Au Chairman's message - Horsley U3A
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Au Chairman’s message
Since last writing to you in April we have all gone through an extremely difficult period and it seems as if we
will have a difficult winter ahead with the prospect of renewed restrictions on meeting with our families and
loved ones and other leisure activities being curtailed. I trust that you have all been keeping safe and well
and have been able to either meet or remain in contact with them.
As we entered lockdown in March we had just sent our renewal invitations to you and I am pleased to let you
know that just under 90% of members re-joined. Our finances are therefore in good shape and the
Committee will review the situation in January for the next year. We do have some fixed expenses including
the capitation fee from the U3A Trust and have paid Zoom fees for some of our groups. We have also
incurred some speaker costs.
We finally managed to hold our Annual General Meeting via Zoom on 23rd September and the Committee are
pleased to welcome Wendy Sampson and Paul Dodgson as co-opted members. There were no nominations to
succeed me as Chairman and under the terms of the constitution I was requested to stay on until the next
Annual General Meeting in March 2021. I have agreed to this arrangement but will not be continuing in the
role beyond that date so we do need someone to step forward to take over. I encourage you to consider
fulfilling this relatively undemanding role for both interest and the rewards it brings. Do not hesitate to
mention your interest to me or any of the committee members.
Some of our Groups have managed to get together over the Summer either cycling, walking, meeting in
gardens, and often via Zoom. A synopsis of their activities form the bulk of this newsletter. We arranged
some online talks via Mirthy but these were not successful and we discontinued them. We have now
approached some of our booked monthly speakers to give their talks via Zoom and our November speaker
has agreed to do so – we will be hearing from Tony Harris on his experiences in pantomime. Should this and
our October speaker have been a success we will look to continue these talks in the New Year.
Please keep yourselves healthy and safe, enjoy Christmas and hopefully looking forward to seeing you in
2021.
David Lush October 2020
Editorial Note:
I am grateful to very many group leaders for providing reports on how groups have been managing to meet
and how members have been able to keep in contact with each other. Since most of the reports in this
Newsletter were submitted before the imposition of the second lockdown they are inevitably out of date.
Many will not be able to meet again until the lockdown is lifted. Nevertheless the reports included in this
Newsletter are a record of how well things were progressing before the second wave took over.
Ian Eversden
1
Antiques and Collectibles
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 restrictions, interested in items from the past, particularly
our group has not managed to meet even by those willing to get involved and perhaps find
Zoom. Our activities often involve bringing items new ways to explore the world of Antiques and
from our homes to pass round for examination Collectibles, to contact either of us by email.
and discussion which is not practical in the joy@twistedbrick.co.uk hu3aantiques@a6ahj.uk
current situation. There has been no impetus to
hold meetings in other ways.
Joy Davis and Tony Jones
We would however encourage any members
Creative Writing
The group is a relatively small one with no special equipment or venue requirements and this has
meant that since lockdown began it has been able to go on meeting in person within the framework
imposed by social distancing, group of six and other guidelines.
Our monthly meetings are held either in private gardens or in adjacent well-ventilated indoor spaces
and our objective is to enjoy writing creatively in various genres from story telling, to poetry, memoir
to travel. Typically we write stories under given titles, recent examples including ‘The Good Life,’ ‘The
Glorious Twelfth, ’ and ‘Autumn.’ One of our current challenges is to complete a crime story started
by one of our members who appeared not to know the ending himself.
If all this sounds demanding that would be misleading. We meet in a relaxed atmosphere and
members can just come to listen and enjoy the chat if they prefer. With social life constrained, our
group looks, under current rules, set to continue with its enjoyable monthly Wednesday morning
meetings. New members are welcome (we will make sure in accordance with the rules) and should
contact the acting chairman Tony Pratt (07947 358283) for more information. One pleasing recent
development has been the return of our Leader, Ian Eversden, to the ranks after a break. We are in
the process of compiling a new anthology of our work. You are invited to check our webpage for its
issue which we hope will be before Christmas.
Tony Pratt
2
Climbing Wine Appreciation
The Climbing Group has met twice, following I am afraid that we have simply cancelled all
the easing of restrictions on gyms. The White meetings and activities. There is no way that
Spider Climbing Centre has introduced a range our members would be able to hold a wine
of precautionary measures and with reduced
tasting safely in the hall, nor would they have
access, social distancing from other groups is
quite feasible while climbing in our small wanted to get in a coach to go to France or to
bubble. The fitter members of the group have an English vineyard! We discussed with some
been bounding up the wall but even belaying members the option of a zoom tasting but
is a good work-out and the coffee and cake are there was no enthusiasm for this. Sadly,
also pretty good. All the equipment required
therefore, our group is in abeyance until we
can be hired at the Centre and the group can
provide basic safety training for newcomers. are able safely to meet again.
And it’s fairly warm and very dry in Winter! If Tony Thompson
you are interested, please contact Peter West
at evaluationexpert@gmail.com
Peter West
Rummikub 1 Rummikub 2
I have not held any Rummikub meetings as it After a 5 month break, Rummikub 2 has
is not possible in the evenings with only 3 resumed albeit just one table of four, all
people. I did send one message some time suitably distanced and protected. We've had
ago and maybe I should send another. Very 2 meetings in September and 2 booked for
few responded! October. Those who played had a good time
and the chance to meet "old friends"
again was much appreciated.
