Because of the above concert there will be no coffee morning on December 11th. There will be one on December 1th, which will be the last one before Christmas.
Normal service will be resumed in the New Year on January 8th.

2007-09-26T03:40:00.000-07:00

Brian Pike, Martha Perriam, and Jill Heal at the U3A 2007 Summer School in Cirencester

2007-08-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

Chamber Music

As well as Hazel Uren trying to set up a madrigal group, we also have Sylvia Allen trying to start a group to play light classical pieces. See her article in the summer newsletter

2007-08-15T03:25:00.000-07:00

Yet another new group.

New horizons are opening up for those who up to now have only expressed their musical talents by singing in the bath. Hazel Uren is trying to start another group devoted to the singing of madrigals, part-songs, rounds, and catches.

She has given details of this in an article she has written for our summer newsletter, where it can be found on page 26, amongst Group Reports. You can also see it by logging on to our web site http://www.u3aweston.org.uk/ and opening up the most recent newsletter page, Scroll down the newsletter until you find it.

Note. It has become necessary to remove our newsletters from our web site for the time being. They will be restored as soon as possible.

We wish Hazel success with her new group. You can telephone her on 01934 622982 for more information.

2007-08-15T01:55:00.000-07:00

A new Art Group

A new Art Group is being formed under the leadership of Elizabeth Ward. The first meeting is scheduled to take place at St Paul's Church Hall, Walliscote Road, from 2.00 to 4.00 pm on Tuesday 2nd October 2007.

Elizabeth invites you to join her on a journey discovering what you can do with watercolours, drawing with charcoal and chalk, together with mnany other mediums, or you can do your own inspirations and socialise with other people of like mind.

Contact her on 01934 820160. Do not delay as there is a limit to the number of members that can be accepted.

2007-08-12T02:04:00.000-07:00

U3A's National Office Publications.

The latest edition of Sources, U3A's educational journal, has just been published. If you are not already a subscriber this can be seen by going to our National Office's web site at www.u3a.org.uk and registering as a member. This is a simple procedure and only involves providing your e-mail address and a password. You will then be able to go to U3A publications in the members' area to see the current and back issues. These can be downloaded and printed out if required, If you wish you can become a subscriber.

U3A also have a Storytelling Network, whose co-ordinator is Stella Porter. If anyone in Weston U3A is interested in forming such a group she could probably be of help[.

2007-07-17T05:22:00.000-07:00

2007-07-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

Information and Enrolment Day

This important annual U3A Weston event will be held at St Paul's Church Hall. Walliscote Road on Friday 7th September from 2.00 to 4.00 pm. You do not need to re-enrol in any groups of which you are already a member.

2007-07-09T00:58:00.000-07:00

Table Tennis

David Hunt has provided us with the following information about his group that may be of interest to you.

We now have 32 members with an average turnout of 26 and can take on a few more now that we have four tables again. Everyone is welcome, from good players to novices. Even if you do not know how to hold the bat, coaching can be given. We are a family type group where there is as much laughing as playing - a really enjoyable morning.

Just turn up at 10 am on Monday mornings at the United Reform Church hall in the Boulevard opposite the Mercury office. All you need is a pair of trainer type shoes as everything else is provided.

David can be contacted by telephone on 635345

2007-06-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Do not forget!!!

The deadline for copy for the autumn newsletter is Tuesday 10th July.

2007-06-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

U3A Coffee morning.

Building work is taking place at our normal venue for our coffee mornings, the Friends' Meeting House, during the month of July.

They will therefore be relocated to St. Paul's Church, Walliscote Road (in the church, not the hall). They will be held at the usual time, 10.00 to 11.30 am. There will not be a bookstall at the church.

We will be back to normal at the Friends' Meeting House in August.

2007-06-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

U3A Walkng Groups

Both our Walking Groups have now published their programmes up to September.

You can see these by going to our web site www.u3aweston.org.uk and clicking on to the INF link againt the Walking Groups' entry on the Activities 3 page

2007-06-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

The Annual General Meeting

This took place as planned on the 6th June. A series of resolutions were passed which is hoped will bring the recent differences of opinion regarding the Travel Group to a satisfactory conclusion.

At the Extra-ordinary General Meeting that followed the AGM the new Constitution was duly adopted. This will now be in effect subject to confirmation by the Charity Commissionerts.

2007-05-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

Bradford-on-Avon Trip Friday 20th July.

We are pleased to report that the Bradford-on-Avon trip is now fully booked and can go ahead.

There are still some places available on the walking trip to Clifton on the afternoon of August 17th. Cost £6.50. Full details can be found in the Spring Newsletter

Ring Martha Perriam on 622255 for more information if needed.

2007-05-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

The new season of monthly lectures, held at St Paul's Church Hall, commencing at 2.15 pm, hjas begun. The following are the lectures planned to take place from May to December 2007.

May 11th Monmouth Rebellion John Rogan

June 8th Weston Geology Elizabeth Devon

September 14th Duchess of Devonshire Brian Pike

October 12th Body language- the truth Harry Witchell

November 9th Gunpowder Plot Ann Bowring

December 14th Dresden and Coventry -
destruction and reconciliation Martin Turner

2007-04-19T03:38:00.000-07:00

If you have lost your copy of our latest newsletter help is at hand. You can now read it on our web site.

There is a link to "Current Newsletter" on the left hand side of every page. Clicking on this will lead you to the first page of the newsletter. You can then scroll down to read all of it.

The only things missing are e-mail addresses. These have been removed for security reasons. If you are looking for these you will still have to find your paper copy.

Just to remind you the address of the site is www.u3aweston.org.uk
You can click on this to take you straight there.

2007-04-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

We would like to draw members' attention to the following items of news.

1.The national Third AgeTrust office is now fully functional again after their disastrous fire.

2.There are still some places at the Summer Schools.

3. Weston U3A membership now stands at 810. The quorum for an AGM is 20% so we really need you to come to the meeting on 6th June. You should shortly receive by post the notice for the meeting, together with the papers you will need.

