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CALDICOT & DISTRICT

Newsletter & Diary March 2018

Meetings in Caldicot Choir Hall at 2.15pm

https://www.u3asites.org.uk/caldicot/home

Reg Charity No. 1071447

THURSDAY 15TH MARCH 2018

SUBJECT:

SPEAKER:

WORK OF THE COASTGUARD

RICHARD HOYLE

TEA ROTA:

EXERCISE

THURSDAY 19TH APRIL 2018

SUBJECT:

AGM

FOLLOWED BY UKULELE GROUP

TEA ROTA: FAMILY HISTORY

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Good Day All

The March meeting will be the last before our Annual General Meeting in April. We are still

hoping for nominations for the Committee. To date we have received one. This is quite poor really

out of a membership of 484. Our Secretary Jackie Hicks will be finishing her time at the AGM

and although we have a Minutes Secretary we desperately need another Secretary to help with the

paperwork. Every help will be given to whoever joins us, so please give this some thought and get

your nomination forms to us before the end of March.

WE NEED NOMINATIONS FOR COMMITTEE PLEASE.

For those of you considering whether you could put the time in, the Committee meetings are held

on the fourth Thursday of the month, at the Council Offices in Sandy Lane. We start at 9:30am and

usually finish at 11:30am. Obviously, there is time spent in between meetings when certain tasks

have to be met but these are done as and when you can fit it in with your everyday life. My own

philosophy is, U3A is a hobby with plenty of social benefits, but home life and health must come

first. The present Committee members are willing to stay on for another year (should they be

nominated and voted on) and I must say they are a dedicated bunch of people who have put their

heart and souls into the last two years. They are very conscientious with the smooth running of the

Caldicot & District U3A and I cannot thank them enough.

WE NEED NOMINATIONS FOR COMMITTEE PLEASE.

Thank you for taking time to read this plea!

Best Wishes to you All

Pam Caines

Chairman

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SPEAKERS LIST 2018 TEA ROTA

May 17th Talk on the Honours system Ashley Jones Gardening

June 21st The life and works of Ivor Novello Howard Mortimer Handicraft

July 19th Drama Presentation Phoenix Players History

August NO MEETING

September 20th TBA 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: leechpool@talktalk.net or tel. 01291

424997 by midday on the 29th March 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 or their family who are in hospital, sick or any other reason please

inform me.

Angela Hodson-Hirst

leechpool@talktalk.net or 01291 424997

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ENID SPRAKE

It is with sadness we hear of the death of Enid Sprake. Many members remember her as

Headmistress of Sudbrook Junior School, having previously taught at Portskewett Infants School.

Enid was a regular member of the Computer group. She also attended monthly and gardening

meetings enjoying garden visits. She was also a keen theatre-goer belonging to Newport Playgoers

and Culture Vultures and attending many Caldicot & District U3A theatre trips.

Glenice Dallow

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENID SPRAKE

The service is to be held on Tuesday March 13th at St John’s Church, Penhow 2.45pm with

Cremation at Langstone Vale Crematorium 3.30pm and afterwards The Old Barn.

No flowers please any donations to Cancer Research.

Dorothy Witcomb

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THANK YOU

Jan Thomas would like to say “thank you” for the card sent to her on behalf of members of

Caldicot & District U3A.

CONGRATULATIONS

1958-2018

Members and friends wish to express their congratulations to Ron and Val Lapthorn who celebrate

their Diamond Wedding Anniversary 22nd March.

Congratulations to Elaine Simmonds and Dorothy Witcomb who celebrate their 80th birthdays

this month.

EXERCISE GROUP.

Due to falling numbers in members it is with regret that I have to inform you that as at the end of

February the Exercise Group will no longer take place. I would like to thank Jacquie and Sue for

holding the fort and trying their best to keep this group up and running but unfortunately not

enough people frequented this group to cover expenses and therefore it was decided at the

Committee meeting that time had to be called. Thanks go to all those people who attended in the

past and of course to Jacquie and Sue for keeping the group going until now.

Thank you,

Pam

SINGING FOR PLEASURE

I am pleased to say that the above group has been a great success. The membership is between 20

and 25 ladies who enjoy singing their favourite songs. Sue Shepherd is the Convenor and she has

done a sterling job in photocopying numerous songs from Abba, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey to

various happy Hymns. Everyone enjoys the singing along with the laughter. If anyone cares to

join this happy crowd, then it is held every other Monday morning at 10:30am to 12:30pm at the

Recreational Hall Portskewett. The next meeting is on Monday 12th March. If you feel like

giving your lungs an airing then please join us, you wont regret it!

