NEWSLETTER. Official : SPRING IS HERE! The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: Visit our U3A. Deeping St. James

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1 The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: NEWSLETTER Deeping St. James Visit our U3A Deepings Web site MARCH 2017 Issue No. 164 Official : SPRING IS HERE! Thank you to John Marsh for all these lovely photographs. Please note John that I have taken the time to manually put together a collage I know you hate me using the auto collage programme I have!! A. Committee Members 2015/2016 Garth Perry Ann Parkes Anne Burton Liz Noble Susanne Hoadley Phil Jones Lyall Seale Ann Holmes Lynn White David Scott Chairman Secretary Treasurer Membership Secretary Groups Coordinator Deputy Gps Co-ordinator Speaker Finder Newsletter Editor Newsletter Distribution and Gift Aid Admin. Contact through Website Webmaster Programme of Speakers 20 March SAVING LIVES IN LINCOLNSHIRE by Nigel Perry who talks about the work of the Lincolnshire Charity LIVES. 24 April WHAT S IN A NAME? by Phillipa Massey (About Stamford Streets). PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF WEEK DUE TO EASTER. 15 May DON T FORGET TO REMEMBER by Scot Creasy who presents an entertaining introduction to the memory technique he uses, providing some simple and practical applications that we can use in everyday life. Unless otherwise stated all monthly meetings are at THE METHODIST CHURCH, Deeping St. J ames. Door s open at 9.30 am. To enable us to set out chairs, etc., please do not arrive before this time. Coffee ser ved until and meetings begin at am. WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS: Anne Jeffs, Baston, Bryan Moore, Bourne, Terri Denton, Sheila Prince, June and Richard Coulson Deeping St James. CHAIRMAN S REFLECTIONS I am always puzzled by the experts referring to people of our generation as time rich, meaning that we have more spare time than the younger generations! If that is so, then I must be using my time very inefficiently, because this year seems to be flying by, and at an accelerating rate, and the list of things that need doing is being pushed ahead of me and growing! However, my attitude is that today only occurs once, and the housework will still be there tomorrow! Your Committee has also been aware of the speed at which this year is passing, and have been working hard, particularly our Speaker Finder, Lyall, and our Secretary, Ann, to finalise this year s monthly meeting plans. Unfortunately we have hit an insurmountable problem with a venue for our August meeting. There are only three premises in the Deepings that can adequately accommodate our monthly meeting, and the associated parking the IKEA building and Main Hall at the school, and the Methodist Church. We have been unable to make a firm booking at any of these venues, due to uncertainty about various refurbishment projects, and it is getting too late to get entertainment / speaker booked. Consequently, we have decided to cancel the August meeting. This is the first time that we have had this situation, and hopefully the last. However, there is one ray of light in this situation; we have an unexpected opportunity in August to catch up on our to do lists! Best wishes Garth Chairman The Natural History Group present Hedgehogs - a talk by Angela Smith of Caddington Hedgehogs; a hospital, rehabilitation and retirement home for injured and sick hedgehogs which is run on a voluntary basis. Angela will talk about her work at Caddington Hedgehogs and is bringing a display with a hedgehog. This talk is open to all. 10am for 10.30, Thursday, 23rd March at the Priory Hall, Deeping St James. Tickets 5 (to include light refreshments) at the door. Proceeds to Caddington Hedgehogs. The Learning Photography Group wish to dr aw your attention to The Deepings Camera Club Annual Exhibition which will take place this year on Saturday 8th, and Sunday 9th April. The event will be at the Deepings community centre from am to 5.00 pm on Saturday and am to 4.30 pm on Sunday. Free admission. This exhibition is always well worth seeing and members from the Deepings U3A Photography group, who are also members of the Deepings Camera Club, will be entering this exhibition. The general public can choose the best three photographs that they like the best. APRIL NEWSLETTER : Due to Easter the Apr il meeting will be held one week later than usual the 24th April.. HOWEVER all reports for inclusion in the April Newsletter will need to be with me as usual by the SECOND MONDAY in April, ie 10th April. Any r epor ts or photographs received after that date will be carried over to the May issue. ANN 1

