Mansfield and District U3A's December newsletter includes news about the new meeting venue for January, reports on visits to the Classical Spectacular in London and Oddsocks, other activities and what's planned. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
_______________________________________________________________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Registered Charity No. 1164177
the online December 2015 issue!
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Page 1 of 13

2. A Welcome from your chairman at Christmas
As we all know, there is no meeting in December. Hopefully all of us are busy preparing for the Christmas
celebrations, attending lunches or dinners, meeting old friends and generally having a fun time. Christmas
is a time for memories - remembering all the good times, which are always better as memories!
So, a Merry Christmas to you and yours and a Happy New Year.
Bob Longden
From the Editor
Welcome to the December 'Newsletter-lite', the healthy alternative to a print copy, with all the fibre but
none of the fat. That's my excuse, anyway!
Since we have space to spare as we are online this month, I can bring more things to your notice. We
are all U3A members, but I wonder how many of us actually investigate all the opportunities that the
organisation has to offer? Perhaps I can suggest to all members, but particularly the new members, that
they should find out more about the organisation they have joined by browsing the websites of Mansfield
U3A and the Third Age Trust – both of them have so much interesting content.
I hope to bring your attention to some of the more significant pages in the future, but do take a look
now.
Don't forget, our JANUARY 2016 MEETING …
...will be held at the new 1861 Suite at Mansfield Town Football Club, Quarry Lane.
Turn into the car park on Quarry Lane and someone will be there to help you. With plenty of parking
room, you won't need to get there in a rush.
Make your way to the main entrance which will be decked with balloons and the large Mansfield U3Asign where
our greeters will be on hand to guide you to the1861 Suite. If you need the lift, just tell them.
We hope you will like the larger room, the in-built sound equipment and the TV screens around the
room which will give you all our latest news.
To make Members Day special in 2016, it has been agreed that a free raffle will be held, financed with the
money saved by the change of venue.
Your free ticket will be issued on arrival while further tickets will be sold during the coffee break.
Great prizes on offer! In addition, the management has kindly offered to give us free tea and coffee for
our first meeting.
You can always extend this experience by booking your lunch at the Sandy Pate licensed restaurant
downstairs which offers a Seniors Lunch menu for £5.99.
The Committee hopes that as many members as possible will enjoy the morning at this potential
venue and, as you will be asked your opinion of it, please come along.
In this issue:
Page 2: Chairman's Welcome; From the Editor; The January Meeting
Page 3: New Groups; Holiday Updates; Quiz Night
Page 4: Interest Groups News - Book Table; Bowls Group
Page 5 – 8: Interest Groups Diary
Page 9 –10: Thoresby; Meet the Committee; TW and The Mansfield U3A website
Page 10 –11: The Classical Spectacular & Bletchley Park Visit Report & Photos
Page 12 –13 Oddsocks Panto Visit & Photos
Page 13: Luncheon Club & International Dining Updates; News from Third Age Trust
Page 14: Diary Dates.
Page 2 of 13

