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Last month weonce againwelcomed VinceEager to continuewith his life story

that he started at our meeting in June last year. He firstreminded us that the BBC had guaranteed him a place in theheats for the 1960 Eurovision Song Contest after hisunfortunate altercation with Charley Drake and thus it wasthat he was one of several contenders. His Manager, LarryParnell, was keen to maximise the publicity opportunities anddecided that Vince should appear in a “sharp” and expensiveItalian suit, despite the requirement that contestants shouldbe in evening dress. He also insisted on a coiffure that Vincetook exception to and ruined before the show. Vince gained“no points” (sympathetic aahs from the audience) and thewinners of the heats, Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson went on to win the contest with “Sing Little Birdy”

Whilst this was going on Vince was still touring with other British rock and roll stars including his great friendJoe Brown, another Lincolnshire lad with whom he enjoyed playing practical jokes on the cast, such as dusting

the dancer’s clothes with itching powder!Vince and his band The Quiet Three soon found themselves touring Britain

with two pioneers of the American Rock & Roll scene, Eddie Cochran and GeneVincent and Vince formed a strong friendship with Eddie. The tour was a greatsuccess but was made infamous by a riot at Caird Hall Dundee, which Vinceclaims was not about the music but started by locals who wished to settle apersonal score with him. After this eventful gig Vince had to fulfil some previouslybooked engagements which prevented him from accompanying Eddie and Geneto do some shows in Bristol. On their return they were all to fly to America tomake some recordings together, but Eddie and Gene, choosing to return toLondon by taxi were involved in a serious crash at at Chippenham which Eddiedid not survive. This was of course a major news story and Vince’s managerLarry Parnes tried to make the most of it for publicity purposes. This was toomuch for Vince who immediately parted company with him.

An interesting sidenote is that a local police officer at the site of the crashsalvaged Eddies Gretch guitar from the wreckage and eventually returned it it,He later went on to make his own fame as Dave Dee (with Dozy Beaky, Mickand Titch)

Vince had a varied career after this and told us tales of meeting various celebrities such as a very inebriatedJayne Mansfield and extensive overseas trips entertaining the British Forces. He then spent a lot of time touringin Zambia, Rhodesia and South Africa, and he later toured the world for five years starring in the stage show“Elvis the Musical”. Still in good health despite recent reports in Wikipedia of his demise, he continues toentertain with reminiscences of his colourful career.

http://u3asites.org.uk/carlton-gedling/home

Newsletter

Issue No.71 April 2018

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We currently offer a Computer Helpline for C&G U3Amembers who would like assistance in using their

computer, tablet, smart phone or printer.

We are hoping to expand our group of helpers. Areas thatwe would specifically like to strengthen are in relation toiPhones and Android phones, iPads & Tablets, Email and

Printers - as well as any other IT skills that youmay have. If you would like to offer your

services, please click contactGraeme Bunting or one of the

Committee.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALWe will be starting the membership renewal process at the next General Meetingon April 19th and are pleased to advise that the subscription has been reducedthis year. You don't need to fill in a new application form this year - there will bea pre-printed renewal form waiting for each of you to collect from the small meetingroom, off the corridor between the entrance and the main hall.

When you get your form please check that your details are correct and makeany alterations if necessary. Then read the brief Terms & Conditions and PrivacyStatement on the back of the form, before ticking the boxes to show that you agreeto the U3A using your data as described.

There is also a box to tick if you are a UK tax payer and would like to allow theU3A to claim Gift Aid on your subscription.After signing the form you can hand it back with your payment £17 (FullMembership) or £13.50 (Associate Membership). Although we do accept cash, ithelps to process renewals more efficiently if you can please pay by cheque.We look forward to seeing you at renewal for another great U3A membership year.

Having your photograph on your membership card is a great way for yourCommittee and Group Convenors to put a name to a face. At the Marchgeneral meeting you can have your photo taken by a member of thephotography group to be put onto your 2018/19 membership card. If youalready have your photo on your current card there is no need to have anotherone taken, unless you would like to change it. Alternatively, if you wouldprefer us to use one of your own you can email it us atcarlton.u3a@outlook.com

April

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The Newsletter is published by The Carlton, Gedling & District U3A. (Reg. Charity No. 1157211)Views expressed are not necessarily those of the U3A or Editor

NEW MEMBERS MEETINGThis is an opportunity for new members, and anyone wishing to find out more about the U3A, to meetand have a chat to some committee members and group conveners in a smaller less formal setting than

the monthly meeting. Coffee is for sale along with the usual range of beverages and the meeting willtake place at the Willowbrook Pub at 10:45 - 11:45 am on Thursday 26th April

Trips and VisitsA FEW TICKETS REMAINING FOR CASTLE HOWARD AND GARDENS - 20TH JUNE 2018.

.The coach will leave the Richard Herrod Centre at 9.00am

and will leave Castle Howard at 5.00pm.The journey should take approx. 2.5 hrs.

