NEWSLETTER January-February 2017 - Wokingham U3A · Theatre to discover Mughal India at this study...
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WOKINGHAM NEWSLETTER January-February 2017
Transcript of NEWSLETTER January-February 2017 - Wokingham U3A · Theatre to discover Mughal India at this study...
WOKINGHAM
NEWSLETTER
January-February
2017
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Registered Charity No: 1049995
For the WEBSITE go to: www.wokinghamu3a.org.uk
Members Area Username: wokingham (all in lowercase).
Password: changed from 1st June 2016 and shown on your 2016-2017 membership card.
E-group sign-up: [email protected]
____________________________________________________________________
Wokingham U3A belongs to the Thames Valley Network of U3As. Accordingly, if you are a member of the Wu3a, then you are also a member of the Thames Valley Network of U3As. There is a website covering the activities available within the Network, which you can access from the ‘Links’ page on the Wokingham U3A website (click on the ‘Links' menu entry). Also you can access the TVN website
directly at http://www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk/
Committee members, 2016-17 [**changes since last edition]
CHAIRMAN
Pam Hares
VICE CHAIRMAN
Olga Hughes
TREASURER John Waddington 16 Waterloo Road Wokingham, RG40 2JH Tel: 0118 979 9007 [email protected]
SECRETARY Sue Waddington 16 Waterloo Road Wokingham, RG40 2JH Tel: 0118 979 9007 [email protected]
GROUPS COORDINATOR** Chris Melhuish [email protected]
MINUTES SECRETARY Denise Allen [email protected]
WEBSITE COORDINATOR Neil Goodhand [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Hilary Taylor 4 Silk Court, Rose Street Wokingham, RG40 1GP Tel: 0118 989 2520 [email protected]
NEW MEMBERS SECRETARY** Patricia Howard [email protected]
BEACON & FINANCIAL CO-ORDINATOR** Gill Gardner [email protected]
SPEAKERS SECRETARY Hilary Hough [email protected]
COMPUTING CO-ORDINATOR** Dave Howlett [email protected]
EVENTS COORDINATOR Jacky Smith [email protected]
EQUIPMENT MANAGER Chris Readings [email protected]
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Contents
WU3A Committee for 2016-17 .................................................... 2
View from the Chair ............................................................... 4
Dates for your Diary and AGM Notice ........................................... 5
News from the WU3A Committee .............................................. 6-7
News from the Third Age Trust ................................................... 7
Thames Valley Network - Future Events ...................................... 8-9
SHOWTIME performance/booking details .................. front page and 10
Monthly Afternoon Meetings ................................................. 11-14
Important Parking Notice and Members' Events (reports) .................. 15
U3A Research: Shared Learning Project Report .............................. 16
Groups News ........................................................................ 17
New groups starting and ...................................................... 17-18
Groups closing/closed ............................................................. 18
Groups looking for members ................................................. 18-19
Group Changes ...................................................................... 20
Group Programmes ............................................................. 20-21
Group News and Reports ...................................................... 21-23
Quiz answers, And finally…. ...................................................... 24
Deadline for next newsletter .................................................... 24
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View from the Chair
It is early December as I write, and your View from the Chair is coming from Queensland, Australia where I have been enjoying three fabulous weeks and missing the cold start to our UK winter.
My last U3A event before leaving the UK was the very enjoyable second Tea Dance of the year. Thanks to Jacky Smith, another very well organised event.
As you will see on page 2 of your Newsletter, there have been some Committee changes since our last edition. I would like to welcome Patricia Howard who has become our New Members Secretary, and Gill Gardner who will be our Beacon and Financial Co-ordinator. Chris Melhuish has taken over from Dave Howlett as Groups Co-ordinator and Dave will now be our Computing Co-ordinator. Welcome also to other new volunteers: Sarah Wood, Pat Baldwin and Margaret Finch who will help on the Membership side, and Ray Carmody who will do our posters and advertising.
It is planned that Chris and Patricia will work closely together to encourage the start-up of new groups and ensure that our new members are getting involved in our activities.