3. New Interest Groups …..
Members have approached me with ideas for new groups.
Christine Smith has started a Horse Riding group and this looks as if it might run (oh dear).
Some members have already jumped at it and have taken part in the first 'meet' at the Kirkfield
Riding Stables just outside Ravenshead. If you're interested in this (as eight members have been so
far), further details will be published in the future. Contact Christine at the January meeting.
Canasta looks as though it might also go ahead – just a few more people to add to the seven or
so already interested and it could be on the cards (worse still). IT Skills has also been suggested
but as yet it's just an idea as it's such a wide subject.
I will continue to explore the possibilities and keep everyone informed. Or see me at the January
meeting.
Meanwhile, Doreen Storer suggests that Colouring (that new idea for adults) could be
introduced into the Chat and Stitch group and Ruth Colley says that there is room for 'newbies' in
the Craft Workshop group in time for Christmas Creations.
Check the Interest Groups Diary for contact details for these Groups and phone up the leaders.
Linda Leivers
_________________________________________________________________________
Holiday Updates
Paignton - Devon Holiday. 13th - 20th June 2016 Queen's Hotel
Note the revised cost of this holiday - £529 (without excursions) but still including the £18 evening Variety Show in
Babbacombe theatre. Optional excursions can be found on handout sheets which you can pick up from my table
together with a slip of paper to make your choices so that bookings can be made ahead for these.
All single rooms have been taken but, if we can fill most of the six double or twin rooms, I can reduce the
holiday costs even further – such as the driver's gratuity.
Those already coming to Devon please try your best to recruit more passengers for me. It is to your
advantage.
Mallorca 26th September - 3rd October 2016 Puerto Pollensa 4* hotel Fergus Pollensa Park Cost
£824 S.S £70
Although all rooms have now been taken, I would appreciate some names on a waiting list just in case
I need to call upon them.
Since it's a long time till the January meeting, if you are interested in the Paignton holiday or going on
the waiting list for Majorca, do phone me on 01623 632538.
Margaret Burlinson
Annual Fun Quiz Night
Saturday 27th February 2016 - at Queen Elizabeth’sAcademy.
Come along to our annual fun QUIZ NIGHT and you may win a cash prize! Organise yourself into a team with a
maximum of 8 players per team or just come along and join a team on the night.
Cost £7.50 to include buffet supper. Tickets are on sale now from Pauline Boucher on 01623 644798 or
pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk. From January 1st, book in with Yvonne Kennison on 01623 481721 or
m.kennison@ntlworld.com or buy a ticket at the January meeting at Mansfield Town's ground.
Page 3 of 13

4. Sale of Books
The sale of books in November raised £37.25. This was less than it has been so if you are sitting
reading this over Christmas, why not make it a New Year's resolution to support the Book Table?
40 pence a book is cheaper than most charity shops and the charity you are supporting is YOURS. For
any new members, the book stall makes a considerable difference to Mansfield U3A funds. All money
taken will help keep your annual subscription down. So for that New Year’s resolution in 2016, bring two
books and buy four books per month.
Books are usually kept for 3 meetings, after which they are passed on to another charity. The BHS
shop at Sutton usually benefit because their collection man lives quite near to us and he collects very
promptly when requested. If anyone else wants to take over collecting surplus stock and can guarantee a
collection from our house on the Wednesday after the Tuesday meeting, please see me.
Most of the staff will be on their annual leave in January. Extra help would be appreciated, no
experience necessary!
Terry Whitehead.
Indoor Bowls
The indoor bowls season has now started at
The Lammas. We had two new members
join us last Tuesday.
Dereck and Sheila Page went along to
the new U3A members meeting along
with several others. They were invited to
that afternoon's Bowls session by
members of Mansfield Bowling club who
were also there as new members to the
U3A. I do believe they enjoyed it and we
hope they will join us again.
We meet every Tuesday at Lammas in
Sutton in Ashfield from 2pm to 4.30pm
and the cost is just £3 per session We
have 6 qualified coaches who will be more than happy to coach you, either as a beginner or to further your
game. So please do come along and have fun !!!
Patricia Gunter
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Key to Meetings details:
THIS TABLE 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 U3Ameetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (exceptAugust
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 13

5. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Afternoon Teas Sa1, 3 - 5 M Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: TBA
Antiques and
Collectables *
Tu2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: Jan.12th – Medals, Badges & Certificates; Feb.9th - Animals
Art We3, 10 - 1.00 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Gordon Howlett
01623 627423
Next Meetings: Dec. 16th – Still Life from an unusual angle; Jan. 20th 2016 – Fruit & Veg
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next meetings: Jan. 4th 2016 – Victorians: how they saw themselves
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: Jan. 4th & 18th; Feb.1st & 22nd; March 7th; April 4th & 18th (Also ACOL sessions
at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs. 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls Tu 2.30 – 4 W
(Beginners)
Th 1.30 - 3.30 W
(Experienced)
Lammas Sports
Centre, Sutton
(indoors)
Don Wright/Pat
Gunter 01623
628946/626250
Next Meetings: See Bowls web page for full details. All welcome; flat soled shoes required.
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meetings: No meeting in December. Meetings as per calendar in 2016
Craft Workshop We4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ruth Colley's home Ruth Colley
01623 472010
Next meetings: TBA
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: Tuesday Jan 12th ; Meetings as per calendar in 2016
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Page 5 of 13

6. Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Garden Visits Various during the
Summer
Various Janet Whitlam/Karen
Troop
01623 635607
Next Visit: TBA
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: Winter break until first Tuesday in March
Golf Various Various Paul Mann
01623 615416
Next Meeting: TBA
History We4, 10.00 - 12.00 M M'field Bowling Club,
Chesterfield Road
David Drew
01623 555012
Next Meetings: TBA
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
2016 Holidays: Mon. 18th to Fri. 22nd January – Thoresby Hall (Terry Whitehead); Mon. 13th to
Mon. 20th June – Paignton; Mon. Sept. 26th to Mon. Oct. 3rd – Mallorca* (Margaret Burlinson)
International Dining We2, 6.30 for 7.00 M Various Jacqui Hampshire
01623 239210
Next Meetings: Wed. Jan.13th
– Ciao Bella (ex-Lamb's at the Market), Mansfield
Local History * Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: No meeting January. Feb. 5th
– Victorian Housing – Denis Hill
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various Eileen & Colin Bell
01623 429239
Next Meetings: Jan.21st – The Shepherds Rest at Bagthorpe
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church
Hall
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart
01623 620940
Next Meetings: TBA
Page 6 of 13

7. 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 Meeting: As per calendar
Pudding Club Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: No meeting in December
Read a Little Aloud Fri2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St Peter's Community
Centre, Bellamy Road,
Mansfield
Sheila Haslam
01623 627764
Next Meetings: Jan. 8th, 2016, then as per calendar
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, Albert St.
Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: TBA
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,
Clipstone Rd West,
Forest Town
Jean Kirk
01623 480207
Next Meetings: Sun. Dec.13th – Christmas Concert at St Alban's Church at 3pm with Bellissima.
Tickets: £6.00 from Jean Kirk or at the door.
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Jean Kirk
01623 480207
Next Meetings: Every week until our term finishes on Dec. 14th; TBA thereafter.
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley
01623 45390
Next Visits: Check the Website. Payments are due for most shows by January 10th.
Page 7 of 13

8. Walking Groups
Hikers
(all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V
2/M
Tesco car park, off
Oak Tree Lane,
Mansfield
Peter Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Mon. 21st Dec. – Hardwick Estate with meal after; Thurs. 7th Jan, 2016 – TBA
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
Th4, 12.00 - V M Various Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: Jan. 28th 2016 – Lunch at Sylvia's but you must let her know asap.
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357/ 651528
Next Meetings: No walk in December. Walks in 2016 TBA
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 - V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: TBA
Wine Appreciation 2 * We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: Jan. 20th – Malbec at John & Margaret's; Feb. 17th – Sicilian Reds at Bob & Sue's
Wine Appreciation 3 * Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: Jan 5th – Prosecco at Jill's; Feb.23rd - 10thAnniversary Dinner at Lynne & Barrie's
Wine Appreciation 4 * Th4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Jane Kochum
01623 407235
Next Meetings: As per calendar
Writing for Pleasure Mo2, 2 - 4 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Hilary Miller/Sue Ford
01623 620067/844286
Next Meetings: December 14th; 2016 – As per calendar
A group of U3A members were sitting at their Interest Group, talking about all their ailments.
"My arms have got so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee," said one.
"Yes, I know," said another. "My cataracts are so bad, I can't even see my coffee."
“I couldn't even mark an 'X' at election time because my hands are so crippled," volunteered a third.
"What? Speak up! I can't hear you,” said one elderly lady.
“I can't turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck," said one, and several nodded weakly in agreement.
"My blood pressure pills make me so dizzy!" exclaimed another.
"I forget where I am and where I'm going," said another.
“I guess that's the price we pay for getting old," winced an old man as he slowly shook his head.
The others nodded in agreement.
“Well, count your Blessings," said a woman cheerfully....Thank God we can all still drive!”
Page 8 of 13

