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North Devon Coast July/August 2021 Newsletter Registered Charity 1027348 https://u3asites.org.uk/northdevoncoast Committee Notice Board – Keeping You Informed We give a very warm welcome to new members Tina Westley, Carl Smith, Wal Daw and returning member Ley Holloway From your Chair Last spring, between February and March, (coinciding with the start of the pandemic), Joan Broxholme and I agreed to take on key roles as Vice-Chair and Chair doubling up with our existing roles. We decided that we could cover these posts initially for six months. We did not know then, that life would take on a very different course, not only for us, but for everyone. We were happy to take on this challenge, having been U3A members for a relatively short time because we were confident that we could help each other. We also knew that we could count on the support of a very experienced and enthusiastic Committee. We made a good crew, which is just as well, as we were entering into uncharted waters. There we were, poised for action when the unimaginable happened. Our first major task had to be the closing down of all U3A activity, following the guidance of the government and U3A Head Office. This was unfamiliar ground, with no route map to follow. Contd on pg 2 -------------------------------------------------------------- With people out of action for different reasons, our committee is down to numbers too small to do the job really well. Our U3A does not run itself — it needs organisers to keep the show on the road So, everyone, can you step up to the plate? (and, be assured, it's fun and very satisfying to be involved) If this prompts you to think about coming aboard, talk it over with Jo Rosvall, Joan Broxholme or any committee member (see end of newsletter) 1
Contd from pg 1 Finding our way through we benefited from being part of a willing team. We all agreed that we needed to prioritise keeping up contacts with members, and lifting everyone’s spirits in any way we could. We hope you will agree that we have achieved this, through the superb efforts of the Newsletter team with contributions from members, and our Welfare support. Our conveners also have made tremendous efforts to stay in touch with members, and where restrictions have allowed they have managed to run small groups or move activities on line. Our proposed six months stint has turned out to be as long as a piece of elastic. We may have been blown off course a bit, but the boat is still afloat. It has been a challenge, but an enjoyable one. Joan and I work as a real double act, a true duo, though we are not sure if it is ‘Morecombe and Wise’ or ‘Hinge and Brackett’. It can be great fun working as part of a team. As Joan says, T.E.A.M. means Together Everyone Achieves More. With the summer break approaching we are already considering what will happen in September, ready to plan for the future once more. Maybe some of you will want to join our friendly team, helping to organise our U3A. Have a good summer, Jo Rosvall and Joan Broxholme Postponement of the Back Together Again Celebration As you may be aware, we have made the decision to move our Back Together Again event to Wednesday 20th October. We felt we should explain to you why this is necessary. When the Prime Minister told us last week that the restrictions due to be lifted on June 21st was not going to happen and the 19th of July was the new date, we felt that it was too close to our event date (21st July) as the caterer requires confirmation of numbers three weeks before the event and we could not do that with confidence. We contacted the Landmark theatre and were hoping to rebook for the 22nd of September but unfortunately the venue is booked until October. We have managed to book the 20th of October and thankfully the caterer and entertainer can also accommodate us. The postponement to early autumn may also bring greater reassurance, as more people will have been vaccinated, and the situation hopefully will stabilise. We are in uncharted waters and have to follow government guidelines. We will be adding the revised date to the original tickets. Tickets already issued will be valid for the postponed event. Refunds will be made if the new date is unsuitable. We will not be banking any cheques we have received until we are certain that the event is going ahead. So dear members it’s now over to you. Please, please come and support this event. It has been thoughtfully planned with you in mind and we would love to see you all. 2