2 U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP Unfortunately the following two items were omitted from the February Newsletter. My sincere apologies to both Groups. ANN U3A OVER THE GARDEN WALL GARDENING GROUP Our January meeting was our New Year get together and held at the Deeping Stage. It was well attended by members of the group and guests who enjoyed a good value meal in pleasant conditions. Our thanks to Sandra Husbeth and Sue Mollins for arranging it for us. Our February meeting was the planned visit to 'Easton Walled Gardens' to see the snowdrops. A well wrapped up group meandered round the lovely garden with lawns and beds blanketed with snowdrops. It seems we got the date right this time. The coffee shop and warm soup at the end of the visit were very welcome on this occasion. Our next meeting: March 28th 'Baytree Garden Centre' PE12 6JU. 10am in the meeting room. It is a talk by a 'Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Award' winner who will cover summer flowering bulbs. Cost approximately 2.00 on the day. This has been organised by Jane Cooke.. This talk is open to other Garden groups and anyone else who is interested. No need to book. Just turn up on the morning. Group leaders: MARGARET GRIFFITHS / GLENYS NICE U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS & PRODUCE GROUP On 17th of January a select band of members met for an enjoyable post Christmas lunch at the Golden Pheasant, Etton. Report: JOHN MARSH Photograph: DAVE PENDRY s: PAM PENDRY / JOHN MARSH Only Peter and I ventured out, on Doris Day, to Deeping Lakes Nature Reserve. Although a little blustery we had a good morning bird watching. Managed to get very good views of the Long Tailed Duck. Sadly, probably due to the high winds, there were no sightings of a giraffe. The next event will be an Open Meeting at the Priory Church Hall on Thursday, 23rd March at for am. A talk by Angela Smith about Hedgehogs. Tickets 5 including refreshments. Report NORAH LITTLER s: AUDREY DUNKLEY / PETER EDWARDS U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND MUSIC Our February meeting was at the home of Peter Gray and the theme was 'GROUP CHOICES'. Peter had asked members to choose two or more pieces of music which had particular memories for them and it made a very interesting and varied programme. Beginning with Maurice's choices: 'A Foggy Day in London Town' and 'Bring Me Sunshine' both by Leanne Carrol and 'Artistry Jumps', Stan Kenton and his Orchestra plus 'Harlem Nocturn' by Ted Heath and his Band. Unfortunately Maurice was not with us so his memories remain a mystery for the present. Peter's choices were: 'Kinda Soul' from Harry Stoneham, Dave Brubeck's 'Take 5' and 'Skating in Central Park' from The Modern Jazz Quartet, something that Peter and his wife Barbara did! Joan chose 'Mack The Knife' by Louis Armstrong, 'In The Mood' from Glen Miller and 'Summertime' with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Geoff chose 'Blue Skies' and 'Loch Lomond' both from Benny Goodman because he likes Benny Goodman! Jessie's choices were 'Blueberry Hill' by Fats Domino, 'In The Mood', Joe Loss. and 'Little Brown Jug' from Glen Miller, (recorded and arranged especially for his wife) because she's just an old romantic. Jessie, that is! Barbara chose 'Love Is The Same Anywhere' from Matt Monroe, 'A Ship Without a Sail' by Ella and Nat 'King' Cole's 'It's Only A Paper Moon'. Last on the list was from Pete, our host and they were 'In A Persian Market' Ted Heath and his band, 'Your Driving Me Crazy' The Temperance 7, ending with Nina Simone and 'My Baby Just Cares For Me.' Bringing back memories for everyone that they shared with the group. It was a great idea and enjoyed by all so thank you Pete and thank you Eileen for providing the refreshments. Our March 22nd. meeting is at the home of Barbara & Peter Baylis. Report: ANNE JONES s: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES U3A BOOKWORMS READING GROUP U3A FILM GROUP The Silent Tide by Rachel Hore The next film show will be on Wednesday 22 March, 2 o'clock at the Community Centre. The DVD is "Charade" starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, an early, Hitchcock-style black comedy that will keep you guessing to the end. See you there! Isabel is swept away in the North Sea storm and floods of s: MAUREEN WHITTLE / RITA BROWN U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP To avoid Mothers Day the lunch this month has been moved to Sunday, 2nd April, at Toft Country House Hotel, for 1.00pm. Will those members wishing to join this event please contact Tony Semple or Michael Griffiths