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Heathfield & District

Newsletter No.21

September 2019

Contact us: linpU3A@hotmail.com

Web Site: www.u3asites.org.uk/heathfield

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome to our Autumn Newsletter. It has been a busy few months since our last newsletter and I am now

back in harness after the sad death of my husband, John, our Newsletter Editor.

We had a stall at Le Marche, organised by Annie Schofield, Lorrine Graham, Tim Williams and Bobby

Hamilton . See below for further details.

We had no monthly meeting in August for the first time, as a trial run. Our meeting on 17th September will

have Brian Freeland as speaker. His talk last year was excellent, so we are looking forward to hearing his

latest talk, On Sussex Lives from John Freeland to Rudyard Kipling.

We are now in need of a Newsletter Editor. The Newsletter goes out quarterly. Group leaders put in reports

and Philippa Pigache of the Writers Group will help with writing up articles, so hopefully the post is not too

onerous. Please let either Lesley Negus or me know if you are willing to help.

We are also in need of a Groups Coordinator. Lorrine Graham has reluctantly decided to resign this

position as of September. She will hand over and help the new person. Please contact me for details

Lin Plant

Chairman

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Heathfield U3A at Le Marché .

On Bank Holiday Monday U3A took to the streets of Heathfield! As part of our campaign to raise awareness of our branch we joined in Heathfield’s premier annual event, Le Marché. Our stand had a colourful banner across the front and plenty of literature explaining what we do. And what a day we had! Thanks to the enthusiasm of our volunteers dozens of people not only stopped by to chat, they also gave us their email addresses, eager for more information. Afterwards we wrote to them, thanking them for their interest, and inviting them to join us at one of our meetings as our guest. Our main focus was to advertise all the groups they could join, and so popular were our information sheets that we actually ran out of some of them. We encouraged people to get in touch with the group coordinators and we know that many have already done so. Now we look forward to welcoming some new faces at our meetings, where they will have the opportunity to chat to group members in person

Annie Schofield

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GROUP REPORTS

Chapter One Book Group

We have been reading Deaf Sentence by David Lodge over the summer and have taken a month’s break

from meeting. Our next book is The Watchers by Stephen Alford – a secret history of the Reign of

Elizabeth the First. This promises to be a heft and interesting historical read.

Lin Plant

Group Convenor linpu3a@hotmail.com

Chapter Two Book Group

The Little Red Chairs by Edna O’Brien Her first book in ten years, and very different to previous works, the title refers to the massacre of innocent children during the Bosnian War. The book opens with the arrival in the west Ireland village of Cloonoila of an enigmatic figure who announces himself as Dr Vladimir Dragan, an holistic herbal healer. It is no secret this character is based on Dr Radovan Karadžić, "the Butcher of Bosnia", who worked for 12 years under the name of Dr Dragan David Dabic, before being captured in Belgrade in 2008, charged with war crimes, and taken to The Hague to await trial. ‘Dr Vlad’ has quite an impact on Cloonoila’s inhabitants and, in particular, Fidela

McBride who is caught in a childless marriage after two miscarriages; unable to communicate her needs to her much older husband. She begs Vlad to give her a baby, which he reluctantly agrees to, but this leads to shocking consequences. The discovery that this man is a war criminal sends her on a tumultuous journey, first to London, where she meets immigrants, and refugees scarred by war and torture, then on to The Hague to attend Vlad’s trial. It was a harrowing read, but, in true O'Brien style, all the characters are beautifully described.

Annie Schofield Group Convenor

Exploring London on Foot

The next walk is on 26th September. We will be walking along the Thames footpath starting at the O2 to the Thames Barrier. It is an interesting walk stopping for lunch at the Anchor and Hope Pub and visiting the exhibition at the Thames Barrier. If you are interested in the walk please contact me for further details.

Juliet Conrad 01892 524535 juliet@shipatsea.plus.com

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Gardening The group continues sharing its interests especially successes & trying to solve some of its problems !

I was happy to be involved with our stand at Le Marche & delighted with the interest shown by so many...... I

haven't received any direct enquiries although many showed interest in Gardening when chatting .....

Perhaps there will be enough interest for a second Gardening group to be formed...

Sue Cook

Group Convenor

Cooking Up A Storm

Each month, we tackle 3 or 4 recipes. Everyone joins in making the recipes, and takes the results home. It’s

a bit like Home Economics at school!

During August, grandchildren were about, so as well as a couple of salads, we made brownies.

