Paddock Wood U3A LEARN LAUGH LIVE

November 2017 http://www.paddockwoodu3a.org

Monthly MeetingThursday 9th Free SeminarTuesday 28thStudy Days

Paddock Wood’s new Community Hall? Urgent Information - see Pages 4 and 5

NOVEMBER DIARY

RAF Presentation TeamBring a friend, open to non-members

Alzheimer’s and DementiaHealthy Lifestyles

Reports of 2017 events on Website

Is this what you want?

Have your say on November 4th

Once again Paddock Wood will be lit up - an event not to be missed, and one which just gets better each year.

Come and support this event where so many people put in a terrific effort - on Sunday 26th November.

With Entertainment and a Christmas Market, and Shops and Voluntary Organisations putting on a show.

We have been asked if we could help by supplying marshalls - would anyone interested contact me:

01892 833 413 or fredlemont1@gmail.com

Paddock Wood Lights Up 2017

Seminar ReportOctober saw a crowded Winter Hall with 130 people full of anticipation for our headline

Seminar, run in conjunction with Tunbridge Wells U3A, and they were not disappointed.

“Middle East Matters” raised as many questions as it answered, provoking thoughtful questions and lively

conversations. We learnt how major errors were committed by Great Britain and France, the effects

of which are still felt today.

William Tyler +starting the presentation with the statement “It all started with a gunshot in

Sarajevo”. The most telling points were when various maps were shown - graphically illustrating the story of the many dramatic ways in which the Middle East

has changed, and continues to change:

Early developments in MesopotamiaBiblical Events in the areaThe rise and fall of the Roman EmpireThe Ottoman EmpireCompletion of the Suez canalThe secrecy of the Sykes-Picot agreementThe Balfour Declaration - a disaster?Britain and France occupy former Ottoman landEgypt gains Independence from United KingdomFrench Mandate of Syria and LebanonBritish Mandate of PalestineEmirate of TransJordan is set upUN General Assembly proposes division of PalestineThe Suez CrisesThe Six Day WarIran-Iraq WarThe Gulf War

Three serious thought-provoking presentations which will stay with us for many years.

It only remains for us to thank William Tyler, Jonathan Farley and Brian Beeley for their well

researched, engaging and insightful presentations on this most difficult 0f subjects.

More on the Middle East Seminar

I don’t think we have ever had so many U3As represented before, even more than at our launch

meeting back in 2011. We had visitors from:Canterbury GoudhurstKings HillMallingPaddock WoodPemburySevenoaksTenterdenTonbridgeTunbridge WellsWesterham

And a rather nice thank you, which captures the thoughts of many who came along

“Just to say what a really brilliant day yesterday was. We were riveted and carried on discussing it

all with friends (who had not been at the talk) later that evening. Such a fascinating yet troubled part

of the world and the speakers so knowledgable.So well done and thank you for organising it!”

2017 Study Day Reports

I hadn’t realised until I looked at our Website (something we should do regularly if we have access)

that as well as organising so many great events, Michele has reports of this year’s Study Days.

Well worth a read!

MABLEDON HOUSE

We’re Missing YouOur U3A has over 450 members, with half from

outside Paddock Wood. The Monthly Meetings are a great opportunity to attend some great talks, to meet

other members, and to find out what is going on.However it can be quite daunting to attend for the first time - you can feel very alone among those members

that attend if you don’t know anybody.Now that is a great shame because you are missing out on so much. Once you become involved - and

it may take some effort and courage - you will look forward with anticipation to the next event.

So here’s what to do - come along and say those magic words “This is my first visit” to the nice

people from the Welcome Team and Membership Team and we will make sure that you are welcomed..

If you still feel nervous about attending, perhaps with a disability which makes it difficult, or you feel

uncomfortable in groups of people, please contact Jenny Carney (details on back page).

WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU“I just wish I had made the effort sooner”

On Thursday November 9th at 2pm, the RAF Presentation Team bring their Roadshow to

Paddock Wood U3A, in the Winter Hall.

This will be a fascinating presentation - a look behind the scenes to see how they protect us.

Because so many of our members will be away at Potters, we have decided to invite Non-Members.

Come along with your friends.Bring others to show them what U3A is about.

This event is free - a great afternoon out, friendly company with refreshments - what’s not to like!

An invitation to your Friends,

Family and Neighbours

PLEASE READImportant Paddock

Wood NewsPROPOSED NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE

Paddock Wood Town Council is looking to raise awareness of the new community centre project and seek resident’s views. It is proposed to build

the community centre on the Memorial Field with a multi-use halls, pre-school and outside space.

Residents are invited to meet with representatives of the project group on Saturday 4th November between

10 am and 1 pm outside Paddock Wood Library.The architect, project manager and councillors will be present and you will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas. This exercise will also enable residents to

leave their comments which will be taken into account before options start to be developed.

Please pop along, take part and give us your views. You can influence the design of the community centre.

WE NEED YOU TO DO THIS!

At this stage you will not be able to see an Artist’s Impression of the Centre. There will be two A3 sheets which shows the areas for each element.