Getting to know you Hi, my name is Janet Keiff and I have been a member for just over a year. I joined after Joan Broxholme asked if I would be able to take over as treasurer (as no one in the U3A had come forward). My arm is still aching after all the twisting! I was born in St Katherines dock, a stone’s throw from the Tower of London and was brought up in the east end of London. I worked in Whitechapel / Mile End for Barclays Bank until I left to have my first daughter. I met my husband at the Ilford Palais in 1981 and got married in 1983, when we moved to Pitsea, 3 years later we moved to Thundersley where we still have great friends. We have 2 lovely daughters, 2 great sons in law and 3 grandchildren who keep me very occupied. I still also work as a bookkeeper/accountant. We moved to Woolacombe in 1997, buying the house we used to stay at while on holiday, it was a big gamble at the time but it all worked out really well. I like going out for meals and away for weekends. We often go back to London as tourists and at the same time meet up with friends and family. I also often meet up with old school friends and have lots of fun just being silly! I have not really had a chance to join in with any U3A activities as lock down happened, but I do look forward in joining you for lunches/ trips etc. I would join in the singing but even my grandson puts his hands to his ears when I sing (just like his mum and auntie used to), I would also like to learn Spanish if a group started up. I am looking forward to meeting you all in October at the Landmark! Not forgotten Alma Freathy d. 14 June 2021 aged 90 Sadly we must report that Alma has passed away peacefully after a long illness. She lived with her daughter who became her carer. We remember her as a lovely quiet private person always smiling. Alma was a regular attender at our monthly lunches, always helpful to our frail members. She joined in with Singing for Fun, played skittles and bridge, and also came often on garden visits.. She willingly gave lifts and was extremely generous in donating many valuable raffle prizes. Altogether a lovely person. Monthly Lunches and Talks will hopefully return in the autumn 3
Let’s Celebrate! You are invited to a special event to celebrate our u3a being able to meet once more:- Wednesday 20th October (revised date) The Landmark Theatre Ballroom Starts at 4.30pm and finishes 8.30 pm latest. Buffet supper at 5.30pm with live music, chat, tea and coffee, (bar available) Tickets are £15.00 — must be purchased in advance. Family, friends and potential new members are also very welcome. To purchase your ticket(s) please complete and return this form to Joan Broxholme, xxx Or email completed form to xxx Any problems? please contact Joan on xxx. Payment can be made by cheque: pay 'North Devon Coast U3A' or BACS: Sort code 30-94-52, account number 17235060 Account name: U3A North Coast Lunch Account. For 'Ref' put your name If the event has to be postponed, those with bookings will have choice of full refund or attend on revised date. ———————————————————————————— Name(s) — print clearly please Your telephone/email address: Number of tickets: Any Dietary Requirements/ Allergies: Payment – Cheque/ BACS (delete inapplicable) 4
Coffee Morning Contact Marilyn Stobbe Tel: xxx Email xxx Our thanks as always go to Gill Shadfar for kindly compiling our quiz for us. Answers on Page 14 1. What is the Olympic sport in which athletes cross the finish line backwards? 2. Whereabouts in the body is the pituitary gland located? 3. How many black and white squares are there on a chess board in total? 4. After her brother was murdered in 1997 who took over one of the world’s most famous fashion houses? 5. Which organ in the human body makes up about 2 per cent of a person’s weight? 6. Sir Alec Guinness played which character in the Star Wars films? 7. Which US State was actress Nicole Kidman born in? 8. Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of which product? 9. Which British singer has a tattoo of Heinz tomato ketchup on his arm? 10. How many faces does a dodecahedron have? 11. Which British chocolate maker based in York was founded in 1767? 12. Which planet is the hottest planet in our solar system? 13. What does the word ‘blitz’ translate to from German? 14. What is the contagious disease varicella more commonly known as? 15. What’s the name of the UK’s longest running weekly women’s magazine? 16. Which country is the natural habitat of the emu? 17. What is the metal that gives its name to a 70th wedding anniversary? 18. Who was the first woman to host the Oscars on her own 19. Which Welsh singer played himself in the 1996 film Mars Attacks!? 20. Which English football club won the first ever Football League in 1888 Janet Gibbins 5