July featured a Gruyere and Herb Roulade stuffed with a mushroom ragu, from Rose Elliott’s Classic

Vegetarian. From the same author’s Vegetarian Pasta book we made Farfalle with Carrots, Feta, Thyme

and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Finishing off this month with a sandwich filler / toast topper. We blitzed equal quantities of sun dried

tomatoes and ground almonds, add added a splash of Armagnac, which definitely came through!. Deeply

savoury, with a strong flavour. Very simple, very tasty.

The group is having a bit of a change of members at the moment, so if you fancy trying your hand at some

new recipes, do come along, we’d love to see you

Lesley Negus

Group Convenor

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Historical Inns of Sussex

The group enjoyed lunch at The Gun, Gun Hill on its second outing. Ten people arrived at the pub, and

judging by the general noise and laughter, enjoyed a convivial afternoon, I know I did!

I enjoyed a vegan burger, a new experience, and one that is being increasingly offered in eateries, followed

by a passion fruit cheesecake and a very good decaf coffee. My husband had a rather large flavoured

flatbread and an enormous chicken kebab, both of which he declared delicious

Everyone enjoyed their meals, other than a cold pudding that should really have been hot. It’s a great pub

that my husband and I visit every now and again. The restaurant is a lovely room, looking out onto a very

pretty outside eating area, which I’ve never actually been out onto

The next meeting is on Friday 27th September and will be held at The Blackboys Inn. Lin Plant is organising

this one, so names to her please on linpU3A@hotmail.com 01435 862449

Lesley Negus

Group Convenor

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U3A Historic Inns Group: Visit to The Gun Inn, Gun Hill Friday August 30th 2019.

This second visit of our season takes us into the Sussex Weald, and as might be expected with a name like “The Gun at Gun Hill”, our inn has some connection with the Wealden iron industry and the manufacture of artillery cannons for the British navy. However, the connection is rather weak as little could be found in researching the hamlet of Gun Hill or the Inn itself. The best I could establish was that the Inn building was believed to be a powder store at the time of cannon manufacture in the area (most recently 16th-17th centuries). There was however a well-documented furnace and forge nearby in Chiddingly at Stream Mill (a piece of cannon boring equipment from this site is on display at the Anne of Cleves House Museum in Lewes). Locally there is another reference to this activity with Gun Farm.

Architecturally the Inn, timber-framed with brick infill, dates to the Elizabethan-Tudor period and it is quite feasible that it might have been used later as a powder store. Although much iron smelting went on throughout the Weald, only in selected areas, including Chiddingly and Gun Hill, were cast iron cannons produced.

The Inn records that the building was used as a courthouse in 1852 for the Onion Pie Murder trial. Sarah Ann French was found guilty of wilfully murdering her husband, William French, by poisoning his onion pie with arsenic. She had her sights on a new husband but instead French was hanged for her crime at the HM Prison Lewes in front of approximately 4,000 people on 10 April 1852. If there is onion pie on today’s menu, I might suggest avoiding it!

Trevor Devon

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French

The group at the annual summer lunch

Once again the French Group has enjoyed an amazing summer lunch hosted by the wonderful Rita and Mike. As usual, we had first to demonstrate that we had done our homework and talk (in French) about what we had been doing since we last met but then it was time to set up the tables both outside on the terrace and inside for those who preferred to be indoors before helping ourselves to the extensive buffet and excellent refreshments.

The clouds and cool were replaced by sunshine and warmth and a good time was had by all. As ever, we would like to express our appreciation to Mike and Rita for their hospitality throughout the year

Mike Dimsdale is the

Group Convenor

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Antiques and Collectables

The Antiques and Collectables Group has had a productive and interesting few months. We have had two

outings so far this year; the first to trawl the antique shops in Lewes and the second to visit Standen, where

there was a William Morris/Arts and Crafts exhibition throughout the house and garden. We have lost two of

our original members, but three new recruits have joined us, so we are still at about maximum level.

As individuals we have researched a multitude of topics, including Aubusson carpets, butterfly wing

jewellery and compacts. We then give a short talk to the group about what we have discovered. (You may

have noticed that we are working through the alphabet!)

If we get any more interest in joining us, we may have to think about setting up a second group.

Volunteers welcome!

Ann Lisney on (01435) 865929

Studying Japan Group

We went to Uckfield Cinema to watch the film Van Gogh and Japan. This was very illuminating and greatly

enjoyed. He never visited Japan, but was fascinated by Japan and its art and studied it with books and in

museums whilst living in Paris, where many artists were also enthralled with Japan. He had a large

collection of Japanese Woodblock prints and his paint Starry Night was inspired by Hakusai’s Great Wave.

