R O Y S T O N. The twelve days of Christmas Tudor style. Tales of life in Dickensian times N E W Y E A R I S S U E

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NO.22 JANUARY 2019 N E W Y E A R I S S U E R O Y S T O N A big thank you to all our members for making 2018 a most enjoyable year.

listening to the interesting variety of topics covered by our guest speakers, or by joining and participating in the many interest groups.

Keep well and active and continue to enjoy being part of Royston U3A. I hope to see you at the next monthly meeting on January 29 in the Town Hall when Chloë Cockerill will give a talk on Heraldry.

group Christmas at Kew outing Festive get-togethers Dates for your diary Guide to Interest Groups Interest Groups Contacts Royston U3A Committee 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 The twelve days of

So are it s getting no wonder that Christmas longer was celebrated as a chance again so for much merry making.

Halls were decked with holly and ivy, a pagan tradition to ward off evil spirits.

The whole scene was dominated by the kissing ring created from ivy, spices, fruit and mistletoe, hanging from a central beam.

The word wassail means good health and it was the most perfect warming winter pick-me-up, said Martin.

1 NO.22 JANUARY 2019 N E W Y E A R I S S U E R O Y S T O N A big thank you to all our members for making 2018 a most enjoyable year. I have been very gratified to receive s over the past year from happy members expressing the huge difference Royston U3A has made to their lives, whether by attending the monthly meetings and listening to the interesting variety of topics covered by our guest speakers, or by joining and participating in the many interest groups. This means a great deal to myself and the committee and it makes all the time and effort we put in behind the scenes so very worthwhile. I wish you all a happy and healthy Keep well and active and continue to enjoy being part of Royston U3A. I hope to see you at the next monthly meeting on January 29 in the Town Hall when Chloë Cockerill will give a talk on Heraldry. Jackie Gellert, Chairman Inside this issue: Chairman s message Monthly meeting - November History group Patchwork group Five Mile Walks group Short Stories group Christmas Market outing Mixed Crafts group Christmas at Kew outing Festive get-togethers Dates for your diary Guide to Interest Groups Interest Groups Contacts Royston U3A Committee The twelve days of Christmas Tudor style Spring is In Tudor times life here was and a struggle especially the in days the deep midwinter. So are it s getting no wonder that Christmas longer was celebrated as a chance again so for much merry making. to keep Appearing in Tudor dress, Martin Sirot-Smith gave a vivid account of the ancient rituals involved in Yuletide when everyone stopped work for 12 solid days of feasting, drinking and merriment. Halls were decked with holly and ivy, a pagan tradition to ward off evil spirits. The Yule log was dragged by oxen into the great hall and decorated with ribbons before being put onto the fire and kept burning throughout the 12 days of Christmas. The whole scene was dominated by the kissing ring created from ivy, spices, fruit and mistletoe, hanging from a central beam. Central to all the merriment was drinking from the wassail bowl a thick rich cider with herbs and spices mulled with a red hot poker. The word wassail means good health and it was the most perfect warming winter pick-me-up, said Martin. Tempting treats included shred pies - the original mince pies - which were then made of shredded mutton mixed with fruit to stop the meat going rancid. Tales of life in Dickensian times History group members hopped on a stagecoach with Mr Pickwick for a trip back in time to Dickensian Cambridgeshire. Led by researcher Mike Petty who has been collecting local history for 70 years, we were treated to a host of fascinating facts during our imaginary journey to the life and times of Cambridgeshire in Mike Petty Along the way we discovered how Grantchester was the centre of the dahlia industry, exporting bulbs to America and Europe. We heard how Cambridge was undergoing major expansion in the 1830s, with rows of terraced houses being built on the outskirts to make way for new colleges like Downing. Stagecoach circa 1830 The celebrations culminated on Twelfth Night with games and Mummers plays, rounding off a fascinating description of life in Tudor times. Pam Dajda Martin Sirot-Smith as his alter ego Laurence Washington, Lord of the Manors of Sulgrave and Stuchbury We learned how Capability Brown was thwarted in his scheme to landscape the College Backs. And Parker s Piece was the setting for a sit-down feast for 15,000 people to celebrate Queen Victoria s coronation. Mike s intriguing insight into Victorian life is the result of years of research and he is a leading authority on the history of the Cambridge area. He has amassed his own library of books and information - a unique resource that he shares online. This is about real people and real events that really happened. It s amazing what s there in the archives, he said. Pam Dajda