9. Thoresby 2016.
For new members mostly, but not specifically.
I have organised a holiday for U3A members for the past 10 years at Thoresby Hall in January. Next January
(18/22 inclusive), there will be 224 members and friends in the party. With that many, you should be able to find
someone to talk to and the entertainment starts at 10am and goes on past midnight (if you want).
Bed, Breakfast and Evening meal for four nights is £174pp based on 2 sharing. Each room gets a £10
voucher to spend on site and there are other benefits included.
But with 224 people of our age, someone will fall ill, perhaps at the last minute. So I really need a
waiting list just in case. There is no obligation to take up the offer of a place if one becomes available and
NO CHARGE to go on the list.
Full details are on the website and I am using that facility to make update announcements if you want
to check on the state of play.
Terry Whitehead.
Meet the Committee
Every so often, we'd like to give you the chance to meet a Committee Member talking about the role he or
she has in Mansfield U3A. Of course, there is an ulterior motive – Committee Members retire after three
years and we need to replace them! Perhaps when you read about their 'job', you will feel you could do it
and so volunteer. U3As are about self-help and volunteers after all.
I have been the Groups Co-ordinator for what seems like forever, perhaps too long. When I joined our U3A, being on
the committee or taking on any function was the furthest thought from my mind. In truth, at that time, I didn't really
know what I expected. It was not long before I realised that groups are the life-blood of any U3Aand we are reliant on
people to do something in order to keep it working. I wasn't quite bullied into it, but certainly heavy persuasion was
employed.
I had no idea what I was required to do; itcomes with no job description, so I made it up as I wentalong. I still do!
MU3A has many long-established groups and the Group Leaders are very helpful and tolerant of my mistakes. Each
year, we have new members join, all of whom must have felt, as I did, somewhat overwhelmed by the initial monthly
meetings. Yet each year, many of those new members come up with fresh ideas and we develop new groups as a
result. Twice each year, we have a meeting for all Group Leaders. Our most recent was in September. We were
fortunate again to have many new group leaders attend. These meetings allow us to ask questions, seek clarification
and raise points for discussion.Ahealthy debate often ensues as a result. Differing views are aired and fed back to the
committee when appropriate. Just as important is the coffee break, when Group Leaders can chat, which is not
possible at the monthly meeting.
All in all, I enjoy my role as Co-ordinator, though sometimes my time is stretched and my patience tested. My
purpose in writing is two-fold. Firstly, to thank all the Group Leaders who put up with my shortcomings, and secondly,
to encourage new members to take an active part in our U3A. The rewards are incalculable.
Linda Leivers
The Mansfield U3A Website.
This is intended for Group Leaders and those who may become Group Leaders.
You will be aware by now that David Ling is moving to pastures new. He developed the Mansfield website and
has managed it for seven years and, in my opinion, our website is the best in the East Midlands U3As. In my efforts
to publicise my Thoresby holidays, I have made extensive use of other U3A websites and some of them are awful -
when you see the latest news of events has a date 6 months old, it does not inspire confidence.His departure leaves
a huge hole in our U3A and I have volunteered to take on the task of moderating the website – or parts of it, for that
does not mean I am writing anything (only my own Thoresby holiday plans).
Page 9 of 13

