paddock wood u3a learn laugh live€¦ · february 2017 paddock wood u3a learn laugh live a great...
TRANSCRIPT
February 2017 Paddock Wood U3A LEARN LAUGH LIVE
A Great Welcome at January’s Open Day
On Thursday February 9th we will have reached our 5th
Anniversary Monthly Meeting. It promises to be an exciting and significant celebration.
Do make every effort not to miss this; we expect a large turnout for this event.
MORE INFORMATION INSIDE
Paddock Wood U3A - 5th Anniversary
February 2nd 2012 was the date of our first ever Monthly Meeting. Those who were there and have good memories will know that our first Talk was given by Monty Parkin, a presentation about
“Yesterdays Papers”.
In August 2011 Pauline Hawker, Regional Volunteer and member of Pembury U3A, placed pieces in the Paddock Wood Courier asking if anyone was interested in starting a U3A in Paddock Wood. Soon a
small group planned the Launch Meeting to judge the level of interest, and for volunteers to take up positions on the Committee, and other important roles.
One of our biggest headaches was solved immediately when Dawn Kirk stepped forward with her “Girls” to take care of refreshments. And Derek Hayes discovered the meaning of irony as he became
Vice-Chairman; he had come along to lend a hand and put out the chairs!
So myself, Vice-Chairman Derek Hayes, Secretary Jan Wheddon, Treasurer Andy Wickham, Speaker Organisor Ann Bramble, Groups Organisor Pauline Middlewick, Study Days Organisor Michele Sinclair,
Ron Trevillion Membership Secretary, Dawn Kirk and Eve Brennan Welcome Committee and Peter Williams as a Committee Member formed a Steering Committee, meeting regularly, ploughing through all the required forms and paperwork with the assistance of Pauline Hawker. And after mastering all
of the guidance sheets and booklets we finally agreeing a Constitution.
And then the great day arrived when we were “Signed Off”, which meant we could go ahead.
How busy we all were - learning as we went, which is how the U3A works. Many phone calls and late nights putting together a programme of talks for the Monthly Meetings, Study Days, Interest
Groups and the 101 other things the were needed in preparation for the “Open Day” in January 2012. We were inundated with visitors, and to our relief many many people joined up.
Since then we have grown to over 400 members and 60 Interest Groups, while nationally there are over 1000 U3As in the UK. It just shows that here is a formula that works:
Get InvolvedOffer Your SkillsLearn New Skills
Make Friends and SocialiseWorthwhile Activities after Retirement
A range of Interest Groups for Men and Women(and make sure you always carry your diary with you)
Please join us to Celebrate our 5th Anniversary on Thursday 9th February. As usual meeting at St Andrews Church from 2pm to 4pm, but make sure
you are there in good time as there is expected to be a large turnout.
Barbara Stevens will tell us about about “Trials and Tribulations of a Public Speaker”. The Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Neve and
Mrs Jill Neve, will be in attendance, with several surprises promised.
Well that ’s how I remember it, but a lot has happened since then , much of it due to Paddock Wood U3A. Just think - without that discovery I could be relaxing on the
settee with a coffee, watching Jeremy Kyle - perish the thought!Fred Lemont - Editor
In January a large group of our members gathered in the Mervin Hall at St Andrews to hear the first
Seminar of the New Year.
This was the second part of the fascinating presentation by Elisabeth Rhodes: What we Owe
the Greeks – part 2. We all learnt something new and appreciated some dazzling illustrations.
As a complete contrast, on Tuesday 28th February Robert Dicketts will present
“Our man in Hamburg 1941”Our man was, as far as the speaker has been able
to ascertain, the only truly British Agent during the whole of World War Two to have been an invited guest of the Abwehr (The German Intelligence
Service) for nearly three weeks in Hamburg in 1941.
Who was he? How did he get there? How did he survive? What did he achieve and what was the
aftermath?
This promises to be a truly riveting Seminar, book now to secure your place, and now only £2.
Seminar NewsThe full list of Study Days is now available on the
website, each with a brief synopsis: if you would like to attend any of the days then please email and I will
add you to the list.
The first Study Day is March 15th – The Battle of Britain, and I need your payment of £27 per person to include transport to and from Putlands Leisure
Centre, morning coffee/tea, lunch, all entrance fees, driver tip and any parking fee, to secure your place.