Getting all stitched up! If you re interested in the world of sewing come along to the Patchwork group.

We re a small friendly group and people bring their own lunch and make coffee here, she said It s more of a self-help group than one for complete beginners, but everyone helps each other, swapping

While most members are sewing for friends and family, Maureen is often stitching for good causes.

everyone helps each other, swapping handy hints A teddy quilt and a patchwork quilt for premature babies The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 10am to 4pm and members are welcome

At work sewing quilts and cushions So if you would like to get stitching contact Maureen on 01763 241967 or maureen.strugnell@ntlworld.

2 Getting all stitched up! If you re interested in the world of sewing come along to the Patchwork group. Maureen Strugnell hosts meetings for keen sewers at her home in Royston and new members are welcomed along, space permitting. We re a small friendly group and people bring their own lunch and make coffee here, she said It s more of a self-help group than one for complete beginners, but everyone helps each other, swapping handy hints. People bring their sewing machines and fabrics to make quilts and cushions. It s not necessarily all patchwork as some will sew dresses they are making for grandchildren. While most members are sewing for friends and family, Maureen is often stitching for good causes. Over the years I ve made over 100 quilts for the premature baby unit at Lister Hospital, or for the Linus charity for disadvantaged children. everyone helps each other, swapping handy hints A teddy quilt and a patchwork quilt for premature babies The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 10am to 4pm and members are welcome to use Maureen s cutting and ironing equipment. Most importantly tea and coffee are available throughout the day. At work sewing quilts and cushions So if you would like to get stitching contact Maureen on or maureen.strugnell@ntlworld.com there is even a lost village now buried beneath the trees Walking the extra mile! On a lovely autumn morning Five Mile Walks group members excelled themselves with a six mile walk from Orwell to the Wimpole Estate. Their route followed along the side of Cobb s Wood and through Cobb s Wood Farm before returning for a well-deserved lunch at the Chequers at Orwell. Eric Heaton Wimpole Estate Cobb s Wood Farm walk PAGE 2 Cobb's Wood is an ancient forest. Incredibly, there is even a lost village now buried beneath the trees in there. The woodland belts, meanwhile, were laid out by Capability Brown as a frame for the gardens, and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including eight different species of bat.

Book a place with the Short Stories group Turn over a new leaf in the New Year and join the Short Stories Reading group.

You don t have to do any reading between sessions although the story chosen is a good introduction to the work of the author involved.

Late Colonel. Then we looked at an equally famous short story by Roald Dahl, Parson's Pleasure.

Meetings are at 11am on the last Wednesday of the month at Royston Conservative Club.

com Hugh Pollock the group has enjoyed some interesting and wideranging discussions Sizzling bratwursts, German beers and hot Glühwein On a very wet day, 28 members

With sizzling bratwursts, large tankards of German beer, fruity German hot Glühwein (purely medicinal) and beautiful handcrafted ornaments to admire and buy, the

