Contact 01684 325013

info@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk

Tewkesbury & District u3a

30th Anniversary

TUTA News No 162

Aug Sep Oct 2021

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Zoom Meetings and Speakers.

Members will be sent an email invite to join the zoom presentations

Monday 9th August at 10:30am - Zoom talk by Paul Barwick

'The Mystery of The Body In The Bag, The Gareth Williams Story'

Paul is a retired Police Officer with a career background in the national intelligence and security arena.

Monday 13th September at 10:30am - Zoom talk by Steve Herra

'Cunard History and Glamorous Stars'

Steve is a third generation Cunard employee. His last ship was the QE2 where he was one of the Pursers and met some of the stars featured.

Monday 11th October at 10:30am - Live presentation by Andy Smith

'John, Paul, Ringo and Me'

Andy is a song-writing multi instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, tenor guitar, sitar, piano...) and singer. He will be bringing many instruments to the meeting.

Monday 8th November at 10:30am - 3pm Open Meeting for everyone at Tewkesbury Town Hall

Monthly Meetings on ZOOM Until October

They are usually held on the second Monday of each month, at the Baptist Church Hall, Station Road, Tewkesbury. Refreshments are

available from 10am, for a meeting start time of 10:30am

Front Cover Photo by The Editor - Neil

Deadline for contributions to next Magazine 7th October

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Contents

Page 4 Thoughts From the Chair

Page 5 The Road Map Back to Normality

Page 6 Webmaster Wanted

Page 7 From the Membership Secretary

Page 8 and 9 Ascent of Worcestershire Beacon

Page 10 and 11 The Amazing Mr Dickens - April Presentation

Page 12 and 13 Magician - May Presentation

Page 14,15 and

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Laos, Where Buddhism & Socialism Meet - June

Presentation

Page 17 Meet The New TUTA News Editor

Page 18 and 19 Group Contact Information

Page 20 and 21 A History of Tewkesbury & District Walking Group

Page 22 and 23 Dates From My Fathers Diary

Page 24 Photography / Mah Jong

Page 25 Discussion Group / Computer Group

Page 26 Scrabbling Group / Book Circle Group/AGM

Page 27 French Beginner’s Group / Wecome New Members

Page 28 Duplicate Bridge Group

Page 29 and 30 Garden Visits

Page 30 French Improvers

Page 31 30th Anniversary / Open Meeting

Page 32 Family History

Page 33 Walking The Malverns In September

Page 34 Walking Group

Page 35 Gentle Strolls

Page 36 Committee Member Contact Details

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Thoughts from the Chair

What have the French ever done for us?....................

Well, apart from excellent wines; exceptional food; and a

never-ending supply of affordable holiday homes, what

have the French ever done for us?

“What about the u3a?”

Yes, the u3a was an idea born in 1973 and developed at the

University of Toulouse in France. Initially, it was aimed at attracting the

retired to study at the University but over time it has broadened into the

organisation we know today.

The success of the u3a spread, and by the 1980’s the potential of this

concept had penetrated these shores.

I like to think that in 1973 we Brits were also planting seeds for our own

u3a. The BBC began broadcasting a programme promoting the idea that

retirement was not just a waiting room for the inevitable. ‘Last of the

Summer Wine’ introduced us to Compo, Foggy and Clegg, three characters

who were not going to allow age to curb their enthusiasm for life.

In 1991 the u3a arrived in Tewkesbury. Brenda Perkins had been inspired

by a speech in London. A meeting was eventually arranged to test the

waters of interest, only to find the tide from our over 55’s reached tsunami

proportions. Since that day Tewkesbury and District u3a has not looked

back, and this year celebrates its 30th anniversary. From the initial 6 interest

groups we can now boast 39 groups and a membership of over 600. We

have so much to thank those early members who had the vision and the

enthusiasm to launch our u3a.

In looking back through some of the early documents, I came across a

‘New Members Leaflet’ and one quote leapt out from the sheet,

“The success of the movement depends upon the involvement and

enthusiasm of its members………….”

That sentiment is just as relevant today as it was back then. If our u3a is to

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revive itself after the hiatus caused by Covid it will need an all-round,

concerted effort. I am tempted to tinker with those famous words uttered

by President Kennedy, “Ask, not what your u3a can do for you, ask what

you can do for your u3a?

I, for one, am so looking forward to the day when we can all meet up

safely again, pursuing our chosen interests, be they recreational or

academic. I trust we can look upon every member to play some part in

helping that to happen, as we relaunch our u3a.

Ian Barber (Chair)

The Roadmap Back to Normality

By the time you read this Boris should have announced the final stages of

the route back to some sort of normality. This will give us an indication how

and when indoor face to face meeting can restart.

“Oh, how good will that be!!”

Assuming there are no hiccups in these plans, it is hoped that by mid-

September our u3a groups will have kick started themselves back into life.

Once your group leaders have done the necessary organising, they will let

you know the specifics of when and where etc, plus the Risk Assessment, so

you can make your own informed decision.

If you, like me are Zoomed out and in danger of becoming institutionalised

by the confinement of Lockdowns then the prospect of getting out and re-

uniting with like minded people in a safe, controlled environment must fill

you with joy.

Enjoy your summer and let us all look forward to an Autumn of Learning,

Laughing and Living!

Ian Barber, (Chair)

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WEBMASTER WANTED!

As I come to the end of my 5 year tenure as a Committee Member and

Webmaster for Tewkesbury & District u3a, your committee will be in

need of a computer literate member to take over the role from December

this year.

When I took over as Webmaster I had very little experience of websites

and none of managing one, but with help and support from other

committee members I have learned on the job, acquiring useful skills as

well as supporting my u3a. It has not been an onerous task and is one

which can generally be carried out whenever time is available (even at

3am in the morning, if sleep evades you….)

Our u3a currently uses a fairly basic system called ‘sitebuilder’, provided

for the use of individual u3as by the Third Age Trust. It has very useful

help items for editors and administrators, for guidance at every step.

If you feel this is a role you can take on, please contact me on

webmaster@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk or contact any of the Committee

Members.

