Welcome to New Members
Douglas Chapman, Barbara Last and David Dunwell.
Chairman’s Report 2006-7
By the time you read this, we shall be almost back in Southampton after our Around Africa Cruise. I hope the weather hasn't been too bad in Salisbury and I will be looking forward to Spring and Easter.
First of all, I must thank Jenny Mawer for taking over from me for these last three months. I hope it hasn't been too arduous. Thank you also, to last year’s Committee for all their hard work. As I write this I am pleased to say that Maureen Pardy has agreed to take over from Brian Griffiths as Treasurer, an especial thank you to him for his years in this part. Thank you to all the other members who have helped in so many ways, Mary Cole and the coffee ladies and gentlemen, Alan Reeve for editing the Newsletter and Peter and Joan Tee for dealing with its distribution. Thanks to John Winders for running the sound and vision system at the Coffee Mornings for so long and we now welcome Neil Russell, who has taken over audio-visual matters. I expect a great many of you have appreciated the book table, it is quite a task setting it up each month. The Groups, as usual, have been most successful. Jean Lunnon managed to please everybody and the Group Leaders need a very big "thank you" from us all.
It has been a most enjoyable year for me. I didn't realise how much there is to being your Chairman.
I've come to know Salisbury and Spire U3A’s better and have met members from as far afield as Havant at regional meetings.
We've had some very good Speakers at the Coffee Mornings, thanks to Ena Baldock. Our membership has gone up by leaps and bounds, thanks to Phyl Mullins for coping with this. I hope that I have met most new members at the coffee mornings held for them.
I am now looking forward to the coming year and hope you are too.
Josephine Hawkins
Coffee Mornings
Wednesday 18th April
Speaker: Dr Denise Allen
Subject: The Trouble with Troy.
In this talk, Dr Allen will examine the evidence for the reality of the Trojan War, starting with Homer and coming up-to-date with recent excavations at Hişarlik in northwest Turkey, believed to be the site of the city of Troy. The story is a fascinating one, involving the ambitious Heinrich Schliemann and deeds of treachery and derring-do. Those who have visited the site will know that it is very difficult to understand on the ground - now you can find out why!
GROUP LEADERS
Jean Lunnon writes: As we know, the U3A can only exist if members share skills. Happily, many of our splendid Group Leaders are willing to go on giving us their time and energy, but we need some new volunteers for the September 2007-2008 season. Suggested new groups so far are: Basic Cooking, Finance and Investments, Life Drawing, Handicrafts, Days Out on Local Buses (free!) Also, Robina would like to hand on the Book Readers Group after nine wonderful years. Please consider coordinating one of these groups (perhaps with a friend) or another subject of your choosing. Venues can be shared and stand-ins can cover for holidays etc. To discuss ideas, ring Jean on 01722 335909.
Groups
Summer Garden Visits (New Group)
This new group will only run in the Summer between April and September, visiting Gardens and Nurseries each month. We will meet in Tesco’s car park, Southampton Road, garage end, at 10.30 am. Share cars and either picnic or buy lunch at the gardens. Return to Salisbury at about 4.00 pm.
The first visit will be held on Wednesday 11th April to Furzey Gardens, Lyndhurst and Spinners (Lymington). If you are interested please ring Maureen on 01722 504295 or Brenda on 01722 322657 – (answer-phone available) or turn up at Tesco’s on the day. With enough people, we may be able at ask for a guided tour.
Maureen Pardy
Walking
Do you enjoy walking, good company, and delicious food? Why not join us on Thursday 29th March at the Silver Plough, Pitton for a 7½ mile walk and see if this is the group for you. 7½ miles too far? You could join us just for lunch.
If you are interested, contact Neil & Patricia Russell (this month’s leaders) on 01722 711741 on Monday 26th or Tuesday 27th.
Archaelogy
Tuesday 27th March at Harnham Memorial Hall at 10.00 am.
Subject: Salisbury Plain before the Romans
Speaker: Mark Corney
Joint U3A Outings & Visits
Wednesday 23 May
AFTERNOON VISIT TO LONGFORD CASTLE, BODENHAM.
The castle is best known for its collection of 18th century furniture and a picture collection featuring Gainsborough, Reynolds, Van Dyck and many others. There is also a collection of fine porcelain. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to view the extensive garden area. We may combine the visit with a drive through the New Forest and afternoon tea. For more details please contact John Ewington, see below.
Monday/Tuesday 4/5 June
A 2-DAY LONDON VISIT
For South Kensington Museums, a West End show and Royal Hospital, Chelsea for its Founder’s Day dress rehearsal, as previously advertised. For further details, please see the Notice board at the Coffee Morning or contact John Ewington, see below, for availability and details.
Wednesday 27 June
VISIT TO NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY AT TYNTESFIELD. Described as “an extraordinary Gothic Revival extravaganza, bristling with towers and turrets”. Saved for the nation by NT in 2002. A much sought-after venue for groups. A leisure visit to Bath is planned following this excursion. Phone John Ewington for availability.
Bookings
For further details and availability, please telephone John Ewington. Non-members of U3A are normally welcome on outings. After confirming availability, please send your cheque with telephone number, destination and pick-up point on the reverse to John Ewington, Flat 5, Arlington House, 22 Bourne Avenue, Salisbury, SP1 1LS. Telephone/Fax 01722 500699.
Wanted
Clarrie Harding wants a CD Player for a Midi Hi-Fi system.
Please ring Clarrie on 01722 744054.
Contributions
Please send all contributions for the Newsletter by mid-day on the 2nd Wednesday in the month to the Editor: Alan Reeve, Ravenscroft, Dinton Road, Fovant, Salisbury. Phone 01722 714907 or by email to: alanreeve.u3a@virgin.net