Welfare Officer Rosemary Stewart Extended lockdown blights our hope of return to normality and, despite long-awaited sunshine, it’s not always easy to keep in good spirits. Behavioural science Professor Paul Dolan known as ‘the Professor of Happiness’ offers 10 tips: 1. Accept we are living in a hard time. The pandemic circumstances are beyond our control so accepting that life is difficult and lowering expectations can make us feel better. 2. Value what you have. Far from envying the friend with a bigger car, the pandemic reminds us of what is fundamentally important: meeting basic needs, health, family and friends and enjoying simple pleasures. Compared with many of Earth’s inhabitants then, most of us are actually wealthy and free. 3. Keep talking and listening. Spend time with those you love and those who make you laugh or pick up the phone for a chat - with no worry about what to wear 4. Go outside. Spending time outdoors is universally good for the human condition. Take time to appreciate nature - it will lift your spirits. 5. Keep moving. Exercise is another guaranteed mood lifter. Don’t aim for unrealistic gaols, choose something that works for you. Even just walking round the block once a day or as far as the corner will bring benefit – remember Captain Tom. And stand whenever possible rather than spending hours sitting: standing engages different muscles and re-energises you. 6. Take delight in small, achievable pleasures. Baking, gardening or a new hobby and seeing the fruits of your efforts is hugely rewarding. And listen to music - it lights up every area of your brain so even 15 minutes is proven beneficial for your well-being. 7. Hold on to a sense of purpose. Get up, get dressed and keep to a routine. Tell friends what you plan to do or ask a friend to join you - the commitment provides incentive and you will gain a sense of fulfilment. 8. Help others. There is always someone with worse troubles than you. Whether it’s helping someone frail or disabled, consoling someone bereaved, making that phone call or volunteering your time, helping others will make you feel better too. 9. Ask for help when you need. If you’re struggling on any front, say so and accept help. Whether it’s physical or mental health, a legal or financial problem, your family, friends or welfare contact will want to help you. Just telling someone about the problem can provide a new perspective and a worry shared is indeed a worry halved. Loneliness and not reaching out shortens life so pick up the phone! 10. Allow for us all being different. We are living through a shared difficult time but our individual experience and reaction will be different. More tolerance and community spirit will help us all. As Captain Tom said: “Tomorrow will be a good day” Rosemary Tel xxx 6
Oops, or oh dear? A covid story Didn’t we have a lovely time… Months ago friends invited us to stay with them in North Wales this June. It seemed a good idea, and would make a bit of room for some holiday makers to come to North Devon. The night before we were due to leave, I got home late and realised that, after sitting outside the house for a week, the green wheelie bin had still not been emptied. So took it off the street. Next morning, up bright eyed and bushy tailed to make an early start, we were in time to see the bin men heading off out of the village. Oh well, never mind… Got our 2½ year old, recently serviced, car loaded and we left almost half an hour earlier than scheduled. A few hundred yards up the road we pulled over to make room for a car coming towards us. It would have been so much easier if he had reversed back a few yards, but he didn’t. So I reversed back instead and heard that horrible graunching noise as I caught the underside of the car on a rock. Oh well, never mind… With the car still perfectly drivable we headed off for our 250+ mile trip to Pwllheli. All went well until just after passing the Gordano service area the car lost power while we were in the outside lane of the M5. It went into what we now know as ‘limp mode’ and we had a few hairy moments as Margaret drove onto the hard shoulder. After a few suitable expletives and trying to work out what the warning message on the dashboard meant we rang the breakdown recovery people. All very efficient, told to get out of the car and behind a barrier, and in less than half an hour the recovery truck arrived. Under normal circumstances, the car would have been loaded, we would have climbed on board and headed back to home. But Covid isn’t a respecter of ‘normality’. The driver explained that in the circumstances he could take the car to our home, but not us. Instead he was able to drop us off at Gordano service area. A taxi had been arranged to take us to a car hire depot, where we could pick up a car to drive ourselves home. Oh well, never mind… We then started receiving text messages with links telling us the taxi was on its way. It even told us the make and colour, the registration number, and the expected time of arrival. All very efficient, except ten minutes after the stated ETA, the details changed – new taxi, new ETA. Then again a further 15 minutes