Shirley Channing (Webmaster )

Webmaster role description: Purpose of role: To keep the website up to date and ensure it accurately reflects the activities of the Tewkesbury & District u3a. Duties include: Maintain the website with information from committee members,

Group Leaders and other organisations. Liaise with Chair / TUTA News editor / GLO to decide on action in

respect of publicising obituaries Respond to general enquiries received through the website Active participation in the management of the U3A, including

regular attendance at AGM and committee meetings.

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From the Membership Secretary

The Treasurer gave her piggy bank a shake the other day and it

sounded rather empty so I am afraid that membership renewal

will be due from 1st November 2021.

If you renew on line (please do if you can) you should get a

reminder in October via email. If you are one of the few

people who pay by standing order then you may have to

change it if you take the Third Age Trust News magazine

because charges have gone up. Please consider using Paypal or bank transfer

instead.

If you pay by cheque or cash, then you will be able to do so at the General

Meeting on Monday 8th November. You can find details of this meeting

elsewhere in TUTA News.

Here is a list of fees so that you can come prepared:

Single membership £12

Single with Trust magazine £15.10

Joint membership £20

Joint with Trust magazine £23.10

Some people pay a different rate if they are a paid up member of another u3a.

Cheques should be payable to Tewkesbury and District u3a

Please remember to tell me if you have moved house or changed email

address so that I can update the records.

I look forward to seeing many of you

in the near future.

Richard Hart

(Membership Secretary)

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Ascent of the Worcestershire Beacon

We have climbed the Summit of the Malvern Hills, the

Worcestershire Beacon 425m (1394ft in old money) many times but our

trek today was particularly special. After a good lunch in the H2O Cafe, at

the Malvern Hills Geopark centre near the wyche with Steve and Shirley

an all terrain mobility scooter was wheeled out for Steve at the start of his

and our 2 hour adventure to the beacon and back. It wasn’t his first time

but it was our first time walking

behind him on this uphill track.

(You may remember a speaker

from the Geopark centre at a

previous u3a monthly meeting.)

Pre covid, there were plans to take Steve's photo whilst aboard his “Tramper” against a backdrop of stunning Malvern landscapes, so often seen and enjoyed either side of

the Beacon path but it was too misty and not to be this time. However, the promise of possible rain showers didn’t put us off but the thick grey mist which greeted us half way up almost did! Shirley and Betty tried to follow the route map provided but an increasingly gusty wind almost had us turning back,,, We had looked forward to this walk on wheels so much that we were determined not to give in and we did make it to the top (where we met a crowd of much younger Alpinists who were gathered round the Toposcope.) Well, here’s to the next time we said retracing our steps out of the mist. Steve was at his bravest when the tramper stalled a few times. (Tough tho’ we thought ourselves the prospect of a night on the mountain it didn’t have the appeal that it used to have.)

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This was an afternoon experience that the four of us will long remember. You may like to re- read Shirley’s piece in the last TUTA News. (May, June, July “My u3a Journey” p 32) Graham and Betty.

Shirley and Steve Channing with Betty Mealand

(Photos by Graham Mealand)

Our Thanks TUTA News Unofficial Photographer

Graham Mealand has often, over several years, operated as ‘unofficial’ photographer for Tu3a, but has indicated that he now wishes to relin-quish this role. In future, groups will be encouraged to take their own photographs of events, or activities, then submit them to the TUTA News editor and/or webmaster for inclusion in TUTA News, or website. On the other hand, should a group leader wish to do so, they may book a member of the Photography Group to come and photograph the event, or activity. We would all wish to use this opportunity to thank Graham for the excel-lent photographic record he has maintained of the activities of TU3A over so many years and wish him and Betty every good wish in their ongoing membership of Tu3a.

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The Amazing Mr Dickens - David Allen April Meeting

Dressed as the most well-known and

successful novelist of his age, David Allen's

Zoom talk was more like a performance.

Almost immediately, we lapsed into the

role of well-fed diners listening with rapt

attention to Dickens himself pouring out his life

story; the struggles of his youth, of his

inadequate formal education and the shame of

his father's spending time in a debtors' prison.

There was the grimness of life in a blacking

factory and the tedium of work in a solicitor's

office, where he taught himself shorthand.

From this, he rose to become a court reporter, leading to parliamentary

reporting at the time of the Great Reform Bill, enacted in 1832. As they say,

one thing led to another. Regular articles in the Monthly Magazine, followed

by marriage to the editor's daughter Catherine, to the Pickwick Papers and

Oliver, 'Please, sir. I want some more,' Twist.

The rest, as they say, is history, but, among the plethora of stories of

American tours, marital breakdown, and a liaison dangereuse with a young

actress, there was one which was especially intriguing; that of Queen Victoria

and the author. As a young queen, she had asked her Prime Minister Lord

Melbourne for his opinion of a new book, Oliver Twist. He advised her

against it, being full of poverty and criminality; hardly suitable reading for a

young monarch.

Normally, Victoria would have taken the fatherly Melbourne's advice,

but not it seems on this occasion. She would in fact attempt to set up a

meeting with the author on several occasions, which Dickens somehow

politely declined.

Finally, in the last year of his life, he could decline no more, and, while

midway through writing 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood', he offered to tell the

queen the secret of the novel's ending. Now, it was her turn to decline.

Perhaps she felt that knowing the ending would have spoilt her reading of the

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book when finally published? Unfortunately, for Queen Victoria, and for

us, Charles Dickens was to die from a stroke a few months later, so the

mystery of Edwin Drood remained just that.

David Allen's colourful talk left us all feeling like Oliver Twist,

'wanting more', and, when time came for questions, one of David's answers

struck me as significant. His favourite films of Dickens's works were those

in black and white, such as David Lean's 'Great Expectations'.

When we imagine Regency England, the Brighton Pavilion and the

novels of Jane Austen, we naturally visualise them in colour. Apart from

using fashionable places like Bath or the capital city, literary expression

tended to be set against a rural backdrop.

All this was to change, for, in the mind's eye, Dickensian England

appears to us in black and white and all shades in between. Could this be

due to those formative experiences in the blacking factory and his father's

internment in the Marshalsea Prison, later reincarnated in his novels?

