Mansfield and District U3A's April 2016 newsletter includes news about changes at the Singing for Fun Group, announcement of a 'Royal Revelry' to celebrate HM The Queen's birthday, a profile of musical member Peter Hart, reports on other activities and what's planned. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
Spring at Hardwick
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
April 2016
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Page 1 of 12

2. Welcome from your chairman
Welcome to the April meeting of Mansfield U3A. Easter was very early this year so I hope you all enjoyed
the traditional bank holiday in your own way. We seem to be settling in to our new venue; the
management want us to enjoy our time here and are doing all they can to help. Last month, we tried out
the television monitors to show notices and photos and it worked well. One screen unfortunately did not
work and some members commented that the monitors at the back were not much use when trying to
watch slides from the speaker’s presentation, but when used to view the notices and photos, as a notice
board in effect, they worked very well.
One of our groups, Singing for Fun, has left the U3A and will carry on as an independent choir
and I hope we all wish them well. All our other groups are doing well but if you have an idea for a
new group, please follow it through. Help and assistance is available from our Groups
Coordinator, Linda Leivers.
I would like to invite members to apply to be part of the committee. The committee will change at
the AGM in September and, although it may seem early for this mention, time passes very
quickly, so, if you have an interest, please approach any committee member for information.
Bob Longden
Announcements
It is with deep regret that we have learnt that Gaynor Thorne passed away on March 15th in the John
Eastwood Hospice. Her funeral was on Monday April 4th at St. Mark's Church Mansfield, followed by
burial at Mansfield Cemetery. Any donations to be made to the John Eastwood Hospice, please.
We offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Words from the Editor
I receive a lot of ‘bumph’ in my role as Secretary and generally dispose of it rapidly. However, this month,
a flier from a disability organisation, Accentuate, caught my eye. It is looking for volunteers for a ‘ground-
breaking national project which will celebrate the lives of disabled people throughout history’ in eight
buildings or sites which will be investigated.
The surprise is that one of the nationally significant sites is in Sutton in Ashfield: “Grove Road Housing
Scheme, Sutton in Ashfield. In 1976, Ken and Maggie Davis were the first disabled couple to commission
an Architect to design and build an accessible housing scheme for disabled people to live independently
outside of Institutions. Their story is fundamentally important in the history of the disability rights movement.”
If anyone is interested in finding out more about the project and the nationally significant buildings on our
doorstep, I have the flier or the website is www.accentuateuk.org/Accentuate-History-of-Place.
Mike Allen
In this issue
Page 2: Chairman's Welcome; Announcements; Words from the Editor
Page 3 – 4: Singing for Fun; 'Royal Revelry'; Interest Group News
Pages 5 – 8: Interest Groups Meetings Diary
Page 9 – 11: The Hart Family; History Group; Holidays
Page 12: Dates for your Diary and Notices
Cover Photo:
Page 2 of 12

3. Singing for Fun
The Singing For Fun Interest Group has now become an independent group associated with
both Mansfield and Sherwood U3As, but not affiliated to either. The Third Age Trust (which
controls all U3As) disapproves of paid tutors and so will not insure any such group for Third
Party Liability claims. Some groups manage to continue as their paid tutors are fully insured
themselves against all eventualities but this is not the case with this group.
As Mansfield U3A is a registered charity, its committee members are its trustees and would be
liable for any legal or financial claims made against an uninsured group. This cannot be allowed
to happen for, however unimaginable such a claim might be, no U3A members would put
themselves forward for the committee if they felt that their savings and homes might be at risk.
Singing is an important activity as it benefits both the physical and mental health of the singers,
as well as being most enjoyable in itself. Mansfield U3A is proud of this group and of what it has
achieved and thanks all who set the group up (especially the Fell family), who help to run it
(Jean Kirk and others) and who sing in it. The Committee's answer to the problem has been to
detach the Singing for Fun group from Mansfield U3A and allow it to run on its own.
The group will continue to have an entry placed after the Interest Groups Diary (see page 8) and
their concerts will be advertised at meetings and in the Newsletter. Members will still be
encouraged to join; and now their friends who are not members can join as well. The Committee
and all Mansfield U3A members wish the group all the best for the future.