We have been parallel running our current Cloud Membership system with our new Beacon system. Thanks to all those who have put in so much hard work to make this happen, and a special thank you to Barry Byrne for his continued support during this time.
At the time of writing there are still a few tickets left for our members’ only Christmas Monthly meeting on the 20th December (details available in this Newsletter).
Our annual Showtime event has moved to the new Whitty Theatre in Luckley Road for their next production in February, entitled Bloomin’ Lovely! This is sure to be a fun show, so please support your U3A performers and buy your tickets now!
WU3A has grown steadily this year and now has around 2,200 members. The new website has been a great success and more and more of our members are using it to get the latest information about Groups and Events. The bimonthly newsletter, edited since March by Steve Block, is a high quality advertisement for our U3A. Our Research Sub-Committee is now in full swing so look out for more from them.
At this time, I would like to thank ALL our volunteers without whom our U3A would not exist. I am very fortunate as Chairman to have a fantastic group of fellow Trustees who give a huge amount of their time to ensure the smooth running of our organisation.
All that’s left for me to say is.......
Pam
Chairman WU3A. Email: [email protected]
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Dates for your Diary
WU3A Coffee Mornings
Every Tuesday 10.30am at Cantley House Hotel
WU3A Meetings
Dec 20th 2.30pm Monthly Afternoon Meeting St Paul’s Parish Rooms
Jan 17th 2.30pm Monthly Afternoon Meeting St Paul’s Parish Rooms
Feb 21st 2.30pm Monthly Afternoon Meeting St Paul’s Parish Rooms
March 21st 2.30pm Monthly Afternoon Meeting St Paul’s Parish Rooms
Wokingham U3A Committee hereby serve notice that the next AGM will take place on
Tuesday 28th March 2017 at 7.15 pm
St Paul’s Parish Rooms In accordance with Wokingham U3A constitution and standing orders:
a) The committee invite any resolutions and proposals, including proposed amendments to the constitution to be confirmed in writing to the Secretary at the address below, a minimum of 42 days prior to the meeting.
The last date for advising any of the above is therefore Tuesday 14th February 2017.
b) Nominations for committee members must be proposed and seconded by
different members and sent the secretary not less than 14 days prior to the
date of the AGM.
The last date for nominations is therefore
Tuesday 14th March 2017.
Issued by: Sue Waddington, Secretary Wokingham U3A 16 Waterloo Road, Wokingham RG40 2JH
Notice for the Annual General Meeting 2017
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News from the WU3A Committee
Wokingham U3A Membership Subscriptions 2017/18.
Please note that 2017-2018 subscriptions have been set by the committee at £8 for the year.
Invitations will be issued to all members early in February 2017, for payment by 1 April 2017, please.
Whilst this represents an increase on the £6 per annum subscriptions payable in 2015 and 2016, you will remember that for many years prior to 2015 our subscriptions were £10pa.
The £4pa reduction in the last two years was stated to be temporary, providing for a planned shortfall in income against expenditure in these two years, with the resulting annual deficits reducing the level of our cash reserves to a more appropriate amount.
The committee now considers that we should seek to maintain cash balances at the existing levels. Further details will be provided with the annual accounts at the AGM.
The subscription increase in 2017 will apply because our budgeted expenses for the year 2017 will increase compared to this year for two reasons.
Firstly, the upgraded Beacon computer system will incur charges effective from April 2017, which have been set at just over £1000 for the year 2017/18. (Please note that we incurred no charges for the establishment of the system, nor for the first six months’ operational expenses).
Secondly, we will incur additional administration expenses a) in connection with membership renewal routines, including the use of PO Box address/es for incoming mail, and b) related to higher costs for issuing increased numbers of paper newsletters to those members who request this.
(If you currently receive your newsletter by email and would prefer to receive a paper copy, please email [email protected] to request this.)
Beacon computer system.
We are pleased to announce that the upgrade of the Wokingham U3A existing computer system to the Beacon system has now been successfully carried out and the new system went live in mid-November.