The cost of the trip is £29.

Come and join us on a visit to the historic villageof Tutbury in Staffordshire. Lying on the banksof the river Dove the site has been occupied forover 3000 years. Until 2006 the village was thebase for Tutbury crystal production and stillretains a factory shop. The village is dominatedby the remains of Tutbury Castle where Mary,Queen of Scots was imprisoned three times.Our visit will include an audience with Mary inthe afternoon followed by a cream tea.

Leaving Richard Herrod Centre at 9amCost: £25

TUTBURY 6th JULY 2018

Please send contributions for next month’s issue by Sunday 6th May to

nickclarkeditor@gmail.com

Articles for the website should be sent to Graeme Bunting

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Theatre visits

Reviews over…

It's back... with a vengeance! Getset for another nail-biting ClassicThrillers Season of twists, turnsand terror. Four mysteries will beexplored over four weeks, each withthe same burning question –whodunit? New this month is TheClassic Thriller Season at theTheatre Royal. We are selling thetickets for all four shows at a bargainbasement price of £56. First up isSleighed to Death

The other plays in the season are A Touch of Danger, by Francis Durbridge, The Scarlet PimpernelThe Nightmare Room by Arthur Conan Doyle adapted by John Goodrum.

Our second new offering is She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith is a classic comedy which hasbeen wowing audiences for over 200 years, with larger than life characters and big laughs. A rich countrysquire tries to arrange for his beautiful daughter Kate to marry the son of an aristocrat. Unfortunately, theyoung man gets all flustered with well brought up ladies and is only comfortable with lower class women.Determined to catch him, Kate pretends to be a servant girl - and so the story unfolds...

Third up is Sweet Charity. Feel the spirit of the Swinging Sixties in the Big Apple in this electrifyingmusical comedy. Charity Hope Valentine is a kind young woman who earns her keep dancing in theseedier bars of New York City. After being unceremoniously dumped by her latest sketchy boyfriend,Charity is determined to change her life for the better. But is a chance encounter with a shy young man ina broken-down lift the kick-start her love life needs? And how will she realise her dreams of happiness andsuccess in a selfish, cynical world?

Finally, don’t forget The Wipers Times. The Wipers Times tells the true and extraordinary story of thecheerful, subversive and very funny newspaper designed to lift the spirits of the men on the front line. Itrolled off the press for two years and was an extraordinary tribute to the resilience of the human spirit inthe face of overwhelming adversity.

All trips are listed below. See you at the general meeting, cheque book at the ready.

Collect Tickets: Top Hat Wednesday 30th May, Shebeen Saturday 2nd June

Trips on offer:

Musical Chess The Musical Saturday 7th July, 2pm Nottingham Arts Theatre (£13) Organiser AnnePorter please pay if you haven’t already

New Drama She Stoops to Conquer, Saturday 28th July, 2.30pm, Lace Market Theatre (£10) OrganiserJanet Whitchurch. Sign up and pay for tickets.

New Drama Classic Thrillers Season, Wednesdays 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd August, 2pm, Theatre Royal,(£56 for all four thrillers) Organiser Linda Spencer, Sign up and pay for tickets

Drama The Wipers Times, Wednesday 29 August, 2.00pm, Theatre Royal, (£27), Organiser CarolynBroadhurst Sign up and pay for tickets

New Musical Sweet Charity Monday 3rd September 7.30 pm, Nottingham Playhouse (£7) OrganiserBasia Arch Sign up and pay for tickets

Paul Martinez

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Theatre ReviewsOur Country's Good at Nottingham Playhouse.

Based on Playmaker by Thomas Keneally, thisplay was written in 1988 based on a true story ofthe convicts and officers in Australia's first penalcolony. Set in the dusty wilderness of this colony,the drama follows the efforts of a young, idealisticRoyal Marine officer, Ralph Clark to educate thevice-ridden convicts through the medium of theatre,proposing that the prisoners put on a play. Clarkfinds himself caught between both the confusedignorance of the convicts and the violent prejudicesof the colony's officers.

Our Country's Good beautifully captures theimpact that involvement in Art can have on people'slives. Through taking part in a play, the convictslearn to articulate their ideas, to negotiate, todebate, to work together in a positive way and tosupport each other. As a result, they gain a newoutlook on life. This play has a huge impact onsome of the officer's too.

This is a third production by Ramps on the Moon,the integrated D/deaf, disabled and non-disabledactors theatre consortium. This is not inclusion asafterthought. It is built into the process of creation,woven into the fabric of the show. Communicationis central to this production. When characters useB.S.L, other actors speak their lines. Thosespeaking or signing for others are fully integratedinto the piece. The pacing of some early scenes ison the slow side and it isn't as exuberant and earth-

shaking a production as 'Tommy' but I don't think itis trying to be.