'Royal Revelry' – our Neighbourhood Celebration
Her Majesty the Queen is 90 years old this year. She will celebrate it privately on Thursday April
21st and then on Saturday June 11th, her official birthday. So it is totally appropriate that the
North Notts Neighbourhood Group’s social event this year will be a Royal Revelry, a celebration
of that birthday, on Tuesday June 7th. at the John Fretwell Centre at Sookholme (just off the
road to Warsop). The day will start at 10 am and finish at 5 pm.
Entry will be free and U3A members will be able to visit the various indoor displays provided by the ten
neighbourhood U3As. These will include craft competitions and demonstrations as well a programme of
various musical items. Our display will be in the Lounge, a novel take on a street party!. Outside, Mansfield
U3Awill put on a Target Bowls competition and there may be a croquet taster session by another U3A.
There will be no food for sale but the bar will be open in the Function Room and tea and coffee
will be available during the day. The finale will be a cream tea at 4 pm in the function hall,
followed by a rousing rendition of God Save the Queen. The tea costs £8 and admission will be
strictly by ticket only. As there are now ten 'neighbours', each U3A has 25 tickets for sale.
Put the date down in your diary and turn up during the day – car parking is available in the main
and overflow car-parks. Mansfield members will be kept informed of the plans by the web, the
Newsletter and announcements at the April and May meetings.
Rita Turner
Golf Group
Seven intrepid members negotiated the back nine on the Admiral's course at Oakmere Park on
April 1st 2016 (April Fools Day), when the group leader failed to explain to Mike Allen fully the
dangers of falling into the new 'ground under repair' rules on the course.
It caused some amusement to the group leader and his partners watching Mike playing from one
drop zone to the next alongside the green in innumerable shots. Luckily, by the 18th hole, Mike
had worked out how to succeed with the drop zones.
Page 3 of 12

4. The other members of the group played plenty of shots and certainly had value for money!
The group leader, Paul Mann, with the advantage of local course knowledge, sneaked another
win. He will, of course, be penalised with one shot less in the next monthly fixture.
Paul Mann
The Book Table
In February, the move to a new location made me forget to let everyone know the monthly
takings. In February, we raised £33.60 and in March, £47.90.
We are still working out the best way to display and sell the books and I think the increase from
February to March was due to knowing more of what was happening as in February, we were
not sure of anything! Some new members have joined Mansfield U3A and I would like to point
out the bargains available. Books are priced at 40p and magazines at 20p.
So, as all money raised goes towards keeping your annual subs down, pop along to the stall and
buy something to take on holiday. When you have read the books, bring them back and recycle!
Lilian Whitehead
Antiques and Collectables
Have you ever wondered what that old jug you inherited from Aunt Mabel was worth? Or the silver spoon
that was found at the back of a drawer when clearing the old bureau out?
If you had wondered, then you might be interested in the news that Bamfords Auctioneers of Derby will be
visiting Mansfield on a regular basis this year, possibly with James Lewis, the TV personality. The valuers
will be at Mansfield Museum on one Monday each month, from 1pm to 3pm. So take your treasures along
on Monday May 9th, June 6th, July 4th orAugust 2nd to find out their worth.
'Hobson's Choice' at the Theatre Royal
Having never seen the film nor read the book, I was in for a real treat. A self-made man, Henry Horatio
Hobson owned his own boot-maker's shop, but was a skinflint, 'boozer' and a tyrant to his three
daughters. When his eldest daughter married his best boot-maker, Will Mossop, against his wishes, a
battle of wills began in which he almost lost everything – a real Hobson's Choice in the end.
Both Martin Shaw (as Hobson) and Christopher Timothy (Will Mossop) were excellent, especially the
former. The play was funny and the sets were 'spot on' as it was a revolving stage. Thanks to Sheila
Whalley for her choice of 'Hobson's Choice'.
Janet Hartley
Coffee Morning at The Towers on May 20th.
Tombola and raffle prizes would be more than welcome! Bring them to the monthly meetings in April and
May to give to Sue Longden.As all profits go to keep your subscription low, please support the day.
