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The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER

Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Deeping St. James

FEBRUARY FILL-DYKE ? (Saying used by the ‘yokels’ when I was a child!)

I didn’t think I had a photo for February (our Chairman was right I should have saved the one I used last month, it was more suited to Valentine’s Day), then it occurred to me these brave souls from the “Pacers” Walking Group deserved the honour for their courage in venturing out on such a day. Report page 3. (Photo: ANNE BURTON). A. Committee Members 2015/2016

Garth Perry Chairman Ann Parkes Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Liz Noble Membership Secretary Susanne Hoadley Groups Coordinator Phil Jones Deputy Gps Co-ordinator Lyall Seale Speaker Finder Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor Lynn White Newsletter Distribution and Gift Aid Admin. David Scott Contact through Website Webmaster

Programme of Speakers 2017 20 February BEING A BUTLER by George Waugh who will talk about his time as a buttler at Burghley House. 20 March SAVING LIVES IN LINCOLNSHIRE by Nigel Perry talks about the work of the Lincolnshire Charity LIVES. 24 April WHAT’S IN A NAME? by Phillipa Massey (About Stamford Streets). Unless otherwise stated all monthly meetings are at THE METHODIST CHURCH, Deeping St. James. Doors open at 9.30 am . To enable us to set out chairs, etc., please do not arrive before this time. Coffee served until 10.20 and meetings begin at 10.30 am. WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

Ann Woodward, Kath Heywood, Iris and Ernest Phillips and Anne-Marie Stott, Deeping St James, Peter Edwards and Pamela Woods Market Deeping and Janet and Terry Lill, Deeping Gate

Issue No. 163 FEBRUARY 2017

CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

When I sat down to commit my ramblings to paper, it was in the middle of the recent spate of cold, foggy, damp days. Words weren’t coming very easily, and I thought how lucky Donald Trump is – he only has to put together 140 words at any one time! However I made a start, and before I got very far, the sun returned, and the temperature began to rise.

I was immediately reminded of the comic song “Camp Granada”, by the American comedian Alan Sherman. This is the tale of a homesick teenager, sent off to a type of Scout camp (no offence

intended to Scouts!), to live in a tent, and take part in all sorts of activities. He writes home about the rotten weather, leaky tents, horrible food etc., and how all his pals are coming down with food poisoning, and other horrible ailments. Pleading with his parents to come and take him home, he promises to be an ideal child, and never again to complain about anything at home, even his hugging relatives! Then – the sun comes out, and this makes such a difference to his enjoyment of

his experience, that he ends his letter – “Mother, Father, kindly disregard this letter”.

It does so much good to our spirits to see the sun, and the signs in nature of new life beginning. No matter what life throws at us, life goes on, and hopefully the friendship and stimulation of the U3A helps people to deal with this challenge

Best wishes

Garth

Chairman

JOHN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH TWELVE INCH

VINYLS!!

This well known member of the Deepings U3A needs no introduction but some of you may be surprised to hear that he is today (15th Feb.) celebrating his 90th birthday! The “Listening to Music” Group began the celebrations a few days early at their meeting last week.

John had chosen a list of music for us to share with him which he described as “Down memory lane with twelve inch vinyls” - recordings from the 1960s and 1970s”. So after listening to music which included Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, Some Enchanted Evening by Mantovani’s orchestra. Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp and The Holy City with Max Jaffa and his orchestra, John blew out the candles on the birthday cake kindly made by Liz Noble and we drank his health with sparkling wine.

Good wishes for a speedy return to good health were sent to Terry Noble. ANN HOLMES