4. The trustee now sending out notices is Hilary Chesters - 01934 417642.

5. Ken Marsh hopes to start a "World Religions" group. 01934 812330.

6. There are four day trips planned for members this summer to Wilton House, the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Bradford-on-Avon and Clifton (half day guided walk). Please see the newsletter for details and contacts.

2007-03-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

To anyone musical who might be interested.

The following message that has been sent to all U3A groups has reached us. If you would like to know more about the book please contact Norman Edwards at the addresses given.

Book ‘Questions of Music’ ISBN 978-1-84728-090-9

Hi I am in Malvern U3A and have recently self-published (through Lulu) a book called ‘Questions of music’ It comprises author’s background intro. - selling Beatles records etc into the Liverpool and North Wales dealers during the Beatles boom in the sixties, then 101 Classical CD recital programmes each with its own theme/subject matter and usually a simple anagram or word game involved, notes and/or anecdotes on the items and finally some valedictory musical musings -occasionally controversial.
It was designed to assist in the compiling of recital programmes, provide ideas for such and add some extra elements. The book can be accessed on the net - just google Lulu, enter ‘questions of music’ in the search box and scroll down on the blue invitations and you can see the entire 101 title programme index It comes in at 275 pages £12-50 but I am discounting it to UK U3A members at £11-00 including postage and packing.
I am sure this will be of interest to members who run music groups. I append my details below
Norman Edwards, 10, Priory Gdns., 34, Priory Rd. Malvern WR14 3DR

01684-565241 EM Normwag@btinternet.com. Book EM Normstra@hotmail.co.uk

2007-03-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dates for your Diary.

The following information has been taken from the Spring edition of our Newsletter (see below)

Fri 13th April April Lecture (Peenemunde and the V2)
St Paul's Church Hall. 2.15 pm

Fri 11th May May Lecture (The Monmouth Rebellion)
St Paul's Church Hall. 2.15 pm

Fri 18th May Words & Wit. Town Hall 2.15 pm

Tue 22nd May Day excursion to Wilton House & Gardens

Wed 6th June ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
St Paul's Church (not the Hall) 2.30 pm

Fri 8th June June Lecture (Weston's Journey from the Equator)
St Paul's Church Hall 2.15 pm

Fri 15th June Family History Open Afternoon
St Paul's Church Hall 2.15 pm

Fri 26th June Summer Concert
St Paul's Church Hall 2.30 pm

Wed 27 June Day excursion to National Botanical Gardens of Wales

Tue 10th July Copy deadline for next newsletter

Fri 20th July Day excursion to Bradford on Avon

Fri 17th Aug Half day excursion to Clifton

2007-03-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Watch out for our Spring Newsletter, just about to be published.

It is packed with information of interest to members, including advance information about our forthcoming Annual General Meeting, which is to be held at St Paul's Church at 2.30 pm on Wednesday 6th June. Members will be given proper notice of this meeting in due course, but there are things to be discussed of great importance to our Weston U3A and it vital that as many as possible attend. Do make a note of the date in your diary.

The issue also includes booking forms for some very interesting day trips that have been arranged, Space on these is bound to be limited. so the sooner you get your forms off the better.

You will also see a reminder that the annual subscription of £10 is due on the 1st April. Only paid up members will be allowed to vote at the AGM. Payments can be made at Tuesday coffee mornings or sent direct to our Membership Secretary. See the Newsletter for her address

Our thanks are once again due to Peter Watson for all his work in producing a splendid issue.

2007-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

We have managed to land a scoop! The following is a preview of our Secretary's report that is due to be published in our next newsletter. But those of you who look at this blog will already have seen it.

Secretary’s items for March 2007 newsletter

Equipment:

We have recently purchased a lapel microphone for use in any premises that already have a sound system, such as St. Paul’s Church Hall. It will be of benefit particularly to members with hearing aids and will be available to any group that needs it from Dave Tyler, 814351.

We now have quite a bit of kit available to groups including a screen, music centre, portable stereo CD system, 2 guillotines, GPS equipment, multi media projector, DVD/VCR Combi player, and the lapel mic. Names of the keepers of all of these are available from me or the Treasurer.

Committee changes: there have been quite a few lately.
That old stalwart Jack Donkin is Vice Chairman for the rest of this U3A year.
Our thanks to Diane Wetherell who has been sending welfare messages for the last 18 months. She has had to resign for personal reasons and Hilary Chesters will take over from her - 643412..
Graham Rain has been co-opted to the committee.

We are likely to lose Jo Godfrey soon. She has done sterling work with Public Relations (did you see the full page in the Mercury in January?) but is moving away from Weston. Thank you Jo - and is there anyone out there willing to take on the job?

Day Excursions: as you will see elsewhere in this newsletter, (when you get it! ) a small but dedicated group of members have got together to arrange some trips for us. Would anyone else like to arrange a day out later in the year that they think fellow members would enjoy? If so please contact me - details would need to go in the summer newsletter.

AGM notice - June 6th at St. Paul’s Church, Walliscote Road. (NB the church itself where there is an excellent sound system and seating for 300!)

2006-12-14T03:18:00.000-08:00

We wish all U3A Weston members and their families a very Happy Christmas and New Year

2006-11-24T02:02:00.000-08:00

U3A Weston Committee

We are pleased to announce that Jack Donkin has agreed to act as Vice-Chairman until the next Annual General Meeting. As an ex-Chairman, Jack will be able to make a valuable contribution to the committee's work.

Active steps are being taken to find a suitable person to take over this role after the AGM

2006-11-23T04:52:00.000-08:00

The following was intended for the Newsletter but it was not in the current issue. We are publishing it at the request of Tim Shapley.

ETHICAL ISSUES DISCUSSION GROUP

Every day, each one of us makes decisions, and many of them are based on our own personal ethical code and set of values. When you think about it, ethics comes into so much that affects us, our families, and our contacts.

Our group meets fortnightly to discuss relevant matters, some of which have arisen since the previous meeting and are very topical. For example, at a recent meeting we discussed the controversy over the wearing of the veil and the cross, Madonna's adoption of a boy from Malawi, and the sales of arms by our government to Saudi Arabia, China, and Burma. Previously, we had several times discussed the pros and cons of the government's Private Finance Initiative and its ramifications for our schools and hospitals. Members can and do raise any subject they wish.