It was fascinating to see how this influenced some of his paintings

Lin Plant

Group Convenor

History

Over the past three months we have discussed the history of the theatre in London, the events leading to the first world war and the failure of the League of Nations. In the months ahead we hope to discuss the history of schooling in England, a history of mental health, the work of John Maynard Keynes, the growth of Sweden’s economy and the history of Poland. We hope to follow up our studies of Japan, India and China with visits by people recently or currently engaged on financial, cultural or commercial activity in these countries.

Bobby Hamilton Group Convenor

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Writing for Pleasure Group

The group meets at Philippa Pigache’s house in Cross in Hand. If you

are interested in contributing, contact Philippa and she can tell you more

about it.

Philippa.pigache@gmail.com

Group Convenor

Why Not Set Up Your Own Group?

Is there a particular topic that is of interest to you but you can’t find a group that meets you needs? Have

you considered becoming a Group Convenor, or maybe working with one or two others interested in the

same subject? You don’t need to be an expert on the subject to help organise a group.

Groups need not be held in members’ homes. They may be held at any suitable venue, but the group

members must share equally the cost of hiring the venue. Under U3A rules, all hire fees must be paid from

the U3A account, so it is anticipated that fees will be collected in advance. Lin Plant and the Group Co-

Ordinator each hold a list of possible venues and the costs and contact details have this, but other

suggestions such as care homes are welcome.

We would remind you that you must be a current member of U3A to attend these groups. This is a

requirement by the Trust and our Insurers and is set out in our Guidelines, which are on our website.

OUTINGS

The Heathfield U3A has enjoyed a couple of outings. They were very successful and enjoyed by all those

that came. In order to enjoy another one, it would be great if a person or two could organize something. If

you only want to do one, that’s fine.

A theatre trip to see a play or musical, an historical house, a specific venue, the Dutch bulb fields, whatever

you like

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GUEST SPEAKERS

A sample of the speakers we have had during the last year

19 March 2019 Life in a Japanese POW Camp

During World War II, the Japanese Armed Forces captured nearly 140,000 Allied military

personnel. The Japanese viewed soldiers who surrendered rather than die fighting as

dishonorable, and we are all aware that they were treated appallingly by their captors.

Jonathan Austin talks about his late father’s experiences in the Second World War as a

prisoner of war in a Japanese camp.

16 April 2019 Experiences of a Holocaust Survivor

Our theme of man’s inhumanity to man continues in April with Dorit Oliver Wolf, who is

an author and speaker on her experiences as a holocaust survivor. Not for the

squeamish we would imagine.

21 May 2019 The Dowager Lady Crabtree

Lady Crabtree has proved to be so popular that she has now been performing on

stage, radio and television for almost forty years. With a mixture of amusing personal

anecdotes, comic monologues and sage advice, Lady Crabtree shares her wry

observations about life.

SEPTEMBER’S SPEAKER will be Brian Freeland

on Sussex Lives from John Freeland to Rudyard Kipling

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Sussex U3A Network (SUN)

The Sussex U3A Network (SUN) is a collaboration between the U3As (Universities of the Third Age) in East and West Sussex. There are two web addresses that you can use, either http://www.sussexu3anetwork.org.uk or http://www.u3asites.org.uk/sussexu3anetwork.

U3As exist for the benefit of those, no longer in full time employment, who wish to learn and keep active.

Members share their knowledge and experience, and participate in a wide range of educational, creative

and leisure activities.

Each U3A has its own programme of activities which may comprise monthly meetings with external

speakers, special interest groups, outings to places of interest and social events.

SUN organises additional activities which may be beyond the resources of individual U3As or which are best provided on a collaborative basis:

A programme of very high quality Study Days

Workshops for special interest groups, led by members

Festivals of art, crafts, music and more

Sharing of experience and ideas between U3As

Assistance to new U3As.

Study Days

Our programme of study days seeks to cover a wide range of topics,

including the arts, humanities, science and current affairs.

The study days are intended to enrich our members’ knowledge of the topics covered.

Study day tutors are usually professionals in their field.