Group Leaders: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE

Sorry Garth—

couldn't resist add-

ing illustrtion! A

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GROUP NEWS

Our new group Classic and Kit Cars is up, running with a very successful first meeting – see their report on page 3 Natural History group: Audrey Dunkley has been joined by Peter Edwards as join leaders of the group but are still looking for new members. The group is planning an ”OPEN” Meeting on the 23rd March. Details above if you have missed them! Further good news is the new Ukulele group has been formed this month. They will be having their first meeting on Thursday 23 February. Group leaders are Liz Lonsdale and Malcolm Hoadley At the moment they have six members but are looking for more . SUSANNE HOADLEY Group Co-ordinator U3A ART APPRECIATION GROUP The Group met for the usual planning meeting at the start of a new year. Peter and Lin Witherington were not able to attend, because of Peter’s illness, and so Yvonne and Sandra led the meeting. The meeting was well attended, and lots of ideas were presented, ranging from visits to Lincoln and Corby Glen, to bringing in our favourite painting to show the Group and discuss why it was chosen. Everyone agreed that the “housekeeping responsibilities” should be shared, and key holders were nominated. Subsequent to the meeting, we were saddened to hear of the death of Peter, who, with his wife Lin, started our Group. We didn’t have an opportunity to thank him personally, but we would like to assure Lin that the hard work that he put in, with her able support, in establishing and nurturing the Group is greatly appreciated. As he would have wished, the Group is carrying on with its work, thanks to the efforts of Sandra Jones, Yvonne McCulloch, and other members. The meeting planned for 21st February has been cancelled, as a mark of respect to Peter. The next meeting will be on 21st March and details will appear in the next Newsletter. Contacts: SANDRA JONES / YVONNE MCCULLOCH U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP This month’s lunch is on Sunday, 26th February at ‘The Horseshoe’, Thurlby, 12.30 for 1.00 pm. Will those members wishing to join this event please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffiths or add your name to the list at the meeting on Monday, 20 February.

U3A CYCLING GROUP

On the beautifully sunny morning of 20th January, but with the temperature barely rising above freezing point, a group of six intrepid cyclists set off for what was to be a thoroughly invigorating ride; the effort of cycling while wearing thermal protection clothing produced so much body heat. Also, the sight of mist rising from the fields produced a most magical theatrical effect.

Starting from Market Deeping Bridge, the route took us along Sutton’s Lane and on to Peakirk. Turning left we were somewhat surprised to find the level crossing barriers down so had to wait for the train to pass – it is not often that delays are experienced here. After crossing the dyke we turned left on to Corporation Bank and it was along this stretch that we were treated to an impromptu aerobatic display from two light aircraft. Eventually, by turning right, the ride took us on to Newborough. Then it was back to Deeping. However, at arrival back at the level crossing the gates were down yet again – a freight train this time. From there it was on to The Bull at Market Deeping and to one of their splendid “Winter Warmer” lunches – very good value for money

Thanks must go to our leader, Fred Skipper, for organising such an imaginative ride. Report: TERRY NOBLE

Group Leader: FRED SKIPPER

U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

A foggy day in Langtoft did not prevent our January meeting at the home of Maurice Annison. As expected we were treated to a morning of mixed delights, some totally unexpected.

The morning began with Count Basie's Orchestra and 'Lil' Darlin' followed by 'Till There Was You' from Henry Mancini. We had a 'Skylark' from Sky and then went 'Around The Wild Cape Horn' with Ralph McTell. Staying with the sea, Fats Waller sang and played 'You're Not The Only Oyster In The Sea' and Glenn Miller took us on his 'Caribbean Clipper'. Art Pepper gave us a lift with 'Angel Wings' and we arrived back on terra firma with Ella and 'Basin Street Blues'. Oscar Peterson and his trio played 'Night Train' Chet Baker followed with 'Isn't it Romantic' and Harry James took us airborne again with 'How High The Moon'.

'Some Other Time' from Steve Melling's Duo, with Simon Wolf on Bass; then a complete change came with Andy Williams and 'Moonlight In Vermont’. Mulgrew Miller, Gerry Mulligan and Lionel Hampton took us to 'Things Are Swingin' by Peggy Lee, 'Sirocco' Hank Marvin of Shadows fame and then something we didn't expect - The Doncaster Jazz Orchestra with Mark White on flugelhorn. They were very good. The R.P.O. plays Genesis - 'Alone Tonight' and The Keith Christie Quartet played 'I Got It Bad'. John Dankworth was next with 'Feather Merchant' and Maurice's last surprise was an unusual arrangement of 'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' from Jacques Loussier.

