CALDICOT & DISTRICT. Newsletter & Diary May Meetings in Caldicot Choir Hall at 2.15pm

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1 CALDICOT & DISTRICT Newsletter & Diary May 2018 Meetings in Caldicot Choir Hall at 2.15pm Reg Charity No THURSDAY 17TH MAY 2018 SUBJECT: SPEAKER: TEA ROTA: TALK ON THE HONOURS SYSTEM ASHLEY JONES GARDENING THURSDAY 21ST JUNE 2018 SUBJECT: SPEAKER: TEA ROTA: THE LIFE AND WORKS OF IVOR NOVELLO HOWARD MORTIMER HANDICRAFT CHAIRMAN S LETTER Hi Everyone Firstly, I would like to thank all those of you who turned up at the AGM, it was good to see so many of you in attendance and able to give your votes. Once again I am your chairman but as stated at the AGM, it is for one more year only. I know I ve said that before but this time it is meant. John Jeffery is our Vice Chairman and again, he is only staying on the committee for a further year. So, next year there will be some changes and I urge you people to think maybe you could join the committee. Sometimes new blood can bring new changes in which to improve what is already an excellent U3A. As stated at the AGM we, the committee, will be forging ahead with the changing of our constitution. John Jeffery gave an account as to why this has to be done so this will be our main priority in the forthcoming months. All agreed to the change to Clause 3 and this will be carried out. For those of you who were not at the meeting the clause is as follows: The advancement of education and, in particular, the education of older people and those who are retired from full time work, by all means including associated activities conducive to learning and personal development, in Caldicot and its surrounding locality. This clause was agreed at the Third Age Trust EGM and cannot be changed in any way shape or form. It was put before the members at our AGM and they all agreed to this being implemented and this will be done within the next few months along with the rest of our Constitution. Following the meeting we were ably entertained by our own Ukulele Group for which I was unable to thank on the day due to a rush for tea and biscuits. I apologise for this and would like to thank you all now for your excellent entertainment. Thank you on behalf of everyone. So, forward into another year and I hope it will be good one and enjoyed by you all. Thank you once again Pam Caines Chairman 1

2 SPEAKERS LIST 2018 TEA ROTA July 19th Drama Presentation Phoenix Players History August NO MEETING September 20th Monmouth Oddities and Curiosities David Harrison Jive Bunnies October 18th OPEN DAY Music Appreciation November 15th Windsor Castle Alan & Jane Denman Science & Nat. History December 20th Drama Presentation Phoenix Players Scrabble COPY FOR THE NEWSLETTER We welcome reports from all groups for inclusion in the Newsletter or forwarding to our website. Word doc is preferred and should be sent to: or tel by midday on the 27th May 2018 Typed or handwritten notes should be submitted a few days earlier if possible. Please try to limit reports to about 300 words. Angela Hodson-Hirst, Editor. LINK SECRETARY I would ask that if you hear of any member(s) who reach their 80th, 90th, 100th birthdays, Golden, Diamond, Platinum Wedding Anniversaries or even Marriages between members to please contact me so that I can send a Congratulatory card. Also, if you hear of any member, in your group, or their family who are in hospital, sick or any other reason please inform me. Angela Hodson-Hirst leechpool@talktalk.net or CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to our Chairman Pam Caines who celebrates her 80th birthday this month. Taken from the Little Book of BIG SCAMS by the Metropolitan Police Scams do not discriminate: The scammers target people of all ages, background and income levels. Be suspicious of all Too good to be true offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes Do not agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to obtain independent/legal advice before making a decision Do not hand over money or sign anything until you have checked the credentials of the company or individual Never send money to anyone you do not know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment that you are not comfortable with Never give banking or personal details to anyone you do not know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it. Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links provided in an Do not rely solely on glowing testimonials: find solid independent evidence of a company s success Always get independent/legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact Action Fraud on or contact the police if the suspect is known or still in the area Do not be embarrassed to report a scam. Because scammers are cunning and clever there is no shame in being deceived. By reporting you will make it more difficult for them to deceive others. 2