The use of the Aborigine between scenes seemeda little tacked-on. Whilst it would have beeninteresting to consider the Aboriginal experience ofthe early colonies - imagine those stories! , I feelthat the irregular use of this character meant that itwas only ever a brief distraction from events. Manyof the cast doubled up playing officers and convictsand delivered excellent performances. A specialmention should go to Caroline Parker, who inaddition to playing two separate characters, wasalso constantly present to physically deliver-through speech or sign language the lines ofseveral convicts- What an achievement!

Sharp, witty and just a little unsettling, 'OurCountry's Good' is a challenging drama that willleave you turning over the play's messages in yourmind long after the curtain falls. Basia Arch

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

Forget the Cinderella we know as a pantomime.Matthew Bourne’s production is something else.Set in London during the Blitz, with the help ofnewsreel, sound effects and realistic sets all ofwhich add to the atmosphere of war torn London.The music of Prokofiev plays throughout the threeacts, the first being Cinderella’s home life with hercruel siblings, then moving on to the Cafe de Parisdance hall and its subsequent bombing, andculminating with Cinderella meeting up again withher Prince Charming, and a happy ending. The finalapplause for this production was richly deserved.

Interest GroupsCreative WritingDOGSWhat a varied pack of dogs we wrote about! The first author wrote about a drugs sniffer dogwho had a distinct scent of his own. The second author wrote of a stray dog who adoptedhis owner on a beautifully described South African ranch. The third author wrote a poemabout wanting a puppy – but the parents thought a white mouse was more appropriate.Author number four wrote about a family whose move to a better house allowed theownership of a puppy and the good life it enjoyed. The last author wrote of a herosearch and rescue dog who saved a young girl injured whilst out hiking.

Next meeting Friday 20th April (day after the General Meeting)at 2pm in the bar area of the Richard Herrod Centre. Thetheme will be “I Spy”.

Linda Shelton

Paul Martinez

Sue Wells

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Birdwatching

Nuthatch

Kestrel

Wollaton Park. Friday 9thMarch 2018.Cold, sun/cloud, wind 1-2

(SW)An encouraging turnout made their way for their first visit toWollaton Park, meeting at the rear of the Beam Enginebuildings. Between ourselves, and the roe deer feeding onturnips, was a reasonable flock of grazing Redwing,fattening up before their homeward migration.Taking a clockwise path, there were noticeable sightings ofGrey Heron, Teal, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, and asmattering of Common Gulls.We continued westward towards the Derby Rd Gateentrance. Overhead a Raptor, a good contender for aGoshawk, probably a Male, soared above us, probably missed by those trailing behind.Taking a gentle incline, a majestic oak tree, planted around the time the Spanish Amanda was defeated,materialised before us. After a brief rest, and a bit of tree hugging, another excitement was to come.Beside the main path, in a large hole of a Beech tree was a Tawny Owl on sentinel duty. The whole groupmust be commended for their efforts to remain at a distance that would not distance this nocturnal avianfrom its slumber.Now heading into the wooded area enclosed between the A52 and the pond, Green Woodpecker,Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Rook were seen along with a Little Egret. Leaving the pond and heading westwe overheard Nuthatch and Jackdaw chattering.On the final stretch covering the pond noisy Rose-ringed Parakeets , Nottingham’s own feral population ofS. Asian and Sub-Saharan African species, drew more attention, along with Great Spotted Woodpecker,Mandarin Duck, Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Goldcrest.Finally, back in the courtyard thoughts of yet another great birding session were exchanged over lattes.(Es) Teal. (C) Pochard Mandarin DuckGreat Crested GrebeLittle Egret. Grey HeronCommon, Black-headed GullTawny Owl (rufous)(E) Green Woodpecker. Great Spotted WoodpeckerPied WagtailRedwingGoldcrest

We welcomed Stuart Dixon to our Marchmeeting. Members were advised on seasonaljobs in the garden and given recommendationsfor late Spring and early Summer planting.

There were plants for sale from Hilltop Nurseries. Stuart always delivers a veryinteresting talk whatever time of year he visits us and has amusinganecdotes. I think he might have been tricking us though when he saidthat snails have 'rights'. We have arranged for four more speakers andtwo visits during 2018. Please see the calendar for what is planned.

Greenfingers

Joan Miller

Nicola Dandie

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Green Sandpiper

Classical Music AppreciationOur March meeting featured Prokoviev, ably presented by David Dobbs. Itwas a whistle stop tour around Prokoviev’s long and varied output –chamber music, symphonies, ballet, opera, music to enthuse children. Itmade me realise just how much he wrote and how his style evolved overthe years. What struck me most of all is the quality of bitter-sweetness inmuch of his mature music. It’s very easy on the ear, but there’s a sad andperhaps skeptical edge which stops the sweetness from becomingsaccharine. One of the earliest pieces we listened to was very modernistin style. David’s overview demonstrated that Prokoviev never lost thedesire to take music further and endow it with his distinctive personal andRussian voice. It made an excellent counterpart to the Shostakovich weexplored in February. In April, the them will be Lullabies and Nocturnes,presented by Jill Thomas. Paul Martinez