____________________________________________________________________________
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)
indicates 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.
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.
Page 4 of 12

5. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Afternoon Teas Sa2, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: May 14th – Jacksdale Garden Centre NG16 5HR 3pm
Antiques and
Collectables *
Tu2, 10 – 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: May 10th – Art Nouveau; June 14th – Local Memorabilia; July 12th – Sport
Art We3, 10 – 12.00 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Gordon Howlett
01623 627423
Next Meetings: April 20th – Still Life: Puzzle Picture;
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre
Mansfield
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next meetings: May – No Meeting; June 6th – Celebrating the Bard (W.S.)
Beginners' Bridge
(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, F
6.30 - 9.00
Enviro Centre,
Derby Rd College,
Mansfield
Maxine Rose 01623
459081
Next Meetings: May 9th & May 23rd (AlsoACOLat the Mechanics Institute – Thurs. 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls Tu 1.30 – 3.30 W
Coaching / Roll-ups at
£3.00 per session
Mansfield Bowls
Club,
Chesterfield Road
Don Wright/Pat
Gunter 01623
628946/626250
Next Meetings: Outdoor Season begins Tuesday 3rd May. All welcome; flat soled shoes required
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley
01623 472010
Next meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Page 5 of 12

6. Garden Visits Various during the
Summer
Various Janet Whitlam/Karen
Troop
01623 635607
Next Visits: Thurs. June 30th – Breezy Knees Garden, Warthill, York; Wed. July 27th – Newby
Hall & Gardens, Ripon
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: May 3rd – Don Witton: Once Seen Never Forgotten; June 7th – John
Summerfield: Micro-Gardens or Gardening on a small scale
Golf Last Friday of Month Various Paul Mann
01623 615416
Next Meeting: TBA
History We3, 10.00 - 12.00 M M'field Bowling Club,
Chesterfield Road
David Drew
01623 555012
Next Meetings: April 9th __
Trip to Warwick Castle; April 27th – The 1745 Jacobite Rebellion
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
2016 Holidays: Mon. June 13th to Mon. June 20th – Paignton; Mon. Sept. 26th to Mon. Oct. 3rd
– Mallorca* (Margaret Burlinson)
2017 Holidays: Jan & Feb – Thoresby Hall. Mon. Jan 9th to Fri. Jan 13th – now full; Mon. 20th
Feb to Fri. 24th Feb – places available. Please check Holidays page on website for full details
Horse Riding Fr4, 11.00 M exp.
Fr2, 11.00 M beg.
Kirkfields Equestrian
Centre, Blidworth
Christine Smith
07859 249086
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.
International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire
01623 239210
Next Meetings: May 11th – And Why Not? Mansfield (English)
Local History * Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: May 6th – Mining Communities: D. Hill; June 3rd – Hayman Rooke & a Roman
Villa: Graham Allin
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various Eileen & Colin Bell
01623 429239
Next Meetings: April 21st – The Lion at Farnsfield; May 19th – Denby Lodge; June 23rd –
Kelham House Hotel
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church
Hall
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Page 6 of 12

7. Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart
01623 620940
Next Meetings: April 25th – Opera at Alan's; May 23rd – Piano Music at Geoff's
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott
01623 631160
Next Meeting: Meetings as per calendar
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Next Meeting: Meetings as per calendar
Pudding Club Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar: Alternately at Sylvia's and Janet's.
Read a Little Aloud Fri2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St Peter's Community
Centre, Bellamy Road,
Mansfield
Sheila Haslam
01623 627764
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's home Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar.
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Science & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Albert St.
Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: May 3rd – A Brilliant Engineer: Peter Thurkettle;
Scrabble Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Jean Kirk
01623 480207
Next Meetings: New Term fromApril 11th – July 25th (Except May 2nd / 30th Bank Holidays)
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Visits: Wed. May 11th – Breakfast at Tiffany's (TR); Wed. June 22nd – Mama Mia (RCH),
sold out.