There are almost 100 U3A’s across the UK already using this system, with a further 44 U3A’s in a pipeline for becoming new users.
The Third Age Trust has been reviewing Beacon recently and has engaged external consultants to review and further develop some aspects of the system: hence the charges mentioned above. Wokingham U3A welcomes this central involvement and support.
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News from the WU3A Committee, cont.)
Beacon charges will be reviewed annually, for 2018 onwards and we have been informed that the figure payable in 2017 – charged at 50p per member - should be the maximum amount due in any year.
News from the Third Age Trust
“Mughal India: Art and Culture” Study Day
Monday 27th March
10:45 – 16:00
The British Library
U3A is privileged to be invited by The British Library Knowledge Centre Theatre to discover Mughal India at this study day, exclusive to U3A members. Maximum 2 tickets per applicant.
Ruling South and parts of Central Asia from 1526-1858, the Mughal dynasty became one of the most powerful and opulent empires the world has ever known.
Remembered through a rich artistic and cultural heritage including exquisite paintings, manuscripts and architecture, the British Library has assembled six key speakers to explore the art and culture of Mughal India - a world of beauty and exquisite craftsmanship.
Timed to coincide with our study day, we have redisplayed related collection items in the Sir John Ritblat Treasures Gallery.
Participants are invited to visit this free Gallery before and after the study day.
For ticket information visit www.u3a.org.uk/members-area/events
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Future Events
As a member of Wokingham U3A, you are also automatically a member of the Thames Valley Network.
Full details of future events can be found at the link below
www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk/Events_Programme_2017
STUDY DAY
Wednesday 12th April 2017
St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Rd, Wokingham
Wokingham has a fascinating history stretching back to the 13th Century. Join us for a day looking at some of the heritage crafts and industries, which supported the towns growth into what is now a thriving community.
We have a variety of interesting speakers on silk stockings, bricks, bells and broom makers – a good accessible venue with free parking.
Meridith Towne is a costume historian and, as a historical dressmaker, she
helps museums and historical properties to create costumes to compliment
exhibitions and enhance visitor experience. Meridith also tours the country
offering lively informative presentations told through fashion.
John Harrison is a member of Wokingham U3A and has a wide variety of
interests. He is a photographer, hill-walker, engineer, ergonomist, author,
bell ringer and more! John has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for
many years by giving a wide range of special interest talks.
For further information, download the flyer and application form at the
web address above, or contact Sally Ballard [email protected]
(Tel: 01344 774468)
FEE: £12.50 for TVN MEMBERS
(£14.50 FOR NON TVN)
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(Thames Valley Network events, cont.)
Please note that the following event on 22nd March is already
oversubscribed. Because of the huge demand, however, a second event
is being planned later in the year, at the River & Rowing Museum with
identical programme.
Please contact Patsy Thornton for details: [email protected]
STUDY DAY
Wednesday, 22nd March 2017 (see note above)
The River & Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames
This event takes place in the stunning setting of the Thames Room of the River & Rowing Museum, Henley, looking out across the river. The intention of the study day is to shed light on different aspects of the lives of people in past centuries, in the towns and villages of the Thames Valley where we all live now. We are very fortunate in our panel of knowledgeable and enthusiastic speakers who will open these windows on the landscape of the past for us. Judy Dewey, curator of Wallingford Museum, needs no introduction to many of us. She has an amazingly wide knowledge of the history of Wallingford, and also the ability to hold her audience spellbound.
Avis Furness, formerly Chairman of Reading U3A, has taken a deep interest in the history of the
Civil War in Reading. The citizens of the town felt the impact not only of battles, but also of the
siege and the depredations of soldiers of both sides.
Dr Matthew Smith of Royal Holloway College is the creator of the Citizens 800 Project, which features men and women of the past who fought for their rights and liberties. He will be joined by two U3A researchers who will describe what they have discovered of local heroes. Tony Cullen of the English Civil War Society brings drama and excitement to his talks, as well as sharing his wide knowledge with us. No wonder he is such a popular speaker!