For further details please contact the SUN Representative, Tim Williams e-mail: Twill30999@aol.com

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AGE CONCERN

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GROUPS

The following are our current groups. If you would like to see if a group is for you, you are very welcome to

attend a taster session with neither fee nor obligation

Group Description Meets Convenor Convenor’s contact details

Antiques & Collectables

During the winter months we meet in each other’s homes. At other times we plan to visit auctions, antique fairs, stately homes and museums

Morning of last Thursday of the month

Ann Lisney

01435 856929

Books Readings and study of books ancient and modern

Chapter 1: 2nd

Thurs of the month 10-12 Chapter 2: 2

nd

Tues of the month 2-4

Lin Plant Annie Schofield

linpu3a@ hotmail.com 01435 862449

annie.schofield21@gmail.com 077 888 94648

Cooking up a Storm

Each month 3 or 4 recipes are explored, talking about the flavour combinations. All very hands on with group members making dishes to taste and take home

1st Tuesday of the month

Lesley Negus lesleynegus@ outlook.com 01435 865626

Drama Not an acting group, but discussion, learning and visits related to various media of stage, screen and television

tba Pat Flowers

patricia.flowers@which.net 07519 761499 or 01323 844690

Exploring London on Foot

Meets alternate months with members in pairs taking turns to choose a date, research and lead a 2-4 mile walk in London

every two months (excluding January)

Juliet Conrad (from Mayfield U3A)

juliet@shipatsea.plus.com

French Our objective is the improvement of the participants’ spoken French while having fun doing so. There is a wide variety in the group, so don't be inhibited in joining

Fortnightly every other Tuesday

Mike Dimsdale mike.dimsdale43@gmail.com 01435 882435

Gardening Sharing skills…plants, plans, propagating, pricking out, planting, pruning, perennials, potatoes & much more!

2nd

Tuesday 10am Gardening Mayfield 2

nd Wednesday

afternoon

Sue Cook Frances Smith

geoffcook1 @talktalk.net 01435 862012 01435 862330

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Historical Inns of Sussex

Meeting at pubs in the area, talking about the history of it and enjoying lunch. Members take it in turn to organize each month

Probably the last Friday, it depends what members want that month

Lesley Negus 01435 865626 07946 518367 lesleynegus@outlook.com

History Discussion on topics arranged by the group

One Monday morning each month as arranged by the group

Bobby Hamilton

arelaitch@ btinternet.com 01435 813965

Mahjong Join others to play this ancient Chinese game

4th Tuesday of the month 2pm

Moira James moirajames23@ talktalk.net 01435 408918

News and Views

Informal discussion group Once a month on Wednesdays –exact dates to be decided

Mollie Web 01323 440176

Painting and Drawing

As well as working on their own painting and drawing members will have the opportunity to discuss each other’s work

Tuesday afternoon

Pauline Nind mpauline.nind @mypostoffice .co.uk 01435408972

Photography Basic concepts of digital cameras, various options and menus on cameras used by group members. Emphasis is on improving our photography and increasing our knowledge of digital manipulation through Adobe Photoshop

3rd Friday of the month 10-12 am

Ray Tratt mraymondtratt@btinternet.com 01435 830556

Science and Technology

Informal discussions and other activities on matters scientific and technological introduced by members of the group

3rd

Thursday of every month 10am

Robin Nicholson

robin.nicholson@onelbc.org.uk 01435 830934

Stitch and Chat A newly established group for those who enjoy making things out of fabrics.

1st Wednesday

of every month 2-4pm from 5

th April

Margaret Wainwright

01825 733877

Studying Japan

All aspects of life in Japan, past and present.

4th Monday of

every month 10-12am

Lin Plant linpu3a@ hotmail.com 01435 862449

Walking Group members will take turns in planning and leading a walk

variable Brenda Walker

Writing for Pleasure

For the sheer pleasure of writing. Not necessarily for publication, but neither is that

3rd Wednesday at 2pm

Philippa Pigache

Philippa.pigache

@gmail.com

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ruled out

YOUR COMMITTEE

Your committee is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. Any paid up member of the U3A can

stand for a position on the committee. Several Committee members are standing down at the AGM and

we will looking to members to take on their roles.

Chairman – Lin Plant 01435 862449 linpU3A@hotmail.com

Vice Chairman – Jamie Nicholls jamienicholls215@aol.com

Treasurer - Stuart Hall 01435 863815 stugab@yahoo.com

Business Secretary – Philippa Pigache Philippa.pigache@gmail.com

Membership Secretary/WebMaster – Lesley Negus lesleynegus@outlook.com

Groups Coordinator – position vacant

SUN Representative/Publicity – Tim Williams twill30999@aol.com

Speakers Booking Secretary – Ron Lane-Smith ron.lane-smith@virgin.net

Newsletter Editor – position vacant

We also have a lovely band of helpers – if you are willing to be of assistance, please let one of the

committee know

Coffee rota - Audrey Macdonald 01435 863918

End of newsletter