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8. Walking Groups
Hikers
(all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V
2/M
Tesco car park, off
Oak Tree Lane,
Mansfield
Peter Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Mon. April 18th – White Edge / Longshaw / Curbar; Thurs May 5th – Gratton and
Deep Dales; Mon. May 16th – Calton Lees / Bakewell
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: April 28th – Brierley Park Visitors Centre
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357/ 651528
Next Meetings: May 11th – Rufford Abbey; June 8th – Cresswell Crags
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 - V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: April 27th – Harlow Wood; May 25th – River Maun / Sherwood Forest
Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: April 20th – Wine Society Choice at Ron's; May 18th – Chianti at George & Mavis'
Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: May 24th – Alsace at Ian & Pauline's; June 28th – Wine Society Reds at Ron's
Wine Appreciation 4 * Th4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Jane Kockum
01623 407235
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Hilary Miller/Sue Ford
01623 620067/844286
Next Meetings: Meetings as per calendar
Singing For Fun (an independent Interest Group) meets every fortnight on Wednesday nights from 5.45
pm to 7.15 pm at St Alban's Church in Forest Town. The group sings popular songs and carols for
concerts under the direction of Rachel Barry, accompanied by John Sellars on the piano. Membership is
open to all U3A members and their friends who enjoy singing.
Contact Jean Kirk on 01623 480207 or at the monthly meeting to learn more.
The Singing for Fun Concert will be held on Sunday May 8th at the Methodist Church on Chesterfield
Road, Mansfield at 7.00 pm. Rachel Barry, the choir director and ex-Cantamus singer, will sing a solo, and
John Sellars, the well-known accompanist, will also perform a solo. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served
after the concert. The concert is held to raise money for a new chapel. Tickets cost £5.00 and can be
obtained from Sylvia Atkinson at the monthly meeting or by phoning 01623 403520.
Page 8 of 12

9. A Life in Music - the Hart Father & Son
Occasionally, we meet people whose background and family appear more ‘exotic’ than the norm
and both they, and we, wonder how they have ended up in Mansfield!
One such person is Peter Hart. Now retired from management services, married happily to Val
for 49 years and with one married son and two grandchildren, Peter’s background is far different
to what might be expected.
Peter Barclay Hart was born in 1944 in
Warrington, the son of an aircraft factory
inspector, Edward Hart. So far, so ordinary.
But Edward had been a musical child and, in
spite of the family having no musical
background, had wanted to play the violin
from the age of nine. His father, a lamplighter,
then a house decorator, paid for violin
lessons for him. Without much money in the
family, and although he was a clever child, he
could not afford to go to University.
As he grew up, Edward formed a quartet
playing classical music at local concerts until
he became a violinist with the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic. During the 1930s, he played
with the Halle Orchestra, the BBC Northern Orchestra and was a ‘session musician’, a freelance
available for concerts and recordings.
It seems that this work gradually dropped away in the Depression and he had to take a job
locally as a quality inspector in a aircraft factory, although he still played in orchestras when he
could. Edward refused to play in theatres and music halls where he might have had a more
regular income, for he only wanted to play classical music.
The inconsistent work meant he lived at home and lived frugally; this last, a trait over his whole
life. In spite of this, he married in 1939 and a daughter was born in 1941 and Peter in 1944. It
was in 1946 that Edward’s life took an unexpected turn – he became a violinist in the City of
Cape Town Symphony Orchestra. He flew out to South Africa before his family, perhaps for an
audition, and they joined him later.
From 1947 to 1956, the family lived in South Africa, at first in flat above a musical institute while
Edward taught the violin and toured South Africa with the orchestra. A move from the drabness
of post-war Britain, from the cold of 1947 and tthe rationing, to the sun and the plenty of South
Africa was bound to have a profound influence on the family and, in particular, on Peter who
grew from three to twelve in this period.
It wasn’t, however, a life of luxury; not the life we associate with South Africa – of white wealth
amidst black poverty. Although the family lived in a ‘British’ (as opposed to ‘Afrikaner’) area, the
children had to learn Afrikaans in primary and secondary school. More importantly, it was not a
wealthy area but ‘mixed-race’ and Peter grew up amongst Jews, Germans and English
immigrants and amongst the local Cape Coloured population in this pre-apartheid time. He was
even the mascot for a Cape Coloured soccer team and he played with all and sundry in the
streets of the city. But the powers-that-be decided to economise and the orchestra contracted,
and this, together with the political situation of oppressive apartheid, led to the family returning to
England in 1956.