Liz Onslow
Derry Dinkin
Scrabble
Our Scrabble group has just meeting again with caution and maintaining a good distance.
Washing the tiles in disinfectant before we start and sitting a good 2 metres apart!
Angela Watney
3
Wine at Home Crime Book Club
We did manage to have two meetings in
January and February, with the themes of
“Winter Warmers” (wines with high alcohol
The Crime Book Club has continued to meet
content ~ 14%) and “Malbec around the
during the Covid restrictions. Over the Summer
world”. (These are wines from Europe, South
we held monthly Zoom meetings which were
America, Australia and New Zealand made
attended by about half the group.
with Malbec grapes).
Our plans for the rest of 2020 had included
“Wines of Campania”, “Wines of the Loire”, In September, we returned to a very well
“Wines of Chile” and our ever popular “Wines sanitised East Horsley Village Hall where again
of Summer”. about half the group were able to space out at 2
But of course, our formula of having groups metres and more.
of 10 or more, eating and drinking in each
For our October meeting, we will be trying out a
other’s homes, breaks so many rules that we
mix of meeting in the Hall and Zoom, to try to
really had to suspend the group. Sadly, I had
bring the whole group together. We are
no alternative but to drink the stock I had laid
continuing with our theme of reading the first
in for future meetings! Never mind. We’ll
book in successful crime fiction series, including
stock up again when we can safely restart.
international authors and those writing in the
last century.
Stewart Smith
An accident of timing also allowed us to
compare one book with the TV version of the
same story. If you are interested in joining,
please contact Peter West at
evaluationexpert@gmail.com
Peter West
Snooker
As organiser of the Horsley U3A snooker group, and having read both the Government and national
U3A advice, I am pleased to report that members of the group have just started to meet.
Snooker is not specifically covered in the guidelines and our meetings depend on members being
prepared to do so and on the safety of the Goodhart-Rendell Hall facilities.
Just three members instead of our usual 6-8 are now meeting on Thursday evenings. We wear
masks as we play, we are keeping an accurate record of who plays, and depend on members
carrying out their own risk assessments.
Robin Satow
4
Table Tennis
None of the table tennis groups have been able rules.
to meet but one or two have kept in contact by
Seeing our children and grandchildren was the
WhatsApp. Viv Markley however sent the
cherry on the cake for many of us and had felt
following thoughts:
long overdue. A few bravely ventured abroad for
After a frightening few months of accepting we short stays and then many more explored our
were all in lockdown and table tennis would not lovely island.
commence during March we silently prayed that
Table tennis was organised safely outdoors by
we could continue after Easter. Easter arrived
some players during September when they felt
and went and we were being advised that
they could cope with a few socially distanced
lockdown continued to be in place. By now our
games in the gardens. I did not take part having
group was communicating with me via email as
replaced my crumbling old hip during the
to their feelings, their movements and future
lockdown with a brand new one and protecting
plans with all this free time ahead.
my husband who was shielding.
Our players were understanding of the situation,
Horsley was very kind in delivering all products to
busy learning how to 'zoom' and finding ways to
our house if needed and we shall be forever
keep themselves occupied during long days and
grateful. Grace and Flavour would drop off a pile
evenings. Several were managing to phone long
of rhubarb or gooseberries to put a smile on my
lost friends and keeping in constant contact with
face! Hand delivered by bike. Such service.
family members. It was especially difficult for
people living alone but we all seemed pretty Finding such a strong network of helpers in our
resilient and kept hoping the lockdown was neighbourhoods made us feel special and less
temporary. alone. Keeping safe and respectful of others is
always needed and shall stay with us all in the
This summer brought long bouts of dry weather
future. We look forward to getting together again
and warm days which certainly helped with our
during 2021.
mood and gave us the ability to move more
freely outside, walking and running in our I was hoping, with the rule of six, that we might
beautiful woods, enjoying any form of exercise, have got back in some limited form, as we do use
gardening being high on the list. the big hall, but even that now seems a remote
possibility.
We felt we could cope more with being outdoors
and isolated at home if it was sunny each day.
Several players found their worlds started
opening up with the relaxing of the 'meeting up'
Bill King,
Verity Walsgrove,
Viv Markley and Roger Gardiner
5
Ukulele playing
The Horsley U3A Ukulele Group (AKA Effingham
Ukes) has met weekly during the lockdown using
the Zoom conferencing application, with up to 15
members participating.
