Issue 20 Page 1

The Moot Hall in Maldon, Local Interest Group

Members toured the Moot Hall. Maldon gained its

Royal Charter in 1171 and was the second only to

Colchester in importance until modern times.

The Moot Hall was built in 1420 by MP Robert D’Arcy.

Peter Lewsey became Town Clerk for the afternoon.

He looks very official but he didn’t even get paid a

couple of groats!

BENFLEET

BULLETIN Issue 20: MAY / JUNE / JULY 2019

Website: U3Asites.org.uk/benfleet

MOBILE PHONES

Please switch OFF or on

silent during meetings.

Thank you.

MONTHLY MEETINGS

2pm, last Tuesday in

month at Richmond Hall.

No December meeting.

PLEASE NOTE!

As U3A policy, member

subscriptions are non-

refundable

FROM THE CHAIR: Hello Members

As I’m writing this, Easter is just around the corner, hoping the weather improves.

The clocks have been put forward and we now get lighter nights more gardening to

do and enjoy.

You will remember that Helene Claxton, our first chair

lady, was looking forward to becoming a Grandma, which

unfortunately, she did not survive to see. However, her

lovely granddaughter, Figgy Nell was born in March.

Congratulations to mum Natalie, dad David and specially

grandad Paul Claxton.

Reminder

The membership renewal is at the end of June and forms will be sent out shortly.

Please let us know if you have changed any of your details.

PLEASE DO NOT enquire about renewal before the forms are circulated.

Best wishes. Sheila (Chair)

Issue 20 Page 2

SPEAKERS & EVENTS AT FUTURE CLUB MEETINGS

Last Tuesday every Month (except December)

2019

28 May The Tower of London - Living with Ghosts. Brian Darcy

25 June For Better or Worse – Marriage in Past Times.

Toni Neopard and Kate Bond

30 July Toastmaster. Glen Mayes

27 August Tales of the Smithy. Roger Dorking

See the full 2019 list on the Benfleet U3A website

Data Protection and Emergency Contacts

The Benfleet U3A has a duty of care to our members when they are engaged in U3A

activities. In order to ensure your safety, we need to be able to contact someone

who can meet your welfare needs in the event of an incident/accident.

We therefore advise and request that:

Members should ensure they carry their U3A Membership Card to all U3A events

and activities.

Each member to provide details on the reverse of the card, of a next-of-kin or

emergency contact telephone number.

Members to provide this emergency contact detail to the Group Contact for every

group they belong to.

Group Contact to keep this list up to date and carry it with them (or whoever is

leading that particular activity) on trips and activities.

You will see that this information will also be requested on your Membership

Renewal forms, which will be sent out later in May.

Our request and the holding of this information come under the GDPR Data

Protection regulations, where we have a ‘Legitimate interest’ in member’s welfare.

Further details regarding our Legitimate Interest Assessment can be found on

the Benfleet U3A website.

I got into an argument with a lollipop lady this morning.

She made me cross!

Then, I was stopped by a copper who asked me if I had a police record.

It seems “Walking On The Moon” wasn’t the answer he wanted.

Issue 20 Page 3

SOCIAL OUTINGS

Tuesday 14 May 2019; Organised by Theresa Sergeant, Garden Visit Group

Outing: Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex

Status: 2 places available due to cancellations

Contact: Theresa Sergeant T: 01268 755093 E: Garden Visits

Cost: £23-50p per person includes coach, entrance and gratuities.

Pickup: 8:20 Vic House Corner; 8:30 Cemetery Corner;

8:35 Tarpots coach stop; 8:45 Pitsea; 9:00 Basildon.

A coach trip has been arranged to visit the newly

reopened beautiful Leonardslee Gardens. The Estate

covers 200 Acres with 7 man-made ponds containing

Carp fish, 2 alpine glasshouses, a rare colony of

wallabies and deer who wonder semi-freely throughout

the Estate.

For more info. visit leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Friday 21 June 2019

Outing: Wroxham, Broads Cruise & Lunch

Status: OPEN for booking

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: £40 per person

incl. coach/gratuity, cruise, lunch.