Michèle Sinclair
Study Days
Our Annual Grand Open Day has passed for another year. From various reports most Interest Groups were
very busy with many enquiries.
There are some interests that as yet we don’t have an Interest Group for. They are as follows and if any member is interested in any of these topics I will be
pleased to hear from them. Walking Football, Spanish and an old favourite Chess.
There are limiting factors concerning starting new groups like, finding a committed leader and finding a venue - but these are hurdles that can be overcome.
Most will have signed up for existing Interests. Here the most common limiting factor is how many members can one fit in a room in a normal house. It
may require a new group on an existing interest to be formed and this can take time.
However if any member has not been contacted by the end of January can they please contact me and I
will try to find them an answer.
Colin Mark – 01892 832921 [email protected]
Interest Group News
Please see the Website Link for the Summer School program 2017. Bookings now open.
If you would like to know how it works, plus some useful tips, speak to Fred.
Summer School 2017
http://bit.ly/2kBi8jk
Paddock Wood Flower Club is hosting a Question and Answer Session with Jean Griffin from Radio
Kent’s Sunday Morning Gardening Programme, on Thursday, 23rd March, 7.30pm at the Day Centre.
Tickets are £5 from Jan Wheddon, Michele Sinclair, Vera Rees and others. Numbers are strictly limited because of the size of the Hall and questions should
be submitted in advance please.
Paddock Wood Flower Club
Oh lookIt ’s a Space!
Do you have an item to fill the spaces - News - Requests - Items wanted
or for Sale - Photos
Paddock Wood U3A - 5th Anniversary
February 2nd 2012 was the date of our first ever Monthly Meeting. Those who were there and have good memories will know that our first Talk was given by Monty Parkin, a presentation about
“Yesterdays Papers”.
In August 2011 Pauline Hawker, Regional Volunteer and member of Pembury U3A, placed pieces in the Paddock Wood Courier asking if anyone was interested in starting a U3A in Paddock Wood. Soon a
small group planned the Launch Meeting to judge the level of interest, and for volunteers to take up positions on the Committee, and other important roles.
One of our biggest headaches was solved immediately when Dawn Kirk stepped forward with her “Girls” to take care of refreshments. And Derek Hayes discovered the meaning of irony as he became
Vice-Chairman; he had come along to lend a hand and put out the chairs!
So myself, Vice-Chairman Derek Hayes, Secretary Jan Wheddon, Treasurer Andy Wickham, Speaker Organisor Ann Bramble, Groups Organisor Pauline Middlewick, Study Days Organisor Michele Sinclair,
Ron Trevillion Membership Secretary, Dawn Kirk and Eve Brennan Welcome Committee and Peter Williams as a Committee Member formed a Steering Committee, meeting regularly, ploughing through all the required forms and paperwork with the assistance of Pauline Hawker. And after mastering all
of the guidance sheets and booklets we finally agreeing a Constitution.
And then the great day arrived when we were “Signed Off”, which meant we could go ahead.
How busy we all were - learning as we went, which is how the U3A works. Many phone calls and late nights putting together a programme of talks for the Monthly Meetings, Study Days, Interest
Groups and the 101 other things the were needed in preparation for the “Open Day” in January 2012. We were inundated with visitors, and to our relief many many people joined up.
Since then we have grown to over 400 members and 60 Interest Groups, while nationally there are over 1000 U3As in the UK. It just shows that here is a formula that works:
Get InvolvedOffer Your SkillsLearn New Skills
Make Friends and SocialiseWorthwhile Activities after Retirement
A range of Interest Groups for Men and Women(and make sure you always carry your diary with you)
Please join us to Celebrate our 5th Anniversary on Thursday 9th February. As usual meeting at St Andrews Church from 2pm to 4pm, but make sure
you are there in good time as there is expected to be a large turnout.
Barbara Stevens will tell us about about “Trials and Tribulations of a Public Speaker”. The Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Neve and
Mrs Jill Neve, will be in attendance, with several surprises promised.
Well that ’s how I remember it, but a lot has happened since then , much of it due to Paddock Wood U3A. Just think - without that discovery I could be relaxing on the
settee with a coffee, watching Jeremy Kyle - perish the thought!Fred Lemont - Editor
In January a large group of our members gathered in the Mervin Hall at St Andrews to hear the first
Seminar of the New Year.