3 Book a place with the Short Stories group Turn over a new leaf in the New Year and join the Short Stories Reading group. This relaxed and friendly group gets together to read aloud a short story by a famous writer and then have an informal discussion. You don t have to do any reading between sessions although the story chosen is a good introduction to the work of the author involved. So far the group has featured Jeeves in the Springtime, a hilarious story by the incomparable P G Wodehouse, and two wonderfully evocative short stories by Dylan Thomas - Holiday Memory and A Story. In keeping with an equality policy of alternating between male and female writers, the next meeting was devoted to Katherine Mansfield's famous The Daughters of the Late Colonel. Then we looked at an equally famous short story by Roald Dahl, Parson's Pleasure. Each writer has been well-received and the group has enjoyed some interesting and wideranging discussions. Meetings are at 11am on the last Wednesday of the month at Royston Conservative Club. If you would like to join contact group leader Hugh Pollock on or hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com Hugh Pollock the group has enjoyed some interesting and wideranging discussions Sizzling bratwursts, German beers and hot Glühwein On a very wet day, 28 members braved the rainy weather to visit Birmingham s Frankfurtstyle Christmas Market, the biggest German market outside Germany and Austria. With sizzling bratwursts, large tankards of German beer, fruity German hot Glühwein (purely medicinal) and beautiful handcrafted ornaments to admire and buy, the outdoor market is a real winner. We also enjoyed shopping at the Bull Ring s extensive range of retailers and for those not shopping, the nearby Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery proved to be a welcome alternative. One of our group even took the opportunity to travel by train to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford just 30 minutes outside Birmingham. We all enjoyed the outing to Birmingham s traditional Christmas Market and left feeling that it had been an excellent way to start our Christmas countdown. A great day was had by all. Karen Heaton the biggest German market outside Germany and Austria Members visiting Birmingham s hugely popular German Christmas Market Seasonal stalls bringing a taste of a traditional German Christmas to Birmingham PAGE 3

Crafty creations for Christmas When it comes to creative ideas for Christmas, Mixed Crafts and Pottery group members have got it all sorted.

festive planning. Their creations include a beautiful pottery nativity scene by Frances Brookes (below), and Pottery group leader Rosie Cowsley praised the standard of work by everyone.

I think the standard is very high. I m impressed, she said.

Pam Dajda Talented group members with their festive wreaths y es Graphic artist Sylvia Jordan with Helen Connelly A lighting spectacular at Kew Gardens On a cold but sunny day a large group

the one mile sparkling trail of lights features over a million twinkling lights PAGE 4 Our entry to Kew Gardens had been arranged for 5pm so we first stopped off at Kew Green for a most

4 Crafty creations for Christmas When it comes to creative ideas for Christmas, Mixed Crafts and Pottery group members have got it all sorted. they re making some really lovely things From making festive door wreaths and table decorations to Christmas cards and calligraphy designs, the groups have been getting well ahead with their festive planning. Their creations include a beautiful pottery nativity scene by Frances Brookes (below), and Pottery group leader Rosie Cowsley praised the standard of work by everyone. They re making some really lovely things and I think it s going brilliantly, she said. Graphic artist Sylvia Jordan who led the recent calligraphy sessions agreed. I think the standard is very high. I m impressed, she said. There will be no resting on their laurels once Christmas is over - as the groups are already looking ahead with plans for Easter bunnies and chicks! Pam Dajda Talented group members with their festive wreaths y es Graphic artist Sylvia Jordan with Helen Connelly A lighting spectacular at Kew Gardens On a cold but sunny day a large group of members boarded a coach bound for Kew Gardens to see the after-dark festive trail of lights and illuminations. the one mile sparkling trail of lights features over a million twinkling lights PAGE 4 Our entry to Kew Gardens had been arranged for 5pm so we first stopped off at Kew Green for a most enjoyable late lunch at Ask Italian. Then on to Kew Gardens to walk the one mile sparking trail of lights featuring over a million twinkling lights, a fire garden, giant baubles, bubbles, icicles, a tunnel of light, projections, an animated bridge, a dazzling laser beam lightshow set in front of the beautiful Palm House and much, much more. Christmas at Kew Spectacular and memorable are the words that come to mind. Many thanks to Karen Heaton, Sandra Walker and Jackie Gellert for arranging a really special day out. Ralph Gellert

Eat Drink & Be Merry festive get-togethers Wine Appreciation group Volunteers needed Solo Sundays group We have up till now been reliant on Reg Hounsell and

We need a small team of volunteers to back-up Reg and Richard who, after some training, would be happy to set up the audio-visual system.