Pam

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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: 01291 329236

BRIDGE

Every Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm, Council Day Centre

No Meetings on Bank Holidays.

Convener……………Madelyn Drake

Tel: 01291 421701

COMPUTING

Every Friday 9.30 to12.30am at the Baptist Church,

Neddern Way.

Convener……………John Mills

Tel: 01291 420045

Discussion/Demonstrations

Second Friday of the month 10.00am to 12 noon digital

image competition with Ann Taylor-Heard

DRAMA

Every Friday 2.00pm Portskewett Hall.

Conveners …………Pam Caines

…………………. ….Dianne Payne

Tel: 01291 420750

FAMILY HISTORY

4th Friday of the month 10.00 to 12noon. All

welcome at Bethany Baptist Church. Caldicot.

Convener…………John Jeffery

Tel: 01291 421523

Mar 23rd:

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: 07707 236625

Mar 8th: Foraging for fabulous food from the wild.

………………………………………...Speaker Liz Knight

Apr 12th: Plant hunting around the world….

……………………………………… Speaker Nick Macer

HANDICRAFT

1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 10.00 to

12.00pm Council Day Centre.

Convener……Beryl Lewis. Tel: 01291 421661

Assisted by…Jill Greenhalgh. Tel: 01633 549852

HISTORY

3rd Wednesday of the month 2.15pm Council Day

Centre

Convener………..Sheila Ford. Tel: 01291 422185

Assisted by ……. Jean Gilham. Tel: 01291 425123

Mar 21st: 1918…………………...Speaker: Peter Strong

Apr 18th: History of Computing

………………………………….…Speaker Dave Edwards

May 16th: Tonypandy Riots, was Churchill Guilty?

……………………………………Speaker David Harrison

Jun 20th: Wars and their aftermath

………………………………………..Speaker Sheila Ford

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JIVE BUNNIES

Alternate Thursday evening

7.00 pm – 9.00 pm Portskewett Recreational Hall

Convener……………Wendy Protheroe

Tel: 01291 422829

Mar 8th & 22nd

Apr 5th & 19th

May 3rd, 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: 01291 794034 (Jan)

Tel: 01291 422925 (Adrian)

SCIENCE AND NATURAL HISTORY

Meetings to be held 1st Monday of the month 10.00

- 12.00 noon. Scout Hall, Sandy Lane

Convener ………………. Bob Whitehead

Tel: 01291 422232

Mar 5th: 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.

Mar 19th: Visit to Aerospace Bristol (Concorde) – fully

booked. Leave Mill Lane 9.30am

Apr 9th: A sortie in Spain and Portugal.

…………………………..Speaker: Philip Mugridge ARPS

Apr 30th: Prosthetics through the ages to present day.

……….Speaker(s): Katy Lesley & Hannah Pentin. Bristol

Centre for Enablement

May 18th: Visit to Oxford city – its many historic

buildings and the new Watergate shopping centre. Leave

Mill Lane 8.30am – cost £25.00 (Coach & hop on/off bus)

Jun 25th: Visit to Haynes International Motor Museum

including lunch break in the town of Sherbourne. Leave

Mill Lane 9.00am – cost £25.00 (Coach & entry)

Jul 25th: Visit to Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells.

Leave Mill Lane circa 8.15am – cost £35.00 (Coach &

entry)

SCRABBLE

Alternate Fridays 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Town council

Day Centre.

Convener………Glynis Croft

Tel: 01633 400529

Mar 9th & 23rd

SHORT MAT BOWLS

Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 4.00 pm. Scout Hall.

Friday evening 7.00 to 9pm

Convener……………………Roland Carey

Tel: 01633 881302

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

SINGING FOR PLEASURE

Meet every other Monday 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Recreational Hall, Portskewett.

Convener…………………. Sue Shepherd

Tel: 01291 423089

Mar 12th:

Mar 26th:

SPANISH

Monday Mornings 10.45 to 12.00 various venues.