Sergei Prokofiev

With the recent attack on the former Russian spy SergeiSkripal, our book this month “The Spy who came in fromthe cold”, sounded eerily topical.Briefly, without giving too much away, the story centresaround Alex Leamas a British Agent stationed in WestBerlin. Karl Reimick, the last double agent in East Berlin,is shot while trying to get back to the West and Leamas isrecalled to London to be questioned as to how Mundt, theHead of the East German S.S. had been able toannihilate all the operatives left in Berlin. Leamas isasked to stay “in the cold” for one last plan to get rid ofMundt and the plot continues…

Whilst most of the group said they would not normallychoose to read a spy book, all enjoyed the story and weagreed it was well written. We were able to follow the plot,unlike some of John Le Carre novels and there waspathos with Leamas showing an ability to form a caringrelationship with Liz, a naïve young woman used byControl, to assist in the subterfuge.

The book was only 222 pages long and events movedquickly. I thought the plot was very clever and would putit on my list of good reads. John Le Carre’s ‘Smiley’sPeople’ was however, recommended as a better book.Our theme for April is ‘Reader’s Choice’. At this sessionwe bring in and talk about a book we have recently read.

Book Group

Jean Berry

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The item in this month’s Third Age Matters? There was a(very) brief account of our Christmas revels which failed to

use the pictures we sent. However, a mention is is a mention!

Last month we met once again at our spiritualhome, The Willowbrook- home of the Sausage Cob.

Ian brought us a wide variety of items todiscuss, starting with the cost of parking intown and especially at the hospitals. Weall agreed that the tram stop at QMC isvery convenient, but wouldn’t it be nice tohave a tram line out this way!

After attacking said SausageCobs we moved on to our attitudes tothe recent cold weather shutdowns.Potholes were very much to the foreand many tales were told of badlydamaged roads and short-livedrepairs. We eventually agreed that therarity of such severe weather did notwarrant the colossal investment neededto make us fully winterproof, BUT, thespate of flooding and burst water mainsthat came with the thaw is a suresign that insufficient resources arebeing put into renewing ourinfrastructure (and too much into the profits of theutility companies).

Mention was made of the new rise in AirPassenger Duty bringing the total tax gain outrightto a colossal 3,49 Billion pounds per annum. (Butthere’s still no Magic Money Tree!)

A new discussion started with the news thatthe World Pasty Championship (in America) waswon with a pasty containing pineapple, barbecuedchicken, sweet potato, red pepper, sweet corn andcourgette, and the runner up (from Cornwall) was aVegan Thai pasty! Howls of outrage from allpresent. This discussion then led by a series oflogical steps (that I can’t quite remember) onto a

discussion of political corruption and deceit at thehighest level of American politics

Pasties like this would probably not besmiled on by Public Health England who are

advising us to limit our daily calorie intake to400 at breakfast, 600 at lunch and 600 atdinner, with an allowance of 400-900 for

drinks and snacks (kind of them). Includedwith this calorie intake should be less than a

teaspoon of salt per day.Our individual of the month was the

Tory peer, David Willets who has proposeda wealth tax on the “Baby Boomers” bornbetween 1946 and 1966 in order to helpout with the soaring costs of welfare,

education and the NHS in thisausterity age. With this in mind hehas been awarded a seat on the

Grumpy Old Bus (heading for the cliff-edge)We are now all looking forward to next

month’s meeting, with a new set of topics andpossibly a low-calorie, low-salt sausage cob, (or aThai Pasty if they’ve got one.)

Grumpy Old Men

Tarra II

Occasionally,passers-by are verycurious to knowwhere the music they

can hear, as they leave the Co-op in Netherfield, is coming from. Whenthey pop their heads round the door of the Baptist Church Hall they findthe Carlton & Gedling U3A group, ‘Making Music for Fun’ playing alltheir latest tunes.

This month we had a real surprise. Mel’s wife Sheila popped in. Shestayed for coffee and then joined in with vocal and percussion. Well, whoknows……..we may have a new member!It was a good session. We’ve mastered Glenn Miller’s, ‘In the mood’. We’reworking on T Rex’s, ‘I love to boogie’ which featured in the film, ‘Billy Elliot’ andour new playlist includes, ’Walking in the air’ from ‘Snowman’.

We have a rolling programme of tunes for each session from which wechoose at will as the mood takes us. They’re not difficult. And in any case we alljust play what we can. It’s for fun! Come on. Come and join us.

Making Music for Fun

Charles Cracknell

Did you spot..

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T

Long-Tailed Tit

Such was the interest in this month’s visit that we had to arrange anextra tour to accommodate the numbers. A total of 30 people met upoutside the Council House, before embarking on a guided tour led byDorothy Hollingworth.