We can accommodate a few more people with opinions, so if on reading this piece it appeals to you, do come to try us - vent your feelings to us rather than shouting at the television. We can get quite worked up, but blows are never exchanged!
Our meetings are held on Friday mornings (Week A) from 10:30 to 12:30 in a small hall in Oldmixon. If you're interested do give me a call on 642313.

Tim Shapley

2006-11-23T03:43:00.000-08:00

Pauline Hobday

We are very sorry to learn of the sudden death of Pauline Hobday, who used to run the Sunday Lunch group. We extend our sympathy and condolences to her family and friends

2006-11-18T02:27:00.000-08:00

Our Winter newsletter has just been published. Make sure you read. it as it is a splendid edition. The ediror has asked us to publish the following:

ERRATUM

U3A Weston Newsletter Winter 2006
Issue 32 Page 11

September Lecture Report

Granville Bartock should read Granville Bantock.

Your Editor apologises to all music lovers in general and Roger Tripp in particular! :

2006-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to let everyone know that our website is now operative again after having had some problems during our recent enforced change of server. There are one or two minor matters connected with information links on the Activities pages still to be sorted out but hopefully I will be able to do this in the next few days.

I sent a circular inviting group leaders to provide me with information about their groups so this could be published. A few have responded but a disappointing number have not.

Once again I would like to express my grateful thanks to Gordon Grice for the invaluable technical assistance he has given me over the past few days.

Tom Grundon

2006-11-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

Our web site www.u3aweston.org.uk

Our web site is at the moment in the midst of changing servers as the one we have been using up to now is going out of business.

You may experience some difficulty in getting on to it or using the link buttons to get to different pages. I am working hard with the new servers, Neptune, who are being very helpful, and between us we hope to get it all sorted out in the next few days.

Meanwhile please bear with us and accept my apologies if the service is not what you expect.

Tom Grundon

2006-10-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

Amendments to our Constitution and suspension of Travel Group

For an up-to-date report on the current situation regarding the above matter see the winter edition of our newsletter.

2006-10-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

We are very sorry to have to inform members that Doreen Phipps, who took over the Chair of U3A Weston following the recent Annual General Meeting, has had to relinquish the post for health reasons. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Roy Comer has taken over as Chairman until the next AGM.

2006-09-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

Visit to the CCTV Room in Weston-super-Mare

Arrangements have been made for a group of members of U3A Weston to visit the CCTV room.

The trip will take place on Tuesday the 24th of October. It will commence at 1.45pm and take approximately 2 hours .The cost will be £1.50.

Participants will meet in front of the Town Hall and proceed to the CCTV room where they will be able to observe the operation and ask questions.

Afternoon tea will then be provided close by and that will be followed by a short talk on Distraction Burglary or a similar subject, again with the opportunity to ask questions.

Numbers are limited to 20 because of the size of the CCTV room.

Jo Godfrey will be available at coffee mornings for the purchase of tickets, or ring 622113.

2006-09-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

Treasure Hunt

We regret to inform members that, due to lack of support, the Treasure Hunt that had been planned to take place on the 10th September has been cancelled.

2006-08-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

Eddie Day

We regret to inform members that Eddie Day, the leader of our Badminton Group, has died. We send our condolences to his family and friends, particularly those in the Badminton Group.

We do not yet know who will take over the Group, or even if it will continue to function after the sad loss of Eddie, but decisions on these matters will no doubt be taken shortly.

2006-08-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

TREASURE HUNT

Another Car Treasure Hunt has been arranged for this year.
It will be held on Sunday 10th September and will start from the Commodore
Hotel car park between 2.00 and 2.30 pm. It will finish at the Commodore for tea at approximately 4.00 pm.
The idea is to find all the right answers in the least mileage round about
Weston-super-Mare. Martha Perriam, the organiser, has promised that it will not be very difficult or strenuous, and she says that grandchildren and friends will be welcome. In fact grandchildren might be essential as they will probably be the best navigators!
The cost will be £5 per car.
Please let Martha know before the September 3rd if you would like to join in.
Her telephone number is 622255

2006-07-30T01:47:00.000-07:00

The following is published at the request of Peter Watson, the Newsleter editor:

NEWSLETTER ERRATA

The following group reports were accidentally omitted from our Summer Newsletter. Apologies to Tim and Lindsay. Ed.

ETHICAL ISSUES GROUP

Every day, each one of us makes decisions, and many of them
are based on our own personal ethical code and set of values.
When you think about it, ethics comes into so much that affects
each one of us, our families, friends, and all our contacts.
Our group meets fortnightly to discuss relevant matters, some
of which have arisen since the previous meeting and are very topical.
For example, at the last meeting in May, we discussed
the new Education Bill and its potential effects on our schools,
particularly the pros and cons of the Private Finance Initiative
(PFI), and went on to the ramifications of PFI in relation to our
much discussed health service. We then went on to Bristol's slave
trade and whether or not that city should do as Liverpool
has done and apologise for its part in that ghastly affair, but,
after considering all the factors, decided against.
We could accommodate a few more people with opinions,
so if on reading this piece it appeals to you do come to join us ,
vent your feelings to us rather than shouting at your television
screen! We can get quite worked up, but blows are never
exchanged.
The first meeting of our new session will be on Friday morning
15 September in a small hall in Oldmixon. If you're interested do
give me a call for details.

