Mansfield and District U3A's October newsletter contains reports on the AGM, a recent Holidays Group visit to Portugal and other things members have been doing recently. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
AGM Report: Page 3
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
October 2014
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 12

2. Welcome from your chairman
AT THE START of my first year as Chairman of Mansfield U3A I would like to welcome members
new and old with the hope they take advantage of all that U3A has to offer.
A big thank-you to our new committee for volunteering to give up their free time to run our U3A. We
see the return of Mike Allen, a previous Chairman – well respected and with a wealth of experience,
Linda Leivers, Groups Co-ordinator, Heartstart contact and social committee member (wonderful to
have her on this committee), along with Graham Headworth, a new member who I am sure will be a
great asset to the committee.
I am pleased that the rest of the committee has agreed to carry on for another year. Thank you to
the retiring member John Troop who will be missed for his valued input.
I joined the Mansfield U3A some years ago and, like some of the new members today, did not really
know what to expect. Groups are on offer for members to join, existing groups with vacancies are
posted on the notice board, but we encourage members to form new groups so please ask any
committee member or existing group leader how to go about it.
The Mansfield U3A website is a mine of information for members and visitors, with details of all
activities and links to other sites of interest. As time goes on, I fully expect internet usage to grow
and grow within our U3A as the web is a wonderful tool that opens-up a whole new world of inform-ation,
humour and money-saving deals when shopping, to name but a few. I urge all our members
to get on line.
In this centenary year of the start of the Great War I feel that our debt to the fallen can never be fully
repaid, but to remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice is the least we can do; a sober
thought as we approach November 11th, 2014.
So please take advantage of all that is on offer, enjoy, and if you can, smile, it does make the world
a better place if we just smile.
I will close my first welcome now and I hope it has not been too boring, but before I do I would like to
say a big thank you to two people:
Firstly to Rita Turner, our Honorary President, who has completed her term and will be greatly
missed at the committee meetings but she remains an active member with many other hats and,
secondly to Glenis Carr, our last Chairman, who guided us through forming our new constitution, the
Crystal Ball, celebrating 15 years of Mansfield U3A and if I may say so a pleasure to be with on the
committee.
Thank you Glenis; enjoy your retirement.
Bob Longden
______________________________________________________________________________
In this issue
Page 2 Welcome.
Page 3 Recent Events (AGM Report).
Page 4 Christmas Lunch Menu and Holiday Updates.
Page 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary.
Page 8 Book Table Report
Page 9 Groups News (Algarve Holiday – start).
Page 10 Groups News (Algarve Holiday – end. Art).
Page 11 Groups News (Luncheon Club. Singing for Fun. Digital World.)
Page 12 Dates for your diary and Notices.
Page 2 of 12

3. Recent Events
Mansfield And District U3A 14th Annual General Meeting
The 14th Annual General Meeting was held at the Members’ Meeting on Tuesday, 16th September
2014, when the then Chairman, Glenis Carr, stepped down and handed over the reins to Bob
Longden as the new Chair.
He will be supported by a strong team as follows, which was approved nem.com.
Chairman Bob Longden
Vice Chairman Sheila Whalley
Treasurer Pauline Boucher
Membership Secretary Avril McGee
Speaker Finder Marilyn Dibble
Groups Co-ordinator Linda Leivers
Business Secretary Linda Spray
Minutes Secretary Mike Allen
Committee Member Graham Headworth
The list of this Committee will also be on the back of your new Membership Card.
Rita Turner, our Honorary President of two years also retired and was thanked for her advice, guid-ance
and support by Glenis and was presented with a bouquet from the committee and on behalf of
the members, in thanks for her time in carrying out the role. (See cover photo. Ed)
As the chairman’s report was shown in the September newsletter, Glenis said she would not reit-erate
what was said there.