3 GROUP NEWS AND INFORMATION Would all group Conveners send me news and information for the monthly Diary which will be included in the table below. Thank you. Editor ACTIVITY GROUPS INFORMATION ART Every Wednesday 1.30 to 4.00pm, Recreation Hall, Portskewett. Convener...Mary Richards Tel: BRIDGE Every Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm, Council Day Centre No Meetings on Bank Holidays. Convener Madelyn Drake Tel: COMPUTING Every Friday 9.30 to12.30am at the Baptist Church, Neddern Way. Convener John Mills Tel: DRAMA Art Sale & Exhibition 11am to 3pm Wednesday 23rd May, Portskewett Recreation Hall Free entry. Refreshments. Discussion/Demonstrations Second Friday of the month 10.00am to 12 noon digital image competition with Ann Taylor-Heard Every Friday 2.00pm Portskewett Hall. Conveners Pam Caines.. Dianne Payne Tel: FAMILY HISTORY 4th Friday of the month 9.30 to 12noon. All welcome at Bethany Baptist Church. Caldicot. Convener John Jeffery Tel: GARDENING Indoor meetings run from October to April in the Scout Hall on second Thursday of the month at 2.15 pm Convener Rosa Morgan Tel: HANDICRAFT May 25th: May 10th: Llysdinham Court and Hay on Wye. Leaving Mill Lane 9am Jun 7th: Aulden Farm Irises then to Berrington Hall National Trust. Leaving Mill Lane 9am Jun 14th: Highgrove. Leaving Mill Lane promptly 8.30am. Photographic Identity required. Jul 12th: Stockton Bury Garden then onto Hereford. Leaving Mill Lane 9am Sept 13th: Burnham Orchid Nursery with tour then onto House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey. Leaving Mill Lane 9am 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month to 12.00pm Council Day Centre. Convener Beryl Lewis. Tel: Assisted by Jill Greenhalgh. Tel:

4 HISTORY 3rd Wednesday of the month 2.15pm Council Day Centre Convener..Sheila Ford. Tel: Assisted by. Jean Gilham. Tel: JIVE BUNNIES Alternate Thursday evening 7.00 pm 9.00 pm Portskewett Recreational Hall Convener Wendy Protheroe Tel: May 16th: Tonypandy Riots, was Churchill Guilty?..Speaker David Harrison Jun 20th: Intergenerational Oral History..Speaker Bernard John Sept 19th: Life on a smallholding during the War..Speaker Mary Rooney Oct 17th: The Lucky Ship...Speaker Gaynor Chapple Nov 21st: The Life and Times of William Hone, writer and bookseller Speaker David Evans December.NO MEETING May 17th & 31st Jun 14th & 28th MUSIC APPRECIATION 4th Thursday of the month 2.00 to 4.00pm. Council Day Centre. Convener Jan Potter assisted by Adrian Dallow Tel: (Jan) Tel: (Adrian) SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY Meetings to be held 1st Monday of the month noon. Scout Hall, Sandy Lane Convener. Bob Whitehead Tel: SCRABBLE Alternate Fridays 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Town council Day Centre. Convener Glynis Croft Tel: SHORT MAT BOWLS Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm. Scout Hall. Friday evening 7.00 to 9pm Convener Roland Carey Tel: SINGING FOR PLEASURE Meet every other Monday 10.30am to 12.30pm. Recreational Hall, Portskewett. Convener. Sue Shepherd Tel: May 18th: Visit to Oxford city its many historic buildings and the new Watergate shopping centre. Leave Mill Lane 8.30am cost (Coach & hop on/off bus) Jun 4th: Life, Work, Recreation and Conservation of our UK National Parks. Speaker. Katheryn Cook Director of National Parks UK. WALKERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THIS MEETING. Jun 25th: Visit to Haynes International Motor Museum including lunch break in the town of Sherbourne. Leave Mill Lane 9.00am cost (Coach & entry) Jul 25th: Visit to Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells. Leave Mill Lane circa 8.15am cost (Coach & entry) May 4th: May 18th: Additional Sessions: Our Short Mat Bowls now meets on Friday evenings, in addition to the Wednesday afternoon sessions. So, if you would like to try to roll a ball on Friday between 7pm and 9pm contact the Convener May 21st 4