Tim Shapley 642313

FLOWER ARRANGING GROUP

The group began in January 2006 and meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1-3 pm in the Carlton Centre on Carlton road. We have 14 people registered for the class and usually 10 attend. The facilities in the centre are good. We are provided with large tables, running water and a rubbish bin - all necessary prerequisites for a successful Flower Arranging class. When we began only two people had been to similar classes in the past and so everyone was a beginner. We started with the basic designs of traditional flower design and a couple of more modern ideas. I buy the basic materials of oasis foam, plastic dishes and florists tape in bulk and this reduces the cost for members. We use garden material, especially foliage, if we can and members are very generous in sharing what they bring. A mixed bunch of flowers from the supermarket forms the bulk of our flower material, though as members get more proficient I have noticed that they are more discriminating in what they buy. They are developing a good eye for what grows in their neighbours’ gardens, along the roads and in the supermarket car parks! They are also developing a good knowledge of plant material and how it can be used.
We try and celebrate festivals as they come round and made an arrangement for Valentine’s day incorporating a candle and one for St Patrick’s day using only green plant material. Earlier in the summer we tried making buttonholes and corsages. This involved learning how to wire leaves and flowers and how to tape stems. The results were very impressive. A Victorian posy was also a challenge but everyone was pleased with the results even if the paper doyleys we used did disintegrate. Our classes ended with an imposed class. This means I give everyone the same container, oasis, flowers and foliage. They have to make a design using all of the material but they could chose the style. We ended up with 10 different but equally rewarding arrangements.
All the members have developed their skills and soon I hope to see that they can cut their stems short, even of the most expensive roses, without a shudder ! I hope they will soon feel confident to enter some of the local flower shows because the titles of the classes make you use your imagination. At Bleadon Spring Flower Show both teacher and taught won first prizes. Everyone asked to continue the class so I have planned the following

September 19
Table decoration for a special occasion
September 26
Using a candle cup
October 3
Bags, bowls, baskets and boxes
October 10
Pot et Fleur
October 17/24
No class
October 31
Autumn landscape
November 7
Ikebana
November 14
Door hanging
November 21
Topiary tree

November 28
Advent ring
December 5
Wreaths
December 12
Decorations for presents
December 19
Table/mantle/windowsill decorations

If you want an arrangement for a special occasion do contact us, we charge only for the flowers.
Lindsay Ireland 420851

Note from Tom Grundon. Lindsay's copy had the above information beautifully laid out in a table. I am sorry to say that I have not yet worked out how to transfer this to a blog, but I am working on it. In the meantime the information you need should all be there.

2006-07-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

CANADIAN WILDLIFE
A few holiday snaps for you all. In sequence they show an elk, bears in the wild (yes I know they're fuzzy but you'd shake too if you met these on your walk), me with sherpa having conquered 5000ft Tunnel Mountain near Banff, and a ground squirrel thingy.

2006-05-25T03:16:00.000-07:00

Speakers Contest.
This event, organised by Keith Anderson.
took place at the Town Hall on the 5th May
The winners were:
1st Martha Perriam (Anderson Trophy)
2nd Hilary Chesters (Trevitt Trophy)
3rd Roger Tripp (Lickfold Cup)
Our congratulations to all three and to Keith.

You will find a more detailed report on this

event on the "Latest News" page

on our web site.

A postscript to the above.

Following the AGM that took place on the 9th June.

Keith Anderson presented the winners with their

cups. The Anderson Trophy can only be described

as enormous. It comes with a very large wooden

cabinet. Martha Perriam was last seen hauling this along

on a trolley. Any aspiring member hoping to win this

event next year who does not already have a very

large house is recommended to start looking for one now.

2006-05-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Digital TV developments

One of out U3A members. Jack Luxon, has written a very informative article on this subject and it is reproduced below. If you find it too long to read on screen we suggest that you highlight and copy it. You can then paste it into a Word document and print it out. At the same time you can if you wish increase the size of the print to make it easier to read. (If you do not know how to do any of these things you should perhaps be a member of our Computer Group!)

Times they are a changing.

Anyone who has recently visited a shop dealing in Television and associated equipment can’t have failed to notice that there is quite a lot which is unfamiliar. We are also reminded, when watching, how things are about to change with the forthcoming changeover to digital. Television equipment has become much more reliable over the past few years to the extent that the TV repair man is a virtually extinct species, and when the box in the corner of the room suddenly gives up the ghost many are inclined to think that it’s about time for a new model. There are many silver tongued salespersons ready to make sure that we part with as much money as they can persuade us to, and it is quite likely some of us may spend more than we intended, on goodies we don’t really need. The following will hopefully serve as a guide as to what is happening out there.

Changeover.
It is anticipated that in 2009 analogue TV transmission from the Mendip transmitter will cease. Already Mendip transmits digital TV which will continue after analogue stops. To watch these transmissions the digital signals must pass through a decoder which is currently referred to as a ‘Freeview’ set-top box. This is a bit of a misnomer as new TVs have so little depth that the only thing likely to sit on the top safely is dust. Unfortunately any existing Video tape or DVD recorders also record from the, soon to disappear, analogue signal, so for these to continue to work each will require its own set-top box if one wishes to record a programme other than the one which is being watched. The set-top box with the TV can sometimes be connected to a recorder, but is only useful for recording when not viewing.
It is also possible to receive digital signals from the Sky satellite. Instead of a set-top box one must obtain a Sky decoder coupled to a satellite dish. Normally this will be included in a package which involves paying a subscription to Rupert Murdoch, however it seems that he has reluctantly agreed to waive the subscription if only what are referred to as ‘Free to Air’ channels are required. The package costs £150 to include decoder, dish and installation. The channels are the ones normally available through Freeview plus a couple more including Classic FM radio. Sky would be attractive to those who are unable to receive Freeview from the Mendip transmitter. Again the satellite decoder can be connected to a recorder, but this is only useful to record when not viewing.
Digital signals are available through Cable, however this is not widely available in this area. Any restrictions would be the same as with Rupert’s Sky system.
At this point it is worth bearing in mind that digital broadcasts are in wide screen format, wide screen TVs do not display genuine ‘wide screen’ unless using a cable, satellite or ‘Freeview’ decoder.

