Mansfield and District U3A's September newsletter is the AGM edition with the agenda and officer reports. It also includes items about the national AGM, a summer picnic, a visit to Arley Hall, other interest group activities and what's planned. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
Visit to Arley Hall. (See Recent Events: Page 13)
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
September 2015 – AGM Edition
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 16

2. Welcome from your chairman
WELCOME to our September meeting, a busy time as it is theAGM, a Committee to vote for, as well
as normal U3A business. We must decide on the new Constitution which if accepted will enable our
U3A to gain Charity Status. This will be my first AGM as Chairman so I am hoping for a smooth run to
top off my first year as Chairman.
On August 18th we held the annual Mansfield U3A Picnic, a rainy day, so outdoor games were
cancelled, we must hope for better weather next year. However the day went well, lots of chatting,
good food, what drink we brought, a raffle and a quiz. Wonderful prizes for the raffle and quiz so well
done everyone.
A special thanks to our Social Committee who always do wonderful work and the organisation is
second to none and even with the inclement weather we had over 70 members attend.
I usually like to put in some notable dates for the month; September is harvest time for the farmers,
but I thought I would mention 1665 and 1666. In September 1665 the Great Plague reached it's
height, after a year of deaths due to the plague, over 100,000 people died in London alone out of a
population of around 350,000.
The plague started to decline in it's ferocity but still causing many deaths into 1666. Londoners still
had another disaster to undergo. The Great Fire. Started in Pudding Lane on September 2nd and it
lasted until September 6th destroying most of the City of London. From the ashes arose some great
buildings none grander than St. Paul's Cathedral designed by that great architect Sir Christopher
Wren.
This month is when a new U3A is launched at Forest Town. Some of our members have been busy
promoting this launch, distributing leaflets and by word of mouth. One of the remarks that people
make when approached is, what is the U3A?
We, I hope enjoy the U3A and all it has to offer, so perhaps we as a group should do more to pass on
the ethos of the U3A, so many more people can have a more interesting ThirdAge.
Well to finish I hope you have had a good summer, and let's not forget good health means more now
than ever, so keep well and keep enjoying life.
Bob Longden
_________________________________________________________________________
In this issue
Page 3: AGM Agenda and Chairman's Report.
Page 4: Treasurer's and Group Co-ordinator's Reports.
Page 5: Membership Secretary's, Newsletter and Website Reports.
Page 6: Introducing New Committee Nominees. Holiday Updates.
Page 7: National U3AAGM Report (Start.)
Pages 8 – 11: Interest Groups meetings diary.
Page 11: National U3AAGM Report (End.)
Page 12: Book Table Report. Recent Events – Summer Picnic. Groups News –
Luncheon Club
Page 13: Groups News – Garden Visit to Arley Hall and Golf.
Page 14: Groups News – Art. In case you missed it (Start).
Page 15: In case you missed it (End).
Page 16: Dates for your diary and Notices.
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3. AGM Agenda
1. Chairman's Welcome.
2. Apologies.
3. Approval of Minutes from previous AGM.
4. Treasurer's Report (Inc. Approval of the Accounts & election of an auditor)
5. Nominations for committee:
The following are seeking election to the Committee (Introductions on page 6):
Reg Dixon (Business Secretary); Jacqueline Hampshire (Committee Member); Yvonne Kennison
(Treasurer); Sheila Pegg (Assistant Treasurer); Norma Smith (Speaker Finder).
The following is seeking re-election:
Marilyn Dibble (Membership Secretary)
The following will complete their terms of office at the 2016 AGM:
Bob Longden (Chairman); Sheila Whalley (Vice-Chairman); Linda Leivers (Groups Coordinator);
Mike Allen (Minutes Secretary); Graham Headworth (Committee Member).
6. Election of the new committee.
7. Adoption by vote of the members present of the proposed new Mansfield and District U3A
Constitution (2015).
8. A.O.B.
(Any motions for consideration must have been proposed and seconded and sent to the Business
Secretary by the beginning of September.)
Date of the next AGM: Tuesday September 20th 2016 at 11.00 am.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chairman's Report
I DO NOT know where the last year has gone! Last September I took over from Glenis Carr, the
previous Chair, wondering what happens now. The help I received was gratefully accepted, there
are many wise and experienced people in our U3A and I would have been foolish not to tap into
their knowledge.