5 SPANISH Monday Mornings to various venues. Convener Julian Wood Tel: SPECIAL EVENTS Convener Pam Caines Tel: SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB Convener Pam Caines Tel: Jul 3rd 7th: Isle of Wight Jul 25th: Royal Welsh Show Nov 6th 30th: Turkey & Tinsel, Cricket St Thomas May 13th: Village Inn, Sedbury June 17th: Wheatsheaf, Magor TABLE TENNIS Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm Scout Hall, Sandy Lane Convener Les Mitchell Tel: UKULELE Every Tuesday 2.00 to 4.00 at the Recreation Hall Portskewett Convener. Pauline Fryer Tel: WALKING GROUPS WHEN: Every Tuesday 9.00 & 9.30 am WHERE: Caldicot Choir Hall Car Park. STRAGGLERS 3 4 miles easy and moderate Convener Derek Watson Tel: AMBLERS Around 4 miles some hills/stiles Conveners Gaynor Pask Tel: Jeanette Trask Tel: STROLLERS Convener Rob Harry Tel: STRIDERS 5-7 miles - moderate & strenuous Convener. Richard Harding Tel: For further information please contact Conveners ALL WALKS SUBJECT TO CHANGE May 8th: Sirhowy Country Park with Adrian &Glenice. Lunch: The Rising Sun, High Cross May 15th: Caerwent with Anne H & Dee. Lunch: Hog Roast May 22nd: Lydney Park with Fran & Avril. Lunch: The Nags Head, Yorkley May 29th: TBA with Clive & Linda. Lunch: TBA May 8th: Magor with Jeanette & Gaynor. Lunch: The Wheatsheaf May 15th: Caerwent with David & Bridget. Lunch: Hog Roast May 22nd: Mamhilad with Eric. Lunch: Star Inn, Ponthir May 29th: Tintern with Marie & Sue (G). Lunch: Anchor Inn May 8th: Varteg with Liz Gillum. Lunch: Rising Sun May 15th: Local Walk with Rob. Linch: Hog Roast May 22nd: Llansoy with Jude. Lunch: TBA May 29th: Raglan Castle with Pat & Jan. Lunch: TBA/Picnic May 8th: Sedbury with Stuart. Lunch: Village Inn May 15th: Devauden with Jim. Lunch: Hog Roast May 22nd: Water Falls with Richard. Ref. SA11 5NR Lunch Picnic May 29th: Trellech with Richard W. grid ref. SO Lunch: The Fountain 5

6 GARDENING GROUP Things to do in the garden Don t be in a hurry to plant out summer bedding from garden centres be aware of heavy rain, cold winds and late frosts Sowing seeds too deeply is a common cause of failure Soil temperatures are critical for good germination If you pot up house plants, sprinkle in a little mix of Epsom salts and sugar into the compost for leafier, larger and greener plants. Ratio 4 Epsom salts to 1 sugar Members going to Highgrove be aware that photographic identity is required for entry for example: bus pass, driving licence or passport. Rosa Morgan ART GROUP ART SALE AND EXHIBITION Portskewett Recreation Hall. Wednesday 23rd May. 11am.to 3p.m. Free entry. Coffee and biscuits. All U.3.A. Members welcome. DRAMA We are now busy rehearsing for the July meeting. We have put together a selection of Television sketches which I am sure you will all recognise on the day and will probably be able to name the shows they are from. (We hope!). Pam SPECIAL EVENTS THE ISLE OF WIGHT - TUESDAY 3RD JULY TO SATURDAY 7TH JULY 2018 I can now advise that the original Trouville Hotel in Sandown has over-booked and we will therefore be staying at the OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, SHANKLIN. I have checked out this hotel and it looks good and is on the sea front and has many facilities. Edwards have agreed to pay the single supplement, so no-one will be charged extra for that and I am pleased to say that instead of each it will now be I now need the balance for this holiday and would be grateful if this could be paid at the May monthly meeting or before if possible. THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW - WEDNESDAY 25th JULY 2018 We will be leaving Mill Lane Bus Bay at 8:00am in order to give us the maximum time at the show. We have to allow for traffic etc. so I hope the early start will not upset you. You can always sleep on the coach!!! Our coach is with Edwards (as always) so please don t get mixed up with the other trip from Science and Natural History who will be leaving on the same day 6