Coming to the end of the 15th Anniversary Year and another committee year, she thanked everyone
involved for their hard work – Rita (our Honorary President), the committee (who had shown
personal qualities second to none), the social committee; group leaders, Terry and Lilian Whitehead
(for the book stall) and last, but not least, David Ling for his work on the website and newsletter.
Also, of course, were the members called upon from time to time to undertake additional roles.
Everyone involved working hard to ensure Mansfield and District U3A ran smoothly for the enjoy-ment
of the members. Here she quoted Barbara Lewis from the Third Age Trust magazine:
“Those who contribute also benefit, and those who benefit also contribute”.
In addition, approval by the members to the proposed
changes to the Mansfield and District Constitution, which
had been displayed on the noticeboard for some 6
months or so was sought. These were approved nem.
con.
The constitution would, therefore, be re-written to incor-porate
those changes when the new committee meets in
October.
(She then received a bouquet from Sheila Whalley, our
new Vice Chairman. Ed.)
There being no other business, the meeting was closed at
11.30am.
Glenis Carr
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4. Mansfield USA Christmas Lunch
MONDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2014 AT THE OAKHAM SUITE, 12.30 FOR 1.00
I'll be taking bookings at the October and November meetings and will need your cheque payable to
Mansfield and District U3A for £17.00 together with your selection from the menu below.
Hope you'll be able to join us!
Norma Shillinglaw
Chef's home-made roasted tomato soup, topped with mini cheese toastie
Poached salmon and cod terrine, with mixed leaves, dill crème fraiche and crisp ciabatta bread
Chilled duet of melon, with fresh fruits and minted syrup
Traditional roast turkey, with chestnut & apricot stuffing, chipolata & bacon roll and pan gravy
Pan-fried fillet of sea bass, on spring onion crushed potato cake, with wine & dill cream sauce
Wild mushroom and courgette stroganoff, served with a timbale of fragrant rice
AlI main courses are served with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Traditional Christmas pudding, with fresh rum sauce
Zesty lemon panacotta, with a poached strawberry & vanilla compote and ginger crumble
Selection of cheeses, with crisp celery snippets and black grapes
Freshly brewed tea & coffee, with warm mince pies
______________________________________________________________________________
Holiday updates
THORESBY: 2nd - 6th Feb 2015. £190pp.
Waiting list in operation, look on the website or contact Terry Whitehead 01623 626991 for details.
THURSFORD SPECTACULAR: 3rd, 4th & 5th December 2014
All balances now received by the company. Packs to be collected with luggage labels, itineraries.
etc. at the November meeting. Remember I need some names on my waiting list.
DANUBE RIVER CRUISE: 11th - 20th April 2015
I desperately need to recruit 8 more passengers for this holiday to reach a free place which will go
towards paying for the coach driver's gratuity & hopefully reduce the balance amount. For those
who may be undecided, you may collect from my table and take home: the deck plan & the sheet
showing costs and outline information about the 8 included excursions that may help you.
Having been given an extension, £100 deposits now have to be in by November. Remember to add
£55 if you want to take the company's insurance – you will need to fill in a form available from my
table which has to be sent off with your deposit. (Cheques to Mansfield U3A.) To remind you of the
cost: Main deck £1049; Middle deck with sliding windows £1189; Panoramic deck with French
balcony £1339. Singles to choose from on the main deck or the middle deck + £159.25 supplement.
All very good value! (I have deck plans showing cabin numbers so see me if you've paid your deposit
and want to make your choice; River Cruise Line is holding front to middle for us.) Do remember the
coach will be stopping every 2 hours to stretch our legs!
LAKE DISTRICT: 22nd - 26th June in Penrith (Shire Hotel)
£10 deposits must be paid at the October meeting please + £10 if you wish to take the company's
insurance. NB: fill in the insurance form. Cheques always to Mansfield U3A. At the time of writing
this all places have been taken – but a reminder: the cost of £370 covers BB and evening meal, all
excursions, coach travel and gratuity for the driver. Do remember that waiting list please, since from
past experience there's sure to be a cancellation!
