1. Art and Diseño

STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A NEWSLETTER: JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2015
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
26th Feb
Monthly Meeting – John
Christopher – An amusing history
of pottery making from early
beginnings to the bottle ovens
26th Mar
Monthly Meeting – a short quiz
plus Pie & Peas
30th Apr
Lidice - Alan and Cheryl Gerrard
tell us about the Lidice Massacre
which occurred during World
War II.
21st May
‘re
We’ve probably all experienced ‘senior
moments’ when we forget what we wanted
to say, or why we’ve gone upstairs or into a
different room. We frequently joke about
these things, but it can be worrying if it
happens too often.
Professor Nicky Edelstyn from Keele
University has spoken to us previously and
advised on ways to help us recall important
facts.
We welcome Nicky back today to talk about
‘The Effects of Aging on Memory’. Nicky
will include some simple interactive
exercises. These are not difficult or scary
and you will probably enjoy getting
involved, although it’s not compulsory.
AGM followed by entertainment –
details later
v
MEMBERSHIP
cCANCER BUDDIES NETWORK
We are off to an excellent start in 2015 with
membership up to 352, compared with just
over 300 at this time last year.
Our aim is to create a haven where people living
througsimilar
cancer experiences,
Sadly,
U3A member
Margaret whether
Rowleythey
diedare
patients, carers,
family or
friends, canaged
get together
with
suddenly
just before
Christmas,
65. She
others
in the same
and even inwho
the same part
was
popular
with situation
fellow members,
described
asup“athe
really
lovely
lady”.
worl(maybeher
even
road!)
for the
purpose of giving
and receiving
support,
sharing,
comparing, c
Margaret
wascancer
originally
from
the Manifold
makingarea
long-lasting
friendships.
Valley
of Derbyshire.
As she had been a
If you have any friends or relatives
interested in joining our U3A, forms can be
obtained from Membership Secretary Alan
Stevenson, who can be contacted on
01782 395760.
Scout Leader for a number of years, a fitting
tribute was paid by members of the Scouts
Group. Several of our U3A members attended
OPAAL
the
funeral in Derbyshire, which was a moving
and
well attended service, reflecting Margaret’s
The only national UK membership based organisation
life and community spirit.
Remember to check the Notice Board at
Monthly Meetings & the Website
(www.stokeu3a.co.uk) for up-to-date
information and events.
supporting, promoting and developing the provision of
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STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A - REG’D CHARITY NO. 1148741
STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A NEWSLETTER: JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2015
WALKS
Mon 2nd Feb
Oakamoor. Starting 10.30am from the car park opposite the Admiral
Jervis pub for a walk through Dimmingsdale. Calling at the Ramblers’
Retreat for lunch or drink on return.
For further information please contact Pam Lovatt on 01782 327981. Pam would also like to
hear from anyone who would be willing to lead a walk.
FRENCH
The French group, which commenced on 14th November at St Pauls Church, Longton Hall
Road, Blurton proved to be quite popular. The group meets at 10am on Friday mornings and
has now been split so that beginners meet one week and intermediate level the next.
If you are interested in joining either of these, Group Leader Adam Marshall would be
pleased to hear from you and he can be contacted on 07919 588313 (mobile).
GARDEN & NATURE LOVERS’ GROUP
This is a new group commencing in spring and will meet on a monthly basis. It would be
ideal for anyone interested in visiting gardens or getting gardening tips, as well as for anyone
who loves to encourage or watch wildlife in the garden. In effect this is a garden and wildlife
social group.
The first meeting is scheduled for 10am till noon on Friday 13th March, probably at the
Tollgate Hotel in Blurton and will include a gardening quiz, plus plant and seed swap. It will
also be an opportunity for interested parties to discuss what they would like to include in
future meetings and visits.
We hope to arrange some Open Garden visits again during the summer as similar events
were popular last year and who can resist making the most of someone else’s hard work,
particularly when cake is included.
Please contact Steve Carrier on 01782 329834, or Mike Cresswell on 01782 658002 if you’re
interested in joining this group. The venue for the March meeting will be confirmed nearer to
the date.
KNITTING
The Knitting Group meets from 2pm – 4pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month and is
held at the Red House Residents’ Association, 7 Grosvenor Street, Longton, ST3 2NP. This
is a very small group and new members would be very welcome. For further information
please contact Helen Seed on 01782 320135.