Page 9 of 12

10. Edward Hart studied to become a music teacher – and ended up in Mansfield as a music
teacher at QEGS and Sherwood Hall before retiring at 65 in the 1960s.
So Peter returned, no doubt speaking with a
South African accent, to a far more restricted life
in Mansfield. He was a ‘normal’ boy, not musical
like his father, and went to High Oakham School.
Although it was thought the S.A. education
system was poor, Peter didn’t agree and revelled
in the lack of homework and the sport here, so
much so that he didn’t pass the 13+.
Edward tried to teach Peter the violin, but that
was a failure, although Peter decided to play the
guitar at 14 and took lessons. When he left
school and entered FE, having decided to work
for his business qualifications, he continued with his ‘amateur’ music. He played the ‘Autoharp’ and
composed his own songs on that, then moved on to the piano and piano lessons, but soon realised that his
abilities were limited, especially for the difficult pieces!
Instead, he improvised his own pieces on the piano, pieces whose themes were based on the Derbyshire
countryside and his memories of South Africa. The day-time job and bringing up a family interfered with all
of this and it wasn’t until he retired in 2009 that he began again, buying a Yamaha electronic piano in 2010
and writing down the music – 35 pieces since 2012.
Peter has a large number of CDs of his own music, including some in which photographs of the landscape
around here are accompanied by his music; in fact, one was played at the first meeting in the 1861 Suite.
Our childhoods influence the rest of our lives, and Peter sees in his enjoyment of music, both improvised
and notated, an escape into a different world and a reflection of the experiences of his life.
It is intriguing to wonder what his father, Edward, thought of his life – from lamp-lighter's son in Warrington to
classical violinist in Cape Town and then school teacher in Mansfield. Did he consider it as admirable as we
do to risk all for the love of music?
MikeAllen
Have you a family story you'd like to tell? If so, contact Mike Allen.
Theatre Visits
I will not be at the meeting inApril as I will be in Florida at my sister's, hopefully with a book in one hand and
a glass of wine in the other (Madam Vice living up to her name!).
Now the latest news: 'The Full Monty' –- matinee on Wednesday 28th September at the Theatre Royal.
Then a trip to London on October 5th and 6th to the theatre to see Showboat, with B&B at the St
Giles Hotel, then a visit to The Shard and Windsor Castle with entrance fees included.
All for £255 (sharing). The single supplement is £36 (down from £46 last year).
If your £50 deposit was paid before the end of March, there will be £10 deducted from the price of the
theatre ticket (£49.50 before discount), making the total price of £245 if sharing.
If you do not want to go to the show, deduct £49.50 from the full amount. A pre-theatre meal at Henry's in
Covent Garden will be arranged at a later date but this is not included in the above price.
Make all cheques payable to Mansfield U3A and send them to Sheila Whalley at 335 Berryhill Lane,
Mansfield. Include your phone number and which U3Ayou are in.
Sheila Whalley
Page 10 of 12

11. History Group
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I can report that the group goes from strength to strength. Our last
meeting on March 23rd attracted 20 members with apologies received from four others.At the last monthly
meeting, I was approached by several other prospective new members and look forward to meeting them
in the future.
Our programme so far has generated lively discussion amongst the members and I am gratified that none,
so far, have shirked their ‘homework’. The depth and breadth of knowledge they bring to our meetings is
truly astounding. Subjects covered so far are The Civil War in Nottinghamshire with an emphasis on a little
known massacre that occurred at Shelford Manor near Bingham. We also visited the Newark National Civil
War Centre (we hope to invite a member of the Sealed Knot to come and talk to us). A natural progression
took us to the Great Rebellion in 1745 and Culloden in 1746 via the Restoration and the James’.