This was the second part of the fascinating presentation by Elisabeth Rhodes: What we Owe
the Greeks – part 2. We all learnt something new and appreciated some dazzling illustrations.
As a complete contrast, on Tuesday 28th February Robert Dicketts will present
“Our man in Hamburg 1941”Our man was, as far as the speaker has been able
to ascertain, the only truly British Agent during the whole of World War Two to have been an invited guest of the Abwehr (The German Intelligence
Service) for nearly three weeks in Hamburg in 1941.
Who was he? How did he get there? How did he survive? What did he achieve and what was the
aftermath?
This promises to be a truly riveting Seminar, book now to secure your place, and now only £2.
Seminar NewsThe full list of Study Days is now available on the
website, each with a brief synopsis: if you would like to attend any of the days then please email and I will
add you to the list.
The first Study Day is March 15th – The Battle of Britain, and I need your payment of £27 per person to include transport to and from Putlands Leisure
Centre, morning coffee/tea, lunch, all entrance fees, driver tip and any parking fee, to secure your place.
Michèle Sinclair
Study Days
Our Annual Grand Open Day has passed for another year. From various reports most Interest Groups were
very busy with many enquiries.
There are some interests that as yet we don’t have an Interest Group for. They are as follows and if any member is interested in any of these topics I will be
pleased to hear from them. Walking Football, Spanish and an old favourite Chess.
There are limiting factors concerning starting new groups like, finding a committed leader and finding a venue - but these are hurdles that can be overcome.
Most will have signed up for existing Interests. Here the most common limiting factor is how many members can one fit in a room in a normal house. It
may require a new group on an existing interest to be formed and this can take time.
However if any member has not been contacted by the end of January can they please contact me and I
will try to find them an answer.
Colin Mark – 01892 832921 [email protected]
Interest Group News
Please see the Website Link for the Summer School program 2017. Bookings now open.
If you would like to know how it works, plus some useful tips, speak to Fred.
Summer School 2017
http://bit.ly/2kBi8jk
Paddock Wood Flower Club is hosting a Question and Answer Session with Jean Griffin from Radio
Kent’s Sunday Morning Gardening Programme, on Thursday, 23rd March, 7.30pm at the Day Centre.
Tickets are £5 from Jan Wheddon, Michele Sinclair, Vera Rees and others. Numbers are strictly limited because of the size of the Hall and questions should
be submitted in advance please.
Paddock Wood Flower Club
Oh lookIt ’s a Space!
Do you have an item to fill the spaces - News - Requests - Items wanted
or for Sale - Photos
This is really important as it involves all of us and the future of Paddock WoodDo make the effort to attend
Kings Hill and District2017 Holiday to The Netherlands Thursday 11th May to Monday 15th May
The working group has booked the following itinerary:Thursday 11th: 7.00 am journey from Kings Hill to Utrecht via Euro Tunnel and lunch stop on route.Friday12th: Full day trip to Amsterdam with a list of options for you to choose. A canal cruise could be included if you wish.Saturday 13th: Morning visit to Oudewater (witches may be weighed in town) afternoon and evening to Utrecht. Full list of options will be listed.Sunday 14th: Morning to De Haar Castle followed by Keukenhof Gardens.Monday15th: Journey home with a lunch stop. Eurotunnel from 16.00
There may be slight alterations to these details as a result of further advice and suggestions.
Hotel: 4* Carlton President Hotel Utrecht on a B&B basis with evening meal on first night.Cost: £ 410 pp maximum. This is likely to reduce in proportion to total numbers and number of free seats allocated.There are a limited number of single spaces in rooms so please indicate your willingness to share twin bedded rooms and with whom! There is a single supplement payable approx £70.You should have your own personal travel insurance cover.
Deposits: this will be £100 per person payable by BACS to KHAD social account or by cheque. Kings Hill u3a Social acctNo: 00024944 Sort Code 40 52 40 Please tell me if you have sent this deposit to the bank.