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STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A - REG’D CHARITY NO. 1148741
STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A NEWSLETTER: JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2015
CRIBBAGE & MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOES
These groups share a room and meet at 10am on alternate Wednesdays at Central Hall.
Both groups would welcome new members, so if you’re interested please contact Mike
Cresswell on 01782 658002 or mobile 07940 574855.
TABLE TENNIS, SNOOKER & POOL
The Table Tennis Group meet from 10am-11am on alternate Wednesday mornings in the
basement at Central Hall, Longton. Members also have access to both snooker and pool
tables if they prefer to play either of these games. Surprisingly it’s still quite a small group and
they would love to see new members. For further information please contact Alan Stevenson
on 01782 395760.
COOKERY
The Cookery Class meets from 10am to 12noon on alternate Tuesdays. If you are interested
in joining and would like to learn how to prepare “Healthy, Nutritious & Budget Meals”, please
contact Group Leader Linda Birks on 01782 394267.
FOOTBALL STADIUM VISITS
There are now several people interested in a guided tour at Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium
but there’s still time to put your name down if interested. It would cost a maximum of £7 per
person, including £1 for U3A. Price is dependent on numbers and could be reduced to about
£3 if there is sufficient interest.
Anyone interested in this, or in a future visit to Port Vale, should contact Mike Cresswell on
01782 658002 or mobile 07940 574855.
AGE UK – SPREAD THE WARMTH CAMPAIGN
Just in case any of you didn’t get a copy of the last newsletter, it seemed appropriate, during
the current cold spell, to mention the advice given on the Age UK website at
www.ageuk.org.uk The site contains useful information on lowering heating costs, plus
advice on staying healthy by eating well on a budget.
There’s also a calculator on the website so that you can check if you’re entitled to any
benefits. Each year up to £5.5bn of benefits goes unclaimed by older people, so make sure
you’re not missing out.
FREE 24-HOUR LEGAL ADVICE FOR U3A MEMBERS
U3A members can access free advice on any legal issues by phoning FirstAssist on 01455
25 500, quoting Third Age Trust, Number 70494.
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STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A - REG’D CHARITY NO. 1148741
STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A NEWSLETTER: JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2015
LUNCH GROUP
The next Lunch Group meeting will be at the Hem Heath at 12.30pm on Tues 10th
February (not at the Swynnerton Arms as previously discussed). The food is good and
very reasonably priced – you can even opt for a 2-course meal for less than a fiver! Group
leader Margaret Haynes was a little concerned in case of icy weather and suggests the
Trentham venue might be the better option for February.
Please contact Margaret on 07731 191156 (mobile) if you are interested, but please don’t
leave voicemail. If you’ve not been before, the pub is near to the Trentham Aldi at the
corner of Stanley Matthews Way. It is one of the Hungry Horse group and for those with
sat-navs, the postcode is ST4 8HP.
THEATRE
Central Hall are arranging a theatre outing to Stoke Rep and Lynne Stevenson has offered
to get tickets for anyone who is interested in the following show:
Sat. 14th February
“Time of My Life” – a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn - 2.30pm at Stoke
Rep, Leek Road, Stoke.
Tickets cost £7.50 each and are available through Lynne on 01782 395760.
CHARITY CURRY NIGHT WITH ENTERTAINMENT (SANGAMS)
Many of our members attended the October meeting when we had the talk about The
Chernobyl Children. Mike and Mary Cresswell were so moved by the plight of children in
Belarus that they decided to do some fund-raising before having a couple of children stay
with them later in the year.
As part of this fund-raising, they have arranged a Curry Night on 29th March, commencing
at 6-00 pm. This will be at Samgams, Glebe Street, Stoke with entertainment by Cheadle
U3A’s Performing Ukulele Band.
The set price is £18, to include popadoms, any main course (excluding steaks which are
available at a £2 surcharge), with rice, chips and naan bread. Tickets are avaiIable from
Mike on 01782 658002. Any unwanted Christmas presents which could be donated as a
raffle prize would be very much appreciated.
EXTRA LUNCH DATE – THE BAUHINIA, TRENT VALE
Would anyone like to have a ‘Business Lunch’ at the Bauhinia, at 12.15pm on Fri 27 th
February? They do a set price menu which is 3 courses for £6.95, the third course being
either ice cream or coffee.