or add your name to the list at the meeting on Monday, 20th March. In part of the book the author tells Isabel's story from 1948 when she leaves home and finds work in a publisher's office in London where she meets a young novelist Hugh Morton. The rest of the book is set in present day London where Emily is the editor for a publishing firm which is preparing the biography of the famous novelist Hugh Morton. Mysterious packages arrive on Emily s desk, the content disclosing dark family secrets about Hugh and Isabel. Some unexpected twists make this book an interesting read about hidden lives and secret past We welcomed two new members to our group today, it was an interesting meeting and we had lots to discuss. Our next meeting is at Diana s home, on 27th March at 2pm. This month's book is Of Mice and Men. ANN THORNTHWAITE 2

3 U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP U3A SINGING GROUP Having had an extra garden visit to Folkingham for a few of us whilst suffering the onslaught of Storm Doris it was a relief to have a dry, sunny, if cool and breezy, visit to see snowdrops at Little Ponton Hall this month. In early February, the Group lost a very enthusiastic and committed, Peter Witherington. We remember him with great affection, for his efforts for the Group, and his enduring good humour. We have expressed our condolences to his wife Lin, and hope that she will soon feel able to rejoin us. We were able to follow two trails and enjoy lovely vistas of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores and dwarf irises. We visited the church and had refreshments to warm us up. There were also plants to buy. With renovations to the Little Ponton Hall currently underway, the gardens won't be open again until late June but they are well worth a visit. Next month on Thursday 6th April we will be visiting Dobbies at Hampton for a talk, kindly organised by Liz Noble. LINDA HILL NB: A selection of other photographs taken at Ponton Hall that day can be seen on our website. A U3A PACERS WALKING GROUP We thank David Perkins, who has taken on the Joint position, and has already been active in drafting this year s musical programme. On the 23rd March we are joining with the Accordion Group, to sing at Braeburn Lodge. A day-long Workshop is being organised for 22nd June, in Stamford, when 140 members of six Lincolnshire U3A Singing Groups will sing separately and together, as they say nowadays - It should be awesome! Last but not least, we are pleased to welcome four new members to the Group :- Iris Phillips, Joy Elliman, Tom Pentland, and Chris Hartley. Report: PETER LOFTS s: PETER LOFTS/ DAVID PERKINS U3A ANTIQUERS AND COLLECTABLES For our February meeting we had a DVD from the U3A Resources Centre on 'Buying and Selling Antiques at Auction made easy' by John Cameron of the BBC Cash in the Attic programme, This gave us information regarding what to do and how to proceed if and when we wanted to put items into Auction. First of all find a reputable Auction House, make an appointment there; ask questions such as do they have valuation days; do you need entry forms for entering your items; check the conditions of sale etc; putting a reserve price on your items, and the cataloguing of the items. This gave us an insight on how the Auction business operates. Thanks to John for his help in showing the DVD. The next meeting of the Group is March 27th when we have Bill Sandle with a showing of William Morris items. IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY s U3A BOOK WEEVILS READING GROUP On 1st March at the Pacers met at the Crab and Winkle for the walk. Unfortunately only the cleaning staff were in and would not let us enter, even to visit you know where. However before major panic set in, and the walk leaders, Fran Louis and Geoff Whittle, had to answer questions regarding availability of bushes on the walk, the person in the know arrived and we ordered lunch and visited you know where. Crisis averted! At the beginning of March Book Weevils met at Lily s for tea and cake. We discussed The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult. We all enjoyed this book which was very well written, at times a harrowing read with vivid descriptions of life in Auschwitz during the War. It was a sunny but chilly morning as the group of 12 did a small circuit in Werrington before heading down Hurn Road, over the railway, to Marholm. From there along the main road, past the Orths and Spine hospital to the ice rink, then alongside the large area of empty industrial units (which we discovered used to be Thomas Cook thanks Lynne), over the railway and back to the pub. A pleasant 4.8 