All bookings and questions to Graham Hall [email protected]: 01732 843436
Application FormName……………………………………………email……………………………Name……………………………………………email……………………………..Sharing with Name………………………………..Tel No: home…………………………..mobile…………………………………Any special Dietary requirements……………………………….Deposit: sent to bank yes/no cheque to GHall yes/no
From Graham Hall - Chairman Kings Hill U3A
We are organising a 4 day trip to Holland. I thought some of your members may be interested in joining us. Details attached but please phone if more details needed.
I can assure you of a warm welcome and an interesting trip.
Best wishes - Graham 01732 843436 07773056077
This is really important as it involves all of us and the future of Paddock WoodDo make the effort to attend
Kings Hill and District2017 Holiday to The Netherlands Thursday 11th May to Monday 15th May
The working group has booked the following itinerary:Thursday 11th: 7.00 am journey from Kings Hill to Utrecht via Euro Tunnel and lunch stop on route.Friday12th: Full day trip to Amsterdam with a list of options for you to choose. A canal cruise could be included if you wish.Saturday 13th: Morning visit to Oudewater (witches may be weighed in town) afternoon and evening to Utrecht. Full list of options will be listed.Sunday 14th: Morning to De Haar Castle followed by Keukenhof Gardens.Monday15th: Journey home with a lunch stop. Eurotunnel from 16.00
There may be slight alterations to these details as a result of further advice and suggestions.
Hotel: 4* Carlton President Hotel Utrecht on a B&B basis with evening meal on first night.Cost: £ 410 pp maximum. This is likely to reduce in proportion to total numbers and number of free seats allocated.There are a limited number of single spaces in rooms so please indicate your willingness to share twin bedded rooms and with whom! There is a single supplement payable approx £70.You should have your own personal travel insurance cover.
Deposits: this will be £100 per person payable by BACS to KHAD social account or by cheque. Kings Hill u3a Social acctNo: 00024944 Sort Code 40 52 40 Please tell me if you have sent this deposit to the bank.
All bookings and questions to Graham Hall [email protected]: 01732 843436
Application FormName……………………………………………email……………………………Name……………………………………………email……………………………..Sharing with Name………………………………..Tel No: home…………………………..mobile…………………………………Any special Dietary requirements……………………………….Deposit: sent to bank yes/no cheque to GHall yes/no
From Graham Hall - Chairman Kings Hill U3A
We are organising a 4 day trip to Holland. I thought some of your members may be interested in joining us. Details attached but please phone if more details needed.
I can assure you of a warm welcome and an interesting trip.
Best wishes - Graham 01732 843436 07773056077
At St Andrew’s Church the Foyer, the Winter Hall, Mervin Hall and Wallis Room were all buzzing with vibrant excitement as existing and newly joined members explored so many possibilities for activity in 2017. Enquiries about Interest Groups ran high, and it
was fascinating to find out just what our Interest Groups get up to!
Michele Sinclair had many attractive Study Days on offer, Andy Wickham was busy signing people up to our varied Seminars, Esther Garrity was answering questions about the interesting Adult Education sampler courses and the Welfare Team was measuring
Blood Pressure and telling us our BMI reading while showing off the Defibrillator.
And when we needed a break from all that was on offer we were able to relax with tea and biscuits, or to find a little peace and quiet by visiting the Fairtraide shop!
But in the end the lasting impression was just what a wealth of talent we have in our U3A - so much creative ability, often from members who had taken the plunge into something new very recently. Where else would you be able to discover so many
opportunities to engage in fascinating activities in a friendly atmosphere?
Paddock Wood U3A January “Open Day”
Welfare Team
Angela Broderick 01892 838 550 Jenny Carney 01892 835 101 Ray Crowle 01892 871 951 Priscilla Dicketts 01892 722 908 Barry Ednie 01892 832 169 Hazel Jenkins 01892 527 814
Following the setting up of the Welfare Team earlier this year, we looked at what could be done to enhance meetings and to demonstrate a caring and friendly attitude to all members. Small things like asking
speakers to repeat questions from the floor has improved communication and members enjoyment .
Deafness is horrid, and inhibits the enjoyment gained from a speaker. You may like to connect your hearing aid to the “loop” system; please check with your instructions for how to do that.
We reserve several front seats at meetings. These are to make “seeing” a screen easier if sight impaired or for the benefit of people with poor hearing who are not Aid users. These can also be used by anyone who
has mobility problems, uses a wheelchair, is accompanied by a guide dog or just needs to escape quickly!