For further information, please contact Patsy Thornton [email protected]
(Tel: 01344 774812)
FEE: £17.50 for TVN members. £19.50 for non-TVN U3A
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Here we are again - it’s Showtime!
Your Showtime group have been busy rehearsing this year's production which will be presented for your delight on the 15th, 16th and 17th February in the new Whitty Theatre at Luckley House School, Luckley Road, Wokingham RG40 3EU
Following Showtime’s long tradition of entertaining members of Wokingham U3A, this promises to be another excellent afternoon or evening out.
Certainly the Showtime group members have really enjoyed their Thursday afternoons at Arborfield Village Hall getting to grips with it all!
Ticket arrangements Muriel Froom is once again valiantly running our box office and tickets are available now. Ticket prices are held once again at £6 each.
There are two ways to purchase tickets:
Buy at the following Wokingham U3A afternoon meetings:
Tuesday 20th December, 2.30pm at St Pauls Rooms (note admission for this meeting is ticket only) or Tuesday 17th January, 2.30pm at St Pauls Rooms
OR
Application to Muriel Froom
Please post your application to:
Muriel Froom, 437 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham RG40 3RJ.
Enclose your cheque payable to Wokingham U3A for £6 each ticket and enclose a stamped, addressed envelope.
Muriel will be pleased to hear from you with any queries, either by phone 0118 348 2758 or e mail: [email protected]
Remember:
Curtain up at 2.45pm on Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th
and 7.45 pm on Friday 17th February.
MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR DIARY, GET YOUR TICKETS
AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT WHITTY THEATRE IN FEBRUARY!
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Tuesday 20th December 2016 at 2.30pm
St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham
A Celebratory History of Christmas
In an uplifting presentation, Andy Thomas uncovers
the fascinating background to the festive season. From
the ancient ceremonies of light in darkness, to marking
the birth of a messiah, mid-December has long been a
time for rejoicing. Andy shows why, despite all the
modern commercialisation, Christmas has survived and
still has meaning for us today.
This is a ticket only event, maximum 140 people.
THERE ARE STILL A FEW TICKETS AVAILABLE AS WE GO TO PRESS
- first come first served!
Great value at £2.50 including mince pie + mulled wine / fruit juice
To purchase tickets by post please send a cheque for £2.50 per ticket, made
out to ‘Wokingham U3A’, to:
WU3A. c/o 58 Red Rose, Binfield, Bracknell, RG42 5LD
Please supply full name and membership number for each ticket requested
when buying by post, and all ticket requests must be accompanied by a
stamped addressed envelope for tickets to be posted back to the purchaser.
Monthly Afternoon Meeting
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Tuesday 17th January, 2017 at 2.30pm
St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham
Born to immigrant parents, in the
slums of 19th century
Manchester, Jerome Caminada
overcame the odds to become one
of the city’s finest detectives. A
master of disguise with a keen eye
for detail and ingenious methods
of deduction, Detective Caminada
pursued notorious criminals
through the seedy streets of
Manchester’s underworld.
Angela Buckley is a crime writer and author. Her first book was popular police
biography, The Real Sherlock Holmes: Angela’s work has featured in the Times,
the Telegraph, The Sunday Express, All About History and Who do you Think
You Are?
For those of us who like a good ‘Who Done It’, I think we are in for a treat!
Hilary Hough, Speakers’ Secretary
Monthly Afternoon Meeting
Angela Buckley
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Tuesday 21st February 2017 at 2.30pm
St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road, Wokingham
Graham Forster
The Thames Valley Air Ambulance
The Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) provides life-saving medical care
across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Each day, an average of
three people will find themselves in a life-threatening situation that requires
urgent, high-quality medical treatment.
It costs £2.2 million to keep the service flying per year. When you or your
loved one’s life is at risk they will deliver unique life-saving service to you
wherever and whenever you need it.
TVAA receive no Government funding and are not supported by the National
Lottery. Public support will help keep the service flying night and day, 365 days
a year, so that they are able to deliver their unique life-saving service to
patients where and when it is most needed.