later, and so on. After an hour I rang the car hire people to let them know we were still alive and well, only to be told that they were due to close soon. So we arranged for us to pick up the car from Bristol airport instead. Good job, because it was another 45 minutes before we got in the taxi. Oh well, never mind… We eventually arrived at the airport and were dropped off at the hire car centre, to be greeted by – no one… A note on the desk told us the receptionist would be back in 90 minutes. Fortunately the girl turned up much sooner than that and we were on our way without much further delay. So having left home at 9.30am, at 5.00pm we were on our way home. Until… Yes, more problems when a warning signal on the hire car showed a tyre was going flat. Careful drive to Tiverton to check the pressures. All seemed well so we re-set the system and headed 7
off again. Twenty minutes later the same warning appeared. To hell with it, we just kept going! By the time we got home the breakdown truck had already delivered our own car and gone on his way rejoicing. Oh well, never mind.. The next day we drove off in our other car and as I sit here looking out over Cardigan Bay, all is well with the world. Alan Bannister. Janet Gibbins Our congratulations and happy birthday wishes to Jeff Coombs on his 90th birthday 8
North Devon Coast U3A Interest Groups Bridge Convener: Ruth Hardy Tel: xxx (evenings) Crafts. Craft group is looking for new convener(s). Discussion Group 1 Convener: Linda Thomas Tel: xxx 4th Wednesday 2pm at ‘xxx Lane, xxx I am hoping to restart our discussion group on September the 22nd. Please let me know if you are interested in continuing with the group on the 4th Wednesday every month. So much to catch up on. Enjoy the summer. I'm so looking forward to seeing you all again. Very best wishes, Linda Discussion Group 2 Conveners: Margaret Kempson Tel: xxx, Janet Gibbins Tel:xxx Family History Convener: Joan Broxholme Tel: xxx Dear friends, my hope is that we can return to the Ilfracombe Library on Monday the 13th of September at 2.00pm. I am really looking forward to seeing you all again. If there are any changes regarding the restrictions I will contact you all personally. I hope you have a lovely summer. Please stay safe and well. Kind regards Joan B Filer’s Day Trips Convener: Pat Preston Tel: xxx mob xxx The change of reopening date has put paid to our first planned day triip to Trellisick House and gardens which should have taken place on 26 June. Filers have now rearranged this for October. So fingers crossed for the trip on Tuesday 27 July 2021 to Kilver Court Gardens, Designer Village & Garden Centre, price £29 per person. The visionary design influences of Mulberry founder Roger Saul can now be seen coming to fruition in the gardens at Kilver Court. His unique planting schemes using colour and texture are evident in the newly redesigned 100m colourist herbaceous border, formal parterre and subtropical island. This eclectic garden is also home to one of the largest sculptures in the world, a breath-taking 15-metre- high Victorian viaduct. You can also explore the garden nursery which is a treasure trove of garden gifts, plants and tools and the many shops and eateries in the designer village. There is certainly plenty to see and do here for the day The coach will pick up from Combe Martin (Pack of Cards) Ilfracombe (High Street Petrol Station) Braunton opposite (The George Hotel) and Barnstaple outside(The Old Town Railway Station). If as is expected when restrictions are lifted the wearing of masks will be everyone’s personal choice. For those still wishing to wear masks I would suggest a visor type might be a better choice, I will update as and when there is more information available. I would like people to contact me to let me know how many to expect, and their pick up point. Please make your booking direct with Filers. 01271 863819. PAYMENT MUST BE MADE IN FULL DIRECT TO FILERS before the date, there can be no payment on the day. French Conversation Conveners: Jo Rosvall and Des Hume Tel: xxx We are delighted to be able to resume our face-to-face meetings. For those unable to attend we will continue with Zoom meetings for the foreseeable future 9