A challenging year in some respects, losing a valued Committee Member in Linda Spray was the
low. As you know, Linda died after an illness and she will be missed as her example of helping to
run the U3A and also her involvement in several of the groups. Mike Allen stepped up and volun-
teered to take on Linda’s duties, thanks Mike. I thank all of the committee for their work but I must
mention two:
Avril McGee, the Membership Secretary and Pauline Boucher, the Treasurer, who are both standing
down from the committee after many years. I wish them well. We are fortunate to have some of our
members volunteer to come onto the committee to keep things running and I look forward to
working with them.
This last year has seen a growth in our group activities with new groups being set up and run.
Congratulations to the group leaders! This is one of the prime reasons for a U3A; groups are the
lifeblood of any U3A and we are fortunate to have people with enthusiasm who are willing to set up
and run groups. Groups are run in many different ways to suit their member’s needs, they may be
held in their homes, many different venues such as church halls, a list of which is available. They
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4. organise day trips out and of course the holiday group that sources holidays abroad and in the U.K.
It all adds up to what can be a great time if you take advantage of all that is on offer!
A challenging year ahead as we must find a replacement for David Ling as web and newsletter
editor; thank you David for all your work in those areas. There are many members who work to
make Mansfield U3A the success it is, so even when problems occur our U3A will go on.
Bob Longden
Treasurer's Report
Financial year 1st August 2014 - 31st July 2015
THIS HAS BEEN another financially successful year for Mansfield U3A. Income from book sales,
the coffee morning and quiz night all showed an increase on last year. Our finances are in a very
healthy position.
The committee thanks members once again for their support over the year.
Below is a brief summary of our accounts for the year. A detailed financial report will be given at the
AGM and copies of the full accounts are available from the treasurer on request.
Pauline Boucher, Treasurer
Abbreviated Income and Expense Account
1st August 2014 - 31st July 2015
Group Co-ordinator's Report
THE PAST twelve months have been very worthwhile for Mansfield U3A and extremely satisfying for
me personally. The fundamental principles of all U3As are to share knowledge and discover new
skills and experience and we have certainly achieved this in the past year. Although our U3A cannot
grow in the number of members we have managed to increase the number of Groups to benefit all.
The existing, long standing groups continue to thrive, a few have seen a change of Group leader,
many of those groups have new members to revive enthusiasm. We have, as would be expected,
lost a few groups or group leaders, some through sad circumstances, other groups just ran their
course.
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5. The new members who joined our U3A this year have added their interests to the pool of know-
ledge and as a result we have seen the number of groups grow. International Dining, Golf, Read a
Little Aloud and Craft Workshop all broaden our opportunities and skills.
We already have several potential new or revived ready to add extra interests in the coming year, I
encourage you all to support these whenever you can; you are never too old to learn!
I would like to thank all Group Leaders for their support during this year and look forward to the next
year with optimism.
Linda Leivers
Membership Secretary’s Report 2015/2016
MANSFIELD U3A’s membership remains very healthy, as in previous years our waiting list for
membership continues to grow and we should all take pride in being part of an organisation with an
excellent reputation.
There is a new U3A planned for Forest Town and, together with the success of Rainworth U3A, it is
hoped that prospective members will not have to wait so long.
I am now in my 7th year as Membership Secretary and feel that the time is right (if not overdue!) to
hand the reins over to someone with fresh ideas.
Following the AGM and when all the fees have been collected, we can start the process of taking on
new members; as always I know that you will all give a warm welcome to this year’s new members.
Avril McGee, Membership Secretary
Newsletter Report
CONTRIBUTIONS from members filled ten 12-page issues last year and 14 pages in the bumper
August on-line edition. (The August issue was only published on-line as we don't meet that month
and it's wasteful to print copies that can't be distributed promptly.)
I am most grateful, both personally and on behalf of all our readers, to all our contributors for their
varied news of events, future interest group plans and tales that made this evolve as it did under my
editorship. However, this is the last issue that I'll be producing so I offer my best wishes to Mike
Allen, who may be my successor if an assistant comes forward to share the workload.
David Ling, Editor
Website Report
OUR WEBSITE continued to grow in importance to members as the prime source of information as
more grasp the importance of the internet as a fundamental part of modern life. It's now the
preferred way to keep in touch with friends and relatives, to continue learning, seek bargains, book
tickets and much more, according to recent research, so I'm delighted that usage continues to grow.