We found out pretty quickly that it was not feasible
for all of us to all play-along in real time as
Internet/broadband delays caused everyone to be
slightly out of time with each other, resulting in
confusion all around. After a bit of
experimentation, we found that the best way to
run our sessions was with the group leader leading
the singing/playing backing tracks with all other
to listen and said how nice it was to hear us
participants muted. This approach has the added
play—we even got comments on Nextdoor saying
benefit that, other than the poor leader, no one
that we were “great”!
can hear your mistakes or off-key singing! Despite
the occasional technical difficulties (it is difficult for Unfortunately, the pandemic meant that our
the group leader to use two laptops, manage the planned indoor performance for the Bookham
Zoom meeting, control muting, play the backing Talking Newspaper AGM had to be cancelled. Our
tracks as well as playing the ukulele and singing all socially-distanced outdoor performance for the
at the same time!), these sessions are great fun local Connect group in the St. Lawrence Church
and we have all improved our ukulele playing. As a Hall garden also could not take place when the
result, we have been able to introduce 20 or so Travellers took up residence on the KGV playing
new and, in some cases, more challenging songs fields—the hall was closed as a result. We live in
into our repertoire. hope that we will soon be able perform again in
public (indoors or outdoors) but are realistic that
I have also run beginners sessions in my garden for
this will not occur until sometime in 2021.
three new players—socially-distanced of course!
Further beginners’ sessions can be arranged if new Our original plan was to recommence indoor
players want to join us and when Covid-19 sessions on 8th September, but the continuing
restrictions allow. Covid-19 situation has put the mockers on that!
We will therefore continue our Zoom meetings
With the warmer weather and the easing of the
for the foreseeable future.
Covid-19 restrictions, the group took brave step to
hold our meetings outdoors on the KGV playing Any ukulele players who wish to join us on these
fields or in member’s gardens. We caused quite a sessions or anyone who would like to learn to play
lot of amusement, but quite a few people stopped the ukulele should contact the group leader, on
07768 970325 or effinghamukes@outlook.com
Tony Renfrey
6
Pencil Art for All
Sadly, we have not been able to hold any meetings of the Pencil for All Art Group, although the Village
Hall in East Clandon is now 'open for business'! This has been on the advice of our Chairman in his
Covid 19 reports.
I have written to ask whether meetings can resume in East Clandon Village Hall, bearing in mind the
need for social distancing and other precautions, but have not yet had a response.
Now, of course with the new 'rules', it may not be possible for either of the art groups to operate.
However, I have tried to keep in contact via email or telephone with most of my Pencil group. Initially
to reassure them and see if they were all OK, or needed help in any way. Then to encourage them all
to "keep painting wth those pencils!" It is good to know that my encouragement has paid off, and
artwork is being produced! It is excellent 'therapy' during Lockdown.
As many of us are of a 'certain age' and are therefore in the vulnerable group, I am not sure how all of
them would feel about classes starting up again. However, I do not want to pre-empt decisions from
'on high' until I know where we stand on this matter, as well as not wishing to disappoint my group
members should they be keen to come along.
Having been in self-isolation for many months, it's so important to keep in touch—as I've said before,
the art groups are more a group of friends, who have fun and enjoyment whilst producing truly
amazingly good work. This is the marvellous thing about the U3A - it is as much of value as a social
gathering as a vehicle for learning.
I was delighted to see the Horsley U3A mentioned in the National 'Learning Matters' Journal, when I
offered some ideas for artistic and creative activities—painting cushions! The plain pure-cotton,
zipped covers are cheap and easily available on-line. Fabric paints are also available there and the
resulting hand-painted cushions make wonderful gifts—particularly as we approach the Festive
Season.
To give you an idea, I have attached some of my hand-painted cushions that I have made for friends
and family.
As the year seems to be speeding along at the rate of knots, I wish you and yours a very happy
Christmas and I pray for a better New Year.
Jill Richardson-Jones
7
Transport & Industrial Archaeology
It was clear that from April onwards members of Railway Museum which in 2013 hosted the ‘Great
the T&IA group could not meet as usual. We have Gathering’ where 6 A4 locomotives had been
however managed to sustain an interesting series brought together. A4s were a class of
of presentations with members partaking using streamlined 4-6-2 steam locomotive designed by
Zoom. We have also shared Zoom meetings Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern
presented by members of the Fetcham Industrial Railway in 1935. Their streamlined design gave
Heritage group. I have also had the pleasure of them high-speed capability as well as making
presenting a talk about the Architecture of London them instantly recognisable, and one of the class,
Stations to their group. Both Groups have 4468 Mallard, holds the world record as the
monthly talks planned for the rest of the year. fastest steam locomotive. As well as Mallard,
In May, we had our first virtual meeting using which is on permanent display, there were 2 A4s
Zoom and there were 12 attendees. The subject from outside the UK, one from Canada and one
was London Olympia, discussing the architecture, from USA.
interesting facts and events over the years. The second Museum was one in Ljubljana,
Although it was presented by Tony Samson it was a Slovenia which contained old steam locomotives,
presentation that Des Samson had given 5 years turntable and many interesting exhibits from
ago to the Bookham U3A Architectural History Slovenia.
Group, A short discussion agreed that we would The 3rd Museum was at Shildon, near Darlington,
plan to do a virtual meeting every two weeks, which is an offshoot of the NRM in York. It was
volunteers permitting, until 'lockdown' is over. the location of the first passenger steam railway
In June, we had two talks. Firstly, Tony Millership and has some very interesting exhibits.
gave us an illustrated talk of his cycling trip to The final Museum is at Acton, West London, and
Bulgaria. This was particularly interesting as it is is an extension of the LT Museum in Covent
not a country that is on most of our ‘bucket list’. It Garden. It is essentially the storage overflow and
gave a good insight into the countryside and it was therefore contains many exhibits relating to the
obvious about the lack of mechanisation in their history of LT, including buses, trains and many
equipment; horse and carts were very evident. old station signs.