Follow That! Well Peter Gray has that honour on February 22nd. Thanks Maurice, very enjoyable morning. Report: ANNE JONES

Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES

OPEN MEETING

The Natural History Group present

Hedgehogs - a talk by Angela Smith of Caddington

Hedgehogs; a hospital, rehabilitation and retirement

home for injured and sick hedgehogs which is run on a

voluntary basis.

Angela will talk about her work at Caddington

Hedgehogs and is bringing a display with a hedgehog. This talk is open to all.

10am for 10.30, Thursday, 23rd March at the Priory Hall, Deeping St James.

Tickets £5 (to include light refreshments) at the door. Proceeds to Caddington Hedgehogs. Further information from Jo Astle.

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U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

Our February walkers set off around Stamford, avoiding the shops, and into Burghley Park in light drizzle. The rain increased but with good company and plenty of chat ‘The Pacers’ stayed in high spirits and were able to dry out at The Stamford Post and enjoy a good lunch. (Also see pic. Page 1).

Report: MAVIS SMITH

Group Leaders: LYNN & STEVE WHITE U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP Our January meeting was a busy one as we were planning our programme for the following ten months. Suggestions and ideas were put together and I'm sure we have some interesting meetings ahead.

Our next meeting is on February 27th when we will be seeing a DVD titled "Buying and selling Antiques at Auction made easy’. The usual meeting place 2pm.

Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY U3A CLASSIC AND KIT CAR GROUP Held in the Crab and Winkle, Werrington in January our inaugural gathering was very well attended by PU3A members, and Deepings U3A members, (Classic Car, Kit Car and Motor Cycle owners, Mechanics, Classic Vehicle enthusiasts, etc….).

The next planned meeting is Wednesday 22nd February from 11.30am at the Elton Walled Garden Centre, Elton Hall, PE8 6SH. Again it can be for coffee and/or lunch depending on when you arrive and it goes without saying either solo or with spouse/partner/navigator. Please do contact me if you're planing to attend as we need to give the Café approx numbers, The idea behind this new Group is to enable like-minded U3A members to get together on a regular basis at various venues and events to socialise and have an informal chat about everything and anything to do with classic vehicles. If you are interested in joining the group or have any questions please contact me. Group Leader: JOHN BURTON

U3A “BOOK WORMS” READING GROUP

We have no report for January for the Bookworms. The library does not supply books for our group over the Christmas holiday.

ANN THORNTHWAITE Group Leader: U3A HISTORY REPORT

Sandra welcomed a very good number of History Group members to the first meeting of 2017 and introduced Jim Winstone whose talk was entitled 'The English Human Landscape - A Geographer's Perspective'.

As a Geographer himself, Jim gave the History group an interesting and thought provoking talk. We were reminded of the human influence, over many centuries, and of course continuing today, on the landscape of England. Report: MARY BURTON

Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON

U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

The awful bugs pervading February took their toll and we were a reduced group meeting in the home of David and Margaret Scott this month.

After looking at the answers to a fiendish plant based quiz provided by Chris Ferguson, we finalised our programme for the year before embarking on what has become the infamous Annual Thursday Garden Group Scott Quiz. We certainly learnt more than we obviously knew! Questions ranged from the impossibly difficult (we hadn't heard of Persian Walnuts) to the improbably easy (we dig borders) and it was just as well we all left with different packets of seeds as prizes, especially for Barbara Workman who seemed to get every impossible question going.

After a great deal of laughter, wonderful hospitality from David and Margaret and many memories rekindled by the rolling slide show David had prepared of previous group visits, we all left with spirits considerably raised.

Our next meeting is a trip to Ponton Hall Gardens at the slightly later time of 10.15 on Thursday 2nd March.

LINDA HILL Group Leader U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

For our February walk Brian Littler led eighteen members across the fields and paths on a very overcast day and despite being slightly muddy in places, it was not too bad for this time of year and largely avoided ploughed fields where possible. The walk commenced from The Five Bells Inn at Morton and headed across the A15 in the direction of Hanthorpe before turning south into Bourne Woods and exiting into the village of Cawthorpe. From here the walk returned back across the A15 and through Dyke before heading north to Morton and to The Five Bells where a very good and reasonably priced lunch was enjoyed. Many thanks to Brian for leading the walk and organising the lunch.

