Mansfield and District U3A's August newsletter reports on a recent caravan and motorhome holiday in France, visits to Tatton Park, Yorkshire Lavender, Morgan Motor Co, other interest group activities and what's planned. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
Caravans & Motorhomes Rally in France: Page 10
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
August 2015
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 14

2. Welcome from your chairman
HELLO EVERYONE, this is the first welcome I have written that you'll have to read on our website
(in glorious colour!) or download and print for yourself because, as you know, we do not meet in
August so cannot distribute the newsletter in the usual way.
I announced at our last meeting that David Ling, our newsletter editor, was resigning from the post
so our U3A is looking for a volunteer to take up this challenging position. David also managed the
website, both jobs he did excellently. So let this be an opportunity for our members to step up and
take on these roles or role as there is nothing to stop two people taking on one role each.
David will be available for assisting in the changeover so any budding Web Gurus or Editors please
think about it and make contact with me or any committee member. (David tells me he found both
roles most enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding so don't all rush at once – but please don't just sit
back and think you can “leave it to someone else” and risk not having a monthly newsletter or a
website at all.)
Summer is supposed to be here but as of late it seems to be still coming, a bit like the next
bus. Rain seems to be the order of the day but let us hope it improves. I have just attended
a community archaeological dig at Kings Clipstone. You may know the ruin there known as
King John's Palace or the Plantagenet king's hunting lodge that now seems beyond doubt to
be a Palace.
Thanks to Mickey Bradley, the owner of Castle Field where the ruin is and Mercian Archae-
ology approximately 1200 school children attended the dig. They showed enthusiasm and
interest, Robin Hood made an appearance and Sherwood Forest Trust ran the visits. A great
time seeing children take an interest in history. I was grateful to be a part of it.
August 1st 1831 was the day the New London Bridge was opened by King William lV. It was
designed by John Rennie and built by his son. An interesting fact about this bridge is that it
was sold to an American in 1968, taken down piece by piece and erected again in Arizona
State in the U.S.A. It now spans the Bridgewater Channel Canal. The present London
Bridge was opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth.
I hope to see you all at the August Picnic at Queen Elizabeth’s School on August 18th, it is a
great venue, and if it rains we have shelter, so bring food and drink and have a great time.
Keep thinking “SUN” and hopefully summer will now start and we can enjoy it!
Bob Longden (01623 486903; bob_longden@ntlworld.com)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
In this issue
Page 2 Welcome.
Page 3 AGM notice. Holiday Updates. Theatre Visits Updates. Subscriptions.
Page 4 Recent Events (Garden Visits Group at Tatton Park).
Page 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary. Book Table.
Page 9 Recent Events (Gardening Group at Yorkshire Lavender. Sci-Tech Group at
Morgan Motor Company, start).
Page 10 Recent Events (Sci-Tech Group at Morgan Motor Company, end. Caravans
and Motorhome Rally in France).
Page 11 Recent Events (Theatre Visits Group at Tolethorpe Hall. Singing for Fun choir at
St Alban's, start.)
Page 12 Recent Events (Singing for Fun choir at St Alban's, end.) Groups News (Read a Little
Aloud.Art).
Page 13 Groups News (Luncheon Club. Tai-Chi).
Page 14 Dates for your diary and Notices.
Page 2 of 14

3. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Mansfield and District U3A Committee will call the 16th AGM of the association on
Tuesday September 15th after the general meeting and invites all members to
attend and vote.
The Committee will propose the adoption of a new Constitution (required by the
gaining of charitable status in 2015) which is available on the website and on the
Chairman’s desk at general meetings. In addition, elections to the Committee will be
held. The full Agenda will be published in the September Newsletter.
______________________________________________________________________________
Holiday updates
Thoresby – January 18th - 22nd, 2016 Details here
______________________________________________________________________________
Theatre Visits updates
Miss Saigon – Sept 7th/Tue 8th
Classical Spectacular – Nov 19th & 20th
Please pay your balance by the end of August.
Cheques payable to Mansfield and District U3A.
Shelia Whalley (01623 453908; jeansheila@btinternet.com) Details here
________________________________________________________________________________________
Annual Subscriptions 2015/2016 – Reminder
OUR FINANCIAL YEAR ended on 31st July and annual subscriptions are due on or before the
AGM on September 15th.
Due to the generosity of our members in supporting our social events and the tax we have
reclaimed via the Gift Aid Scheme, we are yet again pleased to offer our members a refund of £2 on
next year’s subscriptions.
Existing members will therefore only pay £15 for next year. (Associate members: £11.50.)
Subscriptions for new members remain at £17. (New associate members: £13.50.)
Payment can be made any time between now and the September meeting so please let me have
your cheque when convenient, payable to Mansfield U3A. (Post-date to Sept. 15th if you wish.)
Please remind any friends who wish to renew their membership but are unable to attend the
monthly meetings to contact the treasurer or any committee member.
Online Payment
For those members who use internet banking, why not pay your subscriptions ONLINE this year?
Details below:
Sort Code: 60-14-03. Account number: 40396835. Account name: Mansfield and District U3A.
Reference: Member’s surname. (For identification – this is most important.)
Thank you.
Pauline Boucher, Treasurer (01623 644798; pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk)
Page 3 of 14

4. Recent Events
Garden Visits Group at Tatton Park
THE MANSFIELD U3A Garden Visits group
visited Tatton Park Hall and Gardens on 30th
June, a scorching hot day at 36 degrees.
We were most interested in the gardens so
asked the guide which was the best way to
see them and following her advice walked
through the kitchen garden into the Rose
Garden, which was most disappointing. It had
been laid out in 1911 and needs a major
overhaul.
There are several themed areas, 12 in all,
and one in particular was the Japanese
Garden, a very peaceful, tranquil place and
although there were no flowers the colours of
the foliages were fantastic, giving vistas with
light and shade, all complemented by a vivid blue sky – perfect for an artist to capture.
The Italian Garden was elegantly designed with beds of red flowers showing off the neatly-clipped
and shaped box. There were small Cypresses along either side of the garden with a huge Cedrus
at the bottom leading your eye to stunning views of the lake in the distance.
In the wide borders there were some interesting shrubs, two particular Cornus in full flower and
pretty shades of Lupin and deep blue Delphinium plants, but most of them were looking rather tired
and again were rather disappointing. I think we were early for the main summer flowers and the
Rhododendrons and Azaleas had finished.
We called in the House to look at the art on the ground floor, two original Canalletos of Venice and a
Van Eyck, but our legs couldn't cope with the 40 steps up to the first floor, so I was off to the Garden
Cafe for Afternoon Tea in the shade of a huge Magnolia grandiflora; a perfect end to our visit.
Thank you to Karen and Janet for organising our day out.
Sandra Evans (sandra55evans@btinternet.com)
More photos here
More reports on page 9 ...
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Key to Meetings details:
THE TABLE on the next four pages shows the day of the month, time and frequency using the first
two letters of the day, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or
F, W or V) indicates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals. So
'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but with
Variable finish times.
The main Mansfield and District U3A meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except
August and December) at the Oakham Suite, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield from 10 am - 12.30
pm.
All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in any
interest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.
Page 4 of 14

5. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Afternoon Teas Sa1, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: Aug. 8th – The Water Mill, Ollerton 2.30pm; Sept.12th – The Maypole at Wellow
Antiques and
Collectables *
Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: TBA
Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Gordon Howlett
01623 627423
Next Meetings: August 19th – Favourite face; September 16th – Church or Cathedral part/all
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next meetings: September 14th – Victorians - how they worked (at Pauline's house, 2.00pm)
Beginners' Bridge
(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, Various
6.30 - 9.00
Enviro Centre,
Derby Rd College,
Mansfield
Maxine Rose/Glenis
Carr 01623
459081/627735
Next Meetings: TBA (Also ACOL sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs. 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls Th 1.30 - 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls
Club, Chesterfield
Road
Don Wright/Pat
Gunter 01623
628946/626250
Next Meetings: Every Thursday. £3.00. All welcome, inc. beginners, but flat / bowls shoes requ'd
Caravan & M'home
Rally
Various Various Terry Lammas
01623 471963
Next Meetings: TBA – Burton Constable Hall; TBA – Christmas in Yorkshire
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. September 21st
Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley
01623 472010
Next meetings: No meeting in August. September 23rd – Ideas for Christmas
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: No meeting in August.
Digital World TBA Foxglove,
Forest Town
David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: No meeting in July or August
Page 5 of 14

6. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
St John Street,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: As per calendar
First Aid TBA Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Albert St,
Skegby
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: TBA
Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam
01623 635607
Next Visits: TBA
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Church Side
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: September 1st – Lilies and Chillies; October 6th – Members' Own Harvest Crops
Golf Various Various Paul Mann
01623 615416
Next Meetings: TBA
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
Next Holidays: Mon. 18th to Fri. 22nd Jan. 2016 – Thoresby Hall (Terry Whitehead); Sat. Sept.
26th to Sat. Oct. 3rd 2016 – Mallorca
International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire
01623 239210
Next Meetings: August 12th – Antalya, Nott'm (Turkish); September 23rd (note date change) –
Caribbean Evening at The Schoolhouse, South Normanton
Local History * Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church
Mansfield
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. Sept. 4th – Visit to Richard III exhibition, Leicester
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various Eileen & Colin Bell
01623 429239
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. Sept. 17th – White Lion at Bingham
Page 6 of 14

7. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church
Hall
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Weekly on Wednesdays. Cost: £4.00 per session
Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart
01623 620940
Next Meetings: No meeting in August. Sept. 28th – Russian Composers at Peter Hart's
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott
01623 631160
Next Meeting: As per calendar
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Pudding Club Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: October 6th - Sylvia's
Read a Little Aloud Fri2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St Peter's
Community Centre,
Bellamy Road
Sheila Haslam
01623 627764
Next Meetings: No meeting in August; September 11th
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's
home
Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Science & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: Sept. 1st – Designing & Building Concorde
Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Singing for Fun Wed, 5.45 - 7.15 F St Alban's Church,
Forest Town
June Fell
01623 623547
Next Meetings: Note change of day – rehearsals begin Wed. Sept. 2nd, then 16th, 30th, etc
Page 7 of 14

8. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Jean Kirk
01623 480207
Next Meetings: Our term finished on July 20th and restarts on Sept. 14th to Dec. 14th every week.
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley
01623 45390
Next Visits: Sept. 7th/8th – London visit to see Miss Saigon *; Sept. 25th – Mac & Mabel *
Walking Groups
Hikers
(all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V
2/M
Tesco car park, off
Oak Tree Lane
Peter Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Mon. Aug. 17th – Eyam; Thurs. Sept. 3rd – Ashford in the Water; Mon. Sept. 21st
– Hickling
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: Sept. 24th – Saville Restaurant (12noon); Oct. 24th – Social Evening at St John's
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357/
651528
Next Meetings: Aug. 12th – Harlow Wood (Cafe car park.); Sept. 9th – Oxclose Wood MW
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 - V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: Aug. 26th – Sansom Woods (Burnt Stump Car Park); Sept. 23rd – Teversal to
Brierley Forest
Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: Aug. 19th – Balkan Wine at John & Margaret's; Sept. 16th – Shiraz at Norma's
Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: Aug. 25th – Alsace at Ian's; Sept. 22nd – Sth American Reds at Graham & Eileen's
Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Hilary Miller/Sue Ford
01623 620067/844286
Next Meetings: August 10th; September 14th; October 12th; November 9th
Book Table Report
SALE OF BOOKS in July raised £43.41.
There's no bookstall at the picnic but it'll be back in business in September. Thanks everyone.
Lilian Whitehead (01623 626991; 2015@whiteheaduk.plus.com)
Page 8 of 14