Geology and Environment. Convener: Margaret Sutcliffe Tel: xxx Because we are, at the moment, rather reduced in numbers, we have decided to meet at my house rather than try and organise summer field trips. Discussions will take place, films will be watched and tea and cake will be consumed. Margaret Our group has unfortunately lost a few members because they have moved away. We have, therefore space for a couple more to join us. Please ring me if you are interested. Golf for beginners: Convener Ruth Hardy Tel: xxx Italian Conversation Coordinator: Julian Tippett xxx at xxx Meetings: 6th and 20th July at 7.00pm. We shall review our homework, continue with the murder mystery, and drink a little wine. Mindfulness Convener: Ros Layland Tel: xxx Novel Readers Convener: Betty Williams Tel: xxx Novel Readers’ meeting for June was to discuss Gillian Flynn’s “Dark Places”. We decided that it should remain in its own dark place, for the general consensus was unfavourable. Maybe our next read - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - will make us happier in time for our 20th July meeting. Devon Libraries have informed me that the subscription rate will not be increased for 2021/2022, so I shall be grateful to receive your £10 per head at that meeting. Thanks. Practical Art. Conveners: Robert Hobson Tel: xxx Roger Styles Tel: xxx Pub Lunch 0n Tuesday. Convener: Joan Cory Tel: xxx Ramblers. Convener: Julian Tippett Tel: xxx 2nd Friday 10.30am After our stiff climb up South Cleave from the Valley of Rocks, this month something completely different, a largely flat walk. Friday 9th July 2021 at 10.30 — Braunton Burrows Length/time: 3 miles / 2.5 hour Start point: Sandy Lane car park — £2.50 (incl. cup of tea). Lunch: Williams Arms Wrafton We’ll walk to the Flagpole Dune, and then Grand Canyon, looping south before returning. See how we feel about extending to the landing craft. Recording my Life Story Convener: Stuart Coslett Tel: xxx It’s been a while since our last meeting and, as things stand, I can’t see the group re-convening before the end of September at the earliest. I’m not sure how many of our number still want to pick up where we left off so many months ago. I know that some of you felt that you had already achieved what you set out to do. I am prepared to continue if enough people are still interested. Indeed, there may be new members who want to join us. Another possibility is that we could increase the range of writing we cover and include fiction, poetry and other forms of non-fiction in our repertoire. I’d be interested to hear what people think, so please contact me and we’ll take it from there. 10
Shakespeare on DVD – Convener: Linda Macpherson Tel: xxx A small but enthusiastic gathering enjoyed Twelfth Night in June. On July 1st we meet again for the best Hamlet ever (In terms of lead actor's performance). Join us to see if you agree with my opinion on David Tennant's effort. He is ably supported by a splendid Sir Patrick Stewart as Claudius. I have space for 1 or 2 new members, if you would care to get in touch. Singing For Fun – Convener: Jennie Tusveld Tel: xxx Hello my minstrels. I am looking forward to a good sing song and I hope the same goes for you. It is time to practise your vocal chords (let’s hope they have not had too much rest!! ) I will be guided by our U3a rules as to when we can meet again. JT Out to Lunch. Convener: Fran Barnett Tel: xxx I have cancelled Wards, St James Place, Ilfracombe for a Sunday lunch on the 4 th July, and rebooked it for Sunday 8th August, 12.30 for 12.45. Fingers crossed. Please let me know if you are unable to come. Consequently I have cancelled Sunday August 15th Portmore Golf Club. Janet Gibbins Oops Sorry, Fran, No oopses for you. Except - there was an occasion when I sat down in the kitchen to struggle a ring pull can open. The ring came off the lid and flew out of my hand across the kitchen, to land in the open microwave oven. Baffled, I looked all over the floor for it, then resorted to a different can. Of course, later I heated something in the microwave, completely unaware of the presence of a small metal object in the cavity. Bang! Fizz! the thing caused an arc and short- circuited the appliance, landing me with a bill for a new one. The next day, a Tesco delivery arrived. I complained to the driver about how the ring pull on a can of their tomatoes had failed, and made him open the offending can with a regular can opener - a gadget I can't use with one hand. Linda Macpherson The two ladies involved in this short story are U3A members and still have a giggle about it and will not mind me telling it. A few years ago whilst staying at a hotel in Llandudno they decided on an early morning walk. On returning to their hotel they asked Reception where the Breakfast was being served. They were then informed that they were not even staying at that Hotel! They eventually found their hotel and had their breakfast. Margie Kempson 11