Hilary Hough, Speakers’ Secretary
Monthly Afternoon Meeting
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Tuesday 21st March, 2017 at 2.30pm
St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading road, Wokingham
Martin Heard
Martin originally studied History of Art at Manchester
University and afterwards spent three years in the
editorial department of a fine art publishing company.
His career later took a decades' long detour into the
world of information technology where he was able to
work and live in both continental Europe and North
America.
Now ‘retired' from this field of endeavour he has devoted his time to
researching Art Historical periods and subjects that have garnered his
interest over the years.
Never taking himself too seriously, Martin will be sharing with us what it was
like to be an “official” Royal Mistress.
Hilary Hough, Speakers’ Secretary
Monthly Afternoon Meeting
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Members’ Events Report: Tea Dance (4th November 2016)
Despite the damp atmosphere outside the Berkshire Ballroom welcomed 60 lively souls to dance the afternoon away. The dancing commenced with a lively quickstep to I’ve Got Rhythm and soon everyone was in the mood for dancing. The varied programme put together by Diana Bone and Josh Burchell covered a variety of dance styles with some added tuition. A midway through welcome cuppa and cake was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to Marilyn Clifton, Margaret Edwards, David Edwards and David Smith for all their help on the day.
Report: Bath Christmas Market (30th November 2016)
On a very cold chilly morning two coaches full of Wokingham U3A members made their way to Bath Christmas Market. The trip down was uneventful, and the coaches warm and comfortable. The market was a delight with chalet-type stalls to tempt all. There were many samples on offer and the Chocolate wine and Coffee Vodka gave one a warm glow which was much needed on such a cold day. There were also samples of delicious cheeses and sausages on offer. The Chilli sauces soon had the red face effect on a few unsuspecting samplers. Some visited the Abbey which was very impressive. All suitable exhausted we made our way home without any traffic jams on the motorway so overall a very enjoyable day.
Jacky Smith, Events Co-ordinator
IMPORTANT: Parking at St Paul’s Parish Rooms
WU3A events and meetings take place regularly at St Paul’s Parish Rooms on the Reading Road in Wokingham, so it is worth drawing members’ attention to the issues regarding car parking there.
Although the car park beside the Parish Rooms is quite substantial, it does tend to overflow for popular events. On these occasions, it can be tempting to leave vehicles in the middle of the car park rather than in the marked areas. This may cause difficulties when everybody tries to leave together later on.
For those who choose to park on the Reading Road itself, it is important not to park too close to the car park exit, as this forces West-bound vehicles into the centre of the road and thus into the filter lane for the car park. Several narrow misses have been observed here!
DO PLEASE PARK CONSIDERATELY AND SAFELY AT ST PAUL’S.
Thank you.
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U3A Research
Report: Shared Learning Project
‘Archive Detective’ SLP Launches Tuesday 22nd November saw ten U3A members gathered in Watlington House (left), the oldest house in Reading, to launch a new Wokingham U3A Shared Learning Project (SLP). This SLP, ‘Archive Detective’, is with the Mills Archive Trust, the charity which provides a permanent repository for historical and contemporary material on traditional mills and milling. The SLP’s aim is to assist the archive by researching the detail of an existing collection and adding this to the extensive database so that it becomes accessible on line to the public.
The day started with a welcome coffee and introductions before learning how the archive had developed to its current position as an Accredited Archive Service. However, it was not long before the briefing moved on to a brief introduction to the origins of mills.
Pictured (right) at the introduction are Jill Kendall (Goring U3A), Anne Harrison and Nigel Birch (Wokingham U3A), Roger Kendall (Goring U3A), Tom Hine (archive volunteer), Nathanael Hodge (archivist) and Mildred Cookson (founder of the archive).
The day soon moved on to more ‘hand on’ activities with the group splitting into two for tours of the archive’s facilities and discussion of future participation. Pictured examining one part of the archive’s stored material (left) are Patsy Thornton (U3A SE SLP Coordinator), Paul King, Chris Readings, Ian Grainge and Brian Hoare’s back, all of Wokingham U3A.