Tony managed very good photographs despite the
poor weather. There was an interesting In July, Tony Elliott gave us an illustrated talk on
episode about the group’s failed attempt to rescue Trinity House and their ship THV Patricia. Trinity
a cow from a ditch! House is the official authority for lighthouses in
England, Wales, the Channel Islands and
Later Mark Blowers gave us a talk on the Nieuport Gibraltar. Trinity House is also responsible for the
17 French WWII fighter plane. Mark investigated provision and maintenance of other navigational
the history of this plane and its service because he aids, such as light vessels, buoys, and maritime
was building a model. radio/satellite communication systems. It is also
He gave us an illustrated talk on the structure of an official deep sea pilotage authority, providing
the plane and then a fascinating story of one of its expert navigators for ships trading in Northern
pilots, Charles Nungesser. He suffered multiple European waters.
injuries during his service, but survived the war to
attempt the crossing of the Atlantic; unfortunately Tony had been able to book at week’s trip aboard
he was ‘lost’. the Patricia and enjoyed an eventful outing. It is
surprising well fitted out and the accommodation
In July, Peter Bennett-Davies treated us to a was excellent along with the food and drink!
walkthrough of 4 Railway Museums via video and
photographs. The first Museum was the National The voyage had certain tasks planned but it is
Cont/ on next page
8
T & IA /continued
weather and emergencies dependent and some Tony Samson
items were not achieved due to having to shelter
from a major storm. However Tony did capture on
video the rescuing and repair of a major buoy that
had been dragged down the Bristol Channel by a
ship!
In August, David Lush took on the first half of a
'World Cruise' delighting us with wonderful
photographs and stories of the places that he
visited in 2013. The first stop was Tenerife and then
crossed the Atlantic for visits to Brazil.
Unfortunately they were refused entry to Buenos
Aires as they were planning to visit The Falklands,
which in the end they didn't due to bad weather.
They continued to Chile and a view of Easter Islands
'statues' and then onto the Pitcairn Islands, where
he left us; we eagerly await Part 2.
And finally in September, we had the pleasure of
watching a YouTube video of an interview with Dr
Peter Shaw on the UK Space Industry. Peter had
previously hosted T&IAG on a tour of the Surrey
Satellite Technology Company based in Guildford,
but is now a lecturer at Kingston University who
have a Rocket Science lab. After the video Peter
was on the Zoom call to answer a number of very
interesting questions.
Humour Genealogy
The March to December
Members of the Humour bookings at EHVH were
group have continued to keep cancelled and monies
in touch with each other by e- carried over to 2021.
mail as usual. It is very rare We lost the March, April and May meetings,
for us to meet socially except perhaps on very but in June Fran King set the group up with a
special occasions. We are after all an on-line Zoom meeting and four of us joined her.
group. Fortunately lots of political and Covid Since then the numbers taking part have
jokes (well, you have to laugh, otherwise increased each month and whilst no external
you'd cry!) to keep us all amused. New speakers are involved, our members have
members always welcome. Consult our given short talks on their research or even an
webpage for further details. educational talk, all have been interesting.
Derry Dinkin Bob Spackman
9
Garden Visiting
garden and take a short walk into Alresford via
wooded pathways. Some took advantage of
this and even managed some interesting
shopping. Then we discovered a croquet lawn
and amongst our group were a few from the
croquet group, so it wasn't long before they
were having a game on the lawn. A really
lovely day for all.
The group was formed in 2019 and started
with its first visit in July, followed by August,
September and October.
In 2020 we were able to enjoy a lovely visit in
February to Timber Hill in Chobham on a
glorious sunny morning where we admired the
snowdrops and crocuses. After which we went
in to the beautiful old Surrey Barn for some
home made refreshments and a very
welcoming log fire. Then we were booked for a visit on 22nd
There were many plans afoot for the summer September to Malthouse Farm in East Sussex
and the March visit should have been to which has been featured in a range of
Reigate but had to be cancelled due to Covid. prestigious magazines. Described as a
After this no visits were able to take place until contemporary English country garden par
July when we went with renewed enthusiasm excellence with the stunning backdrop of
to Norney Wood in Shackleford, which is a views to the South Downs. We will have to
stunning garden in a formal setting with a wait until next year for this one when
beautiful tranquil water garden and much hopefully garden visiting will be able to
herbaceous planting in the style of Gertrude resume.
Jekyll.
Then August saw us at Weir House in Alresford, Gayle Leader
where we had a great time. This is a
spectacular riverside garden of over 3 acres
where the clear water flows quickly through
the garden giving a pleasing sound throughout,
also there is an amazing large contemporary
vegetable area.
We were fortunate to be able to have our
picnic lunches sitting around the swimming
pool and surrounded by flowers. The owner
was very generous and made us most welcome
and we were able to leave our cars at theBooks Longer Walks
Each month one a member chooses a book for The intrepid Long Walkers have managed to walk
others to read, and we normally meet at their every month since restrictions were lifted.
house to discuss it. This year was different as we Monthly numbers have varied from just a few to
had no meeting in April but in May, June and July 8 or nine walkers. We plan to continue walking
we met on Zoom. In August and September we through the winter months, if necessary in two
were able to meet and discuss our books, socially socially distanced groups depending on numbers,
distanced in members' gardens, but with winter and are becoming a little more adventurous in
on its way it will be back to Zoom meetings in our choices.