9. Recent Events (Cont. from p4)
Gardening Group at Yorkshire Lavender
THIRTY LADIES and I (kindly referred to as
the ‘thorn between the roses’) set off on
Tuesday July 7th for ‘Yorkshire Lavender’.
I spent the journey muttering to myself that I
could be at home cutting the hedges, mowing
the grass, getting the U3A files up to date
instead of going I know not where. But after
the long A1 boredom, as we turned off down
side roads into beautiful countryside, I began
to perk up.
We passed through the picture-postcard
village of Terrington and pulled into the car
park.
Yorkshire Lavender is a 60 acre farm set 200
feet up in the Howardian Hills overlooking the
Vale of York. The view was magnificent,
stretching across rolling farmland, with few
houses in sight, to the distant prospect of
York Minster, partly hidden behind a ruined
castle. No motorway, no wind farms, no huge warehouses, just English countryside in all its beauty.
After coffee and lavender shortbread (delicious), we listened to the owner who recounted the history
of the farm over the last 23 years since he set it up, a fascinating story of triumph over the sadness
of his wife’s early death and his determination to care for his two children. Then we walked the
paths set with many varieties of lavender and other plants and herbs, taking in the views down the
hill to the deer park.
The buffet lunch was excellent, especially as we were sheltered from the rainstorm that crashed
around us. After lunch came the serious part, the buying of plants and other lavender products.
Lavender oil is reputed to be a cure-all for many things such as sleeplessness, depression, head-
aches and perhaps even scurvy, while the lavender ice cream is a certain cure for taste deprivation!
I spent the journey home muttering that I must visit the place again and thankful that Janet Whitlam
and Karen Troop had organised such a rewarding trip.
Mike Allen (01623 653345; mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk) More photos
here
Sci-Tech Group visits Morgan Motor Co
AFTER A fairly long journey, 15 members arrived on time at the Morgan factory near Malvern on 7th
July and were welcomed with a hot drink in the factory’s restaurant before an introductory talk by the
tour manager, accompanied by slides explaining the history of Morgan, the present day factory and
operations, and the future plans. This was very interesting, and he welcomed questions and
attempted to fully answer them all.
We then commenced the tour and were allowed into all the workshops with the exception of the
Paint Shop (for obvious reasons). The tour lasted about an hour on top of the introductory talk, and
was fascinating.
Page 9 of 14

10. All Morgan cars are bespoke and hand-made on site to the customers’ specifications in the choices
of materials, colours and design. We saw some amazing cars during the tour, such as a Gothic
horror type car with hands for wing-mirrors and skulls for headlights, together with racy three- and
four-wheel models. We were able to watch the workers hand-making the bodies and frames of the
vehicles, and installing the (BMW) engines which arrive as ‘BMW’ but once in the car they become
‘Morgan’ engines.
There is a waiting time for a car of around 18
months as they are only produced on a ‘made
to order’ basis, and many of us were tempted
to order one, including me. I think my children
would have been aghast at the thoughts of their
mother careering around the countryside in a
Morgan sports car, but one can dream …
The tour ended with a visit to the on-site
museum, and lunch in the nearby pub.
Thank-you to Ian and Graham for organising
this enjoyable visit.
Jill Pullan (jillandmalc.pullan@ntlworld.com)
Caravans and Motorhomes Rally in France
AFTER a long day's driving, we met up at a campsite near La Rochelle on 21st May. Regrettably
Peter and Avril had a problem with the starter motor which took a few days to rectify. However the
sun still shone and it didn't stop us having a good few days on bicycles.
Our next destination was Montalivet, on the
Medoc. To get there we took the ferry from
Royan to Point de Grave.
This small town has superb beaches, which
stretch for miles, many good cafes and a
terrific market with lots of fresh fish. We
moved further down the Medoc to Andernos
les Bains situated on the bay of Arcachon
where we spent many an evening with a
glass of wine watching the sunset.
Four of us went further south to Biarritz for a
couple of days and we met up again at St
Emillion; can hardly be a better place for wine
devotees. We visited the caves, had free wine tasting and visited probably the most expensive wine
shop ever.
Moving north we stayed on the banks of the Loire at Chenonceau in sight of the fairy-tale château.
The river Sienne was our nest stopping place. Les Anderleys is situated on the stretch below Paris
in the Boucle de Sienne. This site had a swimming pool about ten yards from the river, so we sat in
the water to keep cool with a glass of liquid refreshment and watched the river cruisers pass by.
Regrettably we had to come home on 2nd July and our last week was spent near Boulogne, a
great place to stock up on last minute essentials and yes, more wine!
Linda Leivers (01623 471963; lkleivers@hotmail.com) More photos here
Page 10 of 14