The group, together with archive staff, agreed that future work would be on the collection of the late Brian Eighteen, a well-known mill enthusiast, local historian and postcard collector. Nathanael passed around folders of Brian’s impressive collection and these enhanced the group’s enthusiasm to research them further. Finally, the group’s members agreed the days on which they will return to the archive singly or in small groups to examine the detail of Brian’s work.
Colin Mitchell
Chairman Wokingham U3A Research Committee
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Group News If you have an idea for a new group, why not find out if other members are interested? Your ideas can be included in the Newsletter and on the website.
The website contains a wealth of information on groups mentioned in the newsletter, and you can make contact with convenors through the group page.
Groups wishing to start
None at present that I have been informed about. (Ed.)
New Groups starting
Navigators
Navigators is an outdoor activity group who enjoy exploring both countryside and urban areas using handheld trekking GPS units. It is useful for Navigators to have their own GPS, but it is not essential. A typical countryside Navigator outing might involve searching for a series of geocaches, which are hidden containers where a logsheet has to be signed and then recorded online, while a typical urban Navigator outing might involve finding a number of locations in a town which provide further information used to find a final location, rather like a treasure hunt. Our activities will include other outdoor activities not requiring the use of a GPS for navigation and will also include social activities for the group, such as celebrating completion of challenges.
As our activities include walking on varied terrain and negotiation of stiles and other obstacles requiring climbing ability, an appropriate standard of physical fitness is required. Navigators are required to be fit enough to walk, unaided, for 5 miles across varied terrain in 2 hours, which equates to walking at an average speed of 2.5mph on surfaces which may include muddy paths and steep inclines. We like to consider group safety and the environment, as well as positive experiences for both the group members and those around us, so each Navigator outing will generally be limited to parties of no more than 8-10 people.
All contact with Navigators is by email: is [email protected]
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(Groups Starting, cont.)
Ballet
Ever learned ballet, or wanted to? Try our Ballet Group, led by a qualified (IDTA) dance teacher. Fun, fitness and flexibility in a relaxed environment. Learn steps and enchainements (sequences) to a range of musical styles. Beginners and returners welcome. (Don’t worry, no point work is involved!)
The group meets on Thursdays at 10.15-11.00am at The Cornerstone in Wokingham. First session on Thursday 5th January.
If interested, please contact convener Cindy Block at [email protected] or phone 01183-757625.
Jive 2
If you like music by Elvis Presley or Bill Hayley and are looking for some enjoyable physical exercise, then this could be the group for you!
Jive 2 will meet at Woosehill Community Hall each Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00pm from January 10th 2017.
If you are interested in joining Jive 2 please contact convener
Colin West at [email protected] or phone 07803 938 410
Groups closing or closed
Life Drawing
Please note that this group has been closed for some time now.
Book Group G
This group has reluctantly closed due to low membership.
Groups looking for members More details can be found on the Web Site under Groups Groups with Availability.
Crochet
We are trying to resurrect this group. We meet at Wokingham Library, 10.00am to 12.00pm every 2nd Wednesday. Next meeting 11th January. Everyone welcome, beginners and accomplished crocheters!
Convener: Sue Waddington: [email protected] (0118 979 9007)
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(Groups looking for members, cont.)
Line Dancing 1
Attendance for this group (which is for those with experience of Line Dancing, rather than beginners) has fluctuated for a while, but just recently the situation has worsened.
We urgently need more members! We run every Monday for most of the year at the Bradbury Centre, Rose Street at 2.00pm for one hour.
Please contact convener Ann Knowles if interested: 0118 976 1582
Poetry Reading Group 1
We have space to welcome two new members to our group. An interest in poetry and reading your choices out loud are all that is required. We meet on the fourth Tuesday morning each month commencing at 10.00am. We are a friendly bunch so why not give us a try?
Call convener Jennie Mew: 01344 483318
Military History Group
The Military History Group is a long-established group meeting in Woosehill Community Centre on the third Thursday of each month. Presentations are given by members on any militaristic subject of interest to them.