October. In October we had an enjoyable walk in two
Some of the books we have read this year include groups along the Wey and Arun canal in West
Cousins by Sally Vickers, The Enchanted April by Sussex, organised by Fran King and Ben the dog,
Elizabeth Von Arnim, 16 Trees of the Somme by and culminating in lunch at the Onslow Arms
Lars Mytting, Where the Crowdads Sing by Delia (the Loxwood one!) for those that wished to stay
Owens, The Second Child by Caroline Bond and on.
Lion by Saroo Brierley. New Long Walkers are always welcome to join
They all produced plenty of discussion and our happy group.
seemed to be enjoyed by all. Barbara Firth
Sally Gilbert
Lovelace Book Group
Our book group of 7 stopped meeting in March, we were due to discuss In Extremis, the biography of
war reporter Marie Colvin and did manage to circulate our next book, Cath Staincliffe’s Girl in the
Green Dress.
Like all other groups we went into hibernation—but we didn’t stop reading! Members took the
opportunity to read ‘door stops’, from Ken Follett’s Pillar of the Earth, Hilary Mantel’s The Mirror and
the Light to Elena Ferrante’s Naples Quartet. We kept in touch by email.
We had one member shielding but 6 of us resumed meeting in our gardens in August. There was much
discussion to catch up on (not all of it book related!). During August we read the classic Tenant of
Wildfell Hall by Ann Bronte, declared by current critics, the first feminist novel. Now all reading Do no
Harm, the biography of brain surgeon Henry Marsh. Luckily Horsley library has re-opened so could
again supply our books.
We have had to change our meeting days from 2nd Mondays am to 1st Tuesday’s at 2pm. You would
think that not going away on holidays would give us plenty of options for meeting, but not so! The
members are so active with golf, tennis and zoom pilates and yoga seem to be on every day of the
week.
Our next meeting will be faithful to the current rule of 6 meeting indoors, unfortunately that does
mean we can’t include any new members for now. Hopefully meeting rules won’t get more restrictive
but whatever happens U3A Lovelace will carry on reading. We look forward to adding new members
as soon as we can.
Sue SmithPilates
Having started to teach U3A Pilates in March, I safe exit of one class before second class
am still doing so and running 2 exercise classes. participants arrive.
We did start back at West Horsley Village Hall in There are about 30 members involved, but the
September doing 2 classes with a maximum of 11 Wednesday classes are full due to limited
people in the main hall, as required by Covid-19 numbers. Zoom classes are however available
guidance and it’s going very well. as numbers are not affected.
Some members, however, wanted to stay with
Zoom only. Some are doing both!
The program on offer at the moment is as
follows.
These are all on Zoom, each lasting 1 hour
Monday 10am Pilates
Tuesday 10am Exercise Class
Thursday 10.30am Pilates
Friday 10am. Exercise Class
On Wednesday at WHV Hall
Pilates at 10.30 and 11.30 lasting 45mins to allow
Margaret Newman
Cycling
The Cycling group never stopped throughout Coronavirus, we just went out individually until we
were allowed to cycle in groups again. In fact many members went out several times a week as there
was little else they could do and cycling was an official activity throughout the C19 Pandemic. Several
lost weight as a result, some a considerable amount, up to two stone lost being admitted!
Cycling, particularly between March and June, was a joy because there were so few cars on the road.
We did have to take our own refreshments with us of course as no cafes or tea shops were open, but
the lack of company impacted on some of our group.
Once we were allowed to cycle in groups again we were up and running quite quickly, the U3A HQ
and Cycling UK being helpful in this regard. More recently the restriction of a maximum of six in a
group has meant additional organization and an increased requirement for leaders to lead rides. Last
week, 21st September, we had no less than six groups out riding on five different routes. When two
groups were doing the same route, the groups set off 15 minutes apart.
Some good news, EasyRiders have decided to go out every week, it had been twice a month up until
September, Jan Dodgson kindly taking on the coordination of the group. We are still finding cyclists
applying for membership of U3A and the Cycling Group, excellent news!
Bob SpackmanHistory
History group members were able to hold two
meetings in 2020, before lockdown.
These were: ‘A History of Military Uniforms,’ by
Mark Blower, and ‘Emma Hamilton: The
Infamous Life of Britain’s most unlikely
Ambassador in History,’ by Bob Spackman.
March, April and May were blanks, but the happy to research and give talks. There is
committee decided to e-mail members to see if already a tentative programme for next year,
Zoom was possible. It was – we had a wonderful which we will have to balance according to the
response: we are very fortunate to have the pandemic situation, leaving the non-Zoomers to
expertise of Mark Blower, which has ensured the end of the year. There is one talk which has
that the speakers are rehearsed and the been postponed until 2021, on Popular Risings,
meetings run smoothly. featuring Joy Campbell on the ‘Peasants Revolt’;
Our first Zoom experience in June, was a talk ‘Kett’s Rebellion’, by Denise Smee and ‘The
which had been scheduled for March: ‘West Peterloo Massacre,’ by Joy Davis.