Convener………………Julian Woods

Tel: 01291 421095

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Convener………………Pam Caines

Tel: 01291 420750

SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB

Convener………………Pam Caines

Tel: 01291 420750

TABLE TENNIS

Monday 2.00 to 4.00pm Scout Hall, Sandy Lane

Convener………………Les Mitchell

Tel: 01291 421567

UKULELE

Every Tuesday 2.00 to 4.00 at the Recreation Hall

Portskewett

Convener………………. Pauline Fryer

Tel: 01291 423977

WALKING GROUPS

WHEN: Every Tuesday 9.00 & 9.30 am

WHERE: Caldicot Choir Hall Car Park.

For further information please contact Conveners

ALL WALKS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

STRAGGLERS

3 – 4 miles – easy and moderate

Convener………………Derek Watson

Tel: 01291 641582

Mar 6th: Sculpture Trail with Myfanwy. Lunch: The

Nags Head, Yorkley

Mar 13th: Redwick with Brian. Lunch: The Rose

Redwick

Mar 20th: Local with Jan & Claude. Lunch: The

Portskewett Inn

Mar 27th: Forest of Dean with Linda & Clive. Lunch:

The Nags Head, Yorkley

AMBLERS

Around 4 miles – some hills/stiles

Conveners……Gaynor Pask Tel: 01633 882492

Jeanette Trask Tel: 07415035914

Mar 6th: Nash with Ann & Sue(S). Lunch: TBA

Mar 13th: Mamhilad with Eric. Lunch: The Star,

Mamhilad

Mar 20th: Magor/Undy with Jeanette & Gaynor. Lunch:

The Wheatsheaf, Magor

Mar 27th: Wentwood with Marie & Sheena. Lunch: The

Coach & Horses, Caerwent

STROLLERS

Convener………………Rob Harry

Tel: 01291 421282

Mar 6th: Pontypool with Brian P. Lunch: TBA

Mar 13th: Risca with Phil S. Lunch: The Rising Sun

Mar 20th: Rhiwderin with John T. Lunch: The Rhiwderin

Arms

Mar 27th: Trellech with Wendy & Judi. Lunch: The

Huntsman, Shirenewton

STRIDERS

5 - 7 miles - moderate & strenuous

Convener.………Richard Harding

Tel: 01291 420305

Mar 6th: Trellech with Richard W. Lunch: The Fountain

Mar 13th: Upper Cwmbran with Jan. Lunch: The Queens

(NP44 1SN)

Mar 20th: Bigsweir Bridge with Richard. Lunch: The

Sloop

Mar 27th: Trellech with Paul. Lunch: The Fountain

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TREASURERS CORNER

We are currently in the final stages of completion of our 2016/2017 Gift Aid claim to H.M.

Revenue. If you are one who have completed a declaration in the past and did not in fact pay

sufficient tax on income or investments in the year in question it is important that you advise

myself, Glenice Dallow or any Committee members to avoid our making an inappropriate claim. I

would remind you that the responsibility for any such tax reclaimed, to which we are not entitled,

would lie with you as the donor. This applies equally to any other charities you might support so I

suggest that it might be beneficial to review your personal tax position on an annual basis.

I have this month received several enquiries as to this coming years subscription rates. I can

confirm that your Committee, in line with the resolution passed at our last AGM, will maintain

subscriptions for this year remaining at £10.00 and £6.50 for proven associates, i.e. members of

fellow U3As. As to next year’s subscriptions please attend the AGM in April when that decision

will be made.

I can report that we have sent a cheque for £100.00 in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. This

was out of the proceeds of our Christmas meeting raffle. Thank you all who donated.

Tony Hodson-Hirst

Treasurer

WALKERS HOLIDAY TO NORTH WALES SEPTEMBER 2018

A walking holiday has been arranged with Edwards Travel from September 10th until September

14th, 2018 staying at the Evans Hotel, Llandudno on half board basis.

A walking programme has been arranged to cover the needs of Striders, Strollers, Amblers and

Stragglers.

The cost of the holiday will depend on the number of people travelling, for forty people it is £295

each. There is a limited number of single rooms available which carry a supplement of £30 each.

If you wish to reserve a place a deposit of £35 each is required by1st March 2018 and the balance

by 1st July 2018.

All cheques to be made payable to Caldicot & District U3A Walking Group please.

Geraint Roberts [01291 420671)

GARDENING GROUP

Things to do in the garden

1. Scrape off the top 2” of soil from outside pot planters. Replace with new compost mixed

with slow release fertiliser

2. Prune back clematis, that flower after July

3. Plant shallots and garlic if the ground is frost free

4. Plant broad beans and sweet peas, (I’ve planted mine in the tubes from toilet rolls so when

ready to put into growing position the roots wont be disturbed)

5. Peas can be planted in a piece of guttering once the seedlings are about 3” high, gently slide

into a shallow drill – firm and water

Rosa Morgan

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VISIT TO NORTH CERNEY HOUSE

The gardening group spent another enjoyable day visiting the snowdrop gardens at the above

house. The weather was dry and bright so made the trip much more remarkable.