11. Theatre Visits Group at Tolethope Hall
MANSFIELD U3A's annual cultural jaunt to the Stamford Shakespeare Theatre at Tolethorpe Hall
on 14th July was less ‘cultural’ this year as the production was ‘Tom Jones’, a play version of the
novel by Henry Fielding, the 18th century author.
The novel is a satire on English society at the time though the play version treats the story as more
of a Brian Rix farce than the original biting attack on contemporary social morals and laws.
The production was fast-moving, the set simple though cunningly designed and the acting good.
Tom Jones was well acted by Tom Westall who was able to bear the weight of being on-stage most
of the time, often with a monologue setting out the scene or the action. Apart from him, Squire
Allworthy and Sophia, the other characters were largely one dimensional.
But this enabled the play to be fast moving, for scenes to flow into each other at a hectic and comic
pace which the actors and directors controlled well. Certainly the audience appreciated it, for
applause and laughter was heard throughout the perhaps slightly over-long performance.
We enjoyed the play and the picnic beforehand, although the actors certainly could not have
enjoyed the deluge that fell during the second part in spite of coping with it most professionally! If
only all life was as simple and pleasurable as this!
Mike Allen (01623 653345; mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk) Photo here
Singing for Fun Concert at St Alban's
THE MANSFIELD U3A Singing for Fun Choir joined with Bellissima Ladies' Choir at St Alban's
Church at Forest Town to perform a music concert on 26th July, the proceeds of which are going to
St Alban's, a lovely church with a beautiful stained glass window.
The choirs, over the course of two hours, entertained the audience with a variety of music. This
ranged from religious to country and folk music, film scores, songs from West End shows, and even
a little bit of jazz. One of the accompanying pianists, Isaac Savage, played two pieces of Gershwin.
John Sellers, who is our regular pianist, played the accompaniment to two songs and also added
his voice in the male section of the choir at other times.
Page 11 of 14

12. We also had a rendition of the Messiah, given by one, yes I did say one, of our choir members,
Sylvia Atkinson. A “Yorkshire lass” herself, it was a tale about a Yorkshire man going to hear the
Messiah, not realising what it was about. It involved a lot of farmers' lost lambs or sheep, much to
the amusement of all present.
As usual we performed under the direction of Suzy Fell. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the choir
members, when I thank Suzy for teaching us so much, and giving us the joy that singing brings.
Judging by the smiles and remarks made by so many people in the audience, we know they
enjoyed it too. For a couple of hours they forgot all about the rain and gloomy skies outside.
Our thanks go to the parish of St Alban's for their hospitality, and of course to the ladies who provide
and organise the refreshments.
Doreen Storer (01623 407773; doreenstorer@virginmedia.com)
______________________________________________________________________________
Groups News
Read at Little Aloud
IT SEEMS that each meeting of the 'Reading Aloud' group extends our confidence in sharing our
common experiences connected with the subject of the topics.
Our last meeting featured an excerpt from Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, and told of Mr
Pickwick's embarrassment on finding himself in the wrong bedroom and his fears of what might
have been the consequences, had not his faithful servant Sam Weller resolved his problem. We all
were able to empathise and speak about times when things went somewhat awry for us and yet we
found a way to overcome our difficulties.
A poem by Jonathan Swift listed resolutions he asked to be reminded of but finished by recognising
that he was unlikely to keep any of them. A good one to be looked at again in the New Year,
perhaps?
We decided that as a number of the members were likely to be away in August, we would not meet
this month, but look forward to being joined by a few more in September. By then the premises we
use will have been redecorated and recarpeted, making it a very comfortable venue.
Sheila Haslam (01623 627764; sheilahaslam@ntlworld.com)
Art
OUR Our July meeting was a split venue event. Some stayed in our base venue and worked on
their own choice of subject, the others did some outdoor work. At base, members chose to work on
shoes, an imaginary landscape, shoes, some roses, an old cart in a deserted village in New
Zealand.
The other group spent their time, enjoying the sunshine, painting from a bench near the lake at
Rufford. It must have been good because one member said “We must do this again when the
weather permits.” We look forward to seeing the finished results at future meetings.
Our display at the Mansfield U3A’s site at Rufford Picnic in the Park was well received and proved
interesting to both members of other local U3A groups but also members of the general public.
Next meeting
Next month, 19th August, we have a suggested subject 'non-celebrity face'. We can relax, it is not a
self portrait and the paint goes on the canvas not on the face.
We can now accept two more members. Why not give it a try?
Gordon Howlett (01623 627423; g.howlett@ntlworld.com)
Page 12 of 14