7 TURKEY/TINSEL CRICKET ST. THOMAS (Warner s) MONDAY 6TH NOVEMBER to FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2018 Many of you have asked if we are having a Turkey & Tinsel this year so I have provisionally booked the above Hotel for Monday the 26th November to Friday the 30th November The price of this based on 35 people attending, will be each. We will receive the usual Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, together with excursions and entertainment each evening. If you are interested, then please put your names on the list as I need to know if this will be a goer. Please don t leave this to the last minute as I hate to disappoint people. Cheers Pam SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB I have organised a Sunday lunch date for May which is on Sunday 13th May at The Village Inn in Sedbury. Please be there for 12:30 to eat at 1pm. I have the menu so please contact me to let me know you will be attending and what your choice of food is. I need your answers before we go so I would be grateful if you could contact me before the date. Starters are - Soup, Garlic Mushrooms, Prawn Cocktail Pate. Main meals: Beef, Chicken, Roast Pork or Lamb. (50pextra for lamb) 1 course 8.95, 2 courses or three courses For June I have arranged Sunday Lunch at The Wheatsheaf in Magor on the 17th. Be there for 12:30 to eat at 1pm. Thanks Pam SPECIAL EVENTS TRIP TO CWM DERI VINEYARD, 11TH APRIL The trip started in dull and drizzly weather with The Beast from the East gone but The Pest from the West now upon us. The Vineyard is in the heart of Pembrokeshire in beautiful countryside and on arrival we were given a brief talk on what it produces and how it operates. Then followed the wine tasting with each of us supplied with a list of what they produce and sell, a total of 21 wines, spirits and liqueurs and small tot glasses to sample as much or as little as wanted. At 1pm lunch was served, a cold buffet beautifully presented and accompanied by farm baked bread, chunked, not sliced, with lashings of farm butter. This was followed by 3 delicious desserts which were attacked with enthusiasm. One lady, after eating a selection of all three, was heard to comment I should not eat all this then promptly went back for a second helping of all three puds! [Weight Watchers would not have been amused.] After this excellent lunch the wine tasting continued with samples of spirits and liqueurs, Wild Cherry, Elderflower, Blackberry and Sloe Gin, to name just a few. At 3pm, after a modest 3 hours, with the mood very relaxed, we were invited to make our purchases before departure at The trip back was somewhat subdued with the sound of gentle snoring interrupted by the occasional hiccup. A most pleasant day out, when can we go again, Pam? Mike Tew 7