Many and varied topics have been aired, ranging from ENSA in WW2, through tactics of Roman Generals, to South American liberation struggles, Korean Admirals in the Middle Ages, Zeppelins and a study of Portsmouth’s role in the defence of UK over the years (and just about all other points in between).
We provide coffee and biscuits to start, and a lively Q&A session to follow.
Email convenor Ian Grainge: [email protected] or John Mann: [email protected]
Scrabble Group
The Scrabble Group has been running for several years and from 3rd January 2017 we shall be meeting in the Upstairs Hall at the Woosehill Community Centre from 2.00pm until 4.00pm and thereafter on the first Tuesday of each month.
Members are of varying abilities from beginners to experienced players, all are welcome to play. The maximum group size is 20 people due to the size of the room. The group possesses several Scrabble sets as well as a few dictionaries for members to use.
For more information, please contact convenor Chris Platten on 0118 978 4164 or by email [email protected].
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Group Changes
Moto 3
A reformed Moto 3 was established recently, with two new members volunteering to be Convenor and Treasurer.
They are already planning their activities and have organised their first Moto 3 meeting for 1st December.
New members wishing to join, please contact convenor Roslyn Parker: 0118 978 9354, or helper and Treasurer Judith Collins: judith.a.collins1@btinternet.
You can also find out more by contacting the New Members Secretary Patricia Howard email: [email protected]
Scrabble Group
There is a change of venue for this group from the WADE Centre to Woosehill Community Centre (see above, Groups Looking for Members, for more information)
Group programmes
Travel Group
This group meets in the Woosehill Community Hall upstairs on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month at 2.00 for 2.30pm. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome.
Wednesday January 4th - Biddy Wombwell presents Tanzania, Wildlife and Wonders
Wednesday February 1st - Stuart Birley presents Waterways of the Tsars, a journey from St Petersburg to Moscow along canals, through lakes and visiting small villages - seeing life along the way.
If interested in coming along or joining the group, please contact convenor Elizabeth Manley on 0118 9772569
French Walk and Talk
Upcoming walks:
Tuesday 31st January
Tuesday 28th February
The group welcomes new walkers keen to practise their French in informal surroundings with the option of a relaxed lunch afterwards.
Contact convener Phillip Rothbart for more details: 0118 9698771
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(Group programmes, cont.)
Walk ‘n’ talk Italian
Friday 6th January at 10.00am
Ashley Hill and Warren Row. 4.5 miles from lay-by near former Seven Stars PH, Bath Road (A4) at Knowl Hill, GR 822 794.
Leader: Caroline Layton 0118 978 1336. Mobile on day: 07906 182893. Friday 3rd February at 10.00am
Rotherfield Greys and Stony Bottom. 4 miles. Road parking next to Masters Arms, Rotherfield Greys, on the Henley-Rotherfield Greys road, RG9 4QD. GR 726 823.
Leader: Caroline Layton 0118 978 1336. Mobile on day: 07906 182893.
Film
Wednesday 4th January, 7.00 for 7.30pm
Amélie (2001) directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Introduced by David Hamilton
A painfully shy waitress working at a tiny Paris cafe, Amélie makes a surprising discovery and sees her life drastically changed for the better. From then on, Amélie dedicates herself to helping others find happiness in the most delightfully unexpected ways. But will she have the courage to do for herself what she has done
for others? Audrey Tatou is just right as Amélie, a perfect gamine in a Lulu haircut.
Wednesday 1st February, 7.00 for 7.30pm
Sunset Boulevard (1950) directed by Billy Wilder. Introduced by Ken Bowden
Arguably the greatest movie about Hollywood, Billy Wilder's masterpiece Sunset Boulevard is a tremendously entertaining combination of noir, black comedy, and character study. Gloria Swanson plays Norma Desmond, a former silent-film star who has faded into obscurity. William Holden plays a hack screenwriter, the director Erich von Stroheim plays Norma’s butler, and there are cameo performances by other names from Hollywood ’s silent era.
Wokingham Methodist Church Hall, Rose Street
For more information, contact Clive Tomlin 01344 774409
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(Group programmes, cont.)