The next walk on 9 March will be led by Garth Perry and will be The Stilton Circuit commencing from The Talbot Inn, 5 North Street, Stilton, Peterborough PE7 3RP. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Garth by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible. Photo: DAVID SCOTT GODFREY PARKES Group Leader

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U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP The theme of our February meeting was dishes from Nigel Slater's recipes (previously featured in 2012!). A good variety of interesting dishes ensued and we discussed his books and talked about TV appearances. We started with a Mackerel salad and a vegetable loaf, then followed by other dishes such as Toad in the Hole with Cranberries, Onions in Cheese sauce, Chicken en Croute and spicy Shepherd's pie. We finished with a Lemon Mousse cheesecake . We agreed Nigel is an interesting chef, but seems to use a lot of cream. Next month may be more frugal, as we are experimenting with less common Grains and Pulses. Do join us if you would like to! KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader U3A POETS AND THEIR POETRY GROUP For this month’s Poetry we had the letter 'E' to find Poets. We all did rather well, with Ralph W Emerson, George Eliot, TS Eliot, and Max Ehrman. We had our readings and discussions and enjoyed a very interesting afternoon.

Thank you to Ann for hosting the meeting. Our next meeting will be on March 6th. IRENE BEEKEN

Group Leader U3A BOBBIN LACE GROUP

Bobbin Lace is very intricate, needs a lot of concentration and (speaking from experience) is not easy to learn! Sometimes there is not much to show for 2—3 hours hard work. Luckily Barbara is a very patient and excellent teacher. Avril Willis has recently completed the lace illustrated above and as the group rarely appears in the Newsletter, I thought you might like to see her work in detail.

Members and husbands of the Bobbin Lace group enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Toft Country House Hotel this month. Thanks to Barbara for making all the arrangements. ANN

Group Leader: BARBARA BAYLIS

U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

On Monday 23 January, the group held it’s annual lunch, which this year was at the Crab and Winkle, Werrington. There were 27 members and two guests present, but unfortunately, another two members couldn’t attend through owing to illness. Most members expressed their appreciation of the meals on offer and let’s hope that is a prelude to another successful year strolling in the vicinity of Deeping.

On the following Monday, we held our second stroll of the year when we had a three mile stroll around Empingham, which is one of many attractive villages in Rutland. The stroll covered most of the streets in the village and also some paths across fields on the edge of it. Although the weather was dull and overcast during the stroll, at least the precipitous weather, which had been prevalent over the preceding weekend, kept at bay.

During the stroll one section of the group had their attention drawn to a peahen, which found a warm spot on top of a chimney stack on one of the cottages. The photograph taken by Anne Burton, shows it keeping a beady on this errant group.

Or next stroll will take place on Monday 27 February when Searle Clark will lead us starting from the Boathouse, Thorpe Meadows. Members of the group wishing to take part should contact Searle a few days before.

BOB DELLER Group Leader U3A “WEEKENDERS” GROUP Ann welcomed 28 members to the Oddfellows Hall on Saturday 11th February. She thanked Pat Rigby for organising a breakfast at the Stage the previous Saturday which everyone had enjoyed. The group sang Happy Birthday to John Bloomfield and celebrated his 90th birthday with cake. John brought along a selection of photographs which marked some of the highlights in his life and brought back memories for some members. Details were finalised for the visits to the Broadway Club in March and the Chinese Buffet on the 16th Feb. The next meeting will be on March 11th at the Oddfellows Hall. Report: BARBARA MCNICOL Group leaders: ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL U3A FILM GROUP The next film on Wednesday 22 February 2 - 4 pm at the Community Centre, will be "The King's Speech", starring Colin Firth as George VI and Helena Bonham Carter as his wife Elizabeth. They were thrown into their royal role by the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, and 'Bertie' struggles to conquer a speech impediment that has troubled him all his life. With the determination of Elizabeth and help from the unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) George VI overcomes his difficulties and becomes one of our most loved monarchs. Join us to enjoy this fascinating story of a country on the brink of war and a sovereign determined to help lead us to victory.