Our tour commenced at the foot of the sweeping marble staircase, where Dorothy told us aboutthe bronze plaques on the walls, including the one commemorating the opening of the Council House in1929, with the golden key used by the Prince of Wales to open the doors. We were asked not to ring theold bell from Weekday Cross, but one of our number chose to ignore this request, to everyone else’s con-sternation! We ascended the stair-case, passing the bronze ‘Spirit ofWelcome’ statue which was unveiledin 1931 and the mural by DenholmDavis to arrive at the first floor ball-room. Here, Dorothy gave us a briefhistory of the Council House, ex-plaining how the original plans weredrawn up by T.C. Hewitt in a matterof weeks, and passed round somepictures. We then looked at some ofthe contents of the display cabinets,including the ceremonial silver mac-es and gifts from visiting dignitariesbefore visiting the Lord Mayor’sSuite. We then ascended the stairsto look at the Committee Room andthe Sheriff’s Parlour, and further upto the Tea Room, Member’s Roomand Council Chamber. On descending, we paused to look at some cases showing artefacts from the vari-ous HMS Nottingham ships.

This was a fascinating tour of a building that many of us had only seen from outside, in spite ofmany years living in the area – many thanks go to Dorothy for giving us this informative tour. Further de-tails about the Council House can be found on our web page.Next month we are having a guided tour round the General Cemetery – please see the Calendar onlinefor further details.

The group meets on the third Monday of eachmonth in the meeting room at Richard Herrod from10.30 to 12.30.

U3A members who are computer literate, whoare just starting out, or have gone some way intocarrying out research into their family history arewelcome. Bring along your lap top or tablet andconnect to the Richard Herrod WiFi to delve intoyour family’s past. Bring your research carried outso far, if you have any, together with documentseg.birth, death marriage certificates and the convenor can advise you on the way forward with methodsof carrying our more research and the appropriate web sites, some of which are free to use, to access.

We are a friendly and helpful group always willing to give advice and exchange ideas. There is asmall charge at each meeting for room hire, the actual cost depending on the number of memberspresent.

Come along, join the group, and you may be in for some surprises on your family history.

Family History Group

Graham Palmer

Pam Bartram and Brenda Bowers.

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In March we had the first of 3meetings at which Trish Chanshowed us how to constructpaper mache masks. Glue

everywhere! These will continue in May and June with thefeatures and further decorations, so consider your options andstart collecting!In April, Lynn White is leading a spring flower basket sessionand information about what you will need is on the craftwebpage.

Next meetings: -FRIDAY April 13th 2018 - Craft 1 - April flowersTHURSDAY April 26th - Craft 2 - April flowers1:00 to 3.30 pm at Carlton Fire Station.

Craft Group

Rofie Clennell

Thirty two people venturedout one cold damp eveningto visit Chungs atMapperley. After pre

dinner drinks in The Old Flower Shop we walked a few yards to the restaurantwhere we were all made very welcome, sitting around 3 large circular tables.We were served a variety of delicious dishes of food, certainly more thanenough for all of us. This was definitely one to return to in the future.

The next meal will be at Everest Bhansagar, on Carlton Hill, where theyserve Nepalese and Indian food. Again it will be a set menu and the cost will be£20 including a tip. Please note it will be one week later than normal on 24 May.

In March we took a look at the artwork of EricRavilious, presented by Brian. Most of us didnot know of this artist who died too young at39, but during his life he prolifically producedwater colours, in his unique style andinteresting limited palate. He also made manyengravings and was a talented designer ofceramics, furniture, textiles, wallpapers andglassware. He was an official war artist and this wasreflected in his work but he also loved theSouth Downs which he represented in hisinteresting style, which often had strong linesof perspective leading one’s eye to the horizon.He also produced commercial work for LondonTransport and other organisations that were keen to produce quality posters reflecting their strengths anddelights.The V & A has a good collection of his work and also it can be found on YouTube as we discovered aftersome initial difficulties but it came right in the end!

Art Appreciation

Brian and Jill Thomas

Jnternational Dining

Pat Downing

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Red for DangerThis month Mike Johnson gave us a presentationon British railway crashes and disasters, detailingfour of the most famous ones, their causes and theconsequences in terms of government interventionand safety legislation.

Staplehurst , Kent 9th June 1865. The Folkestone to London boat train was

derailed on a viaduct where a length of track wasmissing due to engineering work . Ten passengerslost their lives and forty were injured, the novelistCharles Dickens was one of the survivors of the

crash.A board of Trade enquiry determined that thewarning flag was displayed too near to the works toallow the train to come to a stop, and that the drivershould have been made aware that there wasengineering work on the line. This contributed to theformulation of “Rule 55. Protection of Trains” whichrequired that waiting trains on running lines mustremind the signaller of their presence.