13. Luncheon Club
OUR JULY lunch at The Waggon at Halam, organised by Eileen and Colin Bell, was sold-out in
May as they warned us that 30 really was the most they had room for in one room. Nonetheless it
was much enjoyed be everyone who could squeeze-in.
But their dining area was pushed to its limits so the pub is perhaps better-suited to smaller parties!
We take a holiday break in August but will start the new season on September 17th at The White
Lion at Bingham, where Sheila Whalley has arranged for us to sample their exceptional food
value. (Sheila says their mixed grill is unmissable!) Cost: £6.75 for 2 courses and £8.75 for 3,
including tea or coffee.
Eileen and Colin Bell have agreed to pick-up the reins from next month so I know the Luncheon
Club will continue in good hands. They'll introduce themselves next month and will be manning the
Luncheon Club table from September onwards but please let them know by 11th September if
you'd like to add your name to the White Lion List (01623 429239 or c.bell74@btinternet.com).
Details are here and there were only four places left at the time of writing.
Thanks and farewell
This is the last report I'll be doing as Jackie and I are planning to move closer to our family in
Coventry so thanks most sincerely to everyone for your friendship, encouragement and support
over the years.
Good-bye everyone and thanks for the memories.
David Ling (01623 822994) Photos here
Tai Chi
TEN YEARS ago, some Mansfield U3A members became involved with an organisation called
'SPORTS ACTIVE'. This was at the time when ‘Lifelong Learning‘ provided funding with the idea of
promoting a healthy lifestyle and to assist in avoiding drugs, smoking, alcohol, obesity and to
improve diet. We were also introduced to Tai Chi with Ken Mead as our tutor.
A few years later, when funding was with-
drawn, it was agreed that Mansfield U3A
would form our own group which has gone
from strength to strength to the present time.
Our incredible Ken has continued to teach us
and a number of founder members, who
were hooked, are still trying to improve their
skills.
I have recently become leader of this group
and would like to give anyone interested the
opportunity to give it a try. We are glad to
welcome members from Sherwood and Rain-
worth U3As. However, whilst Ken is happy to
fill the room and improve our health, I must stress that we have no further parking spaces. (Parking
has become difficult at St. John's but if you are able to walk from Tesco's to the venue we would be
very happy to welcome you.
Our term finished on July 20th and we will be meeting again on September 14th to December 14th
every week. Meetings are on Mondays 9.30 to 10.30 am.
Jean Kirk (01623 480207; jean.kirk1@ntlworld.com)
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14. ______________________________________________________________________________
John Swanwick. It is with deep regret that we have learnt that John passed-away on Thurs. 16th
July after a short illness. His funeral was on Wed. 5th Aug.
Bunty Kirk. Also, that Bunty passed away on Sat. 8th Aug. Bunty was a past committee and hard-
working MU3A member for some years. Details on the website when we have them.
Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this sad time.
______________________________________________________________________________
Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.
Tues. Aug 18th: ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC at Q. Elizabeth's Academy. Details in due course
from Linda Leivers. (01623 471963; lkleivers@hotmail.co.uk). Indoors if it's wet!
Thurs. Sept 3rd: LAUNCH OF FOREST TOWN & DISTRICT U3A at St Albans Church, Clipstone
Rd West. 2.00; free refreshments. Details from Rita Foulkes. (01623 480207; rita.foulkes@g-
mail.com)
Tues. Sept 15th: AGM at Oakham Suite; 11.00 (after the general meeting)
Fri. 25 Sept 25th: THEATRE ROYAL, Nottingham celebrates its 150th anniversary. Details from
Sheila Whalley. (01623 453908; jeansheila@btinternet.com)
Mon. Jan. 18th to Fri. 22nd, 2016: WARNER'S THORESBY HALL. See page 3.
______________________________________________________________________________
Event and Visit Payments
MEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by Mansfield
U3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.
______________________________________________________________________________
Changes of address, etc.
PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed your
address, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.
______________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer
THE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect those
of the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility be
accepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.
______________________________________________________________________________
Next Issue
PLEASE SEND contributions for the September AGM issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in
typescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by September 1st at the latest. Thanks!
______________________________________________________________________________
Editor: David Ling (01623 822994)
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