Margaret Burlinson (01623 632538, marburl@lineone.net) Details of all holidays are on the website ...
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5. Key to Meetings details:
THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of the
day, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V) indic-ates
that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals.
So 'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but with
Variable finish times.
The main Mansfield and District U3A meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except August
and December) at the Oakham Suite, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield from 10 am - 12.30 pm.
All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in any
interest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.
Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Afternoon Teas TBA TBA Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meeting: Nov. 8th – Reg Taylor's Garden Centre, Southwell. £15.50 for 2
Antiques and
Tu 2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre,
Collectables *
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: Nov. 18th – Members' Choice (anything interesting or curious)
Art We3, 10 - 12 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Linda Spray
01623 795176
Next Meetings: Nov. 19th
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next meetings: Mon. Nov. 3rd – at Diana Osborne's
Beginners' Bridge
(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, Various
6.30 - 9.00
Enviro Centre,
Derby Rd College,
Mansfield
Maxine Rose/Glenis
Carr 01623
459081/627735
Next Meetings: TBA
(Also Acol sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls TuW 2.30 – 4.00 Lammas Sports
Centre, Sutton
Don Wright
01623 628946
Next Meetings: From Tues.14th October 2014 to 24th March 2015 (weekly) Bowls moves indoors.
Cost £3.00..
All welcome, including beginners, but flat / bowls shoes must be worn.
Caravan & M'home
Various Various Terry Lammas
Rally
01623 471963
Next Meetings: TBA
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6. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meetings: Oct. 20th; Nov. 17th
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: Nov. 11th; No meeting in December
Digital World Fri 2 & 4, 2.00 - 4.00
2/M
Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Albert St.
Skegby
David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: Oct. 28th – Autumn; Nov. 4th – Reviewing Members' submissions
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: Oct. 28th; Nov. 25th
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: Nov. 5th; Dec. 3rd
Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam
01623 635607
Next Visit: TBA
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: Nov. 4th – Jill Bewick: From Autumn into Winter, Christmas Design
Heartstart Wed. 12th Nov
6.00 - 8.00 pm
William Kaye Hall,
Ladybrook Lane
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Wed. 12th November
History Th 2, 2.00 – 4.00 William Kaye Hall,
Ladybrook Lane
Linda Spray
01623 795176
Next Meetings: TBA
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
Next holidays: Wed. 3rd - Fri. 5th June – Thursford Xmas Spectacular;
2015: Mon. 2nd - Fri. 6th Feb. – Thoresby Hall; Sat. 11th - Mon. 20th April – Danube Cruise;
Mon. 22nd - Fri. 27th June – Lake District
Local History Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church
Bob & Sue
Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: Nov. 7th – Bolsover Colliery Co. with John Danbury. Dec. 5th – Quiz & Fuddle
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7. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: Oct. 23rd – Denby Lodge; Nov. 20th – Fothergill's (Full); Dec. 11th – Launay's
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church
Hall
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Weekly on Wednesdays. Cost £4.00 per session
Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart
01623 620940
Next Meetings: Oct. 27th – Brahms & Liszt at Sheila's; Nov. 24th – Nature in Music
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott
01623 631160
Next Meeting: TBA
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Next Meetings: Oct 28th; Nov 25th
Pudding Club * Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: Nov. 4th – Janet; December – No Meeting
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's
home
Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meetings: Nov. 20th; Dec. 18th – Fuddle at Peter's
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next Meetings: Nov. 18th; Dec. 16th
Science & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Albert St.
Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: Nov. 4th – Higgs Boson by Barry Jackson; Dec. 2nd – Christmas Surprise
Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4 .00 M Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Nov. 11th; Dec. 9th
Singing for Fun TuV, 5.45 - 7.15 St Alban's Church,
Forest Town
June Fell
01623 623547
Next Meetings: Oct. 14th; Oct. 28th; Nov. 11th; Nov. 25th; Dec. 2nd
Next Concert: Sunday Dec. 14th – Christmas Concert at St Alban's, 3pm.