8 HISTORY The April meeting of the History Group had a talk entitled History of Computing by Dave Edwards. The earliest known mechanical aid to computation is the abacus. In the hands of an experienced user, this simple device is claimed to be faster than an electronic calculator. The Greeks, Romans and Arabs developed counting systems independent of each other. The Greeks used variations on their letters to count, the Romans used symbols for 5, 10, 50, 100, etc., while the Arabs counted on base 10 and also used the concept of zero, borrowed from India. The next significant development was the invention of binary numbers (counting using 1 and 0 only) by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Initially it was just a curiosity, not much used until the 20 th century. The 19 th century saw the creation of a mechanical calculator by Charles Babbage. He designed a more advanced version but never built it. His design was used in 2002 to create a machine; it had 8,000 parts, measured 11 feet long and weighed 5 tons. During the War, Alan Turing designed an electronic computer to break the codes generated by the German Enigma machines. Though the computer was dismantled in 1945, the ideas were used to build the first commercial machines. In the 1970s, microcomputers were created for the American Space Race, making the technology available for commerce and industry. Developments became more frequent as computers became cheaper external storage, portable devices, faster communication via telephone lines, etc. As domestic and personal computers (PCs) proliferated, so large centralised machines held vast amounts of information, leading to the internet and World Wide Web. As for the future, the possibilities are limitless; many of the developments we now have were not even forecast a generation ago. Dave Edwards SIGHTFIRST PROJECT LIONS Unwanted spectacles/sunglasses will continue to be collected at the Monthly Meeting. The collecting box will be on the bar at the back of the hall. Lions Clubs International is a leader in providing support for preventing avoidable blindness and restoring sight for people around the world. Rowland Searle JIVE BUNNIES AND STROLLERS WALKING GROUPS KNEES UP The Jive Bunnies and Strollers Walking Group got together for a Knees Up in April. Although they do not need an excuse the reason for the bash was to celebrate that members of both groups will be 70 this year. So nearly 80 people met for the evening at Portskewett Church Hall and set about enjoying themselves. It did not take long, because as soon as the first piece of music was played the dancefloor was full and it was full all evening. Whether it was Jiving, Strolling or dancing around your handbag dancing everyone got up and got down. 8

9 We did have a break to tuck into the Hog Roast and to hold a Raffle as well as taking time to get a photograph of all the people who were born in To celebrate the occasion Linda Lovell (a Stroller) had made us a magnificent cake. Whatever it was there was a great atmosphere in the room and we really enjoyed ourselves and the company of others. However, what made the night go so well was the great music supplied by Kevin Davis and Pat Clack which was provided completely free of charge. Then there was the venue and we have to thank the committee of Portskewett Hall for letting us hire their excellent facilities. The Hog Roast supplied by Clarkes the Butchers in Caldicot was also really good and thanks to the staff who served us. That then leaves a big thank you to everyone who helped set up the room and clean up on Sunday also to John Protheroe for designing and printing the tickets. A special thank you needs to go to Joy Ganesh for her help and advice in booking the Hall and parking facilities. As a bonus from the Raffle we held on the night we made 330 and the proceeds will be divided between, The British Heart Foundation & Myeloma UK. Finally, many thanks to everyone who made the night a success. We are still unable to forget the image of the whole room waving imaginary scarves and singing the vocals of The Bay City Rollers hit Bye, Bye Baby, baby Good bye. Wendy Protheroe and Rob Harry SHORT STORY COMPETITION U3A WALES The Story AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE YOUR IMAGINATIVE TALENTS ********** CLOSING DATE: AUGUST 31 ST 2018 Some of the entries will be included in the Coastline and Borders Celebration. COMPETITION DETAILS ARE LOCATED at Wales U3A Web Site Welsh Short Story Writing Competition 2018 It must be in WELSH. It can be fictional or non-fictional. It must be a maximum of 1000 words (including the title) or it could be less than 100 words if you wish. (All word processors have a facility for counting the number of words) Any script over 1500 words will not be read by the judges. Your story must start with: Ar draeth yn.. Please give it a title, to avoid confusion with the other entries. Worldwide copyright for the story will remain with the author but the organiser will have the right to edit & publish the submitted work on its website and/or in an ebook and use in the Coastline and Borders Celebration. No poems please. 9