This two tone vision of our national life, aided by a widowed queen,

was to remain with us until late in the century. Even then, it would take a

different means of expression to shift the national zeitgeist, that of music.

Only with the combination of music hall, Gilbert and Sullivan and the

music from the son of a piano tuner, Edward Elgar, would colour be

restored into the national psyche.

With the enthronement of Edward the Seventh, the spirit of the age

was legitimized and became known as the Edwardian Era. Tragically, it

was all too brief, so perhaps Charles Dickens was closer to the heart of the

matter after all.

Thankfully, apart from sporting a grey beard, David Allen's

presentation and dress were in full technicolour,

entertaining us throughout, and, at the same time,

leaving us with much to contemplate. Finally, our

thanks must go to Gillian for bringing before our

very eyes such a spirited story-teller.

Noel Slaney (Thank you for your report)

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Magician—Steve Price May Meeting

A Gold Star member of the Magic Circle, Steve Price, treated us to a vast

number and variety of magical tricks, interacting live on Zoom with several

of the Tewkesbury u3a members, just as if we were in the room. Because it

was so obviously live, we all became absorbed in trying to see how the

tricks were being done - and Steve led us up the garden path several times

with pretending to fiddle and fumble, before then doing the unexpected. No

animals came to any harm in the process.

The number of tricks was dazzling:

ripped-up newspapers, that magically restitched themselves together; ditto

many bits of string becoming one; A white silk scarf that unknotted when

the free-hanging end rose vertically through the knot to untie itself: after a

full minute of Steve hamming it up, we didn't see that one coming;

£20 notes that after much sleight of hand suddenly strung themselves

together;

A Rubik's cube [remember them?] which instantly tidied itself with a tap

on the forehead [followed by an audible voice off - Doesn't work for me!];

Randomly chosen members Susan and John were each asked to choose a

number between 0 and 9, they chose 6 and 4 and then agreed it would now

become 64. It was written below a grid, which Steve quickly filled with

other numbers. Of course, they added up to 64 in any direction or group:

Not to mention adding up the four corners too. You had to see it to believe

it and understand it: well ... maybe not quite understand ... ;

4 45 6 9

5 10 3 46

11 8 43 2

44 1 12 7

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Jenny's chosen invisible card - 7

of clubs - "magically" found in

the sealed envelope taken from

Steve's doormat, several hours

earlier;

A large Ace card that just

wouldn't stay in Steve's trousers -

sorry, waistband;

Knotty problems with scarves,

with much mischievous misdirection from our crafty performer;

another scarf - a black one - that lost 248 and gained 247 multicoloured

polka dots at will [I didn't have time to check those numbers by

counting];

small white balls that came and went unpredictably around Steve's

person and hands;

a freshly built House of Cards that truly defied gravity when Steve

removed several supporting cards from the base;

and finally more gravity-defying - half a glass of water, upside down,

with nothing to hold it in ... (see photo)

Steve had wanted us all to be visible, and unmuted, so we could show our

appreciation as we went along - but our online habit of keeping our

households quiet during u3a talks made many of us rather shy. I hope he

knows we all enjoyed it hugely. A golden opportunity to be thoroughly

entertained. Sorry, non-Zoomers - you missed a treat!

Carol Minter (Thank you for your report)

info@stevepriceillusions.co.uk www.stevepriceillusions.co.uk

facebook.com/stevepriceillusions 07986 219997

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Laos - where Buddhism and Socialism meet - June Meeting

June’s talk was given by Jim Holmes, a professional documentary

photographer who has lived and worked around the world for over 30

years. Jim’s assignments have taken him to over 50 countries where he

worked extensively on environmental and humanitarian projects for many

international agencies. Southeast Asia was his home for over 20 years and

Jim used this base to work around the region for commercial and not-for-

profit clients. Jim has also worked on the visual documentation of mineral

exploration (copper and gold), large river hydropower projects, and for

well-respected travel guide and educational publishers.

With Jim’s rich selection of photography, we were taken around Laos, a

landlocked country wedged between China, Myanmar, Vietnam, and

Cambodia, about the same size as the UK but with a population of only

seven million. It is made up in the main of the ethnic Lao people, though

with the addition of no fewer than 46 ethnic minorities - who, taken

together, actually outnumber the Lao. There is little racial strife, except

for a certain resentment of one of the minorities who sided with the

Americans in what they refer to as ‘the American war’.

Screenshot from zoom meeting (Jim describes top right)

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After the country gained its independence from France, and at about the

same time as the Vietnam war was going on, the US supported Laos’s then

monarchy but was eventually defeated by the communist rebels. The

outcome was thus a communist government for Laos, but the pragmatic

Laotians soon found that tourists came more readily if the government was

described as “socialist”; and with more pragmatism yet, the gorgeously

gilded Buddhist temples were restored by the income from tourism, and

their monks were (and are still) widely supported and popular.

The monks also play a big part in the colourful festivals which take place,

the sunrise festival in November, and the great water-splashing festival at

New Year when statues are paraded around, beer drunk and everyone gets

soaked. And that’s without mentioning the annual elephant festival, in which

there is a sort of elephant rally complete with their mahouts and fancy

carriages on top – so plenty of scary rides to be had!

Laos itself turns out to be everyone’s dream of an exotic and unspoilt Asian

world of brightly coloured textiles, amazing scenery and bamboo villages.

Traversed by the mighty and breath-taking Mekong river, the country has

used it to build a number of gigantic hydroelectric dams, exporting power

and earning income, with the aim of becoming ‘the battery of Asia’. Apart

Screenshot from the Zoom meeting (Jim describes top right)

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from navigation on the Mekong, much transport is by air, the helicopter

being the favoured means of getting about, and good roads are few.

Wildlife abounds, both familiar and exotic, and you are welcome to a

mouth-watering spread of foods, including toasted banana, deep fried

grasshoppers, rice noodles, deep fried river weed with salt, squirrel, bat,

spider and pangolin and, as a special treat, a bowl of raw duck’s blood with

salad, washed down with the very popular local beer. One happy legacy of

the past is the French colonial buildings which now provide attractive

tourist accommodation, with strong local coffee to accompany your petit

dejeuner. Sadly, by contrast, the US military dropped many bombs which

remain unexploded in the countryside, often causing injury.