I couldn’t think of an oops moment (other than unwelcome physical injuries!) until yesterday… when I put a casserole in the oven for three hours and remembered it nine hours later. Betty Williams Many years ago when we lived in Sussex, I was on my way to Lewes to meet my friend’s daughter. She was coming the other way from Bexhill on Sea. I wasn’t quite sure which way she would come, so there is a huge roundabout on the A27 at Lewes and as it wasn’t very busy I decided to tuck in on the roundabout and hopefully see her coming. Just at that moment a police car pulled up behind me. The conversation went “Good afternoon, are you ok?” ,” Yes thank you” I said, he said, “No car problems?” “No” I said. He then said …. Wait for it !!! “So why are you parked on a roundabout?” I said …. “I’m waiting for my friend!!!!” He very kindly pointed out a lay-by further along the A27 and said I would be safer there!!!!! Phew, that really was an oops !!! When I think of it, I always chuckle. My family say I would get away with murder!! Joan Broxholme Many years ago, when I worked near Paddington, I was admitted to Queen Mary’s Hospital with what turned out to be a blocked artery. Upon admission I was rushed to an x-ray suite, stripped of all garments and placed, naked, on an examination table under the x-ray scanner. The doctor explained that they were waiting for the technician. At that moment the door opened and the technician arrived. I glanced at the doorway where stood a young woman who regularly travelled on the same train as myself most mornings!!!! OOPS! I do not know which of us was the more surprised. Des Hume At the age of about twelve or thirteen, new technology reached our home. My parents had gone out to buy our very first electric kettle. It was an exciting event for us. Indeed, I was so keen to try it out that I offered to make everyone a cup of tea. I put the kettle on, then rejoined the others while waiting for it to boil. Soon we smelt burning plastic and detected smoky fumes. Of course I had put the kettle on the stove to heat up!....Ooops! Jo Rosvall My brother, as a teenager, saved up to buy a very smart pair of suede boots, very fashionable at the time. He wore them on an outing to town, for a whole day. At the end of the day he was very disappointed, saying he would have to take them back to the shop, he had never experienced such uncomfortable shoes. He started packing them up, ready to go, when he found that each boot had a large rolled up ball of brown paper inside. He had been walking around with these inside the shoes......Ooops! Jo Rosvall When we moved to Hungerford, the water was so hard we had a water softener fitted. Luverly. Unfortunately, a week later I put the washing machine on, totally forgetting about the soft water. Of course, I used the usual amount of washing liquid - I had bubbles everywhere. Took me ages to clear them out of the kitchen - not helped by Jenny curled up with laughter! (In fairness she was only 6!) Jacquie Andrews And I promised you the quick and easy method for getting the lid off a tin (in this case a 5l can of masonry paint.) Put on a pair of marigolds, ready to keep your hands clean when you start painting. Make sure the can is upside down and holding it round the middle, from waist height, let it slide through the marigolds and drop it straight down onto the floor. You will find the lid comes off very easily. Fran Barnett 12
Janet Gibbins Did you know? Sir Richard Burton (1821-90) explorer, was born inTorquay . He is best known for his exploits in Africa, where he discovered LakeTanganyika. He was an officer of the East India Co. and introduced the word PYJAMA into the English language from the the Hindu for a loose garment. Bob Hobson SUMMER 2021 July, a sort of blowsy month When summer’s not so new, When trees have dulled to darker green And fields change colour too, Silage made and meadows mown They have a sallow hue. August, sultry, stormy month When rippled fields of wheat Turn browner as the ears fill up And ripen as the beat Of combine harvesters is heard, And dust clouds hold the heat. And so the year has turned again, The longest day has gone, Another year when nothing much In social life went on, But still we’re here, and ready for A meeting marathon! Katie Mallett © June 2021 13
Janet Gibbins North Devon Coast U3A Committee contact details Jo Rosvall Acting Chair/Secretary xxx Email: xxx Joan Broxholme Acting Vice Chair/Membership Sec xxx Email: xxx Janet Keiff Treasurer xxx Email: xxx Rosemary Stewart Welfare xxx Email: xxx Marilyn Stobbe Coffee Mornings xxx Email: xxx Nigel Hoadley Committee member xxx Email: xxx Pat Preston Committee member xxx Email: xxx Julian Tippett Committee member xxx Email: xxx Newsletter production and delivery team: Fran Barnett Email: newsletterfran@gmail.com, Jo Rosvall, Joan Broxholme, Julian Tippett, Janet Gibbins, Jacquie Andrews With grateful thanks to all contributors. 20. Preston North End 15. The Lady (first published in 1885) 16. Australia 17. Platinum 18. Whoopi Goldberg 19. Tom Jones 8. Coffee 9. Ed Sheeran 10. 12 11. Terry’s 12. Venus 13. Lightning 14. Chicken Pox 1. Rowing 2. The brain 3. 64 4. Donatella Versace 5. The skin 6. Obi-Wan Kenobi 7. Hawaii 14
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