What’s new?
The Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) is being dropped when it comes to family sized TV sets, few will be seen in the showrooms, they have been replaced by those with Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Plasma type screens. Invariably wide screen, but with very little front to rear depth such that, in some cases, they can be hung on the wall like a picture. Pundits are saying that provided one does not require a screen size in excess of 32in the CRT gives the better picture, but of course there are not so many of these available. It is said that LCD is preferable for screen sizes up to 40in, those wishing for a larger screen should opt for Plasma. It seems that LCD has a longer life than Plasma and is also more rugged. Both LCD and Plasma sets can be obtained with a built in Freeview tuner which saves having to have a separate set-top box (this is known as an integrated set). Recordings can be made from the tuner to a suitably connected VCR or DVDR, but only the programme being displayed will be recorded, also the TV has to be left switched on to enable recording to take place.
High Definition (HD) is the new technology everyone is expected to go for. Back in 1964 BBC2 was launched using a line standard of 625 compared with existing 405. 625 gave a clearer picture and was quickly adopted as the standard for all TV channels. HD has a line standard of 720 so one can expect even clearer pictures, however before going for a ‘HD Ready’ TV one should bear in mind that HD is only being transmitted by Sky starting Feb 06. Not all programmes are made in HD, a different ‘HD Ready’ Sky box will be required and will come as part of the package. It is unlikely that any HD will be made available on the ‘Free to Air’ channels so a subscription will be required. Freeview have no plans to broadcast HD until after the analogue system has been ended. At that time a different Freeeview box will be required capable of decoding HD. Some HD ready sets are integrated, i.e. contain an inbuilt Freeview tuner, however this does not mean that they will be capable of receiving HD broadcasts when Freeview eventually transmits in HD. The inbuilt tuner simply decodes non-HD signals. HD sets will invariably be fitted with special inputs such that other HD equipment can be hooked up, new HD resolution DVD players will come on the market for playing DVDs which have been recorded in the HD format. Most of these LCD or Plasma TVs are mounted on a small pedestal in order that the set can be put on a small table, of course if one needs space for Sky box, Freeview box, PVR, DVDR etc which are usually positioned underneath the TV, the salesperson will be only to happy to sell a proper stand which will accommodate these items.
The quality of picture of these new TVs can be roughly equated to a set of numbers indicating resolution, contrast ratio and brightness. The larger the numbers, the better the picture and also invariably, the higher the number behind the £ sign. It is of course possible to assess picture quality in a showroom, sound is a different matter, some of the bigger sets even come without loudspeakers, one is expected to add on a separate sound system. It is always useful to have a TV with a headphone socket, especially if the speakers remain connected when the headphones are in use.

Recording. Video tape is on the way out and being replaced by DVD, DVD recorders are available but only the ones with an inbuilt Freeview tuner (integrated) will be of use after changeover unless connected to the Sky or Set-top box, and then will only record the channel the box is set to, the one that is being watched. To use one of the analogue VCR or DVDR after changeover to record a different channel to the one being watched, the recorder will need to be connected to its own set-top box. These can be obtained which are able to be programmed to change channels in conjunction with the recorder programme sequence. Some integrated DVDRs come with an inbuilt computer type disc drive, this is useful as one can record on to this disc rather than removable discs provided one is happy to delete the programme after watching. A variation on this has recently been introduced known as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR). Some of these have two inbuilt Freeview tuners plus a computer type disc which enables one to a) record one channel while watching another, b) record two different channels simultaneously while watching a previously recorded programme(!). The disc size usually enables one to record 80 hours worth of programmes. Of course this is of no use if one wants to lend what has been recorded to the people next door, or if one wants to keep the recording for playing again in the future.

The technology is changing rapidly as are prices. Invariably equipment is becoming less expensive, DVD players are available for £25.00 yet when first launched were £200. It would seem that if what you have got is working OK keep it until you are forced to change by the ending of analogue, in the mean time don’t buy any recording equipment that relies on the analogue signal.

2006-05-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

This is to advise anyone who might be interested that having had a few days away receiving treatment at the Bristol Royal Infirmary I am now back home.

This means that if there are any postings you wish to make on our blog or on our web site I am once more available to do them. I would like to thank U3A Weston for having bothered to send me a get well card.

Tom Grundon

2006-05-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

Postings to our blog and web site

As I will not be available to place postings on either our blog or our web site for a while, I would be grateful if Peter Watson could be informed if any are required. He will be able to make the necessary arrangements.

Tom Grundon

2006-05-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

A SORRY SITE
Knightstone last weekend. End of an era. New apartments scheduled for completion Spring 2007. Don't hold your breath folks.

2006-04-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

Weston U3A Speaking Contest

Friday 5 May at the Town Hall (10.00 am)

Round 1 Speak for two minutes on

"What I would like to change about Weston”

Round 2 (Qualifiers)

Speak for five minutes on

“What I enjoy about the U3A”

All Weston U3A members are invited to have a try.

No previous experience needed.

Read a prepared statement if you wish

.If you only want to be in the audienceyou will still be welcome

2006-04-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Annual General Meeting

This will take place on Friday 9 June 2006

at St Paul's Church, Waddiscote Road

commencing at 4 pm following the monthly lecture.

(Tea will be served at 3.30 pm)

2006-03-25T00:47:00.000-08:00

Can we start a new book club?

Not all of you may have seen the latest edition of our newsletter, just published. Once again we are indebted to Peter Watson for all the work he puts into this. It seems to improve with every edition.

It contains a contribution from Jill Heal that makes interesting reading. In case you miss it, it is reproduced below.

The Book Club has been successfully running for about four years now and we enjoy meeting once a month to discuss the book which we have all read during the preceding weeks. We read a wide variety of books – from Jane Austen to the most up-to-date authors from the Booker List – and have very lively discussions about what we have read.
The group is quite small, only eight members, but we find that this is an ideal number. If it were any larger we could not meet in my sitting room and also it would become more difficult to express one’s opinion. I have been very sorry not to be able to accommodate more people who would like to have joined the group. I am sure that the U3A is large enough to allow for another reading group. Is there anyone out there who would like to lead a second group? It is really not at all onerous, especially now that the library has a special service whereby one can order eight books at a time and keep them for two months. I can also supply a list of books we have read so far if anyone is interested. It would be nice to have a sister group: we could all meet up once in a while and have a literary chat!

Jill Heal 625653

2006-03-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

Somerset U3A Music Weekend - 2nd and 3rd September - in Wells.

Julian Williamson will lecture on Mozart and concerts will be held in the Cathedral School Concert Hall.

Book early, these weekends have been very popular in the past.

davidnasmyth@beeb.net

U3A Folk Dance Weeks are held at Halsway Manor in the Quantocks. 5th-9th June and 4th-8th September. The U3A folk dance co-ordinator is Roy Phillips on 01225 420673.