Tay Bridge Disaster – 28th December 1879The Tay bridge was completed in 1877 and was

considered at the time a masterpiece ofengineering. The design by Thomas Bouchcombined cast and wrought iron lattice-grid girderssupported on brick piers resting on the bedrock.With a total of 85 spans it was the longest bridge inthe world. A Board of Trade inspection over threedays of good weather pronounced it fit forpassenger traffic subject to a speed limit of 25 mph.At 7:13 on the 28th December 1879 during a force10/11 gale a six-coach train collected the token forthe block from the signal cabin and set off acrossthe bridge. Two hundred yards from the cabin witha sudden flash the tail lights of the train vanished.No train exited the bridge and telegraphy with theNorth bank were lost. Taking the full strain of thegale force winds the high girder section of the

bridge had collapsed taking the train with it. Therewere no survivors, it was estimated that up to 76passengers and staff had died, and only 46 bodieswere recovered. The subsequent inquiry inquiryconcluded that the bridge was “badly designed,badly built and badly maintained”, leaving Bouch’sreputation in unredeemable tatters.

Armagh – 12th June 1889This tragic accident involved a large number of

children on a Sunday school outing. On overladentrain with over 900 passengers set off on a 24 miletrip to Warrenpoint. Just outside Armagh station theengine stalled on a steep incline The TrainSuperintendent ordered the train to be divided atthe fifth coach, and the front portion taken toHamiltonsbawn Station, which could onlyaccommodate 5 coaches in its sidings, then theengine return for the rear section of 10 carriages.Although the train was fitted with continuousvacuum braking this was of a non-automatic typeDividing the train meant the rear coaches now onlyhad the brake in the brake van to stop them runningdown the incline.  Stones were placed behind someof the wheels as extra precaution. Unfortunately asthe front half of the train started off, the coaches slidbackwards, bumping the rear ones, crushing thestones and overriding the brake van hand brake.The coaches began to move down the gradient,gaining speed, and crashing into a scheduledexpress. 80 passengers were killed, and 260injured, a third of them children. After theenquiry the government forced safety rules andregulations on the reluctant railway companies,including the absolute block signalling system andmandatory fitting of continuous automatic brakes.

Quintinshill – 22nd May 1915This triple train crash took the lives of 226

people, injuring a further 246, and all ultimately dueto a signalling error. During the First World thegovernment took over the railways but akllowed therailway companies to run their own timetables,putting enormous pressure on the railways wassevere. A troop train was involved, which consistedof a motley collection of old rolling stock, some ofwhich was oak-framed and lit by gas, the gascylinders being mounted in the frames, There wasalso a wagon containing ammunition, and it was theresulting fire that caused most of the carnage. Thetwo local signalmen were blamed for the event andwere found guilty of manslaughter, but theirsentenced were light. possibly due to the generalsympathy for their predicament and they were re-employed by the railways after release.

This is only a brief summary of these events - for amore detailed account please see the item on ourGroup web page.

Railway Enthusiasts

Mike Johnson & Nick Clark

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March 2018 Worksop Walk: 11 of us set off fordeepest Derbyshire and while 2 of the party opted

for a scenic tour of theDerbyshire Dales the rest ofus descended into Milldalefrom the Alsop le Dale carpark. The weather thoughdull, was considerably betterthan it had been the previousweek. Walking from Milldaleto Wolfscote Dale we then ascended Biggin Dale and havingclimbed every mountain and forded every stream we arrived atthe village of Biggin for a well earned lunch stop. Havingmarvelled at finding a phone box which actually had a workingphone inside, we were joined by the 2 tourists and returned tothe car park along the Tissington Trail allowing us magnificent

views across the Derbyshire Dales. Some of the party then enjoyed refreshment at the Waterloo Inn inBiggin before returning to Gedling.

April 2018 Cromford Canal and the High Peak Trail A shorter drive this month. The walk is about 8miles long and involves walking along the High Peak trail, the Cromford Canal and the Midshires Way.There are a couple of short steep climbs and some muddy sections but nothing too serious. Meet in the carpark on Ranmoor Road at 9.00am on Thursday 26th April and bring a packed lunch. Convenor Brian Shield

Striders

Convenor Brian Shield

Textile CraftsThis month Gill revisedShadow knitting using adifferent format whichwas generally found

easy to follow. The topic of Entrelac knitting was introducedwith an intention to cover it in more detail next month. This isa technique which is quite easy to master and gives acomplex basket-weave like design. The next meeting is at10:15 on Friday 4th May at Gedling Road Methodist Church.New members are always welcome.

Gill & Lynne

Did you know your membership card can be used at the BroadwayCinema to receive a discount when purchasing tickets? Also If youshould book a holiday with Riviera

Travel and mention at the time of booking you are member of theU3A, Riviera will donate 10% of the total cost of your holiday tothe Carlton and Gedling U3A.

If you know of any other discounts available to U3A membersthen can you tell a Committee member or email toCarlton.u3a@outlook.com

And Finally..