10. The Group Leaders are going to have to keep their own bit up to date. If you, as a Group Leader, have never
done anything like this before, David has produced some excellent guides in the Member’s Area as three PDFs for
you to download and read.
When you edit your own part of the site, anything you write will not be published until I (or Linda Leivers or Bob
Longdon) has had a look at it and agreed it fit for the general public to read. You will save your part of the site you are
responsible for and it goes into limbo until one of us has had a look and possibly changed it for conformity (or even
spelling). If we think we need to make significant changes, we’ll get back to you about what we think may be improved.
The computer program running the site very kindly sends an email to us saying someone has tried to change
the site. Then we have to see what you have done. It is sometimes not easy, particularly as we have not got any
note of the changes you are trying to make, most times only 10% of your site is altered. Finally, we click on a bit of
our site and the Mansfield U3Awebsite has been upgraded.
To make my life easier when you make a change to your events, send an email saying what you have changed
to my personal email address terence@whiteheaduk.plus.net. This is monitored daily unless I am on holiday.
I might refuse to OK your changes if you do not as my life is full enough without doing unnecessary work trying to
spot a change in both original and new documents.
If you cannot make the changes you want due to lack of computer know-how, try giving me a ring and we will
work out what you want while both of us are in front of our computers. When I left work, Tim Berners Lee had just
implemented the first successful communication between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and server via
the Internet. So as I never used email or Internet at work, you probably have an advantage over me.
What I am saying is - be kind to the old gentleman on the other end of the computer link.
Terry Whitehead
Raising the roof at the Royal Albert Hall
Members from local U3As enjoyed a wonderful
evening at the Classical Spectacular evening
at the Royal Albert Hall in London. We waved
our flags and sang lustily to ‘Rule Britannia’ and
‘Land of Hope and Glory’ along with the
audience of over 5,000.
We listened spellbound to a haunting rendition
of Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ and enjoyed a saucy
performance of Offenbach’s ‘Can Can’ (from
‘Orpheus in the Underworld’) by dancers in frilly
knickers. Add to this a wonderful tenor singing
‘Nessum Dorma’, the band of the Coldstream
Guards, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and
we enjoyed a most wonderful evening of music.
The finale was a brilliant performance of the '1812 Overture' complete with blasts from real canons and the
Moscow Militia firing their rifles. The music was enhanced with spectacular laser displays around the hall.
The following morning we had a backstage tour of the Hall and marvelled at how the whole thing was put
together.
A huge thank you to Mansfield U3A’s Vice Chairman Sheila Whalley for organising a great week-end
which culminated with a visit to Bletchley Park on the way home. FABULOUS.
Pauline Boucher
Page 10 of 13

11. Oddsocks & The Legend of King Arthur
This was yet another superb Sheila Whalley production – the annual visit to Thoresby Riding Stables to see an
historical play by Oddsocks – sorry, that should read 'hysterical', for there was little real history, but much laughter in
this year's take on the KingArthur Legend.
Five actors tear around the stage in a range of costumes
playing at least three characters each and, in between,
they sing, play musical instruments, change the scenery,
mock the audience and generally slaughter not only the
dragon, but also history and the English language.
The story started with the conception of Arthur –
delicately off-stage so as not to frighten the children (or
the U3A) and took us through his childhood as Wart (as
he was known for that was his birtrh mark in a strange
place) until he managed to overcome his step brother
and become a knight and then the King with the aid of
Merlin the magician and 'Sir Jack', a 10 year old boy
from the audience who upstaged the actors.
In the background all through was the wicked Morgan le Faye (actually, she was not really a background, more of a
thrust stage) who was determined to doArthur some
evil by making him marry his half sister and not the
gorgeous Sir Knight Lady Guinevere – this title an
early example of equality, while the horrid Morgana
was an even earlier example of transgender shock,
acted as she was by a man.
To the cheers, jeers and general barracking from the
children of the audience, and even more from the
old reprobates of the U3A, Arthur defeated his
enemies, created the Knights of the Triangular Table
(later rounded off, of course) and dealt with a fearsome dragon until he married Sir Knight Lady G. and gained his
Kingdom.
Was it worthwhile? Oddsocks always are. The chance to laugh, cheer, boo and generally misbehave in public is only
too rare, and when the actors are so enthusiastic and the comedy so broad, the afternoon slides by like a clown on a
banana skin – full of laughs. Our thanks to Sheila, once again.
MikeAllen
The Luncheon Group
Colin Bell would like to remind you that the January lunch is at The Shepherd's Rest in Lower Bagthorpe and that
you need to pre-book if you want to go on January 21st.
Also just announced is the February 18th lunch at The Carnarvon Arms in Teveresal. Again you need to
pre-book, so see Colin at the January meeting.
Menus can be pulled up from the website.
International Dining
The January dining experience will be at the new Italian 'Ciao Bella' – in the sameplace that was Lamb's At The
Market until recently. Only 3 places are left, so contact Jacqui Hampshire asap if you want to go.
Page 11 of 13