miles. The next walk will be on 5th April details by as usual. Sage Singer, a baker, strikes an unlikely friendship with Josef Weber, a quiet old man and respected pillar of the community, Josef tells Sage the evil secret he has kept for 60 years. Sage, of Jewish descent, turns to her own family history and uncovers the truth of the horrors of war, told in the words of her grandmother. This is a story of betrayal and forgiveness, love and revenge. We have discovered a new author and wish to read more of Jodi Picoult. Report by CATHRYN SEALE Report: GEOFFWHITTLE s: STEVE & LYNN WHITE : CATHRYN SEALE. U3A CLASSIC AND KIT CAR GROUP Members of this newly formed group met in January in Werrington and again in February in Elton. Many ideas were exchanged and discussed. We are aiming to get together, on a regular basis, (currently monthly on the last Wednesday) and to fly the flag for U3A, at various Venues and Events, to socialise and have an informal chat about everything and anything to do with classic vehicles. Meetings are being planned for Wednesdays 29th March and 26th April and 31st May Spouse/partners (U3A members) also very welcome If you are interested in joining the group or need further information please contact John Burton U3A UKULELE GROUP The newly formed Ukulele Group had their first meeting on Thursday 23rd February. We learned about the constituent parts of a Ukulele and how to tune it. We then learnt to play four chords and how to move from one to another getting faster as the session progressed. Some of the group have experience with other musical instruments but none of us at the first meeting have played a ukulele before. We finished the afternoon feeling that we had accomplished something positive and we are looking forward to the next meeting in March when we will be learning strumming patterns. If you are interested in joining us and/or would like more information, please contact: s: LIZ LONSDALE / MALCOLM HOADLEY. 3

4 U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP This Month was Grains and Pulses, and we had an interesting,sustaining selection of dishes, starting with Lentil and Tomato soup, and Houmous with homemade bread. U3A STROLLERS WALKING GROUP Main dishes were Bulgur Wheat with Roast Duck, Lamb Meatballs with Falafels, Spinach and Lentil Roulade, and Cassoulet. We had to finish with a delicious Rice Pudding - something that most of us had not made for a long time. Next month, we are experimenting with Thai Food. Guests and visitors welcome : KATHLEEN TANNER U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP Our thanks go to Pam Pendry for hosting and organising a gardening quiz in February. In the absence of Kathleen Tanner former group leader Eddie Adams came out tops. Congratulation Eddie, but we were really all winners in enjoying a very convivial morning with the added attraction of being able to enjoy and admire Pam and Dave s immaculate garden. The March meeting will be a week later than normal on 28 th March and will be a talk, entitled Daffodils and Other Bulbs by a Chelsea gold medal award winning bulb specialist at Bay Tree Garden Centre. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. and has been organised by Maggie Griffiths of Over the Garden Wall group fame. All are welcome but please let Maggie know if you are intending to be there ( ). Report: JOHN MARSH s: PAM PENDRY / JOHN MARSH U3A POETS AND POETRY GROUP At our March meeting we had a good selection of Poets with the letter F. Eleanor Farjohn was born in England in 1881, she came from a literary family and it was she who wrote the words to the well known hymn "Morning has Broken". Another member read a poem by Eleanor "In Memoria" for Edward Thomas, another poet killed at the Front in Two members chose Eugene Field Snr. he was an American writer best known for his children s poetry and humorous essays, Wyken, Blynken and Nod, and the Ballad of the Jelly Cake. We also had poems by Robert Frost, "Mackintosh" by Elaine Feinstein, and poems by Lawrence Ferling and B H Fairchild. Well done to our group members for finding such a large selection, and thanks to Juliet for hosting the meeting. Next month we meet at Cathryn's on 3rd April at 2pm. The letter will be G. IRENE BEEKEN U3A SCIENCE GROUP The Group did not meet in February. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 21st March, at The Institute in Church Street Deeping St. James, at 2pm. Mr Chris Jones will talk about the restoration of the Palm House at Kew Gardens, which sounds like a pretty formidable project, the results of which many of us have seen. Joint Leaders: GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT U3A CRAFT GROUP 2 We were a little thin in numbers this month but we did plan a few projects for future meetings, even a Christmas project! We tackled a lovely couple of cards supplied by Heather Bumfrey (many thanks to her for producing the supplies). This month s meeting project is using beads and macramé to make some jewellery. Meeting will be at 2pm on 20 March LIZ NOBLE We all awoke to a forecast of a damp morning but it was dry and cloudy but cool when we all set off to the Boathouse Pub for our walk. As soon as we were walking we all felt very warm and the weather remained dry throughout. It must have been those umbrellas that some carried that kept the rain away. The walk took us through the park land to the north of the river Nene towards Peterborough. Near Asda we crossed the river and were surprised by the number of swans on the river. Our return was via the cycle path along the other bank past Railway World up to Orton Mere station. From there we crossed the river at the sluice and returned to the Boathouse keeping as close to the river as the footpaths would allowed. The final stretch saw us back in the parkland crossing two bridges before arriving at the pub. It was a very enjoyable 4.59 mile stroll along routes that one does not normally visit. Much of the walk was on tarmacked surfaces and the grassed sections were not too muddy despite the recent rain. However the stroll was punctuated by the sound of chain saws as the clear up from the recent storm proceeded. Our next walk will be on Monday 27 March and will take us north of Bourne, for another visit to Morton, for a stroll to Hanthorpe and back. Members of the group wishing to take part are asked to contact Bob Deller, details below. The meeting point is 10:15 at the Green, near the Church which is at the bottom of the main street in Morton. Report and photo: SEARLE CLARKE : BOB DELLER U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP This month we visited Glenside Nursery, to look for plants to brighten up our spring gardens. An array of beautiful primroses greeted us, plus lots of plug plants to cosset until the frosts have gone. We then ventured on to Birchgrove Garden centre for coffee. Next month we are off to Rasell's in Little Bytham. New members welcome. Report: ANGELA DORWARD s: JEAN FOSTER / ANGLEA DORWARD U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP There were only eight of us at the March meeting today, and several of us hadn t written anything, so we had plenty of time to discuss new topics and draw up a list for the next few months. Last month someone suggested that each person should cut out one or more newspaper headlines and bring them along as subjects for a future story. This morning we did a lucky dip with these headlines and we each picked two out of a bowl. We now have to choose which one and write a story based around it. Another idea for a future challenge was to write a letter to someone, then, after reading it out, pass it onto someone else to answer! That should be fun. JUDY ROBINSON 4

5 U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP U3A LISTENING TO MUSIC GROUP Our March Meeting was at the home of Liz and Terry Noble and Terry's programme was entitled Child Prodigies. My Oxford Dictionary says - 'Child Prodigies,' A child endowed with exceptional qualities, esp. a precocious child.' No further comment. We began with Mozart and his Symphony No.5. Allegro, Andante and Molte Allegro. He was nine years old! Slightly older was Benjamin Britten who recast some old piano tunes and song melodies into a four-movement work for string orchestra when he was 20. He was 10 years of age when he wrote them. We all met at The Crown Inn - Duck St, Elton on a bright, sunny and relatively warmer day (well for me anyhow as I am always hot). 24 of us set off and had barely gone 20 yards, when one of our "Stragglers" turned up for the walk. He had only gone to the wrong pub, alas after much ridicule the walk set off again. There were now 25 walkers, we had been warned that there would be mud. The first track road we went down was mud and puddles and things only got muddier during the progression of the walk. Mud seems to be the common theme for our walks so far this year. It was an excellent 6.5 mile walk with various styles, bridges, muddy fields etc to cross. The route was given as 4 miles!!!!! in a book. Thanks to Bruce Zenthon for the walk and organising the Crown Inn to open for us. The food was very good and also a good selection of real ales for the beer drinkers. Our next walk will be led by Linda and David Perkins on 3rd April. The walk will be round the Hambleton