Horsley Place: the House and its History,’ by This year’s May and June non Zoom talks, which
June Davey. we are hoping to programme late next year are:
We had a space in July, but Superman techie 1: a two talk session: ‘The Foreign Office
Mark stepped in, with ‘A History of Air.’ Building and its Secrets’, by Stephen Day, and
‘Metal Detecting: History in Your Hands’, by
In August, Tom Stevenson contributed with ‘The Michael Grinter, and 2: ‘The Three Richards’, by
Great Exhibition of 1851 and its Legacy.’ and in Ken Foy.
September, ‘Winston Churchill’s Most Agonising
Decisions,’ were explored by David Williams. There are 90 names on our Members List, and
we average 50 at most meetings, often more.
Inevitably not all our scheduled talks are suitable Zoom figures have been around 40-45. The
for Zoom: these plus one other, are being committee thank our members for their
postponed until next year. excellent support throughout this challenging
The substitute October talk is ‘Clandon Park as a year. As soon as the pandemic prevented
Hospital in the Great War,’ by June Davey – members meeting socially they were asked if
June’s favourite Clandon talk! they would support Zoom meetings. We had a
very positive response.
In November, Graham Davey will investigate
‘The Historical Significance of the Bayeux Of course it is no substitute for physical
Tapestry.’ meetings, but how very fortunate we are to
have such a facility. Group members have been
We are extremely lucky to have such a lively, very supportive.
supportive group, including members who are
June DaveyFrench Conversation
Bonjour, ça fait du bien parler.
This month (October 2020) we held our first out-
door meeting and, in Rob's Wood, learnt to dis-
tinguish a root (un racine) from a branch (une
branche), albeit at a meeting which, under the
Covid rules, only six of us could attend.
Our regular once-a-month meetings have contin-
ued since we started up as a group in April 2019,
but since April of this year, we have been
meeting on Zoom.
Throughout we've had incredible support from
our Dorking U3A member, Beryl. The aim is to
give greater "talking" confidence to basic level
French learners. When we meet face to face in
normal times, a membership group of about 15 seems to work best and, with that in mind, there are few
vacancies at present - if you are interested, please email Rob Warren (rpw_work@hotmail.co.uk)
David Foot
Walking
The U3A walking group has been out walking since Church at fifteen minute intervals, taking a circular
July on a monthly basis. route around the West Horsley Downs. On this
After the lock-down commenced in March 2020, occasion we had three groups and a total of 15
the group stopped all walks for the next three walkers.
months. After some relaxation of the Covid-19 In September our U3A walk ventured a little further
restrictions, the group re-started its walks again in afield, with 10 walkers in two groups lead by David
July. Lush and Pat Scripps. We commenced this 4-mile
To comply with Government guidance our groups walk from the car park behind the Wotton Hatch
were limited to a maximum of 6 people each and pub and took a circular route through Wotton and
to ensure no mingling the different groups each along a section of the North Downs Way.
started 15 minutes apart. All walkers were strictly Whilst Covid-19 rules permit, it is hoped we may be
instructed to maintain the two metre separation able to continue further walks on a similar basis for
at all times, either when walking in line or abreast. the remainder of the year.
In July we did our first ‘experimental’ walk from
East Horsley to Bookham Common, going via The
Bob Taylor
Forest, Effingham Common and Banks’ Lane. We
had two groups of six persons out walking this 5-
miles circuit, led by myself and David Lush. The
social distancing rules appeared to work
effectively, so it was decided to proceed with
further walks.
In August our walk was lead by Liz Sherras Clark,
David Lush and myself. The groups each started
from the Sheepleas car park behind St Mary’sSome brief messages from groups that have not been able to meet
Thursday - Explore London Canasta and Scrabble 2
Our walking group has been inactive since the I am afraid the Canasta and Scrabble groups
start of the Covid 19 crisis and there are no plans have not been happening. Members are not
to resume this year. I have kept in touch by happy to meet in the present circumstances so
phone with a few of the single members to for the foreseeable future all meetings have
check that all is well with them and sent out a been cancelled. Janet Rushby
general e-mail last week. David
Harrison
Outings Theatre Outings
Outings group has done nothing as we do want As far as Theatre outings are concerned it’s a
contact in a closed coach and many of the totally no go situation. I cannot take 50 members
places we might have visited are closed. on a coach trip so it is not possible and no
I admire the efforts which you have made to theatres are properly open so no discounts
keep things going. Ian Miller available.
Sorry this is not very positive news but it’s the
state of play. Liz Onslow
Pickleball
Pickleball has not been able to take place for far Film
too long now so I have nothing to report on that The film group decided that it was not practical
front. I have sent out a few e-mails to keep our to meet in a socially distanced manner in the
Pickleball group informed as to what is, or is not, Main Hal at the moment.
happening and we are all just going to have to be We will review this in January, but I suspect that
patient. It is promising however that play has we may not be meeting again until winter has
passed.
just started at the Spectrum in Guildford and our
Meanwhile, members can borrow the DVDs that
players have been invited to join in.
we have purchased.