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8. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Walking Groups
Hikers
(all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V
2/M
Tesco car park, off
Oak Tree Lane
Peter Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Thurs. Nov. 6th – Crich (Hurt Arms Ambergate); Mon. Nov. 17th – Eckington &
Ford; Thurs. Dec. 4th – Laxton; Mon. Dec. 15th – Poolsbrook (meal after?)
Shufflers
V Lunchtimes Various Sylvia Slack
(short & gentle)
01623 633981
Next Meetings: Wed. Nov. 19th – Rumbles Cafe, Sutton Lawn
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357 /
01623 651528
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 – V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: Oct. 22nd – Pleasley Vale; Nov. 26th – Sherwood Forest
Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: Nov. 17th – Soave with Norma; Dec. 10th – Sharing Supper (Bob and Sue)
Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: Nov. 25th – Sauvignon Blanc with Ian and Pauline; Dec. 13th (Sat) – Christmas
Social with Ron and Carole.
Writing for Pleasure * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Sue Ford / Hilary
Miller 01623
844286 / 620067
Next Meetings: Nov. 10th; Dec. 8th
BOOK TABLE REPORT
SALE OF BOOKS in September raised £39.41.
Mathematically-inclined members may worry about the accuracy of this figure seeing as books are
40p and magazines are 20p.
Easy explanation: one lady bought a magazine and emptied her purse full of small change into the
box, saying she could not be bothered to count it. Definitely more than 20p but how much no-one
knows and ALL contributions gratefully accepted.
At the AGM Pauline thanked me and my husband. But there is a team and I would like to extend my
thanks to the rest: Barbara, Joyce and Marian.
Lilian Whitehead
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9. Groups News
Holiday to the Algarve, Portugal. 18th to the 25th September
ALTHOUGH we didn't have to start at the crack of dawn, we arrived at our destination, the Hotel
Dom Jose in Quarteira nicely in time for dinner. The hotel is situated on the sea front, with a wide
promenade, ideal for an after-dinner stroll in the warm evening air.
This holiday turned out to be far from the lazy, relaxing holiday that many people associate with the
Algarve. On the first day, we hit the ground running (or rather the sea). A boat trip along the coast
had been arranged to see the caves and grottoes in the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade. From the hotel,
the sea looked perfectly calm, but once we sailed out of the harbour at Vilamoura, we quickly found
that we were on the Atlantic Ocean, with nothing between us and South America.
It was a small boat for such heavy seas, and
several members suffered from seasickness.
Having survived the first ordeal, the boat
sailed into calmer waters, and the second
'test' awaited. There wasn't a jetty, so we had
to go ashore on a rubber boat. This meant
sitting on the edge of the larger boat, and
dropping about four feet onto the side of the
rubber dinghy, which was rising and falling
with the waves. Having survived this ordeal,
we were ferried ashore but had to wade the
last few feet to the beach, getting our feet wet!
Congratulations to those with walking sticks
and other mobility aids who did it. Needless to
say, we were pleased when Margaret organ-ised
a coach to take us back to the hotel,
rather than returning by sea!
The next day was just as busy, with a visit to
Faro. Here we saw storks standing in their big
clumsy nests, which appear to be far too big
to balance on the slender lamp-posts and
chimneys where they were built.
Fishing plays a big part in the local economy,
and a visit to the vegetable and fruit market
and then to the fish market was a real eye-opener.
If you fancy octopus, squid, sword-fish,
conger eels or other things we couldn't even recognise, this is the place to be. This was
followed-up by a visit to the small port of Tavira, which specialises in fishing for octopus. As a
complete contrast, we also visited San Lorenzo church. The whole interior including the vaulted
ceiling, was finished in blue and white ceramic tiles, depicting biblical scenes.