We had a longer journey to North Cerney, because the coach had to make a diversion over the

Severn because of a serious accident in Pwllmeyric, when the road was closed.

We were met by a gentleman at the bottom of a steep drive, who kindly ferried the less-able

passengers up to the house. After this long steep climb, we were met by Janet Angus, a family

member who gave everyone a map and history of the Georgian/Victorian house – it had, had many

changes since 1660 when it was first built by the Rich family.

Before setting out to view the woodlands and garden, we were treated to coffee/tea and a selection

of home-made cakes, which were appreciated by all.

The grounds were very undulating and steep in places, but fortunately not too muddy! The three

and half acre walled garden was divided up with herbaceous borders, and knot garden, also fruit

and vegetables. The paths were edged with old fashioned roses and clematis. The 10acres of the

woodlands contain more than 150 varieties of snowdrops and hundreds of hellebores.

After a very pleasant time viewing the grounds and admiring all the delightful plants, we made our

way to Cirencester, where some had food and others visited places of interest.

One of our group commented that it was not as good as our last snowdrop trip, but then on that

occasion we had first called in at the Bombay Gin distillery – maybe that influenced his

judgement!!

Coral Blandford

DRAMA GROUP

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!). I would like to thank the Drama Group for their dedication and

acceptance to whatever I put before them and they enter into the spirit of everything with great

enthusiasm, they are a great bunch of people. Thank you all.

Pam

SPECIAL EVENTS

WINE TASTING AT CARMARTHEN – WEDNESDAY 11th APRIL 2018

This trip is now organised and no more names to be taken. The coach will pick us up at Mill Lane

Bus Bay, time will be advised later.

THE ROYAL WELSH SHOW - WEDNESDAY 25th JULY 2018

I have arranged a day at the Royal Welsh Show as above. The price of this will be £40 which

includes luxury coach travel and entrance fee. I have a few places left if anyone is interested.

Those of you who have already put their names down can I please ask you to pay in full at the next

meeting.

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A SUMMER HOLIDAY IN JUNE – THE ISLE OF WIGHT

As stated in the last newsletter I have now arranged this holiday to the Isle of Wight on the above

date. The cost of this is £339.00 per person (there will be a single supplement unfortunately, but I

will try to keep this to a minimum). At present I am only able to take names for the reserve list as

this has filled up quick. Can I now ask those of you who have placed your names on the list for

£50 deposit per person to be paid before, or at the March meeting? I will not be collecting the

money myself as I will be away on that date, but Anne Duke has kindly offered to stand in for me,

so I would be grateful if you could either send the deposits to me or pay Anne at the meeting.

Thank you for helping me out in this.

Pam

SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB

Following the lovely meal we all had at the Old Barn our next Sunday Lunch is on the 18th March

and at the Huntsman, Shirenewton. Please be there for 12:30pm. Look forward to seeing you all

there once again.

Our April lunch will be held on the 22nd April at The Cellar in Caldicot, (this is behind the Co-op).

We will be in the Cwtch. Again please be there for 12:30pm. Can you please let me have your

names before these dates.

Pam

SPECIAL EVENTS TRIP TO NEWQUAY, 2nd TO 6th FEBRUARY 2018.

It was good to see a number of new faces on this trip, a sure sign that such outings still have appeal.

The Barrowfield Hotel in Newquay was very comfortable if a little ‘tired’ and the food and service

very acceptable. There was one unfortunate incident when water started to leak through the ceiling

of the room occupied by Ron and Val Lapthorn but a quick move to other accommodation and

numerous offers of umbrellas was forthcoming!. There was entertainment every night which was

very well attended and enjoyed by all.

The first outing was to Padstow, well known for its Cornish Pasties and Rick Stein fish and chips,

but it is also the home of the National Lobster Hatchery, a pioneering marine conservation, research

and education charity. Despite having featured on many TV programmes such as ‘Country File’

and ‘Coast’ it is little known to most visitors.

The next outing was to Falmouth, a small port with a long history, it was here that the news of

Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar was first heard in Britain. Whilst many made the typical shopping

visit others sought other interests such as the Maritime Museum with a large variety of small boats

and many nautical items of interest. There was also the best views of Falmouth from the third floor

of the building.