Pam Campbell
Margaret Faulkner
Mahjong
As facilitator of the Horsley U3A Mahjong group
Play Reading I am sad to say that we have not met since early
My Play Reading class has not run since March March this year. Because we meet in each
Michael Grinter other’s homes and most of us are in the older
age bracket, it has been unwise to do so – added
to which it is a very hands-on game with tiles etc.
Chess Club and we need to be fairly close to one another.
We have kept in touch with each other on email
I am afraid that the Chess Club has been unable though as over time we have become good
to do anything but I have continued to support friends and have fun together ‘in normal times’.
the Photo Group including a presentation last
Stephanie Henderson
time on my sailing trip around Scotland in a
three masted top sail schooner.
John MacdonaldKnitting for Charity
hospital over Christmas. These will go into their
Christmas stockings to take home when they are
able.
We also have been knitting pet blankets for a cat
charity and blanket squares to make up into
large blankets for Blankets without Borders. We
continue to supply many different knitted items
for the charity, Knit for Peace.
Although the last 6 months or so have been
extremely stressful and disruptive, our intrepid
knitters have been working hard to respond to
requests from a variety of different charities.
The Naval Children’s Charity had requested
yellow rabbits to send out to children whose
parents are posted abroad. They were so
pleased with the ones we sent to them, they now
have requested penguins as well. In the first few months of lockdown we could not
We have continued to support the needs of meet but in August we decided that we would try
Kingston Hospital in a number of ways. Cushions a garden meeting. Many of our members asked
for the visitor’s room, wash bags to hold toiletries to join in so we split into two smaller groups to
for parents of sick children who have an ensure no more than 6 were present at any one
unexpected overnight stay at the hospital; time. This proved to be so popular that we
knitted breasts for the midwives to aid in the repeated it in September and were extremely
teaching of breastfeeding for new mums; lucky with the weather. We hope to be able to
premature baby hats, tiny blankets for tiny continue in this way until we can all meet
babies; lovely, colourful lap blankets for the together again in one group.
elderly patients as well as twiddlemuffs to keep Margaret Grinter
their hands warm and occupied.
A large number of our group are now working on
cardigan, mitten and bootee sets for premature
babies as well as full term babies who are inPhotography
Members of the Photography Group quickly
adopted the constraints of meetings using Zoom.
We have stuck to our usual format with one
person making a presentation, and following this
with members showing pictures they have taken
on the month’s chosen theme. Surprisingly we
have a bigger turnout for these “meetings” than
before! Nevertheless, we do miss our chats
during the coffee breaks that we used to have at
our meetings in the village hall. And we have not
had any outings together this year.
In April, Fred Hutchinson presented a fascinating
Hong Kong by Fred Hutchinson
sequence of photos taken while he was in Hong
Kong, while in May, Tony Millership showed us
the pictures he had taken during a holiday in
Bulgaria. In June, Clive Long tackled the tricky
subject of choosing a camera admitting that he
was no expert but it was interesting to hear the
process he followed.
In July, Eddie Hyde spoke about processing
photos to get the best possible results from the
images we take. The best results can be
obtained when the pictures are stored in RAW
format but much depends on having first taken a
well proportioned image with the right lighting.
Rain by John Peachey
In September John Macdonald presented the
pictures he had taken during a Scottish holiday
on the schooner ‘Oosterschelde’.
The subjects that have been the focus of our
monthly challenges have been ‘Still Life’, ‘Rain’,
‘Home Sweet Home’, ‘Al freso’, and ‘Hot’. The
best of the pictures taken by members are
downloaded on to our website page
David Wilson
Boules
At the end of the 2019 season numbers had dwindled due to illness and injury and it was hardly a
viable group. We were hoping we might find some more players this year but we were not able to
propose play at all this year, even after the relaxation of the lockdown as Horsley Sports Club did not
want to have non members on site due to possible problems with tracking.
We are hoping that next year when the warm weather comes it will be possible if we can find enough
players.
Wendy and Ian SampsonOpen Minds
We know that much in life is different now.
We want to keep company but are not sure just how.
Post Lockdown we thought Open Minds should resume
So that our own lonely thoughts shouldn’t our minds consume!
We knew that the venues would have to change
But that was quite simple to rearrange.
We met in gardens in full summer bloom,
The perfect sunshine venue with plenty of room.
Numbers were limited, that part was sad,
But those who came were really glad.
The talk often turned to recent events,
How life should continue and not our liberty prevent.
But often our topics were much more broad.
Trust, freedom, events that we gladly recalled.
To meet and talk had more significance now
A possession to treasure and enjoy anyhow.
So we will still meet, as the days grow cold,
In rooms that can safely the right number hold.
We may not all the world’s gloom dispense
But we can meet and talk as some recompense!
Mandy Newman
Despite all the restrictions, we have carried on, apart, of course, from the obligatory lockdown period!
At our last meeting in 2019 we discussed our childhood memories of Christmas which, rather
surprisingly, were not just the idyllic memories of presents and tinsel that we might have anticipated,
but memories influenced by some of the worries of childhood and tensions within the family.
We started this year with strangely apt topics for the months that lay ahead – “Optimism and
Pessimism” (we mostly agreed that we were cautious optimists), and in February we discussed the
value of discussion and debate: maybe we had a premonition that this might be in short supply!