Sunday was a day at leisure, but some of us went, by coach, to the Ponta da Piedade, (Point of
Pity) lighthouse, then on to Cape St. Vincent. This is the most south-westerly point of Portugal, and
is the 'Lands End' of Europe. The lighthouse stands splendidly on the top of a high cliff, with
wonderful views to the North and East. We also visited the small town of Lagos, which gave its
name to the much larger city in Africa.
The next day saw no rest from our schedule, with a visit to Foia Mountain, the highest point in the
Algarve. The mist cleared, and gave the most wonderful views to the coast.
Page 9 of 12

10. There was a very nice shop selling luxury woollens and wines, so we all had a tasting of port, or
whatever we fancied. On the way up, as we passed many cork oaks, we had a most interesting
'lecture' on cork from our tour guide Irineu (pronounced Iri). Corks aren't used so much in wine
bottles nowadays, so many new uses have been found, including luxury handbags and wallets. On
the way down, we had the opportunity to take the medicinal waters at Monchique, and on to Silves
for lunch and a long climb to the ancient castle.
Tuesday was our last organised trip. We had
a cruise on the Guadiana River, which forms
the border between Spain and Portugal. No
seasickness this time!
We sailed upstream from Rio de Santo
Antonio, with Spain on our right, and Portugal
on our left, to Foz de Odeleite, where we
stopped for lunch. The food, horse mackerel
followed by chicken with salad, had all been
brought up on the boat with us, and
somehow, it was all nicely cooked on a
barbecue at the side of the restaurant. The
meal lasted over three hours, and between
courses, there was music and merriment with
many of our members joining in!
And so to our last complete day, a free day.
Some of us visited the gypsy market, others
relaxed by the pool or on the beach, whilst
others walked to Vilamoura, calling on the way to look at another fish market. They like fish in
Portugal! The Marina in Vilamoura is the place to see millionaires' yachts moored up, and is
surrounded by expensive restaurants. Just the place to enjoy a cup of coffee and pretend you are
rich!
Thursday was the day to leave. The flight back wasn't until 7.20pm, so there was plenty of time to
take a stroll along the promenade or take it easy until the coach arrived to take us to the airport. We
arrived back in Mansfield at about midnight.
Many thanks to Margaret Burlinson and her helpers for the splendid organisation of the holiday
which we all thoroughly enjoyed! Also thanks to our tour guide, Irineu, who was splendid! And – as
a last footnote – some of us had business-class seats on the way home, and one lucky lady had a
row of three seats to herself! Guess who that was!
Max Clarke Photos on the website ...
Art
TEN MEMBERS attended on 17th September and we welcomed two new members from Sher-wood
U3A. Various projects were worked on, including a few 'Nottinghamshire' subjects as was
suggested last month. It was noted that we were all a lot quieter this time – could it be because Mr
Allen was on holiday?
We meet again on 15th October, and like all master artists, we shall be undertaking 'selfies'. Take
along a pedestal mirror so you can draw or paint your image through the glass. Should be fun. I
shall try to make myself look more beautiful. Artistic licence
Linda Spray
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11. Luncheon Club
OUR SEPTEMBER lunch at Cockcliffe Hall Hotel proved the power of the Boucher family crystal
ball as it had changed ownership since Pauline and Ian picked it earlier in the year. It will be a strong
contender for our prestigious Lunch Venue of the Year Award and we'll all remember the queue to
ask for their panacotta recipe! (They are closing shortly for refurbishment so check before you go.)
We'll be able to do some pre-Christmas shopping on October 23rd as Gordon and Sue Howlett
have arranged a very economically-priced menu at the recently-refurbished Denby Lodge at Ripley,
which is very handy for Christmas shopping at the Denby Pottery factory outlet. (Two courses from
£7.50 and three from £9.50) and then, on 20th November, Karen and John Troop have arranged a
lunch at Fothergill's – the refurbished Lamb's – that's already sold out with a waiting list.
