Salisbury and District U3A 
NEWSLETTER
Number 55 April 2006
Salisbury U3A Newsletter 55. April 2006
From the Chairman
I have sometimes considered that gratitude is merely a secret hope of further favours. After realising just how many favours have come my way during my first year in office I have gratitude in plenty not only to the excellent committee but also to so many of our members.
A positive outlook on life is one of the most important things we can do to keep our brain healthy and ready for learning How we view ourselves, how we perceive the world around us, and how we interact with others can have a profound effect on our overall well-being. Best of all, these are things which are completely within our control. No matter what challenges we face, we can choose to start each day with our glass half full rather than half empty.
I am hopeful that our monthly meetings, courses, outings and social occasions are helping us all to maintain supportive relationships which are such an important element of effective ageing. The more contact we have with others as we age, the better we may be at retaining mental sharpness. And currently there is evidence that people who engage in social activities such as learning something new are less likely to develop dementia.
There is a lot of evidence that other people are the most unpredictable things you can encounter so that activities which have you engaging with other human beings are a fantastic form of brain exercise.
Equally, besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.
Several of our members are vacating their official posts which they have fulfilled with commitment and conscientiousness.
Bob Pearce, a friend of everyone he meets, has been on the committee for seven years with a year's sabbatical halfway through that time. His original nomination came through his late wife Margaret. It was a rather original nomination for she told him to ‘get on with it’. Bob has been responsible for distributing the Newsletters and maintaining the notice boards which are such an important part of our monthly meetings.
Tom Coombes joined Salisbury U3A in 1992 when the Judge sentenced him to three terms on the committee with only one year breaks in between for slightly better behaviour. Everything in which Tom has been involved has had the full support of his wife, Judy, who realises that a wise woman is one who lets her husband have her way. Tom continues as our archivist and knows full well that history repeats itself whilst historians repeat each other.
Valerie Ekins no doubt breathes a sigh of relief as she completes her three years as Membership Secretary. Cynics think that architecture is the art of how to waste space but with this as one of her interests Valerie has ensured that we have no membership space wasted and that new applicants are quickly and speedily received into the fold.
Ivan Raynsford-Smith is a man of great experience in many fields of life - experience being the comb which nature gives to men when they are bald. For seven years he was responsible for editing our newsletter and has served a total of two periods on the committee. Currently Ivan is a valued member of our team working alongside Wilts County Council in the forum on waste disposal. In this role we will continue to be grateful to him.
Diana Hayne is one of those people whose silence is wonderful to listen to for underneath it there is much going on which is efficient and sensitive. Her abilitites in assisting with the Annual Lunch or the buffet at the Tutor's gathering are well known. Had she been organising the feeding of the five thousand no miracle would have been required.
Fred Barlow is Mr Remarkable. For the past seventeen years he has prepared the layout for the Newsletter, prepared and printed the required distribution labels. In the early days of modern technology Fred was the U3A guru giving advice to us lesser mortals when we had problems with our recently acquired computers. Reflecting on the many tasks Fred has completed on behalf of our organisation I reckon that he has spent a year of his life working for our benefit. Some men would like to be a fixed star. The likes of Fred would prefer to be an irregular planet.
So it is that we enter a new session, hopefully with new faces replacing old familiar friends. I very much hope that all of us will experience the luxury of doing good for it surpasses every other personal enjoyment.
An elderly man consulted his Parish Priest.
‘I find that lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the hereafter.’
‘Really?’ said the Priest ‘Tell me about it’.
‘Well’ said the man ‘every time I walk into a room I turn around and wonder what I came in here after.’
----Jack Leeming-----
From the Secretary
University of The Third Age Salisbury and District
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 1 March 2006 at 10.30 am in the Methodist Church Hall St Edmond Church Street Salisbury.
1. Apologies received from Michael Day, Peter and Dorothy Boden and Maggie Hunter
2. Minutes of the AGM held on 2 March 2005 Proposed by Ann Donaldson seconded by Another were approved. None against.
3. There were no Matters Arising
4. Treasurer’s Report. Annual Accounts, previously circulated, were proposed by Don Scarfe and seconded by John Brown and approved. None against. The Treasurer then proposed that the subscription which for this year had increased to £10 per annum, as agreed last year, should remain the same for next year, 2007. The meeting agreed this proposal.
5. The Chairman’s Report (previously circulated). Acceptance was proposed by James Mogford and seconded by Valerie Ekins and passed unanimously.