We resumed our meetings in June. We were blessed with lovely weather and beautiful gardens which
we could enjoy and where we could feel at ease, although of course, our numbers had to be limited.
Our topics included current events (how could we not discuss this!), our own choice of subjects and
individual freedom.
Cont/ on next pageOpen Minds /continued Grace Notes
Now that autumn has arrived we will need to Initially we were in contact using Zoom,
change our format a little in order to remain but during the summer we were able to
within guidelines. We had two indoor meetings meet in the garden of one of our
in September to accommodate the number of members. Of course, we have been
members who wanted to come and, the subject socially distancing and obeying all the
government advice taking particular
was “Trust” in all its aspects. We found that we
precautions with the wind instruments!
continue to have trust, though with a generous
It has been wonderful to enjoy the lovely
degree of caution!
weather and share our experiences as
Our October meeting may again be a “dual” well as the music.
occasion and we may discuss Climate Change
based upon the zoom meeting at the Guildford Marion and I took part in a virtual Make
Book Festival where Jonathon Porritt talks about Music Day playing Auld Lang Syne with a
his new book Hope in Hell - A Decade to Confront large number of other musicians from
the Climate Emergency. around the country. Readers can see the
result at #MakeMusicDayUK and choose
Yes, we could try and meet using Zoom, and one
the Scotland YouTube video. Hope you
of us suggested an on-line discussion, but I think enjoy it.
we have found just how valuable it is to meet
and laugh together in person for those who feel
it is medically sensible for them. We look forward Watch out for a fleeting glimpse of them
at:
to continuing to meet in whatever format seems
the right one! https://www.facebook.com/
MakeMusicDayUK/videos/auld-lang-syne
Mandy Newman -make-music-day-scotland-
2020/894273090978218/
Now we are able to all get together again
in the safe haven of the village hall in
West Horsley which is wonderful. All
precautions are being observed but it is
enjoyable to be able to play again and not
have to count numbers. Some of our
members are still self-isolating but we
have enough to make a good
sound. This, of course, was before the
latest lockdown news.
We are still looking for a conductor and
anyone that can arrange music but until
that day we will keep going.
Marion Hartland and Chris MitchellTravel
As everyone will know, all Travel Club Meetings saving the cake, but all were soaked to the skin
have been cancelled until the end of the year at by then—as a trail of muddy water across the
least, so no news to report there, except for lounge testified. However, two intrepid, hardy
what turned out to be a rather eventful planning souls hung onto the canopy as the whole gazebo
meeting! was threatening to become airborne, while I
The Travel Group Committee members gathered shrieked for my husband to get a rope! The tent
in my garden in August under a newly purchased, launching was eventually averted by tying the
‘waterproof’, gazebo for accommodating social structure to the garden furniture but by that time
distancing etc. Unfortunately, I had chosen an social distancing niceties had been abandoned.
afternoon when a random, freak storm swept in. Our very soggy, windswept, group tried to
We had just settled down to tea and cake, laced compose ourselves and resume the meeting but
with anti-bacterial gel, when the deluge hit! Rain failed. All efforts were fruitless and had to be
driven by fierce winds from the storm vortex, scrapped along with the wet cake and papers. No
gusted in from the sides of the gazebo and soon ‘Minutes’ survived and nobody can remember
we were drenched! what was agreed, as we are all suffering from
A disorderly stampede into the house followed, ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder!’ My gazebo has
led by some nameless individuals intent on been relegated to the garage in disgrace, as it
was not up to its first challenge.
HIGH DRAMA!
Jenny Peachey
Croquet
There is very little to say about the 2020 Croquet Season other than it is over without any croquet being
played. I am sure that all our readers will be aware of this.
We hire the lawns and mallets from Polesden Lacey, on a block booking basis, and we are reliant on them
to prepare and maintain the lawns in good condition. This has been successful over previous years but
due to the actions that the National Trust had to take at Polesden Lacey, particularly the reduction and
organization of staff it was not able to make lawns available this year.
During the season several attempts were made to contact Polesden Lacey to discuss matters but without
success. Information gathered by members of the group who visited the grounds during the season
indicated that the lawns were not playable.
In addition, I had several discussions with the leader of the Bookham U3A Croquet Group, who also play
on the lawns, to share views on the situation. It is impossible to determine what the situation will be in
six months' time when our 2021 season is due to start.
Bob DavisMusic Appreciation
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic members of the Music Appreciation group have not been able to
meet. Contact has however been maintained with one of the Menuhin pianists who played for us and
is now studying at the Royal College of Music. We think he still regards his musical education at the
Menuhin School at as high a level as any being provided to him by the RCM.
News of the very limited number of public concerts is being circulated to members. Meanwhile we
pray for better times.
Peter Collett
News from Further Afield
For some time U3A National has recognised that to attract those no longer in full time employment,
the look and feel of the organisation needed to change. It has been working to rebrand itself.
By logging onto the National website you will notice the difference. https://www.u3a.org.uk
Since each U3A has the freedom to organise its own affairs, there is no obligation as yet to comply
with this new look. You will notice however that our Newsletter compiler, Meryl Hayes, has taken the
opportunity to incorporate the new logo in the heading of this newsletter.
Ian EversdenYou can also read