Our website recorded 2,278 visits and 12,582 page views in August.
The most recent change was the introduction of an improved on-line reader that allows the latest
newsletter to be read on-line in full colour, with larger text than is possible in the printed version and
from around the 10th of each month, anywhere, and without needing to download it first.
I will be stepping down as Webmaster at the AGM but the site managers, Terry Whitehead, Linda
Leivers and Bob Longden, will take over liaison with Group Leaders and moderation of their updates
until someone steps forward to be my successor. I know they'll enjoy the role as much as I have.
David Ling, Webmaster
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6. Introducing the new Committee nominees
Reg Dixon – Business Secretary
dixonreg@yahoo.co.uk
Reg has been a Member for several years, having retired from the NHS in 2001.
He is a keen supporter of Luncheon Club, and goes on the occasional outing. His
hobbies include walking (less frequently recently), flying, motorcycling, and DIY.
He was Secretary of Mansfield Rotary Club until 2014. He believes every club
member should try to contribute something towards running the club.
Yvonne Kennison – Treasurer
m.kennison@ntlworld.com
Yvonne joined Mansfield U3A in 2013, has enjoyed the Writing for Pleasure group
and has recently taken on the challenge of learning to play Bridge with her
husband Michael. They took their first holiday with the U3A in April, cruising along
the Danube. She's an active member of Brookside (Mansfield) WI and St Philip
Neri's Church.
Sheila Pegg – Assistant Treasurer
sheila.pegg@sky.com
Sheila joined in October 2014 and is enjoying meeting new people at the various
groups. She is semi-retired and is a member of the Reading, Bridge, International
Dining and Gardening groups.
She is looking forward to trying Tai Chi and intends to join a walking group as soon
as she can find the time!
Norma Smith – Speaker Finder
kendall.smith@virgin.net
Norma taught for forty years. After retiring, she worked as a trained C.A.B. volun-
teer adviser for 10 years. She also helps with the production of The Echo, a local
recorded newspaper for the blind and partially sighted.
She is a member of the Art Appreciation Group, Local History and Wine Group 2.
Jacqueline Hampshire
jhampshire09@talktalk.net
Jacqui is a fairly new member after a career in sales and relocating from Norwich
to Mansfield. She started the International Dining group and is also a member of
Local History. Firmly believing that you only get as much out of an organisation as
you are prepared to put in, she wishes more members followed that mantra. Her
other interests include amateur dramatics, line dancing and ten pin bowling.
Holiday Updates
MALLORCA; 26TH SEPT - 3RD OCTOBER 2016
If you have chosen to take the company's insurance of £39 for 8 days please bring in the completed
front page from your insurance sheet with a cheque payable to Mansfield & District U3A. I will also
need completed insurance forms by the October meeting from those who have their own insurances
and the airline want your passport details so you will need to collect a form from my table.
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7. Just a reminder to please check the expiry date, although as long as it is valid for the eight days we
are there then you do not need a date beyond. It is no use filling in a form if you need to apply for a
new passport; wait until it arrives.
You might take this opportunity to check the expiry date on your EHIC card which you need to take
with you in case of a medical emergency. It only lasts for 5 years at at time. You must not pay for
this card; it's free! See me if you need help acquiring one.
Margaret Burlinson
______________________________________________________________________________
The U3A National AGM on August 27th 2015
THANKS to the Committee for allowing me to attend the U3A National AGM at Nottingham Univer-
sity’s Conference Centre on Thursday August 27th and to vote on behalf of Mansfield U3A for the
new officers. The experience was well worth it and I recommend that we send a delegate next year
when the AGM will be back in Nottingham.
As usual with AGMs, over half the people, or U3As in this instance, were absent – and hadn’t
bothered to send in their proxy votes, although the 43% voting this year was higher than last year.
No doubt there will be criticism of the new Chairman and the direction she takes TAT in from those
who could not be bothered to put a stamp on an envelope. Serves them right!
Pam Jones of Witney U3A was elected as Chairman with a small but comfortable majority. She had
not been my first choice but maybe that was what was needed after Barbara Lewis’s very dynamic
‘reign’! Asafe pair of hands, whereas one of the other candidates offered a more challenging view.