In conclusion, Jim offered to organise a bespoke tour of Laos later this year

for any of our U3A members interested, and he already has some takers

from members at the talk. If you would like to think about this, Jim’s web

address is: www.jimholmes.co.uk

Malachy Cornwell-Kelly (Thank you for your report)

Novice Monks Speaker - Jim Holmes

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Meet The New Editor

Hi Everyone, this is my first issue as Editor of TUTA News. I hope I will be

able to keep up the high standards of my predecessor Mary Mulrenan who

has put in the last brilliant shift, which was around 20 issues over 5 years.

Thank you Mary for your dedication and for taking the time to pass on the

skills, tips and tricks, so I can continue to produce this news. I would also

like to thank Graham Mealand for his support to Mary with his excellent

articles and photos over those years.

Every month there is a fantastic

presentation organised by our

speaker secretary Gillian

Griffiths. In recent months, due

to the pandemic, these have

been streamed on Zoom (linked

live to our digital screens). The

attendances show that more

members are embracing

technology and have enjoyed

being able to watch them from

the comfort of their homes.

Members have kindly volunteered to write up a report of these shows for

publishing here and I want to thank members who take time to do that. Long

may it continue, as we gradually move back into the world with more venue,

less Zoom. I shall be looking forward to returning to u3a Art In Bredon at

the Village Hall. Hopefully, many more of you will come along and join us.

We don’t have a teacher but we all help each other whether you are a

beginner or advanced.

Please feel free to email me if you have a story to tell that will be of interest,

whether it is about activities in your group or anything that you think

members would like to read.

Neil Leyden editor@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk

ZOOM practice sessions on Sundays at 3pm or by special

arrangement - ring Carol Minter on 078855 22210

Neil Leyden (New TUTA News Editor)

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Ancient Greek History

John Goldsack 01684 298922 The British Legion

3rd Tues 14:00

Ancient Egyptian History

John Goldsack 01684 298922 The British Legion

1st Thurs 14.00

Art for Beginners

Janet Green 01684 274008 Boys’ Brigade HQ

Fri 10:00

Art in Bredon Graham Edwards

01684 773090 Bredon Village Hall

Mon 14:00

Book Circle Connie Cullingford

01684 275622 Various homes 1st Wed

Bridge Peter Jones Robert Wardell

01684 293643 01452 840501

Methodist Church Hall

Thurs 13:45

Computers Carol Lancs lancscarol@gmail.com 07885 522210

Zoom Online 2nd, 4th Mon 13:30-15:30

Discovering Britain

Andrea Shirley

01684 294676 Zoom Online To be con-firmed

Discovering Music

John Beech Melanie Kisby

01531 650369 01684 295466

Barton Court 1st, 3rd Wed 9:45

Discussion Carol Minter lancscarol@gmail.com 07885 522210

Gupshill Manor 2nd, 4th Thurs 10:15

Family History Evelyn Parker 01684 294324 Barton Court 4th Thurs 10:00

French Improvers

Ros Smith Ros.smith@gpisolutions.co.uk

Methodist Church Hall

Tues 10:45

French Intermediate

Janet Thomson 01684 294734 Marina Court Thurs 13:30

French Conversation

Anny Parkes Ursula Stanley

01684 296450 01684 274966

Wheatpieces CC

Mon 13:30

Garden Visits Veronica Silber 01684 591513 Ripple Parish Hall

3rd Fri 10:00 (or venue as agreed)

History of Art and Design

John Beech 01531 650369 Barton Court 1st, 3rd Mon 9:45

Kurling Yvonne Aston 01242 621039 Bredon Village Hall

Fri 10:00

Latin for Pleasure

Christine Peet 01684 294350 Boys’ Brigade HQ

1st, 3rd Mon 13:45

Mah Jong Veronica Silber 01684 591513 Boys’ Brigade HQ

1st, 3rd, 5th Tues 14:00

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Natural Histo-ry

Christine Paul 01684 298186 Clee House 2nd Thurs 10:00

Needlecraft Brenda Taylor 01684 591546 Clee House 1st, 3rd Mon 10:00

Opera Appreciation

Ruth Howgate 01684 299022 Various homes 4th Wed

Painting for Pleasure

Jacky Monaghan

01684 293543 The Roses Theatre

Fri 10.00

Pétanque Barry Minett -Smith

07751170833 Apperley Cricket Club

Tues 10:00 (10:30 - winter)

Photography Steve Carter 01242 609346 07812 794293

Bredon Village Hall

1st Tues 14:00

Poetry for Pleasure

Various homes 3rd Wed 14:00

Roman History John Goldsack 01684 298922 The British Legion

2nd Thurs 14:00

Scrabble Val Croudass 01684 850271 Online only 1st & 3rd & 5th Mon 14:00

Short Mat Bowls

Tom McVey 01684 299876 Wheatpieces CC

Mon & Fri 13:30-15:30

Solos Pauline 01684 292695 Barton Court 3rd Sat 10:00

Solos Too Anne Porter 01684 273493 Gupshill Manor 2nd Sat 10:30

Spanish Conversation

Christopher 07487 535749 To be confirmed

Spanish Intermediate

Raymond Lane 01684 772311 Wheatpieces CC

Tues 10:00

Table Tennis Stuart Payne 01684 772769 Wheatpieces CC

Mon & Thurs 10:00

Walking Hugh Bennett Sylvia Murdoch

candhben-nett@gmail.com

01684437462

See Group Page Wed and/or Thurs 10:00

Walking Strolls

Christine Bennett

candhben-nett@gmail.com

See Group Page 2nd Tues 10:30 March-Oct

Wine Appreciation

Melanie Kisby 01684 295466 Tutor's home Variable

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A History Of Tewkesbury and District u3a Walking Group

In October 2021, the Tewkesbury u3a walking group will celebrate its 30th

Anniversary and I think this is an opportune time to

relate its history. Fortunately, Graham Mealand

leant me the 1996 walking diary, written by John

Page, who was the original Walking Group Leader.