Bookings for this year's 'Joyeux Noel' fine-dining lunch at Launay's on 11th December are now
open too with prices ranging from £15.95 for 2 courses to £38.50 for 5. (Pre-book please with £10
deposit.) Menu highlights include oysters, seared salmon, blade of beef Bourguignon, beetroot
risotto, guinea fowl, cassoulet, tarte tatin and chef's famous chocolate pot.
Please pre-book at the Lunch Club table or by email to dlpruk@aol.com.
David Ling (01623 822994) Photos on the website ...
Singing for Fun
OUR CHOIR, Singing for Fun, and Ladies’ choir Bellisima, performed another successful concert at
St Alban's Church on Sunday 28th September. As the bright light shone through the beautiful altar
window, the choirs sang to an almost full church. In turn, each choir sang under the direction of
Suzy Fell who sang a solo and our excellent pianist John Sellers also played a solo piece. The tea
and cake refreshments were well received with everyone saying how much they had enjoyed the
entertainment. Photo on the website ...
The male section of our choir is at present very depleted in number, but the excellent contribution of
the only two members could clearly be heard. I do know that Suzy would welcome more men who
would like to sing and those who want to try.
I have been a member of the U3A choir since it began and have always enjoyed our practice
sessions. Unable to attend over the summer, I was unprepared for singing at the concert so I went
along as a member of the audience to hear how we sounded. I wasn’t disappointed and wished I
had been up there singing with them, so I’ll be at the next practice which is on Tuesday 14th
October at the usual time.
Date for your Diary
Don’t miss the next concert at St Alban's Church, Forest Town on Sunday 14th December.
Hilary Miller
Digital World
OUR SEPTEMBER theme of 'toys' brought out some creative submissions from members who'd
found kids' toys, pets' toys and boys' toys, including vintage cars and miniature trains, that had been
recorded well, both technically and creatively, so we all learnt something useful.
We also dipped our toes into the mysteries of the Lightroom editing software that's now available
cheaply on subscription. It's less-daunting to newcomers to editing than the professionals' favourite
PhotoShop so we'll be revisiting this regularly as a step onwards from members' favourite Picasa.
We have a few vacancies so do come along to Stanton Hill Baptist Church on any second Friday in
the month (2.00 - 4.00) and join in. It doesn't matter how much or little you know or what camera
you use as we all gain by learning from each other.
David Ling (01623 822994)
Page 11 of 12

12. ______________________________________________________________________________
Speakers' Corner
OUR speaker today is Steve Lovell, who will be showing us highlights of Costa Rica, Central
America's best kept secret; it really is an incredible place. From cloud forests to pristine beaches it
has it all, stretching from the Caribbean to the Pacific. With over 28% of its land under government
protection, containing 800 species of birds (many of which are endemic), 260 mammals and a stag-gering
65,000 species of insects it boasts the highest biodiversity rate on the planet.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)
Mon. 1st Dec: MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT U3A CHRISTMAS LUNCH at the Oakham Suite.
12.30 for 1.00pm. Tickets £17.00pp from Norma Shillinglaw
Some Social Group things to look forward to in 2015:
Sat. 28th Feb: FUN QUIZ NIGHT at Queen Elizabeth's Academy. Tickets: £7.00pp, inc. buffet
supper will be on sale at the monthly meetings. Don't leave it too late or you might miss out!
Fri. 8th May: COFFEE MORNING at The Towers. Details in due course.
Tues. 18th Aug: ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details in due course.
Linda Leivers
_____________________________________________________________________________
Event and Visit Payments
MEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by Mansfield
U3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.
______________________________________________________________________________
Changes of address, etc.
PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed your
address, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.
______________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer
THE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect those
of the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility be
accepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.
______________________________________________________________________________
Next Issue
PLEASE SEND contributions for the November issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in
typescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by 1st November at the latest. Thanks!
______________________________________________________________________________
Editor: David Ling (01623 822994) Printed by: Portland Print (www.portlandprint.org.uk/)
Page 12 of 12