Her short speech followed the written statement - in essence, it was ‘more of the same, only better’. I
hope that this is the way forward for an organisation that could become top heavy with bureaucracy.
Michaela Moody of the East Midlands was elected as one of two Vice-Chairmen.
The Treasurer (John Ellison) was re-elected and interpreted the Financial Report for us.
Rather like Mansfield U3A, TAT is ‘in a good state’ and there will be no increase in capitation
for the foreseeable future. It is a £2.5m ‘business’ with an expenditure of £2.05m
The membership growth is good (360,000+ members) though the percentage rise has
slowed. The most interesting statistic was that of the ‘penetration’ of the 60+ age-group. This
varied widely – the average was 4% of the age-group, but the highest was 9.2% and the
lowest minute – in the centre of large conurbations (as would be expected). So there is
further room for ‘expansion’ though membership does depend on the area's social structure.
Continued on page 11 ...
______________________________________________________________________________
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 U3Ameetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (exceptAugust
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.
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8. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Afternoon Teas Sa1, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: Sept.12th – The Maypole at Wellow;
Antiques and
Collectables *
Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: Sept. 8th – Anything with one or more flowers on it; Oct. 13th – Art Deco
Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Gordon Howlett
01623 627423
Next Meetings: September 16th – Church or Cathedral part/all; Oct. 21st – Animal Head in b/w
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next meetings: Sept. – No meeting; Oct. 5th – Victorians: how they worked (Bridge St. 2pm)
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 Th 1.30 - 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls
Club, Chesterfield
Road
Don Wright/Pat
Gunter 01623
628946/626250
Next Meetings: Every Thursday. £3.00. All welcome, inc. beginners, but flat / bowls shoes requ'd
Caravan & M'home
Rally
Various Various Terry Lammas
01623 471963
Next Meetings: TBA – Burton Constable Hall; TBA – Christmas in Yorkshire
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meetings: Next Meetings: September 21st; October 19th
Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley
01623 472010
Next meetings: September 23rd – Ideas for Christmas
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: Oct. 13th
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: As per calendar
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9. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam
01623 635607
Next Visits: TBA
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: October 6th – Members' Own Harvest Crops
Golf Various Various Paul Mann
01623 615416
Next Meetings: Thursday Sept. 24th – Ramsdale Park, 1st 9 holes.
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
Next Holidays: Mon. 18th to Fri. 22nd January 2016 – Thoresby Hall (Terry Whitehead);
Sat. Sept. 26th to Sat. Oct. 3rd 2016 – Mallorca (Margaret Burlinson)
International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire
01623 239210
Next Meetings: September 23rd (note date change) – Caribbean Evening at The Schoolhouse,
South Normanton; October – No meeting; Nov. 11th – Rani at Huthwaite
Local History * Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: Oct. 2nd – Bolsover Castle with Ian Morgan
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various Eileen & Colin Bell
01623 429239
Next Meetings: Sept. 17th – White Lion at Bingham; October 22nd – Full Moon at Morton;
Nov. 19th – The Elm Tree, Heath, Chesterfield; Dec 10th – Christmas Meal at Launay's
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church
Hall
Mansfield
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: Sept. 28th – Russian Composers at Peter Hart's.
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10. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott
01623 631160
Next Meeting: As per calendar
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Pudding Club Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: October 6th – Sylvia'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: September 11th
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's
home
Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next 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: Oct. 6th – Structures & Bridges with Alan Paul
Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Singing for Fun Wed, 5.45 - 7.15 F St Alban's Church,
Forest Town
Jean Kirk
01623 480207
Next Meetings: Note change of day – rehearsals begin Wed. Sept. 2nd; then 16th, 30th, etc
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Jean Kirk
01623 480207
Next Meetings: Our term restarts on Sept. 14th to Dec. 14th. Every week.