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Time Group Meet at Details Contact16 Mon 10:30 Family History Richard Herrod Brenda on 0774 201 748216 Mon 14:00 Tea Dancing Richard Herrod Helen on 0115 955 472316 Mon 16:15 Drama Carlton Fire Station Production Planning Pat on 0791 866 532217 Tue 8:45 Trips and Visits Richard Herrod Brodsworth Hall and Gardens Maggie on 0795 129 911317 Tue 13:30 Local History Meet at the venue General Cemetery, Canning Circus Graham on 0115 956 179118 Wed 10:00 Bonsai A member's house Shaping, wiring, re-potting part 3 Paul on 0115 955 928518 Wed 10:00 Singing for Pleasure Netherfield Baptist Allan on 0115 911 304518 Wed 14:00 Bridge and Whist The Willowbrook Ken on 0115 956 278018 Wed 14:00 Scrabble The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 195719 Thu 10:30 General Meeting Richard Herrod Don Sharpe: Hearing Dogs Tom on 0780 094 939620 Fri 10:00 Science Richard Herrod Steve on 0784111143520 Fri 16:00 Table Tennis C-le-Willows Academy Andrea on 0752 709 032420 Fri 17:00 Badminton Carlton Forum L.C. Liz on 0115 960 642821 Sat 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton Tom on 0780 094 939623 Mon 10:00 French Conv. Mapperley Golf Club Brian on 0115 926 505323 Mon 10:00 Sewing Carlton Fire Station Pam on 0115 926 002623 Mon 10:30 Discussion A member's house Knife Culture and more Lynne on 0777 180 195723 Mon 14:00 Art Appreciation A member's house Work of a chosen artist Christine on 0115 953 672523 Mon 14:00 Committee Meeting Richard Herrod Tom on 0780 094 939623 Mon 18:30 Wine Lovers 4 Age Concern The Big Test - Sock Wine Tasting Steve on 0784 111 143524 Tue 9:30 5 Miles + tea Ranmoor Road Sherwood Forest walk Christine on 0115 915 752524 Tue 14:00 Music Appreciation Richard Herrod One Word Titles Eric on 0115 952 375725 Wed 10:00 Music For Fun Netherfield Baptist Charles on 0115 915 752525 Wed 14:00 Bridge and Whist The Willowbrook Ken on 0115 956 278025 Wed 14:00 Scrabble The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 195726 Thu 9:00 Striders Walking Ranmoor Road High Peak Trail etc. Brian on 0115 956 767026 Thu 10:45 New Members The Willowbrook For new & prospective members Sally on 0778 754 114526 Thu 11:00 Coffee Morning Top Spot Club Maggie on 0115 955 928526 Thu 13:00 Crafts Thursday Carlton Fire Station Spring flower arranging with Lynn Rofie on 0115 955 447127 Fri 10:00 Singing for Pleasure St Georges Centre Allan on 0115 911 304527 Fri 14:00 Canasta The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 195727 Fri 16:00 Table Tennis C-le-Willows Academy Andrea on 0752 709 032427 Fri 17:00 Badminton Carlton Forum L.C. Liz on 0115 960 642828 Sat 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton Tom on 0780 094 939629 Sun 12:00 Theatre Broadway Cinema Cendrillon Paul on 0115 955 928530 Mon 14:00 Tea Dancing Richard Herrod Helen on 0115 955 472330 Mon 16:15 Drama Carlton Fire Station Production Planning Pat on 0791 866 5322

Time Group Meet at Details Contact1 Tue 10:00 Memory Course A member's house Maggie on 0115 955 92851 Tue 14:00 Book Club Carlton Fire Station All the Light We Cannot See Maggie on 0115 952 31851 Tue 16:30 Indoor Bowls Richard Herrod Mick on 0115 987 42392 Wed 10:00 Singing for Pleasure Netherfield Baptist Allan on 0115 911 30452 Wed 14:00 Bridge and Whist The Willowbrook Ken on 0115 956 27802 Wed 14:00 Scrabble The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 19573 Thu 10:15 Tai Chi Richard Herrod Sally on 0778 754 11453 Thu 14:00 Alt. Book Club The Gedling Inn Gill on 0115 9874 2394 Fri 10:15 Textile Crafts Gedling Road Meth. Lynne on 0777 180 19574 Fri 14:00 Canasta The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 19574 Fri 16:00 Table Tennis C-le-Willows Academy Andrea on 0752 709 03244 Fri 17:00 Badminton Carlton Forum L.C. Liz on 0115 960 64285 Sat 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton Tom on 0780 094 93965 Sat 10:00 Railway Enth. Carlton Railway Station Trip to Ecclesbourne Railway Nick on 0115 987 2594

Carlton & Gedling U3A Diary of Events: APRIL 2018Date

Carlton & Gedling U3A Diary of Events:MAY 2018Date

14TheNewsletter Page

6 Sun 16:00 Newsletter Deadline for May newsletter submissions Nick on 0115 987 25947 Mon 14:00 History Study Richard Herrod The Northern Crusades Lynne on 07771 801 9578 Tue 9:45 Photography Ranmoor Road Trip to Felley Priory Mike on 0776 218 28988 Tue 10:00 Memory Course A member's house Maggie on 0115 955 92858 Tue 14:00 Canasta The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 19578 Tue 14:30 Poetry Appreciation A member's house Rene on 0115 841 84819 Wed 10:00 Music For Fun Netherfield Baptist Charles on 0115 915 75259 Wed 14:00 Bridge and Whist The Willowbrook Ken on 0115 956 27809 Wed 14:00 Scrabble The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 1957