Group news and reports Contributions are always welcome from group members as well as convenors. Pictures are always a bonus (but please get featured individuals’ permission!)
Report: History of Buildings Group (also published in Wokingham Paper on 24th November)
A local architect's scandalous connection.
A High Court case receiving national press coverage in November 2016 struck a chord with members of Wokingham U3A History of Buildings Group who have recently been studying development in Wokingham at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
A headline in the Sunday Times on 6th November read "Sale of £1m church uncovers scandal of defrocked vicar's Victorian sex cult." The case revolves around who should inherit the proceeds from the sale of the former Church of the Ark of the Covenant in Clapton, East London, now called the Church of the Good Shepherd (photograph by Fin Fahey).
This church had been the London HQ of the cult of the Agapemonites who achieved notoriety in the late Victorian era. Agapemone in Greek means "The Abode of Love".
The connection with Wokingham is that the renowned Berkshire Architect, Joseph Morris, responsible for much of the expansion of Wokingham designed the spectacular Clapton church (now Grade II* listed) for the sect. Apparently he did not charge a fee for his services and also contributed financially to the acquisition of the land for the church.
Morris had been brought up as a Quaker and became County Surveyor for Berkshire from 1872 to 1905. He was undoubtedly a most talented architect designing many public buildings. He was responsible for many new Police Stations including Wokingham and Maidenhead, several schools and improvements to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The former Wokingham Police Station, designed by Joseph Morris (photograph by D Hunter)
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Alongside his official public duties, Morris, also ran a successful architectural practice designing many other churches throughout the South of England and urban villas for the wealthy middle classes locally.
In Wokingham he was a founder and Chairman of the People's Investment Company which developed the former Batty's Barn Estate. This is the area around Easthampstead Road and Murdoch Road where the former Presentation Convent and substantial private houses designed by Morris, his son, Francis (Frank), and daughter, Violet, still exist. The Presentation Convent was originally called “Ochilton”, but in its redeveloped form is now “Chapel Gate”.
The Agapemonites
The Agapemonites achieved notoriety involving rites certainly not in line with main stream religions and attracted a large number of wealthy single ladies.
The founder of this church was one Henry James Prince. He died in 1902. His successor was John Hugh Smyth-Piggott who claimed to be Christ incarnated and whose descendants are claiming a share in the proceeds of the "Ark" site.
It was reported that at a meeting at his house, in 1902, in Craven Road Reading, Morris announced that "Jesus Christ has come again"
Smyth-Piggott is alleged to have fled from London protected by police when he was pursued by a mob after failing to walk on water on the pond at Clapton Common. He took refuge in the sect's commune in Spaxton near Bridgwater in Somerset with a female convert. He was eventually defrocked for immorality and died in 1927.
Despite of the reputation of this sect it continued through the later Victorian period to attract enough trusting well-heeled Agapemonites to fund the Ark of the Covenant Church and the community at Spaxton.
On his retirement in 1905, Morris also moved to Spaxton and lived in a cottage designed by his daughter, Violet.
The Bridgwater Mercury reported Joseph Morris's death in 1913 describing him as a prominent member of the Agapemonites for many years. His impressive portfolio of works in Reading and Wokingham was also mentioned.
One can only wonder how much of the profits from developing Wokingham went to support this somewhat dubious religious sect.
David Hunter Convenor History of Buildings Group
The former Presentation Convent in Easthampstead Road
(photograph by D Hunter)
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Answer to last edition’s “Where in Wokingham?” question:
This building nearly burnt down over 47 years ago, in 1969.
What occupies these premises now?
Answer: Café Rouge. After the 1969 fire the pub was reopened as The New Rose Hotel, and then earlier this decade it was in turn transformed into Café Rouge (Nandos also occupies part of the original pub building).
And finally….this edition’s
In what Wokingham building would you be sitting with this as your view?
(Answer in next edition)
Deadline for contributions to next Newsletter (Mar-Apr 2017):
TUESDAY 31st JANUARY
Please send to Steve Block, Newsletter Editor