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley
01623 45390
Next Visits: Sept. 25th – Mac & Mabel * ; Oct. 15th – The Body Guard *
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11. 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: Mon Sept. 21st – Hickling; Thurs Oct. 1st – Farnsfield & Southwell;
Mon Oct. 19th – Newstead Abbey
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: Sept. 24th – Saville Restaurant (12noon); Oct. 24th – Social Evening at St John's
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357/ 651528
Next Meetings: Oct 14th – Berry Hill Park from 3 Denby Drive; Nov 11th – The Lawn at Sutton
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 - V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: Sept. 23rd – Teversal to Brierley Forest from Teversal VC car park;
Oct 28th – Harlow Wood
Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: Sept. 16th – Shiraz at Norma's
Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: Sept. 22nd – Sth American Reds at Graham & Eileen's; Oct 27th – Picpoul de Pinet
Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Hilary Miller/Sue
Ford 01623
620067/844286
Next Meetings: Sept. 14th – A letter to The Queen; Oct. 12th; Nov. 9th; Dec. 14th
The U3A National AGM (Continued from page 7)
Many of us remember Barbara Lewis from her visit to us last year – a dynamic, humorous Amer-
ican ‘go-getter’. In that style, she gave her valedictory speech which was a review of her U3A life
and a general ‘thank you’ to all those who had worked with her. Clearly, she had enjoyed her time
as Chairman and was held in great affection by her colleagues.
The main point was her Awareness document and the Mission Statement – ‘Going Forward 2014-
2016’. It was through these, she said, that she hoped she would be remembered. Both are avail-
able on our website and I hope to return to them with our members in the future.
The keynote speech was given by Dr Lewis Dartnell, a research fellow at Leicester University. It
was entitled ‘The Knowledge: How to Rebuild the World from Scratch after the Apocalypse’. Not
surprisingly, it was based on a book he had written (£7.20 Amazon) of the same title!
Page 11 of 16

12. In the talk he discussed how we could rebuild our civilisation if the worst happened. Topics such as
agriculture transport, health, etc. were covered and he put forward ideas of simple technology we
could employ to ‘restart’ our lives after the short grace period of looting the supermarkets, etc.
It was fascinating and I shall certainly buy the book, although I have some doubts – the concept of
rebuilding a civilisation without technology is theoretically possible, but the practical problems seem
insurmountable, especially if the catastrophe is climate-change or a nuclear war.
The day was enjoyable and worthwhile. I will be reading his book, and the Mission Statement and
Barbara Lewis’ Great Awareness Pack. If U3A in general, and Mansfield U3A in particular, retreat
into being merely social organisations without the drive of learning or doing they will die and a great
movement will have failed.
Mike Allen
______________________________________________________________________________
Book Table Report
SALE OF BOOKS in July raised £43.41.
There was no bookstall at the picnic but it'll be back in business in September. Thanks everyone.
Lilian Whitehead (01623 626991; 2015@whiteheaduk.plus.com)
______________________________________________________________________________
Recent Events
SUMMER PICNIC – August 18th
Our Summer Picnic was once again well-attended and, despite the poor weather, members arrived
laden with food and drink to share at our usual venue at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy. Although we
were unable to eat outside there was lively conversation and much jollity inside as members chatted
with friends and took part in the Chairman’s Cunning Quiz.
The afternoon flew by and some members were lucky enough to win prizes in the raffle which made
a net contribution to funds of £85. Two members, Bridget Clarke and Sue Howlett, won the top prize
of free membership to Mansfield U3A for the coming year.
A pleasant afternoon spent with good friends and good food – no-one noticed the pouring rain.
Thanks to all the Social Committee for organising the whole thing – the venue, the prizes, the quiz
and the raffle. A big thank you to all members for the delicious food and for coming along and
making the afternoon so enjoyable.
Pauline Boucher (01623 644798; pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk)
Photos on the website …
________________________________________________________________________________________
Groups News
Luncheon Club
HELLO EVERYONE. As you know, David and Jackie Ling are moving on to pastures new and we,
Colin and Eileen Bell, will take over the running of the Luncheon Club. Our contact details are
below.
We're sure you'd like to join us in thanking David & Jackie for all their hard work over the last seven
years organising the group and wish them well for the future.
We are both relative newcomers to the U3A, joining in October 2014 and enjoy golf and art as well
as being involved in the lunch group. We are aiming to continue keeping the Luncheon Group
Page 12 of 16

13. successful and are looking forward to meeting old and new members at our table during the
September meeting and the White Lion the following Thursday.
We have booked and agreed a menu with the Full Moon, Morton, near Southwell for the 22nd
October and hope you can join us there.