French Conversation group If you are willing to help please let Jackie Gellert know on 01763 248097 or Golf group Dates for your diary Due to the recent

com January February Tuesday 29, 2pm Royston Town Hall Hardwicke Hall Tuesday 26, 2pm Royston Town Hall Hardwicke Hall Chloë Cockerill MBE, MA John Pearson

Interest Groups Sunday Monday AM Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Fitness Seated Exercise Birding Book Club 3 Walking: Strollers Book Club 2 Pilates Five

Tuesday of month Book Club 1 Clay Shooting Film Gardening Golf History Wine Appreciation Mixed Crafts Ukulele Quiz Tai Chi EVE Jazz Appreciation For

5 Eat Drink & Be Merry festive get-togethers Wine Appreciation group Volunteers needed Solo Sundays group We have up till now been reliant on Reg Hounsell and Richard Dajda to provide technical support at our monthly meetings. This becomes a problem when they are both unavailable at the same time. We need a small team of volunteers to back-up Reg and Richard who, after some training, would be happy to set up the audio-visual system. I am told it is not difficult once you know how. We hope to organise a rota so your help will not be needed every month. French Conversation group If you are willing to help please let Jackie Gellert know on or Golf group Dates for your diary Due to the recent fire at Royston Parish Church monthly meetings will be held until further notice at Royston Town Hall, Hardwicke Hall jackieroystonu3a@gmail.com January February Tuesday 29, 2pm Royston Town Hall Hardwicke Hall Tuesday 26, 2pm Royston Town Hall Hardwicke Hall Chloë Cockerill MBE, MA John Pearson will give a talk on HERALDRY: IT S ALL AROUND US international cheese judge will give a talk with a tasting on BLESSED ARE THE CHEESEMAKERS Easy Guide to Interest Groups Sunday Monday AM Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Fitness Seated Exercise Birding Book Club 3 Walking: Strollers Book Club 2 Pilates Five Mile Walks Patchwork Short Stories Reading PM Solo Sundays Current Affairs Curry Club French Conversation Pottery (Hand Building) MONTHLY MEETING last Tuesday of month Book Club 1 Clay Shooting Film Gardening Golf History Wine Appreciation Mixed Crafts Ukulele Quiz Tai Chi EVE Jazz Appreciation For frequency and contact details about all interest groups please see the chart on the next page or check our website for more information. Announcements about future Events & Outings and Theatre Trips will be posted on our website when details become available. PAGE 5