I understand that he, with encouragement from

Graham since 1993, was instrumental in setting up

the group and building it up to be one of the largest

groups which had approximately 120 members by

1996. Graham was deputy walk leader from 1994

till 1996 when John retired and then took over as

walk leader for 5 years.

Looking through the old membership list, it is

interesting to note that we are priviledged to have

some of the original walkers still active in the group, including Graham and

Betty; Mary Tanner and Noel Slaney. We can only hope that they will be

able to continue walking with our group for a long time to come. It appears

that there used to be about 20 regular walk leaders, including Graham, Betty

and Noel, who have remained regular leaders to this day, and we still depend

on them for many of our wonderful walks. In those days there was only one

John Page (wearing badge); Graham

Mealand (far left); Betty Mealand

(holding frame); Ray & Gill Perrins

(6th&7th from left); Betty Fiddler

(light trousers)

John Page (seated at far end); Mary

Tanner (white trousers)

John Page (Founder)

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walk a week organised, on different days of the week, and the attendance

was usually between 20 and 30. For the past few years we are fortunate to

often have 2 walks a week to choose from as well as strolls once a month.

I quote from John Page’s diary, of which he says it “was a reminder of the

fun, pleasure, and dare I say happiness, companionship, eating, drinking,

chatting, rain, drizzle, snow, blizzard, awful stiles and mud, experienced by

us in 1996”. It seems as though we still enjoy the same experiences to this

day.

John also said “how lucky we are to be living in such a lovely part of the

country and have enthusiastic group and walk leaders, who, in the best u3a

tradition, share with other members their knowledge of our wonderful and

unique networks of footpaths”. I share John’s sentiment and am sure all the

walkers feel the same.

I feel very fortunate to be a member of such a resilient and enthusiastic

group, consisting of approx 100 like-minded people. The group has

survived an extremely difficult year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, by

keeping in touch by whatever means possible, including telephone, email

and most of all, on Zoom. We have many people to thank especially Hugh

Bennet, the walk coordinator, Tony Barrett who takes care of the finances

and last but not least Stan Fagg. Stan has for many years diligently kept the

Walkers’ website up-to-date with all the photos and walk reports submitted

to him each week. Hugh took over from Richard Hart who coordinated the

walk programme for 15 years and Eileen organised the strolls. I was

nominated as walk leader, to my great surprise, in 2018, when Ken Flude

stepped down after serving as leader for about 12 years. Steve Fisher has

kindly hosted the weekly Zoom quizzes for the past year and in this way,

many of the walkers kept in touch with each other and shared their

experiences during the lockdowns.

I hope that the walking group will be able to follow in the footsteps of the

founder members and keep up all the traditions, especially comradeship,

which has always been characteristic of the walking group since its

inception.

Sylvia Murdoch (Group Leader)

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Early Childhood. (Dates from my Father’s diary)

My Father worked for the Colonial Agricultural Service in Sierra Leone.

My parents returned to England in July 1944. After my Father returned to

Sierra Leone in November, my Mother (whose own family were in New

Zealand) went to stay with my father's parents at West Thorpe, a large

Victorian house in Newport, Isle of Wight. I was born about 5.30 in the

evening of Christmas Eve. (The Nursing Home bill was 8 guineas, before

the days of the NHS). Being the youngest, I was placed in the warm airing

cupboard and was still there when my Grandmother and Aunts came to visit

on Christmas morning.

My mother stayed at West Thorpe through the summer until early

September. During this time my Grandfather had a stroke and became

bedridden so my Grandmother was unable to look after me. Children were

not allowed out to Sierra Leone so my mother left me at a residential

nursery in Burgess Hill before returning to Sierra Leone to join my father.

The nursery did not normally take babies as young but they took me

because they had a daughter the same age, Jonquil. My parents returned

to England in June 1946. They rented a house for a couple of months while

they bought a small 2 bedroom cottage 'Dalkeith' near Tilford, Surrey. I

think I can remember the chickens at the rented house but this may only be

because of a photo of me feeding the hens and being told how I got into

trouble feeding them all the sugar ration after the grocery delivery was left

on the doorstep. My Father liked sugar in his tea and with rationing no more

was available. We moved to Dalkeith in early November. My Father

returned to Sierra Leone at the end of November leaving my

mother and me at Dalkeith. We went down to West Thorpe

for Christmas and my second birthday. I remember my

Grandfather. I called him 'Manny in bed'. I visited him in his

bedroom and unwrapped a sweet for him. He died in the

February. It was a cold winter with snow, I remember being

ill and carried downstairs at Dalkeith, wrapped in a blanket.

My mother built a snowman on the windowsill because it

was too cold for me to go outside. The snowman eventually

melted, leaving his coal eyes behind on the windowsill. In

May Dalkeith was let. We went down to the Isle of Wight for a few days

then my mother left to return to Sierra Leone while I stayed with my

West Thorpe

23

Grandmother and Aunty Marjorie at West Thorpe for a year from May

1947 to May 1948.

I remember quite a lot about this time. We lived close to Carisbrook

Castle and often walked there, collecting twigs to light the fire, playing in

the moat and visiting the donkeys in their field. I knew all their names.

Sometimes we went inside to walk around the walls

and see the donkey in the wheelhouse pulling up the

water from the well. Everything was transported to

the Island on barges up the river to Newport quay. I

used to enjoy going down and looking for the barges

by name. My favourite was XXX. No health and

safety, we used to wander around whilst they were

unloading. I was frightened of the mobile cranes, they

were the monsters of my childhood.

My parents returned in May when I was 3. My

Mother was home for over a year until November

1949. My sister Sara was born in September 1948. My Father returned to

Sierra Leone in early December after an extended leave. My mother, Sara

and I spent Christmas at West Thorpe. We spent the summer at Dalkeith. I

don't remember much about that time except upending baby Sara out of her

pram into a hole in the garden where our mother found her quite happy,

sitting at the bottom playing with the sand.