Group Leaders: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN

DO YOU ENJOY A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA AT OUR

MONTHLY MEETINGS? PLEASE REMEMBER WE RELY ON

VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE IT EACH MONTH. IF YOU ARE

ABLE TO HELP PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME TO THE LIST ON

THE BOARDS TABLE.

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U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP

The Mystery of the boot left in the Car park from the January walk has be solved. Cinderella "Olive" has claimed it and she did not meet a new Prince Charming as she already has hers "Eric"

Twenty nine of us set out from the New Inn, Folkingham on a cold, frosty (1C) and sunny morning on a circular approx five mile loop nearing Walcot. There were 10 stiles, numerous bridges, streams, a ford (we used the path, as it was too deep even for me to walk across the ford). There were numerous muddy fields to cross and it did not matter whether you were high up or lower down the drainage was not too good. Mud, Mud, glorious Mud. Needless to say after crossing a field it felt like we had deep sea divers boots on. Really it was a waste of time cleaning the boots of mud until the end of the walk.

We enjoyed a very good fulfilling meal, so much so that I don't think anyone had pudding! Thanks to Yvonne and Murdoch for organising the walk and as usual the weather was good to us.

The next walk is on 6th March from The Crown Inn, Duck Street, Elton, PE8 6RQ. The walk is five miles, some stiles, some mud and hopefully a sunny day. You might need your gaiters. This will be led by Bruce Zenthon , please let him know by Friday before the walk if you are walking and/or lunching . STEVE HENSON Group Leader U 3A CRAFT GROUP 3

As reported in last month’s Newsletter, Anita Setchfield has taken over leadership of this group and judging from the photos sent this month, is keeping them as busy as ever. It is also interesting to note Hedgehogs have popped up again (see notice on page 2). Keep up the good work girls! ANN. Group Leader: ANITA SETCHFIELD

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

Our meeting for January was at the Coach House. We started the meeting with coffee and finished off our programme for this year. We now have a good mix of things for this year—hopefully something for everyone .

Our next meeting on 23rd February will be Deeping Lakes and in March our meeting will be about Hedgehogs and will be open to all members. See details on page 2. New members to the group are always welcome.

AUDREY DUNKLEY / PETER EDWARDS U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP Another month and another meeting. Today we started by having a good look at how we can locate missing births without the need to purchase birth certificates.

We took a look at the ‘new’ GRO site. As part of a new pilot project they are now showing the mother’s maiden names on all birth entries. Prior to this project, the mother’s maiden name was only available on entries from the September quarter of 1911. The death records now show the age on all entries, whereas it was only included from 1866. Both these changes will now make it possible to fill in the details of births and deaths between censuses without the need to purchase anything. See the Government do give somethings for free!

The second half of the meeting we took a look at some family memorabilia. Well what a lovely show of items.

A WW1 periscope, a button hold flower holder, a metal punch with the Lord’s Prayer on it (so tiny we had to look at it with a magnifier), a brass ‘top’ game (take it all),a poem to the Queen and postcard from Stilton dated 1908,a little ivory(?) pomander and a Primrose League badge. We could not identify one item but think it was something to do with tagging animals as it came from a farm. We had great fun looking at all the items, all of which belong to members of the group and brought back memories of how the items were used within the family.

The group were eager to get away as they all wanted to test out the method of finding the births. I do hope that they will be as successful as I have been. Happy hunting!

We do still have plenty of space for anyone who might be thinking of taking up the hobby and we would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. Please contact me I will always try to help and if I do not know the answer I will point you in a direction that may help.

PEG TORRANCE Group Leader U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP For our February meeting we visited Jane Cooke's garden in Deeping St. Nicholas. Jane gave us a tour of the large interesting garden with its beautiful old trees. We saw thousands of snowdrops which just needed a little more sun to fully open and one spread of aconites looked really spectacular. There are many shrubs and a vegetable garden which all looked immaculate and ready for Spring. It was a dull morning but we soon warmed up afterwards with hot drinks etc. Everyone enjoyed the visit and our thanks go to Jane. Due to ill health we have room in our group for a couple more keen gardeners! " Report: JEAN FOSTER Photo: PAM READY

Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD

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U3A SCIENCE GROUP

We thank David Leggett for the very interesting and informative talk about George and Robert Stephenson, which he gave to our January meeting. This tied in well with our previous talk about Isambard Kingdom Brunel and expanded on the relationship between their works.