6. The Chairman then asked the members’ permission for the Committee to be delegated to elect an Independent Examiner, when a satisfactory person had been selected, without further notification to the members. Meeting agreed with none against.
7. Four members of the Committee retired in accordance with the Constitution and one had resigned (details in Chairman’s Report). Three nominations had been received. Members agreed with the Chairman’s suggestion that all three should be voted on together. On the proposition put by the Chair the following members were unanimously elected: Michael Limbrick, James Mogford and Dieter Scholz
8. Under Other Business John Brown raised the topic of ladies on the Committee. Could more ladies be involved? This matter was referred to the Committee but it was pointed out that ladies had been approached this time round. Secretary mentioned that he would have completed his self-imposed 5 year tenure of office at next year’s AGM and perhaps a lady could replace him
9. There being no further business the AGM was formally closed at 10.45 am
Following the AGM a talk was given on ‘Inheritance Tax and Making a Will’ by Peter Bartholomew from the National Legal Service
Computer courses
South Wilts Grammar School has confirmed that the IT facility will be available for the next Academic Year commencing September 2006 to July 2007. Procedures will be the same as this year.
Beginners Group One Tuesday afternoons for 6 months commencing September - 12 places.
Beginners Group Two Tuesday afternoons for 6 months commencing February - 12 places.
Intermediates Wednesday afternoons for 12 months commencing September - 15 places.
These courses have proved extremely popular and in view of the fact that the places are shared with Sarum U3A and Spire U3A it is essential that members make the Computer Course their first choice when selecting from the Programme issued by Chris Dickson in May. Happy computing!
The Secretary has the Booking Forms for the U3A Summer Schools. Full details are on the Notice Boards at General Meetings.
Sources Magazine - Are all members enjoying this ‘free’ U3A mine of information.
The Secretary has subscriber forms. Just fill in and post to Third Age Office. Delivered to your door - great!
----Neville Jennings-----
Membership Secretary
Valerie Ekins writes that she has enjoyed being the Membership Secretary for the last 3 years and that she is pleased to pass the baton into the capable hands of Dieter Scholz who has kindly offered to take on the job and will computerise it in a most efficient way.
She wishes to thank Dennis Callaway and David Wilson both of whom have produced comprehensive membership lists.
Editor’s comment: as members we should be very thankful that people like Valerie, Dennis and David are prepared to do the ‘behind the scenes’ type jobs, because without them we cannot run the U3A.
Speakers at the Monthly Meetings
April Roy Deacon The great storm of 1987
May Tutors’ Presentations
June Margaret Court Rwanda
July William Bache The Angela Cannings case
August Phil Groombridge Wildlife Rescue
September Andy Conn Back to the future - dealing with
Salisbury’s waste
U3A Information File
This is to remind members that a file containing information about U3A is to be found in the Salisbury Reference Library shelved with Prospectuses of Higher Education under the heading ‘370 EDUCATION’ The file has a copy of the current Newsletter and programme and the latest Third Age News. It also contains recent issues of Sources, sections on Spire and Sarum U3As, together with a copy of Salisbury U3A’s New Constitution.
If you want to place information in this file or have any questions about it, please contact Joan New 336848.
Salisbury U3A’s web site address is www.salisburyu3a.org.uk
Outings News
Saturday 22 April
First ever visit of the Bolshoi Ballet to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. 50 Centre Stall seats have been reserved for U3A members at the Matinee performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Cost: £32.50 includes Centre Stalls seat, coach and driver gratuity. Coach Park Castle Street 12.30 pm. Tesco Southampton Road 12.45 pm. Return from Southampton approx. 5 pm. Fully booked. Waiting List Only.
Monday 24 April - Friday 28 April
Visit to Dublin. A 5 day (four night) visit with flights from Southampton Airport. Accommodation at the four star Burlington Hotel in the city centre on a room and breakfast basis. City Sightseeing and a full day visit to the scenic Wicklow mountains. Coach transfers between Salisbury and Southampton Airport and Dublin Airport and Hotel. Hotel porterage. All ground arrangements in Ireland handled by C.I.E., a reliable tour operator. Cost £345.00 inclusive per person sharing a twin or double room. Single room supplement £90.00 for the full period. 27 members have booked for this visit.