10 Thu 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton A ride towards Sawley Marina Tom on 0780 094 939610 Thu 10:30 Religious ArchitectureSt Marys Church St Mary's Nottingham - tour Mike on 0794 991 024110 Thu 11:00 Coffee Morning Top Spot Club Maggie on 0115 955 928510 Thu 12:00 Ten Pin Bowling MFA Bowl Brenda on 0115 962 575710 Thu 13:30 Art Gedling Road Meth. Christine on 0115 915 752511 Fri 9:00 Bird Watching Richard Herrod Trip to Frampton Marsh RSPB Nuala on 0115 960852511 Fri 10:00 Singing for Pleasure St Georges Centre Allan on 0115 911 304511 Fri 12:00 Grumpy Old Men The Gedling Inn Ian on 0115 911 468111 Fri 13:00 Crafts Friday Carlton Fire Station Mask making, 2 of 3 Rofie on 0115 955 447111 Fri 16:00 Table Tennis C-le-Willows Academy Andrea on 0752 709 032411 Fri 17:00 Badminton Carlton Forum L.C. Liz on 0115 960 642812 Sat 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton Tom on 0780 094 939614 Mon 10:00 Classical Music St A member's house Richard Strauss tone poems David on 0115 955 472614 Mon 10:00 French Conv. Mapperley Golf Club Brian on 0115 926 505314 Mon 10:30 Greenfingers Meet at the venue Visit to Capability Barn Nicola on 0115 940 150714 Mon 14:00 Tea Dancing Richard Herrod Helen on 0115 955 472314 Mon 18:30 Wine Lovers 2 Burton Road C.C. The Big Test - Sock Wine Tasting Paul on 0115 955 928515 Tue 10:00 Memory Course A member's house Maggie on 0115 955 928515 Tue 14:00 Local History Gedling Miners Memorial Guided walk around Gedling Village Graham on 0115 956 179116 Wed 10:00 Bonsai A member's house Pinching out and wiring Paul on 0115 955 928516 Wed 10:00 Singing for Pleasure Netherfield Baptist Allan on 0115 911 304516 Wed 14:00 Bridge and Whist The Willowbrook Ken on 0115 956 278016 Wed 14:00 Scrabble The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 195717 Thu 10:30 General Meeting Richard Herrod Nottingham Ukulele Club. Tom on 0780 094 939618 Fri 10:00 Science Richard Herrod Steve on 0784111143518 Fri 16:00 Table Tennis C-le-Willows Academy Andrea on 0752 709 032418 Fri 17:00 Badminton Carlton Forum L.C. Liz on 0115 960 642819 Sat 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton Tom on 0780 094 939621 Mon 10:00 Sewing Carlton Fire Station Note change of date Pam on 0115 926 002621 Mon 10:30 Family History Richard Herrod Brenda on 0774 201 748221 Mon 14:00 Committee Meeting Richard Herrod Tom on 0780 094 939621 Mon 16:15 Drama Carlton Fire Station Rehearsals Pat on 0791 866 532221 Mon 18:30 Wine Lovers 4 Age Concern BYO New Zealand wines Steve on 0784 111 143522 Tue 9:30 5 Miles + tea Ranmoor Road Vicar Water walk Christine on 0115 915 752522 Tue 10:00 Memory Course A member's house Maggie on 0115 955 928523 Wed 10:00 Music For Fun Netherfield Baptist Charles on 0115 915 752523 Wed 14:00 Bridge and Whist The Willowbrook Ken on 0115 956 278023 Wed 14:00 Scrabble The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 195724 Thu 9:00 Striders Walking Ranmoor Road TBA walk Brian on 0115 956 767024 Thu 10:45 New Members The Willowbrook For new & prospective members Sally on 0778 754 114524 Thu 11:00 Coffee Morning Top Spot Club Maggie on 0115 955 928524 Thu 13:00 Crafts Thursday Carlton Fire Station Mask making, 2 of 3 Rofie on 0115 955 447125 Fri 10:00 Singing for Pleasure St Georges Centre Allan on 0115 911 304525 Fri 14:00 Canasta The Willowbrook Lynne on 0777 180 195725 Fri 16:00 Table Tennis C-le-Willows Academy Andrea on 0752 709 032425 Fri 17:00 Badminton Carlton Forum L.C. Liz on 0115 960 642826 Sat 9:30 Cycling For Fun 50 Willow Road, Carlton Tom on 0780 094 9396

Carlton & Gedling U3A Diary of Events: MAY 2018