2006-02-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

THE WESTON U3A LECTURES.

Dec 2005 to June 2006

At St. Paul's Church Hall, Walliscote Road, WSM

WSM Members and guests 50p.

On second Fridays of the month, at 2.00 for 2.30pm

Full details can be found in the newsletter

or on our web site - www.u3aweston.org.uk

(See Latest News page)

2006-02-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

Help is at hand

From time to time, as the leader of our computer group, I am asked if we can provide tuition to members new to computing. Unfortunately, we cannot do so, as we do not have access to computers at our regular fortnightly meetings. To be able to obtain any benefits from being one of the group it is necessary to have at least a basic knowledge of the subject.

However, all is not lost. There are several places in our area where help can be found. One of these is Weston College at Worle, located at 167 High Street opposite Summerfields supermarket)

They provide free three levels of training, the first being City and Guils Course No, 4248 aimed at beginners. There is no actual class, but participants follow the workbooks provided at their own workstation. The course takes 30 hours ( 4 hours a week). We have had very good reports from several people who have taken advantage of the facilities offered.

Having mastered the basics, two further courses are available. Information can be obtained by ringing 01934 411715.

Tom Grundon

2006-02-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

Postings for this blog are coming in thick and fast. Our Secretary has just provided us with the following:

The Third Age Trust has advised me that it proposes to launch a new tutored online course in February by Jean Thompson on "Discovering the Russian Soul" and another by Horace Farquar-Smith in March on "Making your own web site". They are also re-running 5 other tutored courses in February. This will bring the total of tutored and untutored online courses from the UK and Australia to 24. The Third Age Trust website is at www.u3a.org.uk

They also advise me that the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre can offer a wide range of independent free advice on how to make your home more energy efficient. Freephone number - 0800512012.
MP

2006-02-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

It's that lady again! After reading the item posted yesterday, Pat Hase has sent us the following message:

I'm giving a talk at the BBC event in Saturday but it isn't being broadcast, however the other two will probably be interviewed. Full details of the day on
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/articles/2006/02/01/historyday_feature.shtml

If you click on to the link that Pat has provided you will find not only information about Saturday's event, but also other useful bits about Radio Bristol.

2006-02-09T02:20:00.000-08:00

Pat Hase, who you will have read about in the previous posting, has just supplied us with the following useful information.

THE TIMES DIGITAL ARCHIVE

Many Weston U3A Members are members of the local library - Did you know that you can access the Times Digital Archive 1785-1985 from home using your library barcode number?

Simply enter the North Somerset Library site

http://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/enjoying/libraries/index.asp

On the left hand side click on Resources, and once there, follow the link found in the last sentence of the third paragraph.

It's very easy to use and it's surprising what you can find out - there's even a letter from Yehudi Menuhin concerning the U3A in 1983.

2006-02-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

STOP PRESS

The fame of our Family History Group Leader is spreading fast. Did you hear her on Radio Bristol on February 6th? She was taking part in a national promotion for the BBC’s Family History Day in support of their very successful programme “Who do you think you are?” She gave a short talk and then answered phone-in questions. What a brave and clever lady!

Next Saturday, the 11th February, she is making another broadcast from the City of Bristol College, supported by members of our Family History Group, some time between 10 and 12 noon. Dave Tyler and Mike Weller are also going to be interviewed.

I do hope members read this message in time to hear them all.

Martha Perriam.

2006-02-03T05:19:00.000-08:00

Stand up and be counted

This blog (or web log) was set up some months ago after a meeting of group leaders during which most of those present said they thought it would be a good idea to have one. It was never intended to replace our newsletter (nothing can do that) but it was intended to be a means by which information could be passed on to U3A members on a day-to-day basis.

Since it has been established it has received little support, although it is gratifying to see that Pat Hase made a useful contribution during last month and she may be doing the same in the future.

It is not known how many members of Weston U3A have computers and therefore access to this blog. It would be very helpful to find out if anyone does occasionally look at the site. If you are reading this you are obviously doing so. I would be most grateful if you would send me an e-mail (my address is nodnurg@aol.com) with any comments you may have and letting me know if you think it is worthwhile continuing with the blog.

At the same time it would be nice to know if you ever look at our web site. The address of this is www.u3aweston.org.uk

Tom Grundon

2006-01-17T02:11:00.000-08:00

Calling all Family Historians.

Each day something else gets put on the Internet which can help make our research easier. I will start with those sites which do not incur any cost.

Did you know that there was a Family History Society in Weston?
www.wsmfhs.org.uk Many of the members are also members of the U3A Family History Group.

Other areas have their own societies and links can be found on www.ffhs.org.uk the Federation of Family History Societies

Most of us are old enough to have grandparents who were alive when the census was taken on the 3rd of April 1881 - if so you can probably find them at home with their parents on

www.familysearch.org

This is the site run by the Church of the Latter Day Saints and on it - you can search (amongst other things) the 1881 census for your ancestors.
If anyone has difficulty using this site please email me and I'll explain.

Pat

2005-12-31T02:15:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year to all

2005-12-29T01:28:00.000-08:00

The Open University

The Open University has come a long way since Harold Wilson founded it in the 1960s and most of us probably have pretty outdated ideas about what it has to offer. Contact has been made recently between Weston U3A and the OU South West Office and we shall be able to display brochures and leaflets at Coffee Mornings in 2006.

There is a wide selection of undergraduate, postgraduate and short programmes now available. “Openings” are designed for students who may not have experience of Higher Education and come in a range of subjects from science and maths to arts and social sciences. They can take up to 20 weeks’ study and students have their own tutor with whom they communicate by telephone. These courses build skills that are later required for degree studies. The “Short Science” courses cover discrete scientific topics that can be studied as one-offs or as tasters before embarking on longer courses or degrees.

Both of these types of short course are FREE to anyone in receipt of certain benefits, but not automatically to pensioners - shame about that.

The OU website is www.open.ac.uk
MP

2005-12-11T03:15:00.000-08:00

A very Happy Christmas to all members of Weston-super-Mare U3A

2005-12-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

NEWSLETTER ERRATUM

The editor wishes to apologise for inadvertently omitting the following activity from the latest newsletter:

COME SINGING FOR PLEASURE, meeting weekly on Tuesday afternoons. Group leader Kathie Savage 627467.