In November 1949 my mother returned to Sierra Leone. Sara and I

went to live with our Grandmother and Aunty Marjorie

at West Thorpe until June 1950. I started school just

down the road from the house. I don't remember

learning anything much except boys have special

toilets. I was not at school for long as our parents

returned in June and we went back to live with them at

Dalkeith. During this time they heard that at last

children were going to be allowed to go to Sierra Leone,

but not in time to arrange for us to travel with our

Father. In October he made the 10 day journey by ship

InNovember, our Mother flew out with us on a Dakota. A two-day journey,

stopping overnight at Dakar. We were in Sierra Leone until April 1952.

Jennifer Barrett (u3a Member)

1949 Aged 5

With the Chicks

24

PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAMME

Meeting

Date

Review Topic Thoughts – be imaginative

August Normally no meeting, but we might arrange a suitable trip

if possible

7th Sept Mountains Technically anything over 1,000’; far, or

near

5th Oct Reflections In water, mirror, window – your choice

2nd Nov Memorials The varied ways in which people create,

or keep memories of loved ones

7th Dec Dark/low light Free choice, but include night-time/star-

scapes

4th Jan

2022

Weather Rain, or shine; snow, or frost; skyscapes; feel free to add any extreme weather shots

Steve Carter (Group Leader)

MAH JONG

Boys’ Brigade, 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of the month, 2:00pm This year we will be meeting during the month of August. This has not been the case in the past but many of the members are keen to catch up on lost time.

Dates of meetings are as follows:

August 3rd, 17th, 31st

September 7th, 21st

October 5th, 19th

November 2nd, 16th, 30th

If you would like to join us, please let me know. We are players of all abili-ties and welcome newcomers to the game. If you are interested please come along and give it a try.

Veronica 01684 591513 email: veronica.silber@yahoo.co.uk

25

DISCUSSION GROUP - meeting ONLINE on 2nd and 4th

Thursdays, at 10.30am

Discussion Group has been meeting via Zoom for many months, with very patchy attendance. Anyone wanting to join us should contact Carol Minter (see contact details below). We now have a standardized regular sign-on link for members to use for every meeting; Carol distributes the sign-on details to all members of the group who have told her their preferred email address. All attendees, on Zoom or live, since 21st July 2021, will pay the 50p u3a-national meeting-attendance fee.

We have about half a dozen regular attendees, and maybe four others who have attended. We try to have a proper Discussion topic, but when we are only the very few regulars we frequently begin to talk sociably about other topics of interest to us few. If anyone wants to re-start live Discussion meetings, perhaps back at the Gupshil as before, then please arrange it.

Carol Minter (Group Leader) 0788 55 222 10 text and voicemail 01684 292032 no voicemail

COMPUTER GROUP - 4th Monday of the month,

1.30pm on Zoom

We now meet online via Zoom, organized by Carol M as nominal group leader and John S is leading the technical posse. Our general ethos of mutual self-help is still very much alive. Zoom meetings start at 1.30pm and when 40 minutes free time isn't enough we just restart the link each time to continue.

The 1.30 start is to avoid clashes with our u3a Tewkesbury monthly morning meetings, and our Group Leader meetings.

If you ask Carol to add you to the email list of members, you can join us via a link - you just click on it in Carol's email to you, and you will be in the virtual waiting room. We assume all would-be members have suitable computer kit... Beginners are welcome. Please send your email address to LancsCarol@gmail.com and I will send you the invitation to join in.

Carol Minter (Group Leader) 0788 55 222 10 or 01684 292032

26

NATIONAL u3a AGM 2021 Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth near Warwick, CV8 21D

You are invited to attend in person OR online. It will take place at

https://www.chesfordgrange.com, Limited to 85 in person or to access the

meeting, either download the dedicated “Lumi AGM” app on your

smartphone or tablet or go to the dedicated AGM website on the day at

https://web.lumiagm.com . For further details, Click link Third Age Trust

AGM 2021: Notice and Attendance (mailchi.mp) Or copy and paste, below:-

https://mailchi.mp/bf10ebc32d60/u3a-agm-2232554?e=b3e4a67be0

HELLO SCRABBLERS!

Well, at the time of writing this, the final lifting of Covid restrictions is still to be announced; consequently, I am unable to say for certain when and where the group will recommence.

It would seem likely that, once given the 'all clear' by the government, it will be up to individual members to decide whether or not to participate as before. I would hope that most previous members will feel able to return to the group, which I would expect to restart on Monday 7th September. I will of course be in touch with all members of the group, when things are clear, to confirm both the date and the venue. I would also hope that, in addition to returning members, the group will acquire some new ones; so, if you like to play Scrabble, get in touch via the u3a website.

Val Croudass, (Group Leader)

BOOK CIRCLE

The last time we met "normally", in each others houses, was on March 4th, 2020. Since then we have made use of email, covering a different book per month, with the list sent to Ian at Alison's as usual. Most members have managed to participate throughout the year, though illness and family commitments sometimes intervened. Like Sajid Javid, we hope for a swift end to the restrictions.

Connie Cullingford (Group Leader)

27

FRENCH BEGINNERS

We arei due to start at the beginning of September, on Fridays from 10.15 to 11.45, at Watson Hall, Barton Road. Although the group tried to start last September, it was quickly interrupted by Covid and we will therefore probably start again from scratch, or very close to. We are using Facon de Parler 1, 4th Edition, student’s book and activity book. Students will be requested to pay in advance, per term, in order to maintain some stability of attendance.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, the teacher, on 01684 275 290 or by email: sophie.fran@welcomme.co.uk.

Sophie Franklin (Group Leader)

Thank You from Mary Tanner

Mary has asked that we thank all those, in our u3a, who have sent her

cards and tokens of support or have visited her and shared their concern

and love, as she recovers from her recent stroke.

She says that the stroke has ‘really knocked her off her perch’. To know

that so many people are thinking of her has given her great strength.

I am sure we all wish her well in her recovery and look forward to seeing

her again at the monthly meetings.

Fran Valentine (Retired Chair)

Welcome to our new members

Ruth Elmer

Richard Barrett

Gordon Pearce

Susan Wright

28

DUPLICATE BRIDGE

Here is where we are at !