That we are now going backwards and visiting Warwick Castle should tell you we are looking at the end of
the Wars of the Roses. We are also on a free hunt with members invited to champion their favourite
historical character. Dave has also been quietly exploring some little known corners of the Second World
War, opening eyes to vital but unknown vignettes that helped secure victory. Who’d have thought that
Zeppelins played a significant part in the Battle of Britain and that little Retford helped stifle the night blitz in
its tracks?
To fit in with the bowling season we have moved our meeting date to the 3rd Wednesday in the month at
10pm at the MBC’s clubhouse. We possibly have room for about 5 more members before having to
generate a waiting list and I would urge anyone else interested to contact me.
Dave Drew (based on his report for the Group Leaders' meeting)
Holidays
Devon Holiday June 13th - 20th 2016. 8 days at the Queen's Hotel, Paignton.
The cost for eight days of £529 includes an £18 variety show but the excursions are optional.
There are still two twin/double rooms available.
All cheques are now in - thank you! Itineraries, luggage labels, coach plans, maps & insurance
policies for those taking the company's insurance will be given out at the May meeting. Please
remember to tell me if you want to get on the coach at the Sidings (Redfern's Garage) as it is
very important for the Travel Company to know how many passengers there will be at this point.
I also need to know before I fill in the luggage labels!
Mallorca September 26th - October 3rd 2016 at the Fergus Pollensa Park Hotel.
One twin or double has become vacant for this holiday. Cost including excursions £824. I will
need to know by the June meeting if you are interested. At the time of writing this I have
worked out the balances, to be paid in May, but no later than June - £784 (single rooms)
£714 double or twin rooms, £518 for the two passengers buying their own flights. Please
leave figures to be filled in at my table just in case I have any cancellations between now &
June, when I may have to recalculate - hopefully it shouldn't be much different. Cheques to
be paid to Mansfield & District U3A.
Margaret Burlinson
Thoresby Hall Holiday 2017. In 2017, there will be two holiday dates:
Monday 9th January 2017 to Friday 13th January 2017. £182pp.
Monday 20th February 2017 to Friday 24th February 2017 £220pp.
Room upgrades are available. For full details see the Mansfield U3A website under Interests & Hobbies:
Holidays.
At the time of writing, I have 140 booked for January so it's waiting list only but there are still vacancies for
February. Contact 2017thoresby@whiteheaduk.plus.com or 01623 626991.
Terry Whitehead
Page 11 of 12

12. Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)
April 19th Speaker Meeting: Life in the Song. A journey through life featuring self-penned
comedy songs and ballads played on a multitude of instruments, plus a few well known numbers.Andy
Smith will talk about the instruments he has brought along and how a song is written and recorded.
May 7th Saturday: Concert by 'Singing for Fun' in the Methodist Church, Chesterfield Road at 7.00
pm. Cost: £5.00. Tickets from SylviaAtkinson at the monthly meeting.
May 17th Speaker Meeting: Photographic Wildlife Survey in Sherwood Forest. Barbara
Meyer on the wildlife of the Forest, with videos of their movements from sensor-controlled trail cameras.
May 20th Friday: Coffee Morning at The Towers, Botany Avenue. 10am till noon. More details
later, but tickets on sale now. Garden plants, Cakes, Raffles and much more.
June 7th Tuesday: 'Royal Revelry' at the John Fretwell Centre, Sookholme, from 10am. A day
of fun and revelry to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.
June 21st Tuesday Speaker Meeting: Biometrics or there will never be another you! Paul
Newish, a retired forensic scientist, will talk about fingerprints, crime, DNA and how each person is
unique.
July 1st Friday: Ashfield U3A 10th Anniversary Dinner Dance at Goosedale, Papplewick. Tickets
are available now at £25 pp for a 2-course meal from Jacqui Hampshire or Trish on 01623 793447.
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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.
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Changes of Address, etc.
PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Marilyn Dibble 01623 634805, if you've changed your
address, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.
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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.
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Next Issue
PLEASE SEND contributions for the next issue to mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk or by
hand to Mike Allen as soon as you can and by the 1st of the month at the latest. Thanks!
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Editor: Mike Allen 01623 653345 Printed by: Portland Print
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