2005-12-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Does it give you problems?

Our web site has been set up to be viewed at 1024 x 768 pixels.

It would be interesting to know at what resolution most members use when looking at the site. I would appreciate an e-mail sent to me at nodnurg@aol.com giving me this information. If you are not sure what resolution you are using you can find this by clicking on

Start - Settings - Control Panel - Display - Settings

The resolution can then be seen at the bottom left hand corner.

If a a result of this exercise we find that the majority of members are using a lower resolution than that set in our web site consideration will be given to changing it.

Tom Grundon

2005-11-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

U3A Trust

If anyone has tried unsuccessfully to open up the U3A Trust web site over the past few days by using the link provided in our Web pages, don't blame it on us!

Unfortunately U3A Trust has had a major problem with its site and it has been inaccessible. They are working on it and hope to have it up and running again very shortly.

In the meantime our own Web site has had a few updates made to it.

You can still find it at

www.u3aweston.org.uk

2005-11-09T02:05:00.000-08:00

Web site corrections.

I am delighted to find that at least one person has looked at our new web site and has bothered to e-mail me to point out my mistakes. The person concerned was our Newsletter Editor, Peter Watson, and nothing ever gets by him!

He drew my attention to the fact that I had got the Chairman's e-mail address wrong, and that also the Membership Secretary's telephone number was a digit out. Both of these errors have been corrected.

If anyone else spots any other glaring errors, do please let me know. My e-mail address is still nodnurg@aol,com

Tom Grundon

2005-11-06T04:09:00.000-08:00

NEWSLETTER COPY DEADLINE

Last minute reminder: copy deadline for next Weston U3A newsletter is Tuesday 8 November. Your editor will be present at Coffee Morning to receive contributions, or you can email them to me at petaud.watson@virgin.net. Stop press items may, repeat may, be accepted up to the following weekend. Digital photographs relevant to U3A also considered for inclusion.

2005-10-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

Our web site updated

This is a postscript to the last message. If any of you did have a look at the site you might like to know that it has been modified during the last week. You can still find it at

www.u3aweston.org.uk

Comments and suggestions are still welcome.

Tom Grundon

2005-10-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

We have a web site!

As promised, we now have our own web site. You can log on to it at the following address

www.u3aweston.org.uk

If your normal browser does not open it, try Internet Explorer or Firefox.

At the request of your committee the site has been kept quite simple. It has also been produced in quite large type for the benefit of those whose eyesight is not quite what it was. I would like to express my thanks to Gordon Grice. of the Weston Computer Club, for his considerable help in getting this site on line. He is not to blame for its contents!

There are a few blemishes still to be ironed out but it is hoped these will be dealt with as soon as possible.

Your comments on the site would be appreciated. You can e-mail me on
nodnurg@aol.com or phone me at 01934 612995.

If you choose e-mail, don't forget there are two "b's" in "rubbish".

Tom Grundon

2005-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

Weston-super-Mare U3A Web site.

We hope it will not be too long before you have your own web site. It will not be a very elaborate affair, as your committee has asked for it to be kept simple. I was glad to hear that as I do simple! I have had considerable assistance in getting this far from Gordon Grice, a member of the Weston Computer Club.

We have a domain name and space is booked on the web. The web site has been drafted and as soon as I have mastered the intricacies of getting it on to the web it will be available for all to see. Watch this space.

There will a page devoted to pictures from members. They can be of your group or its activities, or even pictures of Weston-super-Mare and its surroundings.

If you have anything you think suitable, please send it to me by e-mail, preferably in jpeg format. My e-mail address is nodnurg@aol.com. Don't forget to give me your name and brief information about the picture

Alternatively, you can drop your pictures in when you visit the coffee mornings.
Naturally, we cannot accept any pictures that are copyright.

2005-10-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

GOING, GOING, GONE...
Tom suggests I should show you my photo of Knightstone Island before the developers move in!

2005-10-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Just a few of our opera buffs enjoying our recent trip to the Millenium Theatre at Cardiff. The rest of the party was heading for the bar. Thanks as usual to Jeff for his seamless organisation.

2005-10-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

TONY MALIM

Members will be sad to hear of the death of Tony Malim after a long illness. Tony had been a member of U3A since 1997 and used to take our psychology group. We send our condolences to his family and friends.

2005-09-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

EXTRA GREEN WALK WEDS 26 OCTOBER

Alan Purnell (417077) has kindly agreed to take over the leadership of this easy walk in the unavoidable absence of Peter and Audrey (U3A business). Meet as scheduled in lane outside Crown Inn at Churchill. Turn off A368 at Nelson Arms.

2005-09-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

BETTER LATE

The following lecture report was accidentally omitted from the current newsletter. Humble apologies to Tim. Another editorial senior moment I'm afraid.

MARCH - Reconnecting the Public with Agriculture

Our speaker was Patrick Holden CBE, Director of the Soil Association, who in 1973 became a full-time organic farmer on a 240 acre mixed dairy farm in West Wales, which he now owns and continues to farm. He helped to establish some of the marketing initiatives for organic dairy products and vegetables in the early eighties, was a founder and the first chair of British Organic Farmers, and he served on the board of the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Suppliers between 1987 and 1999.
He told us how the Soil Association was conceived and born in the 1950s by Lady Eve Balfour, who was dedicated to eating and then supplying food that had not been contaminated by man. Since then, the organization has had considerable influence over food and farming policy, both at government level and with the public through its high media profile.
He went into the chemistry of the soil, the marketing of the products today, and the ramifications of entry into the market by the supermarkets, which regulate prices and are always seeking to reduce the price to the suppliers. That, coupled to the government's policy until recently, of paying a much lower subsidy to organic farmers than to non-organic farmers, had resulted in artificially high prices on the shelves. Fortunately, the situation is improving, and with more farms being converted should get even better.
Questions were lively and many, and I do think could have gone on far longer.Co-incidentally, when I got home there was an email telling me that Somerset Local Food Direct was to start operating in Weston on 8 April. Those interested should visit its web site - www.sfmdirect.co.uk, where you will see sections for meat, poultry, fish, groceries, fruit & vegetables, and many other categories.
As a long-time convert to organics, may I wish you happier eating and better health.