At present the Methodist Church Hall will not be reopening before the First of September so no tables out for us untill Thursday the 2nd September at the earliest.

Peter and I are having regular meetings to plan ahead.

So far we have agreed that unless there is a further lock down or the church hall managment committee say otherwise we will be opening the doors to all-comers on the 2nd Sept. with some provisos:-

Anyone having had contact with or exhibiting any symptoms of Covid, or a cold or flu should please stay away.

Hand sanitiser must be used on entry

All are members of the TU3A and must show their card, or be prepared to become a member if you wish to continue in our group.

All must have a working knowledge of the game of Bridge. Sorry no absolute beginners.

For the first three or four meetings we will operate a host system so that players can come without a partner.

If you don't like your allocated partner, persevere, and try a different partner next week. After 4 weeks you should be sorted out.

Please bring a drink because we do not want to open the kitchen on the first week. There will be too much to do. NO alcohol, it's the Methodist Church rule.

I would like to start earlier than in the past. One o'clock would suit me better but this is negotiable.Arrive when you are able to.

Do Come Along, meet old friends and make new ones. Have a pleasant afternoon. Enjoy yourself

Bob Wardel (Group Leader)

29

GARDEN VISITS

3rd Friday of the month

Outdoor meetings: various locations, meet at 10:15 am (except when otherwise stated)

Indoor meetings: Ripple Parish Hall, 10:00 am

Friday, 20th August

Warndon Court, St Nicholas Lane, Worcester, WR4 0SL

Please note: Afternoon meeting – meet at 2:00 pm.

½ mile from junction 6 of M5 (Worcester North). St. Nicholas Lane is off Hastings Drive. Warndon Court is a 2-acre family garden surrounding a Grade 2 listed farmhouse (not open) featuring a circular route taking in formal rose gardens and terraces, two ponds, pergolas, topiary (including a dragon dressed as The Gruffalo), a potager and woodland walk along the dry moat and through the secret garden. It has bee-friendly wildlife areas and is home to great-crested newts and slow-worms. We will also be able to visit St. Nicholas Church, a Grade 1 listed building and refreshments will be served in the Church barn (which is next door to Warndon Court). Entry £5. Refreshments extra. 50p attendance fee.

Friday, 17th September

Brockamin, Old Hills, Callow End, Worcester WR2 4TQ

A plant specialist’s 1½ acre informal working garden, parts of which are used for plant production rather than for show. Situated next to common land. Mixed borders with a wide variety of hardy perennials, where plants are allowed to self-seed. It includes Plant Heritage National Collections of Aster and some hardy Geraniums. Unusual plants for sale

Half a mile South of Callow End on the B4424, on an unfenced bend, turn right into the car park signed Old Hills. Walk towards the houses keeping right.

£6 entrance, (which includes refreshments), plus 50p attendance fee.

30

GARDEN VISITS (cont)

Friday, 15th October

Batsford Arboretum, Moreton –in-Marsh, GL56 9AT

I’m sure most (if not all) of you have already visited Batsford Arboretum, maybe on a number of occasions. Hopefully this visit will enable us to enjoy its amazing autumn colours, Situated just a mile and a half from Moreton-in-Marsh, the entrance is on the A44, with brown directional signs as you approach the Arboretum. We will meet at 10:15 in the café. Admission £7.20. Attendance fee 50p

Veronica 01684 591513 email: veronica.silber@yahoo.co.uk

FRENCH IMPROVERS Tues during term-time 10.45am to 12 pm at the Gupshill At the end of June, the French Improvers Group met informally – doubly vaccinated, outdoors and socially distanced! – to discuss life after Covid restrictions. The first decision was a change of venue. French Improvers will now meet in the Gupshill’s Coffee Club room starting on Tuesday 14 September, a more spacious venue better suited to social distancing and convivial chat. The next decision was to change publications from Rendezvous to Bien Dire Initial, a magazine tailored to the needs of those who fall somewhere between beginner and intermediate. But we agreed to continue our ‘IT-lite’ approach - in the event of further lockdowns, members will keep afloat by means of quizzes and short exercises via email, with What’s App for background friendship and chat. After all, not everyone wants to Zoom! For this relaxed group of Francophiles, the needs and preferences of members are what really matters. It was truly great to reconnect with our friendly, outgoing group at this relaunch meeting - the future suddenly looked so much brighter. The pandemic may have changed many things but French Improvers will continue to 'learn, laugh and live' with those with a common interest in, and love of all things French. If you have some basic knowledge of French and are interested in joining, please get in touch .

Ros Smith ros.smith@gpisolutions.co.uk 01242 620560

31

OPEN MEETING - TEWKESBURY TOWN HALL

Please come along and see us on the 30th Anniversary year of the

Tewkesbury branch of the u3a. It may help you to join a group or two .

You can find out all you need to know.

Monday November 8th 10am-3pm

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF TEWKESBURY & DISTRICT U3A

As we reach our 30th birthday this year, I would like to remind members of

the lady who was inspired to set up Tewkesbury & District U3A in 1991:

our founder, Brenda Perkins.

Brenda was an artist, librarian, ex-teacher and organiser. She knew of the

national U3A movement and decided that the people of Tewkesbury needed

to be involved, so she formed a local Steering Committee and contacted

Gloucester and Cheltenham U3As for help and advice.

The Launch Meeting in the Abbey Hall on 24 September 1991 was well

attended and nearly 100 people joined, with five activity groups to choose

from: Art, French, Gardening, Natural History and Walking. By November

there were 19 groups in action and more were being planned.

As well as running our Art and Music Appreciation groups, Brenda was

involved in national and regional affairs. She was Co-ordinator of the

National Arts Network for several years and was our representative on

various national and regional committees.

Brenda retired from the Committee in 1999, satisfied that Tewkesbury &

District U3A would continue to thrive, and we owe our success to her

inspiration. I was pleased to be able to support Brenda on the committee

and as Editor of TUTA News for the first ten years.