The final day was a free day in Newquay itself, a town of contrasts with some of the best beaches

in Britain but some of the most boring shops and buildings of any town we have visited. The Hotel

ran a separate outing to St Ives that day and many people took advantage of this very reasonably

priced outing.

A most pleasant few days break and very good value for money as always.

Mike Tew

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HISTORY

The February meeting of the History Group had a talk by Carol and Richard Clammer on

‘Beachley in the First World War’.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Beachley peninsular was a quiet rural area with several

farms and a few small villages. This changed in 1915, when the government decided to build

shipyards at Chepstow, Portbury and Beachley with the aim of rapidly increasing Britain’s

merchant fleet. The development at Beachley was to be the largest, with 18 slipways.

This decision was taken in response to Germany’s attempt to prevent food supplies from other

countries reaching Britain. Germany hoped to achieve this by ‘unrestricted submarine warfare’,

sinking any ships, British or not, which approached our shores. In the months that this campaign

had already been active, it was so successful that UK was in danger of starvation if no action was

taken.

As a result, residents of Beachley village were sent letters on September 3rd, ordering them to

vacate their homes by September 14th under the defence of the realm regulations. The residents

were expected to find new accommodation themselves and arrange transport for getting there.

The national press reacted in anger and despair. An extract from a Daily Mail report said, “What

bitterness there is amongst the villager’s centres on the failure of the government to provide them

with so much as a hut in which to shelter from the winter.”

The shipyard at Beachley was built, with slipways, cranes, workshops, etc. on a large scale. The

ships were to be constructed in pieces– large sections were to be made elsewhere and transported to

Beachley for assembly. However, by the time the keel was laid for the first ship, the war was

nearing its end. Shipbuilding at Beachley had ended.

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

CHARITY COFFEE MORNING

Saturday March 10th 10.30am – 12.30pm

Join us at our Coffee Morning in Caerwent Church where we'll be raising funds for the Bishops

Lent Appeal. There will be a Bring & Buy Stall (e.g. Cakes, Plants, Books, Produce etc) and a

Raffle. All ages welcome.

Entrance: Free

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MARCH CROSSWORD

In this crossword there are TWO clues for each word.

Can you work out which is TRUE and which is FALSE?

Across

1. Optical illusion / Reality (6) 4. Basketball court / University grounds (6) 9. Copious / Scarce (5) 10. Vestry / Podium (7) 11. Highest / Lowest (7) 12. Painting / Tripod (5) 13. Puts in / Throws out (6) 15. More expensive / Less expensive (6) 18. Horse / Jockey (5) 20. Heals / Injures (7) 23. Building / Subway (7) 24. Ice hut / Log cabin (5) 25. Bank employee / Doctor (6) 26. Moved away /

Approached (6)

Down

1. Unintended / Intended (5) 2. Repel / Welcome (7) 3. Birds / Frogs (5) 5. Luxurious / Stark (7) 6. Fringe benefits / Liabilities (5) 7. Alike / Opposite (7) 8. Soup / Bread (5) 13. Sincere / Insincere (7) 14. Insect / Fish (7) 16. Even / Uneven (7) 17. Snake / Mammal (5) 19. Tool / Plank (5) 21. Cereal grass / Fruit (5) 22. Shield / Weapon (5)

February Crossword Solution

MARCH 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?

Solution next month

February’s Hub Word Solution

9-letter word - BEAUTIFUL

Some other words of four letters or more

containing the hub letter B:

abet, able, abut, bail, bait, bale, bate, beat,

beau, belt, beta, bile, bite,

blae (Scot), blue, flab, flub, tabi, tuba, tube,

beaut, befit, bleat, built,

fable, table, tubal, albeit, albite, fibula,

tubful, tubule.

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TRUSTEES

Chairman Pam Caines 01291 420750

Vice Chairman John Jeffery 01291 421523

Treasurer Tony Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997

Committee Secretary Jackie Hicks 01291 626487

Speakers Secretary Anne Duke

Network Secretary John Duke

Newsletter & Diary Editor

Link Secretary

Angela Hodson-Hirst 01291 424997

Committee Susan Gilbert

Committee Jean Gilham

Committee Rob Harry

Committee

Merrill Lang

OFFICERS

Public Relations Dave Edwards

Membership Secretary Alma Gaskell