Peninsular starting in the village centre. You will need to park on the road NOT IN THE PUB as we are going to The Captain Noel Newton in Oakham for lunch. Suggest you stay on the "main road" and find somewhere to park on the left side past the "No Through Road" signpost taking care not to block residents driveways or park on the yellow lines sections. The walk starts about 50m on from the signpost. The walk is surfaced for the most part and gently undulating, however there is a slope down to the lake to start that can be muddy and a climb at the end back to the church but there is an earlier bale out option up a road if necessary. There are three stiles towards the end but these can also be avoided using the bale out option. We will be eating at the Wetherspoons in Oakham, The Captain Noel Newton [LE15 6AJ]. The nearest car parks are Church Street [LE15 6XT] (turn right before the pub, Lloyds bank on corner) or Westgate [LE15 6BH] (turn 2nd left after passing the pub, one way street, Mermaid fish and chip shop). Car park is down road next right) 1.50 or 1.30 for 2 hours. Alternatively you might find an on road parking place limited to one hour. Yes / No to David or Linda Perkins by please. STEVE HANSON The String Symphony No.7 in D was composed by Mendelssohn at the age of 12. The Allegro, Andante (amorevole), Menuetto and Allegro molto was played by the Northern Chamber Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Ward. Alma Deutscher, (pic.) currently aged 11, ( yes the girls are in there too) was still 11 years when she played the cadenza from the third movement of her violin concerto, written at the age of 9 plus a set of her own piano variations and she has written a full length opera, (Cinderella) receiving a standing ovation when it was premiered at the Casino Baumgarten in Vienna on 27thDecember, Prokofiev wrote his first piano piece at the age of 5 and then composed his Symphony No.1 Op.25 (Classical Symphony) Allegro, Larghetto, Gavotte: no troppo allegro and Molto Vivace, today played by the Ulster Orchestra, with David Porcelijn. The morning ended with more Mendelssohn, his Violin Concerto in D minor Op. posth. (1882) the Allegro, Andante and Allegro. Composed when he was 13, but which score was lost. Discovered by Yehudi Menuhin, (himself a CP) in1951 it premiered on 4th February 1952 in Carnegie Hall, NY. Jean Jaques Kantorow directed the Orchestra d'auvergne and played the violin. Thanks to Liz for the lovely refreshments and Terry for a programme with a difference. Next meeting is at the home of Frank Mills (unless otherwise notified) on April12th. Report: ANNE JONES s: TERRY NOBLE / JIM PRINGLE U3A CHURCH MICE GROUP Twenty five members of the Church Mice group enjoyed unseasonably sunny weather for their March visit to St Andrew s Church in Irnham. St Andrews is a large church for such a small village, perched on the highest piece of land beside Irnham Hall. The church was even larger, but in the 17th century the south aisle was removed, leaving the church unbalanced and the main arch between the nave and the chancel clearly leaning. The church was built in the 12th century and is renowned for the Luttrell Psalter written for the church in the 14th century. The Psalter is now a very valuable artefact in the British Library, but a copy (pic.) of it was on display in the church. A rare example of an intricately carved Easter Sepulchre is also in the church. Various alterations took place early in this century, including a fine porch doorway on the north side, designed by Ptolemy Dean, an eminent architect currently making extensions to Westminster Abbey. After an entertaining talk by churchwarden Charles Leggatt the group enjoyed yet another fine tea. Report: HENRY ROBERTS Group photograph: DAVID SCOTT Bottom two photographs provided by STEVE. s: LYALL SEALE / JIM PRINGLE 5

6 U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP A large attendance today even though the weather was lovely and we could all have l been outside doing other things! For the group s March walk, Garth Perry took 22 members on a very pleasant walk in very good weather, through rolling countryside in a relatively unknown area to us, known as The Stilton Circuit. The walk commenced from The Talbot Inn at Stilton and took in the villages of Denton, Caldecote, the site of a medieval village at Washingley, the Morborne Masts, and Folksworth, before returning for a well earned lunch at the Talbot. Many thanks to Garth for leading the walk and organising the lunch. The next walk on 13 April will be led by Bruce Zenthon and will be part of the Spalding Leisure Wheel commencing from The Kitchen, Springfields, Camelgate, Spalding PE12 6EU. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Bruce by the Tuesday evening preceding the walk, if possible. Photo: DAVE PENDRY GODFREY PARKES/ DAVID SCOTT s U3A MONDAY READERS GROUP This month we had requested a book by an author who will be at the Deepings Literary Festival, Alison Weir. The obliging library service was able to send us The Lady Elizabeth, one of the author s historical novels. Alison Weir has written an impressive list of historical non-fiction books, many about the Tudors, but this is one of her two novels set in the period, the other being Innocent Traitor about Lady Jane Grey. Because the writer s background is as a historian, The Lady Elizabeth caused some surprise in the group when it became obvious that some of the most important incidents in the book are entirely fictional, with the author s notes making it clear that she had invented them. One incident, the idea that Elizabeth, far from being a virgin queen, had in fact had a torrid affair with Thomas Seymour and had borne a baby by him was the greatest piece of artistic license in the book, with apparently no basis in any evidence. The tension between fact and fiction, history and invention, triggered a fascinating discussion among the group, some of whom were bothered by using historical characters in this way, whilst others felt that it was fine to invent incidents in something described as a novel, even if based on real characters. Should a respected historian stray so far from a basis in research, in order to create a good read? Perhaps a question for those lucky enough to have tickets for her Literary Festival visit might like to ask her! Our next meeting will be on April 10th at the library, when we will be discussing The Dandelion Y ears by Erica James, another Literary Festival author. LIZ WATERLAND We had an in depth look at the workhouse and how it can help with family history research. We looked at births, deaths and the bit in between. What document would we expect to find and where would these be. Many would likely be found in archives local to the district in which the union workhouse was located, and this would be the first place to look. An illegitimate birth in the family? Try looking for an entry in the workhouse register; check the Petty Session records to see if a bastardy bond exists could the father be named on it? On the 18 April Peterborough group have extended a welcome to us to join in the meeting that they are having when guest speaker Liz Carter is giving a talk on maps and surveys. Liz is a very knowledgeable lady and I know will give a lovely presentation. If there is anyone who would like to join our group and go along please drop me a mail and I will add your name to the list. We hope to car pool in order to cut down the cost. Entry will be 2.00.Time will be till We do still have space for anyone who might be thinking of taking up the hobby and we would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. Please contact me. I will always try to help and if I do not know the answer I will point you in a direction that may help. PEG TORRANCE U3A HISTORY GROUP The talk at the February meeting was given by Alexander Arlow. The title was Tobacciana. When I saw this word in the programme last year, I thought it must have been some kind of story or legend! How wrong. Tobacciana relates to the subject of pipe smoking and its accompaniments. The hall was transformed in to an antiques display as Alexander s collection of pipes was set out for the story of smoking to be told to the audience. It was a fascinating tale, from the discovery of tobacco to the invention of matches, lighters, snuff boxes, cigars and of course smoking jackets and caps. Alexander looked quite at home in his fringed cap! Some of the pipes were tiny, some very large, some delicately carved and others quite plain and made for everyday use. Meerschaum pipes came from Turkey. The substance was made from hydrated magnesium silicate. This is found mainly in Eskisehir in central Turkey. It can be finely carved and changes from white to golden brown when used frequently. Clay pipes were common and could be easily made. Sailors had pipes that could be kept alight when at sea in a storm. Then there was Sherlock Holmes! Now that is another story! Thank you Alexander it was a really interesting talk. Report: SANDRA JONES s: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON Thank you to Steve Hanson for sending the two Spring garden pics allowing me to finish as I began this month with a Spring theme. Thanks also to those who sent reports before the deadline, it does help. ANN 6