Another area we cover is if someone is ill or bereaved or having a difficult time, where we can send a card or telephone to offer support and friendship. This service has been well received with many contacts made.
Do let a team member know if you are aware of anyone who would be cheered by this service.
At the January Open Day we asking if anyone was interested in undertaking a First Aid Course, and had a positive response. This would be invaluable to our members. If anyone else is interested please let me know.
This is useful knowledge for at home or in general. Courses can be arranged. Would you know what to do if someone suffers an electric shock?
Jenny Carney PWU3A Welfare Officer
Paddock Wood U3A Welfare Team
At St Andrew’s Church the Foyer, the Winter Hall, Mervin Hall and Wallis Room were all buzzing with vibrant excitement as existing and newly joined members explored so many possibilities for activity in 2017. Enquiries about Interest Groups ran high, and it
was fascinating to find out just what our Interest Groups get up to!
Michele Sinclair had many attractive Study Days on offer, Andy Wickham was busy signing people up to our varied Seminars, Esther Garrity was answering questions about the interesting Adult Education sampler courses and the Welfare Team was measuring
Blood Pressure and telling us our BMI reading while showing off the Defibrillator.
And when we needed a break from all that was on offer we were able to relax with tea and biscuits, or to find a little peace and quiet by visiting the Fairtraide shop!
But in the end the lasting impression was just what a wealth of talent we have in our U3A - so much creative ability, often from members who had taken the plunge into something new very recently. Where else would you be able to discover so many
opportunities to engage in fascinating activities in a friendly atmosphere?
Paddock Wood U3A January “Open Day”
Welfare Team
Angela Broderick 01892 838 550 Jenny Carney 01892 835 101 Ray Crowle 01892 871 951 Priscilla Dicketts 01892 722 908 Barry Ednie 01892 832 169 Hazel Jenkins 01892 527 814
Following the setting up of the Welfare Team earlier this year, we looked at what could be done to enhance meetings and to demonstrate a caring and friendly attitude to all members. Small things like asking
speakers to repeat questions from the floor has improved communication and members enjoyment .
Deafness is horrid, and inhibits the enjoyment gained from a speaker. You may like to connect your hearing aid to the “loop” system; please check with your instructions for how to do that.
We reserve several front seats at meetings. These are to make “seeing” a screen easier if sight impaired or for the benefit of people with poor hearing who are not Aid users. These can also be used by anyone who
has mobility problems, uses a wheelchair, is accompanied by a guide dog or just needs to escape quickly!
Another area we cover is if someone is ill or bereaved or having a difficult time, where we can send a card or telephone to offer support and friendship. This service has been well received with many contacts made.
Do let a team member know if you are aware of anyone who would be cheered by this service.
At the January Open Day we asking if anyone was interested in undertaking a First Aid Course, and had a positive response. This would be invaluable to our members. If anyone else is interested please let me know.
This is useful knowledge for at home or in general. Courses can be arranged. Would you know what to do if someone suffers an electric shock?
Jenny Carney PWU3A Welfare Officer
Paddock Wood U3A Welfare Team
Wadhurst U3A Science & Technology GroupFebruary 1st Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity Philip Cheung
Starting from the premise that the laws of physics should be identical in form for all observers travelling at constant velocities relative to each other, and that they measure the same value for the velocity of light, Einstein published a paper in 1905 which contains some astonishing notions concerning space and time, and his famous equation E=mc2. This talk describes his ideas in non-mathematical language to show the originality and impact
of his thinking, in the context of his epoque.
March 1st Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity Philip Cheung In generalising his theory to observers travelling at non-uniform velocities relative to each other (i.e.
including acceleration) and in pondering over puzzles posed by Newton’s theory of gravity, Einstein arrived in effect at a new theory of gravity in 1915. The mathematics of General relativity are generally considered difficult, but some of the fundamental notions such as the Equivalence Principle are relatively easy to grasp, and one can have some idea of what Einstein’s field equations are about. There will be time to briefly mention how General
Relativity forms the basis for understanding the cosmos, blackholes and gravitational waves, the latter discovered only in early 2016.