Last Payment Date: 30 April 2019

Pickup: 08:30 Tarpots Coach Stop

Similar to the 2018 trip but with free time in Wroxham

instead of the Barns. Lunch will be at the Wroxham

Hotel, Fish and Chips, Cheesecake, tea/coffee. Then a

2 hour broads cruise and then free time in Wroxham.

To book or for further information on Outings please visit:

u3asites.org.uk/benfleet/page/19756 - or contact Maria Kelly via the

‘Outings’ page or T: 01268 794841 E: Outings Organiser

If interested in any trip marked ‘FULL’, contact Maria for any cancellations.

Coach excursions are generally limited to 48 places: therefore seats will be

allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis.

Where food is included, please advise Maria of any dietary/allergy

requirements when booking.

Issue 20 Page 4

Thursday 18 July 2019

Outing: Buckingham Chilterns Tours with lunch

Status: OPEN for booking

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: £48 per person incl. coach/gratuity, lunch.

Last Payment Date: 28 May 2019

Pickup: 8:15 Tarpots Coach Stop

Itinerary:

Meet Blue Badge guide at pub in Old Beaconsfield, stop for refreshments.

Drive through scenic countryside, and return to the pub for included 1 course

lunch (Cottage Pie served with vegetables and gravy). Vegetarian, vegan, gluten

free options available – please advise Maria when booking.

After lunch, visit the Jordan’s Meeting House built in 1688. Our guide will give

details on the Quakers and William Penn their leader/founder.

Stop at Mayflower Barn for Tea/Biscuits. Leave 4:45pm. Home about 7:00pm.

Thursday 15 August 2019

Outing: Eastbourne and Air Show

Status: OPEN for booking

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: £15 per person includes coach/gratuity only.

Last Payment Date: 25 June 2019

Pickup: 9:00 Tarpots Coach Stop

In Eastbourne the day will be yours at your own pace and leisure.

We are fortunate that the Eastbourne Air Show have an afternoon FREE display

from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th August.

You could pop on the bus to Beachy Head or visit the Marina or stroll around the

shopping centre or sea front. Lots of places for Refreshments/lunch.

You will have 5 Hours free time in Eastbourne.

Tuesday 3 September 2019

Outing: Notcutt Nursery, Maidstone; Kentish Lady Cruise with Cream Tea;

and Allington Castle tour – wow!

Status: FULL - reserve list only

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: £45 per person incl. coach/gratuity, cruise/cream tea, castle tour.

Last Payment Date: 30 July 2019

Pickup: 9:00 Tarpots Coach Stop

In the morning, stop at Nottcutts Nursery, Maidstone for an opportunity to

purchase refreshments/Lunch/ and browse the various outlets at Newnham Court

Shopping Village.

See more on next page

Issue 20 Page 5

Coach to Maidstone to board The Kentish Lady,

with commentary. Cruise down the River Medway

to ALLINGTON CASTLE for a guided tour.

ALLINGTON CASTLE is privately owned so it’s a

rare opportunity to get permission to visit.

On the return trip to Maidstone on the Kentish

Lady an included Cream Tea will be served.

Then back on the coach for our journey home.

Saturday 19 October 2019

Outing: RHS Wisley "Tints of Autumn"

Status: ADVICE ONLY taking bookings around 28 May 2019

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: Depends on if you are a RHS Member includes

coach/gratuity/entrance.

For RHS Members £15 per person

RHS Members can admit 1 guest free (Coach £15 per person)

For NON RHS Members £27-50p per person

NOTE: RHS Members MUST have their membership card on the day

Last Payment Date: Thursday 19 September 2019

Pickup: To be advised

Friday 22 November 2019

Outing: Bury St. Edmunds, Christmas Market

Status: ADVICE ONLY Taking bookings from around 28 May 2019

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: £15 per person includes coach/gratuity only.

Last Payment Date: To Be Advised

Pickup: Tarpots Coach Stop - time TBA

Monday 16 December 2019

Outing: Thames Lunch Cruise and London Lights

Status: ADVICE ONLY Taking bookings from around 30 July 2019

Contact: Maria Kelly at Outings Organiser

Cost: £50 per person incl. coach/gratuity, cruise, lunch and lights tour.