Tim Shapley

2005-09-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

The Weston U3A Lectures

October - December 2005

At St Paul's Church Hall, Walliscote Road, WSM

Members and Visitors 50p.

On second Fridays of the month,

at 2.00 for 2.30 pm.

Oct. 14th

BRIAN HEATON and PAUL UPTON. "English

Traditional Song and Dance". Brian served on the

teaching staff of the English Folk Dance and Song

Society and with Paul will sing and play folk songs

from Somerset and demonstrate early ritual dancing

through to social country dances.

(Chair: Charles Havill)

Nov. 11th

JOHN ANGUS: "Mountain Rescue in Somerset and

Avon". John was at one time chair of the voluntary team

of local rescuers and will talk about his experiences.

(Chair: Peter Watson)

Dec. 9th

NICK GALLEGOS. "The Modern NHS". Nick is a

consultant general surgeon at Weston General Hospital

and will give us his own take on developments in our local

health service.

(Chair: Pat Hase)

2005-08-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

Anybody interested out there?

This blog (or weblog) was set up after the Group Leaders Meeting held in July, when the majority of those attending supported the idea of one being started.

I appreciate that we are now in the holiday season and that Weston U3A will not really get started until September and will probably not be in full swing until after the Information and Enrolment Meeting to be held at the Friends Meeting House from 10-12 noon on Tuesday 13th September.

However, I am anxious to know if anyone does have a look at the site from time to time, and if so, if they have any comments or suggestions to make that would improve it.

You can e-mail me at nodnurg@aol.com. I am sorry if any of you think that this is an odd address. It dates back to the time when it was considered unwise to use your actual name, and it is so well known to my contacts that I don't want to change it. I found out recently that nodnurg is also used by some-one else of the same name - not a member of my immediate family.

Tom Grundon

2005-08-07T01:40:00.000-07:00

It's for the birds!

We do not have a bird watchers group in Weston U3A, although I am sure it is a subject that Pearl Crompton's new natural history group takes in its stride. Talking of striding, I expect our walkers come across quite a few birds on their outings.

I expect many of you are members of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Their quarterly magazine is well worth the cost of the subscription on its own. As you are reading this you must have access to the Web. The RSPB has its own website at www.rspb.org.uk that I would like to recommend to you.

Members can also sign up to see a wonderful collection of pictures to be found at www.rspb-images.com The pictures can be purchased but you do not have to place an order. If anyone does take my advice to look at the site, I would like to know what you think about it, and also if you want to see our blog used to pass on information of this nature.

Tom Grundon

2005-07-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

This is to welcome anyone logging on to the U3A blog for the first time after having read about it in the Newsletter.

You can see all the postings made so far by scrolling down the page or you can open up any item by clicking on to its title in the list "Previous" to be seen at the right. As the blog only started in July, all postings are listed, but after a while the earlier ones will be archived. They can then still be found by clicking on to the appropriate month.

This is a reminder that if you would like a posting to be done for you, you can send it to me by e-mail to nodnurg@aol.com.

Remember to log on to the blog regularly so that you can see if there are any messages that concern you.

Tom Grundon

2005-07-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

Computer Group 2004

2005-07-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

This is the chateau in Arc-en-Barrois where the U3A party stayed in June 2005

2005-07-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

2005-07-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

NEWSLETTER OVERFLOW

The following group reports from Hilary Semmens unfortunately just missed our copy deadline, but thanks to the miracle of modern communications here they are now:

READING FOR PLEASURE
This group went into hibernation for the summer but will be resuming on Monday September 12th. Old hands will know that we are an open friendly bunch, all keen readers. We all take turns to introduce a book we have enjoyed and want to recommend to the others. This leads to considering a wide variety of books, old and new, classic, literary and genre, and we often find that a book it would never have occurred to us to pick up turns out to be a door into a new and wonderful world; at the morning's close presenters often find themselves with a queue of people wanting to borrow their book.
Some of us like to take the full two hours (less coffee time) on our books. Others feel happier with an hour and then we have two members presenting a book each. Obviously the bigger the group the less often the task comes round. New members would be welcome; we have lost a few to removals, care of grandchildren and so forth. I do have room and we love to make new friends.

WRITING FOR PLEASURE
This year more of the members of this group have entered the Arts Festival Short Story Competition, and if the reception they give to each other's work is anything to go on, the judges should be impressed. Personally I am proud of what they do.
Some of us have been achieving a measure of success with our stories, others have more modest goals, to learn to write a more interesting letter, a clearer report to a committee or to leave an account of ourselves for our grandchildren. But all of us are developing confidence and fluency in putting on paper what we want to say. Listening to each other every session is a really enjoyable experience. Everyone has a tale to tell and the more we write, the more in tune with our readers we get and the better we tell it.
The essence of the U3A, as I see it, is communicating to each other the skills we have acquired in our lifetime, sharing the benefits of experience. We in the writing group are improving our written communication skills. When we succeed, as from time to time we all do, in making each other share our discoveries, laugh with our laughter, quake with our fears or weep with our tears, it is a feeling beyond price.
PS. I've had some very kind feedback on my own book from U3A members elsewhere in the country, by the way.
Hilary Semmens

2005-07-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

2005-07-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

U3A Diaries Available!

Diaries for 2006 have arrived and will be on sale at coffee mornings and at the Information and Enrolment meeting being held at the Friends' Meeting House from 10 am till noon on Tuesday 13th September.

They are a bargain at £2 each. First come, first served!

2005-07-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

Editor Calling!
Your newsletter editor has joined this blog. Watch this space for late news, competition results, and general trivia. Even the occasional candid camera shot. Be afraid, be very afraid.

2005-07-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

Your very first blog!

Martha Perriam, your Secretary, has provided the following contribution to get you all going!

I wonder whether this could be set to music and become the U3A theme song?

There was an old lady of Frome
Who kept fifty sheep in her room
When her friends asked her why
She said in reply
They remind me of someone - but whom?

Martha (not original)