Roxy Base, (Past President)

32

The Family History Group

With Tewkesbury u3a about to celebrate 30 years, it has been a reflective

time for the Family History group. As many family historians will know

from their own research, it can be hard to find an exact ‘birth’ date of an

ancestor and this has been the case for the beginnings of the u3a Family

History group. Though, many of our longer standing members feel it isn’t

far off the 30-year mark which will be celebrated by the Tewkesbury and

District u3a in September.

Not surprisingly there have been many changes over the years, not least

and by far the most significant is that of the internet and technology. The

original Family History group organised many more visits, for example the

National Archives at Kew, the Society of Genealogists, the British Library

Newspaper Archives at Collingdale and more locally the Latter-day Saints

Centre at Cheltenham. Now, with the availability of the internet streaming

into homes and libraries, historical information, records and other data has

made family history research far more accessible than ever before.

As a group we pursue our own individual family history research but give

assistance, share information and debate many items and topics that relate

to our research. At most meetings, we give members the opportunity to

discuss some aspect of their research which can be a query or even a

success! Occasionally, a member may do a short talk on historical events or

a demonstration. These have included the history of the Settlement Laws or

how to navigate certain websites. These occasions are always appreciated.

Prior to the pandemic, we were meeting on the fourth Thursday of each

month at 10 o’clock but since the first lockdown we have been meeting

fortnightly via Zoom, which has proved to be a successful alternative. With

the prospect of Covid restrictions easing, we are hoping to return to our

former venue at Barton Court. Although, we may also continue with our

zoom meetings on the second Thursday of each month as well.We are a

small friendly group and look forward to having new members. Whether

you are a new or an experienced researcher you are more than welcome to

join us. For contact details please look at the Tewkesbury u3a website.

Eve Parker (Group Leader)

33

Walking The Malverns In September

On Thursday September 16th we hope to trek along the Malvern Hills from end to end with tea and cakes waiting for us after 11 miles at Bromsberrow Village Hall . Our previous efforts which took place on October 10th 2018 (yes, doesn’t time fly?) were reported in our own TUTA News in February 2019 . Over a dozen of us hoped at that time that we would soon be walking part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain but an unexpected event (which shall remain nameless) got in the way… However, we can anticipate enjoying those Malvern Hills miles again by looking at photos taken nearly 3 years ago. Roll on September!

Graham & Betty Mealand. (Walking Group)

L to R Justin, Shirley, Margaret, Sonia, Sylvia, Mary, Angela and Betty

34

WALKING GROUP

Summer has arrived at last and the walkers have been attending the walks in

greater numbers as they gradually regain their confidence and fitness, since

the walk programme was launched in April. The group will continue to

restrict attendance to a maximum of 18 in the meantime, at the leaders’

discretion, and await notification of further relaxation of lockdown

regulations. We all look forward to being able to have lunch in a pub at the

end of the walk!

Sadly, during recent months Stan Fagg lost his dear wife, Rosie, of whom

he had taken care for several years. Also, Josie Toole passed away after a

short illness. She was a walker for many years and is warmly remembered

by all her friends. Our condolences have been sent to both families.

Mary Tanner, who has been a walker since the early nineties, had a stroke

and is making good progress due to her sheer determination to regain her

strength and independence. We hope that she will be strolling with us again

in the not-too-distant future.

Our group remains grateful to all the faithful walk leaders who continue to

give of their time and expertise to guide the walkers in our wonderful

countryside. We appeal to all walkers to consider leading a walk of any

category.

Please submit your walks to the Walks Coordinator, Hugh Bennett at:

candhbennett@gmail.com

Or phone: 01425 780460

To view the current programme as well as reports and photos of previous

walks go to:

http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

Sylvia Murdoch (Group Leader)

You can visit the National

website click on this link

u3a - Home www.u3a.org.uk

35

GENTLE STROLLS (Dates for your diary)

Tuesday 10th August @ 10:30am – Andrea & Bob The Harry Green Reserve, Pershore Meet: Tiddesley Wood car park on Belford Bridge Road (WR10 2AD) Our stroll takes us around the Tiddesley woods, one of Worcestershire’s nature reserves, via way-marked paths. It is under 2 miles long and there are some ups and downs. Lunch: picnic or own arrangements Contact: Andrea & Bob 01684 294676 the week before Tuesday 14th September @ 10:30am – Jenny & Mike Eckington Village Meet: Eckington River Bridge Car Park (free) WR10 3DD / Grid 923423. We walk beside the playing field and explore the East side of the village. We will call into the church. Distance will be about 2 miles. Lunch: picnic or own arrangements. Contact: Jenny & Mike 01684 772194 the week before. Tuesday 12th October @ 10:30am – Jan and John Priors Park Meet: Gupshill Manor Car Park – southern end away from the pub: also on bus route 41 An insight into one of the first public housing estates in the country and how it has developed over the century. We will witness how the ancient trackways are maintained in a modern estate; reflect on the cholera epidemic and appreciate historically and aesthetically the town cemetery. Conditions: mostly on tarmac, except for a possible walk through grass and 20 yards of artificial slopes (optional with alternative routes). Lunch: not booked but available in the normal way at The Gupshill Contact: Jan & John 01452 780591 (after 3rd Oct)

Hugh & Christine Bennett (Organisers)

36

Telephone number for all calls:

01684 325013

u3asites.org.uk/ tewkesbury/

home

chair@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk

Chairperson and Cotswold Link

Ian Barber

vchair@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Vacant

treasurer@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk

Treasurer

Sophie Franklin

memsec@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Membership Secretary

Richard Hart

minsec@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Minutes Secretary

Duncan Fraser

editor@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk TUTA News Editor

Neil Leyden

assted@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Assistant TUTA News Editor

Mary Mulrenan

equipment@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Equipment Officer

Justin Gowthorpe

webmaster@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Webmaster

Shirley Channing

publicity@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Publicity Officer

Lesley Offer

groups@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Group Liaison

Duncan Fraser

speakersec@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Speaker Secretary

Gillian Griffiths

newmembercontact@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk New Members Officer

Sylvia Murdoch

meetingsorg@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk Meetings Organiser

George Webb

info@tewkesburyu3a.org.uk General enquiries