Colin & Eileen Bell (01623 429239; c.bell74@btinternet.com)
Garden Visits at Arley Hall
ON JULY 29th, the Garden Visits Group enjoyed yet another successful trip organised by Janet
Whitlam and Karen Troop, who had arranged for us to be given a private tour round Arley Hall and
the rest of the day in the gardens.
The Hall is a Victorian ‘Jacobethan’ pile,
attractive enough from the outside and with
some magnificent plaster ceilings inside,
furnished and decorated for its prime purpose
as the Manchester wedding venue. Even
‘Coronation Street’ holds weddings here,
according to Geoffrey, our helpful guide, who
told us that ViscountAshbrook’s home (though
he actually lives down the drive in the old
Schoolhouse) is also often used as a film set.
The tour was interesting, and kept us out of
the blustery wind until lunchtime when most
of the party took to the cafe to eat the estate’s
lamb pie (‘to die for’ according to reports).
Then it was into the gardens and showers.
The gardens are in the Top 10 in Britain and the Top 20 in Europe, or so they say. They are
delightful – the herbaceous borders are the most densely planted and colourful I have seen. Then
there are the Herb Garden, the Scented Garden, the Walled Garden, the Rockery, the avenue of
trees trimmed into magnificent, high, circular ‘chimneys’, the abundant Kitchen Garden and more.
The final pleasure was the Nursery where unusual plants were greedily grabbed by our gardeners.
And then back into the traffic for the journey home, a really enjoyable day out completed.
Mike Allen (01623 653345; mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk)
Golf
FOR THEIR second outing, eight keen golfers from Mansfield, Sherwood and Ashfield U3As turned
up at Oakmere Golf Club on 30th July, all eager to break the course record. Yes. Well.
Four hours later, the intrepid 8 returned,
exhausted; some had beaten their handicap,
but others had merely shown their handicap
was playing the game.
Not even the weather could really be blamed –
a few slight showers, then a glorious last few
holes in the sunshine. All enjoyed the day and
the social side was reckoned the real winner.
All players lived to play another day. A better
round, hopefully, with more than the occasional
good shot that brings such personal pleasure
and fewer shots that elicit despair!
Mike Allen (01623 653345; mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk)
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14. Art
ALTHOUGH it was the holiday month, we managed to have eleven at our August meeting.
Those who followed the suggested subject found it tough, but they were attempting one of the most
difficult subjects, the face. The only concession was that the subject was “not famous”, I.E.
Unknown. Drawing someone with expression is where it gets really tough. We are a group of wide
ability and everyone produced some very
acceptable work. The atmosphere was, as
usual, happy, chatty and relaxing.
We currently have a vacancy for an absolute
beginner or the next big name in art. We
would love to have more but we would need
to change venue. Michael Morton is always
there to give advice and encouragement.
Next meeting
The suggested subject for 16th September
meeting is “Cathedral or Church – all or part”.
Hopefully members will have completed their
‘faces’ and have them at the meeting to see.
Gordon Howlett (01623 627423; g.howlett@ntlworld.com)
______________________________________________________________________________
In case you missed it … some highlights from the August issue
ANY committee member will print-off the August on-line issue for you if you missed any of these
reports, can't do that yourself and don't know anyone who'd be willing to help:
In that issue:
Garden Visits Group at Tatton Park
THE MANSFIELD U3A Garden Visits group visited Tatton Park Hall and Gardens on 30th June, a
scorching hot day at 36 degrees.
We were most interested in the gardens so asked the guide which was the best way to see them
and following her advice walked through the kitchen garden into the Rose Garden, which was most
disappointing. It had been laid out in 1911 and needs a major overhaul …
Sandra Evans Photos here ...
Gardening Group at Yorkshire Lavender
THIRTY LADIES and I (kindly referred to as the ‘thorn between the roses’) set off on Tuesday July
7th for ‘Yorkshire Lavender’.
Yorkshire Lavender is a 60 acre farm set 200 feet up in the Howardian Hills overlooking the Vale of
York. The view was magnificent, stretching across rolling farmland, with few houses in sight, to the
distant prospect of York Minster, partly hidden behind a ruined castle. No motorway, no wind farms,
no huge warehouses, just English countryside in all its beauty.
After coffee and lavender shortbread (delicious), we listened to the owner who recounted the history
of the farm over the last 23 years since he set it up, a fascinating story of triumph over the sadness
of his wife’s early death and his determination to care for his two children. Then we walked the
paths set with many varieties of lavender and other plants and herbs, taking in the views down the
hill to the deer park …
Mike Allen Photos here ...