If you’re interested please contact Fay Howell on 01782 658659 by 20 th February. If you
have a sat-nav, the postcode is ST4 6NW and the car park is at the rear of the restaurant.
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STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A - REG’D CHARITY NO. 1148741
STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A NEWSLETTER: JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2015
2015 U3A NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOLS
The two Summer Schools arranged for 2015 have places available for the following subjects:
Harper Adams University, Shropshire (13-16 July)
Creative Writing
France
Philosophy/Literature
Film History
Mathematics
Practical Theatre Project
Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester (17-20 August)
Garden Design
Literature
Scandinavian Noir
Singing
La Bella Italia
Music
Science
The cost for either of these is £285 for residential delegates, with full board and en-suite
accommodation, or £107 for non-residential day delegates (including lunch). Further
information is available at the monthly meeting together with application forms. Alternatively,
you can find out more and apply on-line at www.u3a.org.uk or by emailing [email protected]
For those without internet access, booklets can be obtained by ringing the U3A National Office
on 020 8466 6139. Deposits of £75 per person need to accompany the application form and
cheques should be payable to The Third Age Trust.
PROPOSED OPEN DAY 10TH JUNE 2015
We are planning to hold an Open Day at Central Hall on Wednesday 10th June, to promote the
benefits of joining U3A. Our growing membership demonstrates the local need for an
organisation such as this, but there are many people who remain unaware of U3A and how it
can enrich life in later years.
Volunteers are needed from among Group Leaders and members to make the event as
interesting as possible and your ideas would be very welcome.
We anticipate that the event will run from 10am till around 3 pm, with members of the public
able to pop in during those hours to see what’s on offer. If you can help for the day or even
just for an hour or two, it would be greatly appreciated. To volunteer or to suggest how to
make the most of the event, please speak to a committee member.
DONATION MADE TO DONNA LOUISE
A donation of £40 has been made to the Donna Louise Hospice in lieu of music kindly
provided by John Woodward and John Dougherty at our November “Christmas” monthly
meeting.
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STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A - REG’D CHARITY NO. 1148741
STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A NEWSLETTER: JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2015
CHEADLE U3A CINEMA GROUP
There will be a special showing of “Testament of Youth” at Uttoxeter Cinebowl at 10.15am on
Tuesday 3rd February. This is a Drama/Love story about Vera Brittain, who overcomes the
prejudices of family and hometown to win a scholarship to Oxford. She falls in love with her
brother's close friend and they both go to University to pursue their literary dreams. However,
the First World War is looming and as the boys leave for the front, Vera realises she cannot sit
idly by as others fight for their country, so she volunteers as a nurse. Working tirelessly and
experiencing all the grief of war, Vera survives and returns to Oxford, determined to create a
better world and eventually becomes a writer, feminist and pacifist.
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Kit Harrington, Colin Morgan etc.
The cost is £3.60 and members of neighbouring U3As are invited to attend. Please arrive at
least 15 minutes before the start time. Advance ticket sales are not available for U3A shows.
You will need to take your U3A membership card to gain admittance.
The Cinebowl is located next to the Tesco store and has dedicated parking. If the Cinebowl
car park is full you can consider parking in front of the stores to the left of the Cinebowl as one
approaches the venue. The Cinebowl management has indicated that they have not heard of
any clamping taking place, it might be prudent to park in a relatively empty area of the car park
and possibly visit a store.
STAFFS PEER ADVOCACY PROJECT: SUPPORT FOR OLDER PEOPLE WITH CANCER
Following a successful pilot project, jointly funded by Macmillan and the Big Lottery Silver
Dreams Programme, further investment has extended the pilot to reach older people (50+
years) across Staffordshire and Volunteer Co-ordinators are being appointed to recruit and
train Volunteer Advocates.
Volunteer Peer Advocates will be trained to offer support around a wide variety of issues
including treatment and care, social and financial difficulties and employment as well as
providing a listening ear. Leaflets are available at the monthly meeting and if you are thinking
of volunteering you can ring the Beth Johnson Foundation on 01782 844036.
Any items for publication in the next newsletter will need to reach Fay Howell by
Friday, 20th February, 2015. Telephone 658659 or email to [email protected].
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STOKE-ON-TRENT SOUTH U3A - REG’D CHARITY NO. 1148741