Apr 5th The grating spectrometer, the most important scientific instrument ever? Allan NewtonAllan will demonstrate one of his home made optical spectrometers and use it to show the differences in the spectrum of common light sources. Some similar lights have quite different spectra. He will then show how appropriate instruments have played a critical role in the development of atomic physics, nuclear physics,
astronomy and chemistry. Hence the claim that grating spectrometers are the most important scientific instruments. (Having worked on research using Diffraction Gratings for Spectroscopy I agree with this: Editor)
May ?th Visit to Spirit Lab at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. This will be the first of a regular feature in our programme. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/galleries-and-museum-
map/darwin-centre.html Details to follow. Jane Austin
Jun 7th Discussions over lunch at Rose and Crown, Mayfield.
Speak to Neil Lynn [email protected]
Philip Cheung [email protected]
Useful Websites - Suggestions please!http://www.moneysavingexpert.com
http://www.traveline.info
https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk
https://uk.pinterest.com
http://www.paddockwoodu3a.org
http://www.tunbridgewellsevents.co.uk
https://www.thetrainline.com
www.paddockwoodtc.kentparishes.gov.uk
http://www.kent.gov.uk
www.fixmystreet.com
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
https://www.ted.com/talks
Making a Complaint
I thought your readers might be interested to know about a site that is extremely good for doing exactly that !
“Fix my Street” is a web site that I’ve found works remarkably well for making complaints about issues
relating to our environment
Complaints are passed onto the appropriate council and they have to either rectify the problem(s) or provide
a good reason for not doing so.
The problem can be from something as simple as a lack of bin collection, fixing potholes in roads or getting
householders to cut back hedges that block footpaths.
Thanks to Roger Stiles for this suggestion
Whey, hey, what a good night had by all at the Barn Dance held at Mascalls School on 7th January! The Quattro Team’s first event, it was certainly a success judging by the comments received!
Ninety members attended, thoroughly enjoying themselves doing the various barn dances to the music provided by “Rattle the Board Ceilidh Band’ and attempting to follow the instructions of their “Caller”.
And the band raved about how they enjoyed the event, especially with so many willing to “Have a Go”.
When it came to the interval everyone welcomed the excellent ploughman’s supper to restore their energy levels for the next batch of dances, all-in-all a good start for ridding those extra calories from
the Christmas festivities! A particular big thanks to Linda Read and her husband, and Jan Wheddon for organising the food!
Well done Quattro Team and they look forward to you all supporting their future events, the next being the “Race Night” on 8th April at East Peckham Village Hall.
Tickets are £6 and now available from Eileen Cook on 01622813720, 08510501550 or [email protected] or at the Monthly Meetings.
QUATTRO TEAM NEWS
Wadhurst U3A Science & Technology GroupFebruary 1st Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity Philip Cheung
Starting from the premise that the laws of physics should be identical in form for all observers travelling at constant velocities relative to each other, and that they measure the same value for the velocity of light, Einstein published a paper in 1905 which contains some astonishing notions concerning space and time, and his famous equation E=mc2. This talk describes his ideas in non-mathematical language to show the originality and impact
of his thinking, in the context of his epoque.
March 1st Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity Philip Cheung In generalising his theory to observers travelling at non-uniform velocities relative to each other (i.e.
including acceleration) and in pondering over puzzles posed by Newton’s theory of gravity, Einstein arrived in effect at a new theory of gravity in 1915. The mathematics of General relativity are generally considered difficult, but some of the fundamental notions such as the Equivalence Principle are relatively easy to grasp, and one can have some idea of what Einstein’s field equations are about. There will be time to briefly mention how General
Relativity forms the basis for understanding the cosmos, blackholes and gravitational waves, the latter discovered only in early 2016.
Apr 5th The grating spectrometer, the most important scientific instrument ever? Allan NewtonAllan will demonstrate one of his home made optical spectrometers and use it to show the differences in the spectrum of common light sources. Some similar lights have quite different spectra. He will then show how appropriate instruments have played a critical role in the development of atomic physics, nuclear physics,
astronomy and chemistry. Hence the claim that grating spectrometers are the most important scientific instruments. (Having worked on research using Diffraction Gratings for Spectroscopy I agree with this: Editor)
May ?th Visit to Spirit Lab at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. This will be the first of a regular feature in our programme. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/galleries-and-museum-
map/darwin-centre.html Details to follow. Jane Austin
Jun 7th Discussions over lunch at Rose and Crown, Mayfield.