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15. Sci-Tech Group visits Morgan Motor Co
AFTER A fairly long journey, 15 members arrived on time at the Morgan factory near Malvern on
7th July and were welcomed with a hot drink in the factory’s restaurant before an introductory talk
by the tour manager, accompanied by slides explaining the history of Morgan, the present day
factory and operations, and the future plans. This was very interesting, and he welcomed questions
and attempted to fully answer them all.
We then commenced the tour and were allowed into all the workshops with the exception of the
Paint Shop (for obvious reasons). The tour lasted about an hour on top of the introductory talk, and
was fascinating.
All Morgan cars are bespoke and hand-made on site to the customers’ specifications in their
choices of materials, colours and design. We saw some amazing cars during the tour, such as a
Gothic horror-type car with hands for wing-mirrors and skulls for headlights, together with racy
three- and four-wheel models. We were able to watch the workers hand-making the bodies and
frames of the vehicles, and installing the (BMW) engines which arrive as ‘BMW’ but once in the car
they become ‘Morgan’ engines …
Jill Pullan Photos here ...
Caravans and Motorhomes Rally in France
AFTER a long day's driving, we met up at a campsite near La Rochelle on 21st May. Regrettably
Peter and Avril had a problem with the starter motor which took a few days to rectify. However the
sun still shone and it didn't stop us having a good few days on bicycles.
Our next destination was Montalivet, on the Medoc. To get there we took the ferry from Royan to
Point de Grave.
This small town has superb beaches, which stretch for miles, many good cafes and a terrific market
with lots of fresh fish. We moved further down the Medoc to Andernos les Bains situated on the bay
of Arcachon where we spent many an evening with a glass of wine watching the sunset.
Four of us went further south to Biarritz for a couple of days and we met up again at St Emillion; can
hardly be a better place for wine devotees. We visited the caves, had free wine tasting and visited
probably the most expensive wine shop ever …
Linda Leivers Photos here ...
Singing for Fun Concert at St Alban's
THE MANSFIELD U3A Singing for Fun Choir joined with Bellissima Ladies' Choir at St Alban's
Church at Forest Town to perform a music concert on 26th July, the proceeds of which are going to
St Alban's, a lovely church with a beautiful stained glass window.
The choirs, over the course of two hours, entertained the audience with a variety of music. This
ranged from religious to country and folk music, film scores, songs from West End shows, and even
a little bit of jazz. One of the accompanying pianists, Isaac Savage, played two pieces of Gershwin.
We also had a rendition of the Messiah, given by one, yes I did say one, of our choir members,
Sylvia Atkinson. A “Yorkshire lass” herself, it was a tale about a Yorkshire man going to hear the
Messiah, not realising what it was about. It involved a lot of farmers' lost lambs or sheep, much to
the amusement of all present .
As usual we performed under the direction of Suzy Fell. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the choir
members, when I thank Suzy for teaching us so much, and giving us the joy that singing brings ...
Doreen Storer Photo here ...
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16. ______________________________________________________________________________
John Swanwick. It is with deep regret that we have learnt that John passed-away on Thurs. July
16th after a short illness. His funeral was on Wed. Aug. 5th.
Bunty Kirk. Also, that Bunty passed away on Sat. Aug. 8th. Bunty was a past committee and hard-
working MU3A member for some years. Her funeral was on Fri. Sept. 4th.
Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this sad time.
______________________________________________________________________________
Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.
Tues. Sept 15th: AGM at Oakham Suite; 11.00 (after the general meeting)
Fri. Sept 25th: THEATRE ROYAL, Nottingham celebrates its 150th anniversary. Details from
Sheila Whalley. (01623 453908; jeansheila@btinternet.com)
Mon. Jan. 18th to Fri. 22nd, 2016: WARNER'S THORESBY HALL. See page 3.
Sat. Feb. 27th, 2016: Quiz Night at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details from Pauline Boucher.
(01623 644798; pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk)
______________________________________________________________________________
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 October issue to mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk, or in
typescript, to Mike Allen as soon as you can and by October 1st at the latest. Thanks!
______________________________________________________________________________
Editor: David Ling (01623 822994) Printed by: Portland Print (www.portlandprint.org.uk/)
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