£10 non-refundable deposit at time of booking

Last Payment Date: 16 October 2019

Non-refundable deposit at time of booking

Pickup: Tarpots Coach Stop – time TBA

With early booking, Maria has been able to secure this trip at 2018 prices. Well done.

Issue 20 Page 6

PROJECTOR and SCREEN – are available for group use.

Please contact Sheila Sears via Chairperson

RECENT OUTINGS AND EVENTS

Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

GROUP NEWS

A full list of group contacts is given on page 10

Darts: the thriving darts group now holds its meetings at Rileys, the sports club,

which is near the Tarpots pub, at 2.00pm last Wednesday each month. Feedback is

positive with the atmosphere being better than in the Benfleet Tavern.

Badminton 2: the Group Contact is now Robert Gray. Thanks to Fred Simpkins

for running the group previously.

Scrabble: still open for new members.

YOUR GROUPS:

Tell us about what activities your group are doing, provide a few photos and we will

include in both the next bulletin and on the Benfleet U3A website.

A taster of group activities is shown in pictures below. More photos available at the

group webpages.

Forward information to Alan Aldridge T: 01268 756638 E: Bulletin Editor

Issue 20 Page 7

Recent Group Activities

Wildlife – Hanningfield Reservoir, Essex Wildlife Trust

Photography- Essex Wildlife and Landscape

Local Interest - Canvey Church Museum

Walking Over 5 Miles – Camden and Regents Park

Wildlife

Fobbing Marsh

Issue 20 Page 8

Flower Arranging

French – fun with French kitchen towel and recipes

Ten Pin Bowling

Walking Over 5 Miles - Kensington

Photography - Benfleet Yacht Club

Local Interest –Moot Hall, Maldon

Issue 20 Page 9

Get to know your Committee Members

Suzanne Worland – Committee Member

Born in Dagenham in my grandmother’s house with my

twin sister, then moving to Barking, where my mother

was a Nurse and had my brother there. We moved to

Basildon New town aged 5 and joined the Brownies and

where my other two brothers were born. I went to Manor

Road school then onto Woodlands Girls school, where my love for sports kicked in

and I became Captain of the Gymnastic Team . I joined the Girls Life Brigade and

played Bugle in the band and now have a keyboard to learn to play.

Married my husband Alan, an engineer, in 1976 and live in Benfleet. Had two sons,

Paul and James and now three grandchildren, Jessica, Louis and youngest Kyle,

who I look after and find it a joy.

I joined the Keep Fit Association in 1979 and became a

teacher in 1984 taking two classes a week. Then joined the

KFA Committee, my role to organise summer classes, raffle

and this year Day trips. I also belong to Waterside gym.

Other interests are cake making, art class, lunching out, to

name a few. I have run three London Marathons and

also joined various U3A groups. Worked as a sales rep. for a

motor company, in offices, then many years as a special

educational needs co-ordinator in a nursery.

Love cruising, last one going to Hamburg and Amsterdam

Christmas Markets but also New Orleans and the Med. Enjoy

camping around Britain. Looking forward to being a

committee member and part of a very good team.

Community News - non-U3A activities

Items listed are for your information only and are not U3A organised.

Wyvern Community Transport is a local charity that provides individuals with

accessible transport and also hires vehicles, with a volunteer driver if needed, to

local groups. This may be useful to U3A groups.

They operate Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:30. Can usually accommodate slightly

later return times if necessary. For further information please visit wyvernct.org.

Royal Hotel in Southend – at top of Pier Hill - UPDATE

A new offer runs to 30 Sept. 2019, giving 10% discount ON THE TOTAL bill including

alcoholic drinks [previously 20% on food only]. Its available all day, every day –

excludes Special Ticketed Events. Just show your U3A membership card.

Issue 20 Page 10

What’s in a name? Continuing our series regarding local history:

The Battle of Benfleet took place between the Vikings and

Saxons in 894 A.D. This was towards the end of the Saxon

period and the Thames and other waterways made the area

vulnerable to Viking attacks.