6 Interest Groups If you have an interest that you would like to share with others contact Sharon Camilletti, New Groups Co-ordinator GROUP DAY TIME FREQUENCY GROUP LEADER CONTACT DETAILS Birding Wed 8:30am Monthly 1st Wed Carol McGeoch Book Club 1 Tues 2:00pm Monthly 1st Tues Deirdre Smith deirdreroystonu3a@gmail.com Book Club 2 Fri 11:00am Monthly Variable Janet Burton janet.a.burton@gmail.com Book Club 3 Wed 10:30am Monthly last Wed Elizabeth (Lee) Towers ladytowers@gmail.com Clay Shooting Wed 2:00pm Variable Frank Martin theofmartin@outlook.com Current Affairs Mon 3:30pm Monthly 3rd Mon Marion Sweet marion22roystonu3a@gmail.com Curry Club Mon 12:00pm Monthly 2nd Mon Reg Hounsell regroystonu3a@gmail.com Events & Outings (open to all) Variable Variable Occasional Sandra Walker sandraroystonu3a@gmail.com Film Wed 2:00pm Monthly 1st Wed Carla Bailey carlaroystonu3a@gmail.com Fitness Tues 9:30am Weekly Kathy Hounsell kathyroystonu3a@gmail.com Five Mile Walks Wed 9:45am Monthly 2nd Wed Eric Heaton ericroystonu3a@gmail.com French Conversation Mon 1:00pm Monthly variable Barbara Fielden fieldenbarbara@hotmail.com Gardening Thurs 2:30pm Monthly Variable Val Fairbanks t.fairbanks@ntlworld.com Golf Thurs 1:00pm Weekly Ralph Gellert ralphroystonu3a@gmail.com Golf Croquet Suspended till Spring 2019 John Bishop bishop190@btinternet.com History Tues 2:00pm Monthly Variable Reg Hounsell regroystonu3a@gmail.com Jazz Appreciation Wed 7:30pm Monthly 2nd Wed Reg Hounsell regroystonu3a@gmail.com Mixed Crafts Thurs 2:00pm Monthly 3rd Thurs Rosie Cowsley rosie.cowsley@ntlworld.com Patchwork Wed 10:00am Monthly 1st Wed Maureen Strugnell maureen.strugnell@ntlworld.com Petanque / Boules Suspended till Spring 2019 Sue & John Bishop bishop190@btinternet.com Pilates Fri 1pm & 2pm Weekly Kathy Hounsell kathyroystonu3a@gmail.com Pottery (Hand Building) Mon 2:00pm Fortnightly Variable Rosie Cowsley rosie.cowsley@ntlworld.com Quiz Thurs 2:00pm Monthly Sharon Camilletti sharonroystonu3a@gmail.com Seated Exercise Tues 10:45am Weekly Kathy Hounsell kathyroystonu3a@gmail.com Short Stories Reading Wed 11:00am Monthly last Wed Hugh Pollock hugh.m.pollock@gmail.com Solo Sundays Sun 12:00pm Monthly 2nd Sun Sandra Restall sandra.restall@gmail.com Tai Chi Mon 3:15pm Weekly Reg Hounsell regroystonu3a@gmail.com Theatre Trips Variable Variable Occasional Deirdre Smith deirdreroystonu3a@gmail.com Ukulele Tues 12:00pm Weekly John Bishop bishop190@btinternet.com Walking: Strollers Thurs 10:15am 1st & 3rd Thurs of month David Walker djwalker3@aol.com Wine Appreciation Wed 2:00pm Monthly Variable Jackie Gellert jackieroystonu3a@gmail.com Don t forget to check our website for regularly updated information on Royston U3A Committee Chairman Jackie Gellert jackieroystonu3a@gmail.com Vice Chair Sandra Walker sandraroystonu3a@gmail.com Treasurer & Speakers Secretary Barbara Andrew barbararoystonu3a@gmail.com Secretary Karen Heaton karenroystonu3a@gmail.com Membership Secretary Marion Martin marionroystonu3a@gmail.com Minutes Secretary Sylvia Fuller sylviaroystonu3a@gmail.com Existing Groups Co-ordinator Joan Westcott joanroystonu3a@gmail.com New Groups Co-ordinator Sharon Camilletti sharonroystonu3a@gmail.com New Members Contact Carla Bailey carlaroystonu3a@gmail.com Publicity Pam Dajda pam@dajda.net Royston U3A News Ralph Gellert ralphroystonu3a@gmail.com Co-opted Committee Member Eric Heaton ericroystonu3a@gmail.com Co-opted Committee Member Stuart Stannard stuartroystonu3a@gmail.com Get it in the News If you re involved in a group why not publicise it in Royston U3A News? Send in a short report of your latest meeting or outing - photos welcomed too - to Pam Dajda at pam@dajda.net or phone Next deadline for submissions: Tuesday February 12, 2019

R O Y S T O N. On the trail of the Anglo Saxons. Pearls of Wisdom

R O Y S T O N. On the trail of the Anglo Saxons. Pearls of Wisdom NO.13 JULY 2017 R O Y S T O N Following the AGM, I would like to thank you all for your support and for re-electing me and other committee members for a further year. I would also like to thank standing