Speak to Neil Lynn [email protected]
Philip Cheung [email protected]
Useful Websites - Suggestions please!http://www.moneysavingexpert.com
http://www.traveline.info
https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk
https://uk.pinterest.com
http://www.paddockwoodu3a.org
http://www.tunbridgewellsevents.co.uk
https://www.thetrainline.com
www.paddockwoodtc.kentparishes.gov.uk
http://www.kent.gov.uk
www.fixmystreet.com
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
https://www.ted.com/talks
Making a Complaint
I thought your readers might be interested to know about a site that is extremely good for doing exactly that !
“Fix my Street” is a web site that I’ve found works remarkably well for making complaints about issues
relating to our environment
Complaints are passed onto the appropriate council and they have to either rectify the problem(s) or provide
a good reason for not doing so.
The problem can be from something as simple as a lack of bin collection, fixing potholes in roads or getting
householders to cut back hedges that block footpaths.
Thanks to Roger Stiles for this suggestion
Whey, hey, what a good night had by all at the Barn Dance held at Mascalls School on 7th January! The Quattro Team’s first event, it was certainly a success judging by the comments received!
Ninety members attended, thoroughly enjoying themselves doing the various barn dances to the music provided by “Rattle the Board Ceilidh Band’ and attempting to follow the instructions of their “Caller”.
And the band raved about how they enjoyed the event, especially with so many willing to “Have a Go”.
When it came to the interval everyone welcomed the excellent ploughman’s supper to restore their energy levels for the next batch of dances, all-in-all a good start for ridding those extra calories from
the Christmas festivities! A particular big thanks to Linda Read and her husband, and Jan Wheddon for organising the food!
Well done Quattro Team and they look forward to you all supporting their future events, the next being the “Race Night” on 8th April at East Peckham Village Hall.
Tickets are £6 and now available from Eileen Cook on 01622813720, 08510501550 or [email protected] or at the Monthly Meetings.
QUATTRO TEAM NEWS
What is a MOOC?
It’s a Massive Open Online Course aimed at unlimited participation and open access via the web.
MOOC’s were started in America by Stanford University in 2006 but have now grown in to a worldwide industry supported by universities, venture capitalist, individuals and not-for-profit
organisations like the Bill Gates Foundation.
Why might MOOCs be of interest to me?On-line courses are available on a vast range of subjects from knitting to astrophysics, sometimes complementing
subjects offered by U3A Interest Groups, sometimes providing the opportunity to study something new.
How can I find out more?Take a look at the main U3A website. http://u3asites.org.uk/advice-on-moocs/home to read Case Studies and
see a list of courses currently on offer.
Contact PWU3A member, Andy Mackie ([email protected]), to learn more. Andy recently attended a regional U3A workshop where MOOCs offered by FutureLearn were recommended. FutureLearn is a non-profit organisation whose members include a number of prominent UK universities including the Open
University. See www.futurelearn.com/using-futurelearn for a list of upcoming courses.
What’s next?We would like to start a MOOC’s course in PWU3A. We would like to hear from Interest Groups who are
interested in studying a course in conjunction with their existing programme. But we would also like to findsout if there is interest in studying a MOOC in a completely new area. We have picked out two that might be of interest. If you would like to sign up, or would like to start your own MOOC’s course, please contact Andy
Mackie who will be happy to set the course up.
Finance Fundamentals: Managing the Household Balance SheetThis course explores household assets (investments and property) and liabilities (debts) and examines
how these should be managed.
Starts: 6th February Duration: 4 weeks 3 hours per week
https://www.futurel`earn.com/courses/managing-the-household-balance-sheet
Innovation: the World’s GreatestUnderstand what innovation means and consider the history and developments of innovations that are
important in our daily lives.
Starts: 6th February Duration: 2 weeks 2 hours per week
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/the-worlds-greatest-innovations
Andy Mackie [email protected]
Andy Wickham and Fred Lemont will also we happy to talk to you about [email protected] [email protected]
Deadline for the February Issue is 22th FebruarySend News/Articles/Photos/Sales & Wants to [email protected]
If possible could you submit articles as “Word” documents with photographs as TIF