We have cancelled the February meeting of the Group. Our next meeting will be on 21st March.

Group Leaders : GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP There were ten of us at our meeting in February, and as usual we heard an interesting selection of pieces, each one different from the others. Geoff had tried the challenge of writing something starting with a word of one letter, then increasing by a letter in each word, until eventually reducing the length of the words by a letter each time, to finish with another word of one letter. Difficult to explain, and a very hard exercise!

Two of us had written a story which included the ten words set by group members at a previous meeting. Keith had continued his tale about an ancient and probably haunted staircase. Betty had chosen to write a story based in a library where the books could converse with each other and share their concerns about the librarian. Maureen had written a story which included all the food items we had enjoyed at our Christmas ‘bring and share’ lunch. There was no shortage of ideas in our writing group this morning!

Next month we have to bring along a newspaper headline, and also one or two other suggestions for future writing topics.

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP Sixteen Wanderers set off from the Boathouse in Peterborough for a walk to Ferry Meadows led by Liz and Tony Gilbank. Our numbers were boosted by four new members who we welcome to the group. Once again the weather was kind to us with a bright sunny morning with only a touch of frost. Our route was mainly on hard pathways past the rowing lake, over the River Nene lock and following the railway line to Ferry Meadows. We were treated to a view of the Nene Valley Rail steam train twice en route. We entered the country park by the Lynch Farm Bridge and did a circuit, passing the Gunwade and Lynch lakes where we saw giant swans (see above). Other wildlife encountered included Canadian geese, heron plus normal size swans. We then proceeded via the visitor centre to rejoin the path back to the pub. Here we enjoyed a well deserved lunch. Next month's walk will be led by Hilary and Barry Akam back from their travels, details to follow. Report: LIZ GILBANK Group Leaders: HILARY AND BARRY AKAM

U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

We had a thoroughly enjoyable “Christmas” lunch at Toft at the end of January and also revisited some parchment work at the January meeting.

This month’s meeting project is not firmed up as I write this, so perhaps another “surprise”, but we will see what transpires! Meeting will be at 2pm on 20 February 2017.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

U3A FLOWER ARRANGING GROUP

The group met again in February after a break, as January is a difficult month for flowers and foliage. We produced a variety of arrangements using daffodils in oasis. It was lovely to see the beginnings of Spring with such a cheerful looking flowers and some even managed to find catkins and pussy willow.

The next meeting is Thursday March 2nd, 2pm to 4pm at the Community Centre when we will be doing a classic triangle with flowers of our choice. Please get in contact if you think you might be interested or have any questions.

PAT LUDLOW Group Leader 01778 342851 U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP

On a beautifully sunny and crisp February day the Church Mice group visited St George’s church in Stamford. The smallest of the six medieval churches in Stamford, its claim to fame is that it is the first church of the founders of the Order of the Garter. These are commemorated in a fine window in the chancel. The chancel itself is outstanding with a very fine wooden ceiling and monuments to some of Stamford’s citizens, but with the choir stalls removed. The whole church is light and airy with chairs having replaced the Victorian pews. After 800 years of continuous worship the church is as busy as ever, with large congregations and all the modern equipment of the 21st century. Being in St George’s Square, near the heart of Stamford, the church is surrounded by older buildings. The oblong tower is an unusual feature, but the four bells in it can no longer be rung, as it is not safe enough.

The group heard an excellent talk by Pat, who then showed us the individual features of the church. An excellent tea followed. Report: HENRY ROBERTS

Group Leaders: LYALL SEALE / JIM PRINGLE U3A LEARNING PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP The next meeting for the photography group meeting will be on Wednesday 22nd February, at 2.00 pm at the R C Church Hall, Hereward Way, Deeping St.James. Members are asked to bring in any latest photographs taken since November 2016. If any members of the U3A who are not in our group would like to join the photography meeting, you will be most welcome. The Deepings Camera Club Annual Exhibition will be held on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April at the Deepings Community Centre. More details to follow in the March newsletter. DAVE PENDRY Group Leader

Suggestion?