SPIRE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE      

Charity Ref. 400/379/98 

The Archaeology group run by Spire U3A had arranged a fascinating visit to the Roman Glass Studio at Project Workshops, Lains Farm, Quarley at the end of September. Not only were there demonstrations of glass blowing but also reconstructed furnaces that would have been used by the Romans. There was a good range of glass items to purchase at the end of the morning, all replicas of the glass that has been found by archaeologists.

At the October meeting Ann Seviour made a return visit to talk about the changes in the New Forest. She started by giving a short history of the Forest. There is evidence of a pottery found from the Bronze Age and of small farms in the Iron Age, some of which are still there. When the Normans arrived they wanted meat for the table and hunting lodges were built. Later wood was required for shipbuilding down at Buckler's Hard. Today the forest is a National Park and Ann as a Commoner and farmer is involved in preserving it for future generations, whilst allowing people to enjoy the wild open spaces that nature provides.

The November talk, 'Wessex Writers and their Landscape' will be by Hugh Thomas, one of our own members, who has run many groups over the years on this subject, so this promises to be fascinating.

The festive season will soon be here again and the Spire committee has plans-a-foot for some surprises for the Christmas Party on December 10th as well as the usual festive cheer. Booking will be essential for all members at the next meeting as this is a popular start to Christmas.

 

For membership enquires: 01722 321731

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Contact: Sheila Read 01722 501218