Tuesday 16 May
Visit to Houses of Parliament, Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms. A guided tour of the Palace of Westminster in the morning lasting approximately 75 minutes. Appointments permitting, Robert Key our Member of Parliament will meet us on arrival. The Jubilee Cafe will be open at the end of the tour. After lunch we shall meet outside the Churchill Cabinet War Rooms in Horse Guards Road (10 minute walk) for an afternoon audio guided tour. Coach departure from Tesco Southampton Road 8 am. Coach Park Castle Street 8.15 am. Return from London 4.30 pm. Cost: £21.00 includes coach, driver gratuity and entrance fee. Booking Now at monthly meeting or by post.
Wednesday 21 June
Windsor Castle and St. George's Chapel. Described as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and established in the 11th century. We visit the magnificent State Apartments furnished with world famous masterpieces. We also visit St George’s Chapel, a fine example of Gothic architecture and the setting for royal weddings and burial place for royal monarchs. We hope to arrive in Windsor about 11 am allowing time for sightseeing and lunch before entering the Castle at 1.30 pm. Coach departs Tesco, Southampton Road at 9 am and the Coach Park, Castle Street at 9.15 am. Return from Windsor 4.30 pm. Cost: £20.45 includes entrance fee/audio guide and driver gratuity. Book Now at monthly meeting or by post.
Wednesday 19 July
Visit to Waddesdon Manor situated between Aylesbury and Bicester. Built in the 1870’s for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to house his superb collection of 18th century art treasures. It also has one of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain. Ample catering facilities or take your own picnic. Now a National Trust Property. Coach departs Tesco, Southampton Road at 8 am and the Coach Park, Castle Street at 8.15 am. Return from Waddesdon Manor at 4.30 pm. Cost: £13.50* includes entrance fee and driver gratuity. Audio guide and Guide book available at extra charge on arrival. Booking at April monthly meeting or by post.
* We now have National Trust Education Group Membership. The cost includes a contribution to the annual membership fee.
An August Outing is not planned. To excite your taste buds on Wednesday, 20 September a half day Mystery Tour is in the planning stage including a Cream tea! More news later.
Note: Cheques only please payable to ‘Salisbury U3A’. No cash. Separate cheques for each outing. This will greatly ease the administration burden. Non- members of U3A are welcome but subject to availability and a £1 supplement plus National Trust entrance fee if applicable
If you are unable to attend the monthly meeting or prefer to book by post please telephone prior to booking and mail cheque with telephone number, destination and pick-up point on reverse to: John Ewington.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be treated sympathetically and no charge will be incurred within 1 month of Booking Start date. After this refunds will be subject to re-sale less £1 administration charge.
Outings News by Mail: If you do not come to meetings regularly and would like Outings News mailed to you on a monthly basis send stamped addressed envelope(s) to John Ewington and this will be done.
----John Ewington-----
Walking Group
| Date | Location | Mileage | Venue | Leader |
| 27 April | Farley, Bentley Wood | 5 |
Meet 9.30, start 10.00, GR 226 293, Hook and Glove car park or Church. | Kay. |
| 11 May | Collingbourne Ducis | 6 |
Meet 9.15, start 10.30 (n.b. start time), GR 244 537,Blue Lion Inn car park. A338- Tidworth- Marlborough Road | Anne. |
| 25 May | Nunton, Odstock | 5 |
Meet 9.15, start 9.45 (n.b. start time). GR 160 259. | Graham. |
| 8 June | Pewsey Vale and Down. | 7 |
Meet 9.00, start 10.00, (n.b. meet and start times), GR SU 116 638, car park. Lunch at The Barge Inn probably en route. | Graham and Margaret. |
| 22 June | Ebbesboume Wake, Swallowcliffe Down, Norringtons, Alvediston | 5 |
Meet 9.15, start 10.00. GR 992 242. Car park to be confirmed. Pub available afterwards. | Maggie. |
| 6 July | Hungerford, Hungerford Common, Kintbury, Hungerford via Kennet and Avon Canal | 7 |
No steep climbs and 4 stiles. Start Hungerford Church GR 337 685. Fee payable if you park in High Street. Meet 9.0, start 10.30 (n.b. times). Picnic lunch at Kintbury by canal. Pub nearby for drink and comfort.. Walk takes 3 hours plus ½ hour for lunch | Alan |
| For new members: may we remind them that stout footwear is required, waterproofs if wet, there will be a mid-walk stop for drink and comfort and there is usually a pub at the end of the walk. Please phone if you do not intend to walk and please consider offering to lead a walk sometime. | ||||
Mini Walks
All walks are held on the third Thursday of the month.