10 The Rules The competition is open to current members of all Welsh U3As There will be 2 categories learners and first language Welsh Entry is free but limited to one story per person Entries must be received between 1 st July and the 31 st August Entrants whose story has been chosen to be in the top 5 of both competitions, will be notified by the end of September. The winners will be announced by the 1 st November 2018 and each receive a 25 book token. The results will be published on the Wales Web Site and in Third Age Matters The winning entries will be published on the Wales Web Site Judges and Organisers will not enter into any correspondence/discussion with any entrant. How to Present Your Story - very important It must be clearly typed in black with a normal font, double spacing, using pdf, Word or Pages format. The title must appear at the top of every page. Your name and U3A MUST NOT appear in the story. In a separate document, give the title of your story, the number of words, your name, address & phone number, your address, and your U3A, these details will not be seen by the judges. It must be clearly marked Ist Language Welsh or Welsh Learner. If the latter, stating how many years you have been learning. How to Submit Your Story The story must be attached to an and sent to the address below. This makes it easier to distribute to the judges. If your entry has not been acknowledged within seven days then please contact me at hilary.jones@u3a.org.uk Judging The judges decision is final in all matters. The best five entries in each category will be decided by the following panel of judges: o Eira Davies (Preseli U3A) o Julia Greenhaf (Cardiff U3A) o Carol Loughlin (Dyffryn Conwy U3A) o Mary Burdett-Jones (Aberystwyth U3A) o Gwen Evans (Ruthin U3A) The top 5 entries in each category will then be passed to Jane Jones-Owen (a National Eisteddfod Prose Medal winner), who will select the winner. The story and your separate contact details must be ed to halkyn18@gmail.com This poster and the rules have been sent out in English for the benefit of entrants in the Welsh Learners category. If you have any queries, please contact me: Hilary Jones Wales Trustee hilary.jones@u3a.org.uk 10

11 MAY CROSSWORD In this crossword there are TWO clues for each word. Can you work out which is TRUE and which is FALSE? Across 1. Calm / Breezy (5) 3. Farm vehicle / farm animal (7) 7. Capture / Let go (7) 9. Large vase / Clock (3) 10. Working / Not working (4) 11. Sunny / Cloudy (8) 14. Sowed / Harvested (6) 15. Clergyman / Computer (6) 18. Involving the body / Involving the mind (8) 19. Give / Retain (4) 21. Chicken / Egg (3) 22. Leaves / Arrives (7) 23. Exciting / Dull (7) 24. Audio / Video (5) Down 1. Soldier / Tailor (7) 2. Period of time / Unit of weight (4) 3. Gross / Dozen (6) 4. Birdcage / Fish tank (8) 5. Metal / Vegetable (3) 6. Send payment / Collect payment (5) 8. Cradlesong / Shout (7) 12. Professional / Non professional (7) 13. Novice / Expert (8) 16. Concealed / Revealed (7) 17. Type of bicycle / Type of hammer (6) 18. Fruit / Insect (5) 20. Reptiles / Simians (4) 21. Meat / Fish (3) April Crossword Solution MAY HUB WORD How many words can you make from the letters in the wheel? Each word must contain the hub letter R Can you find a 9-letter word and at least 20 other words of five letters or more avoiding proper nouns? April s Hub Word Solution 9-letter - word MACHINERY Some other words of five letters or more containing the hub letter C: cairn, chain, chair, charm, chary, chime, china, chine, crane, cream, crime, hemic (haemic), manic, march, mercy, mince, nacre, nicer, niche, ranch, reach, anemic, cinema, creamy, enrich, iceman, mincer, archine, carmine, chimera, chimney, machine, chairmen. Solution next month 11

12 TRUSTEES Chairman Pam Caines Vice Chairman John Jeffery Treasurer Tony Hodson-Hirst Minutes Secretary Susan Gilbert Newsletter & Diary Editor Link Secretary Angela Hodson-Hirst Business Secretary Rob Harry Speakers Secretary Network Contact Anne Duke John Duke Committee Committee Committee Committee John Barrow Glenice Dallow Jean Gilham Merrill Lang OFFICERS Public Relations Membership Secretary Dave Edwards Alma Gaskell 12