Benfleet was used as a Viking base, but they were defeated in

the battle by the army of King Alfred under the command of his

son, Edward the Elder, and his son-in-law, Earl Aethelred of

Mercia.

What evidence remains? The exact location of the Battle of

Benfleet has not been established but timbers from destroyed

Viking long ships and warships were found when constructing

Benfleet Station as well as some human remains.

The Saxons built a church in thanksgiving for the

victory. St. Mary’s church is the most recent

church building occupying the site dating from

1067 but most in

12/13th centuries.

On the path leading away from Benfleet Station

Bridge, over the fields towards the High Road/Rec

are two stones commemorating the battle.

The Last Kingdom

Anyone who has watched this series on Netflix will be familiar

with Beamfleote i.e. Benfleet, which features in importance

alongside places like Winchester. The Battle of Benfleet is

depicted in Series 2 Episode 8. How historically accurate is it?

Who knows? But many shots appear to

be from the downs looking down on the

creek but without the bridge, railway or

houses. To me this looks like Benfleet

but was apparently filmed in Hungary.

Issue 20 Page 11

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

SUBJECT CONTACT MEETING DATE

Badminton 1 Brian Boyce Mon. pm weekly

Badminton 2 Robert Gray Thurs 7.30pm weekly

Book Club Pat Cluness Monthly: variable

Card & Board Games Ann Sayer 2nd Wed. pm

Comparative Religion Cheryl Kirby 2nd Tues. pm

Culinary Experience Barbara Webb 4th Mon.

Darts Chris Hicks Last Wed. pm

Discussion 1 Jenny Brown 2nd Mon. pm

Discussion 2 Jenny Brown 1st Tues. am

Family History Grahame Harris 1st Tues. 2-4pm

Flower Arranging Brenda Liberty 2nd Fri. am

French Linda Aldridge Wed am Monthly variable

Garden Visits Theresa Sergeant Various

Gardening Jenny Brown Monthly: variable

Keep Fit Suzanne Worland Mon pm. Evening term time

Knit & Stitch Pauline Everett 2nd Tues. pm

Local Interest Sue Lewsey 1st Wed

Lunch Iris Mead On hold [see group note]

Meditation Richard Newall Tues. am; weekly

Naval & Military History Phil Lloyd-Worth 2nd Wed. 2pm

Paper Craft 1 Ann Sayer 1st Fri.am

Paper Craft 2 Ann Sayer 3rd Fri. am

Photography Sue Lewsey 3rd Mon. pm

Sewing Joan Daly On hold - restart soon

Singing Linda Burdett 2nd & 3rd Thurs.

Spanish Sheila Radford Wed. pm weekly

Ten Pin Bowling Jim Regan 3rd Fri. am

Walking Group upto 5 miles Eve Burgess 1st Thurs. am

Walking over 5 miles Doreen Wiggans 4th Thurs. Am

Walking over 5 miles-Group 2 Freda Antoniou 3rd Wed. am

Wildlife Janet Humphrey 2nd Thurs. am

Women in History Jean Askew 3rd Fri

To join a group please call the contact number given above. If full, or for any

queries, please contact Iris Mead via Interest Groups Coordinator

Monthly unless specified

Issue 20 Page 12

Committee Members

Chair

Sheila Sears

Chairperson

Vice-Chair

Marion Coleman

Vice-Chair

Treasurer

Jill Parr

Treasurer

Business Secretary

Mavis Regan

Business Secretary

Group Coordinator

Iris Mead

Interest Groups Coordinator

Membership Secretary

Bob Munson

Membership Secretary

Outings Organiser

Maria Kelly

Outings Organiser

Bulletin Editor

and Webmaster

Alan Aldridge

Bulletin Editor

Committee Member

Philip Lloyd-Worth

Committee Member 1

Committee Member

Suzanne Worland

Committee Member 2

Bereavement and Unwell:

Please contact Suzanne Worland via Committee Member 2 to confirm details of

any bereavement or illness, and an appropriate card will be forwarded.