12. News from the Third Age Trust ….
Free Legal Advice
Did you know that the Third Age Trust provides FREE legal assistance?
Arc Legal Assistance, together with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, provides a 24/7 free legal telephone helpline
for all U3A members on all aspects of the law and there is no limit to the number of calls you can make.
TAT is paying for this service for all members, and will review it in a year’s time to see how much it is used.
So use it – or lose it! Spread the word to our members.
Phone 0344 770 1040 & quote ‘U3A Legal Helpline. If asked for an insurance number, say you haven’t got one.
U3A Online Chess League
Steve Lawer of East Suffolk U3A is running an online chess league – five members in a division will play
each other. For more details contact him on steven.lawer1@gmsil.com or phone 01394 276282.
Competitions in Photography ….
Any keen photographers interested in a competition on ‘Ageing: the Bigger Picture’?
From now till January 10th, the Photocrowd site has details, so go to:
www.photocrowd.com/challenges/374-ageing-bigger-picture.
… and Art
The V&A invites you to create or craft a work of art inspired by the collections of the V&A or its Museum of
Childhood. The collections are on http://collections.vam.ac.uk.
For more information, go to www.inspired.by
TV (and you?)
These shows are open to applicants now –
‘The Great British Bake Off’ via the website before Jan. 10th
and an ITV documentary on older drivers. If you (or anyone you know) is over 90, and still driving, ITV
would love to hear from you about how driving has changed over the years (not to test you...I believe!).
Telephone 0207 013 4524.
1000 Strong and still Rising
TAT wants to celebrate the formation of the 1000th U3A – probably around March 2016.
Any ideas to suggest? If you have, email national.office@u3a.org.uk
And Finally …
The TAT Summer Schools Brochure has just come out on the TAT website. It will be held at the RAC in
Cirencester next August. Go online to check out the courses and see if anything takes your fancy.
Offcuts from a retired mind …
Today I was in a store that sells sunglasses, and only sunglasses. A young lady walks over to me
and asks, "What brings you in today?"
I looked at her, and said, “I'm interested in buying a refrigerator.” She didn't quite know how
to respond. Am I getting to be that age?
When people see the cat's litter box they always say, 'Oh, have you got a cat?' Just once I want to say, 'No, it's for
company!'
The older you get the tougher it is to lose weight because by then your body and your fat have become really good
friends.
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13. Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)
Mon. Jan. 18th to Fri. 22nd, 2016: WARNER'S THORESBY HALL. Waiting List open
Sat. Feb. 27th, 2016: Quiz Night at Queen Elizabeth's Academy. Details from Pauline Boucher. (01623
644798; pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk) or Yvonne Kennison after Jan.1st
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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.
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Changes of address, etc.
PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Marilyn Dibble (01623 634805), if you've changed your address, phone
number or email since joining Mansfield U3Aso that she can update our records.
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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.
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Next Issue PLEASE SEND contributions for the January issue to Mike Allen at
mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk or hand them to him as soon as you can and by the 1st of the
month at the latest.
Editor: Michael Allen 01623 653345
mikeallen@lichfieldave.freeserve.co.uk
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