It is for all to use, and certain points have been raised.Importantly it must generate a sustainable incomeThere is no Stage shown (could be temporary)There are 3 halls, but no sliding doors between themThe kitchen is quite smallA spring floor for the larger hall could be useful“Incubator” rooms for new small businesses absentNo mention of Black-out curtains or Air-ConditioningCar parking may be an issueSound System and built-in projector screen usefulWe really need everyone to come along and have

their say - do not miss this opportunity

Berkeley Homes have now submitted a planning application for 309 new homes at Mascalls Farm,

with the provision of affordable homes together with access, parking, landscaping and areas of open space.

The application number is 17/03480/FULLwww.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/appsearch

Closing date for comments is 10th November 2017Something else where our comments are vital.

Berkeley Homes News

These are the Documents you will be able to comment during the Presentation at Paddock Wood Library on November 4th from 10am to 1pm

EYE SPYSPOT THE DEFIBRILLATOR

One of the problems is there doesn’t seem to be an effective Central Register

for the location of Defibrillators.

Obviously there is the one in the Foyer of St Andrews Church, paid for by our U3A and the Church.

But could you let me know of any that you spot or are aware of, and I will compile a list. We need to

know about Paddock Wood and the many surrounding Villages which our members come from.

Fred Lemont 01892 833 413fredlemont1@gmail.com

Thanks to Barry Ednie for this list:

St Andrews ChurchWoodlands Health Centre

Red Cross HQMasonic Centre

Barsleys Department StorePutlands Sports Centre

Mascalls School

Garden Group 2 went to Hole Park near Rolvenden in October with a view to enjoying ‘Autumn colour’.

There were indeed some beautiful Azaleas, Maples and Malus which were the expected yellows, reds and

oranges. There were also a lot of meticulously cut yew hedges and topiary.

Hope Park is also well known for its Autumn flowering Agapanthus - a variety which is, apparently,

quite rare.

Walking beside one of the long borders still flowering profusely in shades of pink and purple rounded the

afternoon off well.

Thank you to Pauline Middlewick for this report

Garden Group 2

The 2018 U3A DiaryEssential for noting all the activities you take part in.

£2.50 post free https://u3a.org.uk

go to ---> SHOP ---> DIARIES

November 28thImportant SeminarJust two places remain for this event, on a subject which may touch us all at some time.

There is much to be positive about as research continues into understanding causes and effects.

This key event will have two Speakers.

Kate Sergeant:from the Alzheimers Society (Kent and Medway),

will talk on Alzheimers Disease and Dementia.

She encourages a question and answer forum giving a chance to learn facts and dispel myths.

Stuart Smith from Tunbridge Wells “Healthy Lifestyles” will

hold a session to benefit us all.

The free Seminar is on Tuesday 28th November at St Andrews.

As we have two Speakers, the times are from 10.15 to 12.30

e-Mail frenchjenny@btconnect.comJenny Carney Welfare Officer PW U3A

Related to these presentations, there are some interesting resources on the TED TALKS

“Ideas worth spreading” site.

https://www.ted.com/talksClick on “Browse all talks”

What you can do to prevent Alzheimer’sLisa Genova • Neuroscientist, novelist

Alzheimer’s is not normal aging — and we can cure it

Samuel Cohen • Research scientist

I found both of these talks quite fascinating, positive and uplifting - Editor

The Cover PictureIn case you were wondering about the picture on the front cover, it is an example of a “Tin

Tabernacle”, built from corrugated iron. Situated in Coombe Green, Birtsmorton, Worcestershire it

was built in 1904, and is now no longer in use.

Garden Group 2 Visit

24 Hour Free Legal Advice for U3AThe new provider of the 24 hour legal advice helpline which the Trust pays for on your behalf has now been appointed. Arc Legal Assistance in partnership with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors provides a telephone advice

service available to all U3A members, and there is no limit to the number of calls you can make.Advice can be given on all aspects of law. If you are asked for an insurance number say you do not have one.

Telephone number 0344 770 1040 and quote “U3A Legal Helpline”.

Paddock Wood U3A Welfare Team Contact Jenny Carney 01892 835 101 e-Mail frenchjenny@btconnect.com

Deadline for the December 2017 issue is 25th NovemberSend News/Articles/Photos/Sales & Wants to fredlemont1@gmail.com 01892 833 413

If possible could you submit articles as “Word” documents with photographs as TIF or JPG

U3A Handbook Ron Trevillion, who runs our great

Website, is planning the next Member’s Handbook. So useful with

all the information to hand.

Could Group Leaders check their entries and let him have an update for next year, and

update your Website entry as well if necessary.

And could all members check to see what they think could usefully be added or improved.

If you paid your subscription by Internet Bank Transfer or Standing order, it will have been to CAF Bank. However some months ago we changed our bank, and if your continued using those details any payment made to CAF Bank will be lost in space.

Can you make sure the details have been updated:

National Westminster BankPaddock Wood U3ASort code: 54-21-25

Account number: 25892509

Please check today

Our December MeetingMichele Sinclair is working to put on yet another Phantasmagorical Frenzy, a Vivacious Veritable Cornucopia

of Class, with Rousing Renditions and .... with a touch of .... not to mention .... dangerous ... astounding ... unbelievable ... hilarious .... stupifying .... raise the roof .... but since I am sworn to secrecy I can reveal nothing!

All will be revealed however (Oh Missus) at the December Meeting - be there!