| Date | Where | Venue | GR | Notes |
| 20 April | Sherfield English | Park at the Hatchet Inn, A27. | 291 223 | |
| 18 May | Martin | Park at All Saints Church. | 070 195 | |
| 15 June | Bake Farm | A354, near Coombe Bissett. | 118 276 | This walk starts at 2 pm followed |
| 20 July | Old Wardour Castle | Park in the Castle Car Park. | 938 264 | |
| Most walks start at 10 am. Stout shoes or boots are necessary and please bring a drink. | ||||
----Sheila and Peter Brown-----
Family History
The Family History Group will meet on Fridays, 21 April, 11 May, 26 May, 9 June and 23 June. The subjects will include The Poor Laws and Workhouses and Crime and Transportation. All meetings will be at 8 Shakespeare Road, Stratford sub Castle at 10.15 am. Anyone who is interested in Family History is welcome.
----Chris Dickson-----
Sunday Lunches
The popularity of Sunday lunches is steadly growing. The lunches are held on the first Sunday after the Wednesday General Meeting (the Coffee Morning to some). A list is on the notice board at the General Meeting with details, or telephone me.
------Sheila Tupling----
Next Year’s Programme
It is already time to be thinking about Groups and Courses for 2006-7, even while we are still enjoying the groups we joined last year. Many thanks to all the people who have replied to the letters I have sent out, especially grateful thanks to those who have agreed to repeat or continue their groups from this year and those who have offered new subjects. I would like to get the programme sorted out by the end of April and would be most grateful to have your forms as soon as possible.
I am sure we all appreciate the work our Group Leaders and Tutors do, and realise that some of them have been leading groups even longer than I have! As I am sure you will understand, some of them have, for various good reasons, decided that enough is enough and have decided to retire, again. They go with our gratitude and will be hard to replace. As aIways, I am aiming to produce a wide, varied and interesting collection of subjects, and appeal to you to consider if you have any interest, experience or knowledge that you could pass on to others.
You do not need to be an expert in your chosen subject. Some of the most successful groups are led by an enthusiast who encourages the members of the group to research small areas of knowledge and tell the rest of the group about them.
I have had requests for groups to study astronomy, the environment, art appreciation, wine, the history of medicine and understanding the information sent out by financial companies, to ensure we are getting good value for our money. We have fewer history groups this year so a study of a period in the past or of a historical character would be welcomed.
The Tutors’ lunch will be on 24 May. I regret the error on my original letter.
Also from Chris:
Learning the Recorder
The meetings will continue as long as required, continuing on Fridays at 10.15.
am at 8 Shakespeare Road, Stratford sub Castle on 7 April, 5 May, 19 May, 2 June, 16 June and 30 June.
Play Reading (Not Shakespeare)
We will meet on Wednesdays at 10.15 am at 8 Shakespeare Road on 12 April, 26 April and 10 May.
----Chris Dickson-----
Gardening Club
Gardening Club meetings are on the second Monday of the month at 2.00 pm in the Memorial Hall behind All Saints Church in Harnham.
10 April Jenny Witham Plants for Pots
Outings
8 May Compton Acres
12 June Oxford Botanic Garden
12 July Knoll Gardens
Please telephone Rosemary Nicholls for information and to put your name on the list.
From Gail and Diana
What are the children saying?
Is that violinist still playing?
Did she say number 8 or number 9?
It is with reluctance that most of us come to acknowledge that our hearing is fading - a process that will, in all likelihood, continue. Yet, before it worsens, the best thing we can do is to start to lip read from a highly skilled teacher. Hearing aids can never restore our hearing as it was and sometimes the onslaught of multiple noises can be extremely tiring. Lip reading is much more akin to a regular conversation.
Classes - on offer from Salisbury College at the Wilton Community Centre - enable us to come to terms with our hearing loss as well as to learn the underlying skills of lip reading - all in a supportive setting where we can practice in order to communicate with our families, friends and the world outside.
See a poster on the notice board at monthly meetings for further details.
----Gail Baines and Diana Barlow-----
Committee
Chairman Jack Leeming
Secretary Neville Jennings 01725 510039
Treasurer David Wilson
Group Co-ordinator Chris Dickson
Membership Secretary Dieter Scholz
Newsletter Edito James Mogford
Members Barbara Coulson
Michael Limbrick
John Newington
Elizabeth Richmond
