TADLEY AND DISTRICT U3A

Newsletter www.u3asites.org.uk/tadley Issue 4 July 2013

Jonathan Jones March speaker

Richard Grundy April speaker

Tony Strafford May speaker

Dr Darren Gristwood June speaker

The four months since March’s newsletter have been pretty exciting what with not knowing what the weather’s going to be like, how rousing will the Tadley & District U3A AGM be, and what exactly were the sex lives of king’s like? As happens with all of life’s great unknowns the passing of time answered all our questions. March was the coldest March for 50 years as was spring. I now suspect that there are a number of members who are now secretly wishing for a thunderstorm or two?

May was that great moment when T&D U3A held its first AGM. When describing the AGM finding the right words is difficult. ‘Well organised’ I feel is true; ‘brief and to the point’ definitely spring to mind; ‘well attended’, for which we thank all our members, is also true. Happily I believe we can we can put the words ’mind bogglingly boring’ away until next year? After the AGM the

question ‘what exactly were the sex lives of king’s like?’ was amusingly answered by the retired Beefeater Tony Stafford.

Once again many thanks to all our members, firstly for making T&D U3A what it is, and secondly for your attendance at the AGM to show your support for the work that the committee has carried out over the last year.

When it comes to membership, reassuringly, the majority of members renewed their membership and as of June membership stood at 368 including 87 new members. The number of interest groups also steadily increases with 31 at last count.

The Trips & Events programme continues to be busy with heavily subscribed trips to Ham House, Richmond and to a recording of POINTLESS at Elstree studios.

Monthly Speakers A previous speaker from our first meeting way back in March 2011, Jonathan Jones the town crier, returned in March this year in the guise of his alter ego “Jonathan Jones is Rudyard Kipling”.

Jonathan’s talk was a delightful combination of Kipling’s biography and readings of some of Kipling’s well known and best loved poems.

This talk was of great interest to an appreciative audience, especially for those who themselves had a love of a poetry.

In April our speaker was Richard Grundy with a talk entitled “Splendid Isolation - Tristan da Cunha”.

In his early thirties, Richard’s original idea had been to get a teaching job in South America, to learn Spanish and to do some traveling. Wandering through the Times Educational Supplement the fickle hand of fate intervened with the result that he ended up spending three thoroughly enjoyable years teaching in Tristan (which at least ticked some of the boxes)!

Richard’s time on the island and his on-going relationship with the island and its islanders resulted in a fascinating presentation covering the geography, wildlife, history, the day-to-day life of the island and of course the 1961 evacuation. If you want to look further into life on Tristan de Cunha then Richard’s website www.tristandc.com is a mine of useful information.

We decided that we needed a thoroughly entertaining speaker to complement our first Annual General Meeting in May and we were delighted to again secure the services of Tony Strafford a retired Beefeater from the Tower of London.

This time Tony’s talk was “The Sex Lives of Kings” which proved to be an extremely interesting and entertaining talk which was greeted with much laughter by our audience.

Our June speaker was Dr Darren Gristwood whose talk was entitled: “Dem Bones – Dem Bones” A Holistic Approach to Healthcare. Darren is a Doctor of Holistic Therapies with over 20 year’s experience working in healthcare. After travelling the world working with and studying eastern philosophies, Darren has incorporated these into his work as an Osteomyologist.

Darren’s talk was extremely interesting and generated a number of questions from the audience, not only asking him about his work but also from people with conditions that Darren had spoken about. Following on from the presentation there has been feedback from those members who heard him, putting forward their views on alternative medicine, both for and against.

As Darren is a Buddhist and believes in the Freedom of Information, he spoke to us for free but asked us to make a donation to St Michael’s Hospice which we have done.

http://www.tristandc.com/

Up and Coming We now settle in for the quiet summer period. A number of groups are taking the summer off as typically parents and grandparents are otherwise occupied during this time. Consequently

there is no monthly meeting in August

Over the next few months we continue with a full programme of monthly meetings in the Community Centre, full details below.

The Trips & Events programme continues to organise days out so see below.

A number of requests for new interest groups have also been received; hopefully some of these requests will come to fruition with the setting up of new groups. See Interest Groups below.

If any member has a view, suggestion, criticism on anything associated with Tadley & District U3A then do contact us via the e-mail link tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.com

Please remember that the most up to date information is available on our website http://www.u3asites.org.uk/tadley

Dates for your diary All monthly meetings are held in Tadley Community Centre, doors open at 11:00.

Monthly Meetings. Date Subject Speaker

19th September 2013 “40 Years of Catching Smugglers -

Part 2” Malcolm Nelson

17th October 2013 "The Real Downton Abbey" -Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey

The Countess of Carnarvon

21st November 2013 “The Whitchurch Silk Mill” - The history of the Whitchurch Silk Mill

Dr Geoff Hide

12th December 2013 Christmas Event

16th January 2014 "Follow the Drum" - 26 house moves during 33 years in the Army.

Major-General Peter and Mrs Valerie Chambers

20th February 2014 "The Palace of Westminster" - a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

Eddie McKay, Houses of Parliament guide

20th March 2014 "From Cadet to Commodore and Beyond" - a career from cadet to Commodore of the P&O Line.

Commodore Ian Gibb

17th April 2014 "Portsmouth - Harlots, Dung and Glory" - Portsmouth from its early days to the glory of Trafalgar.

Andrew Negus

mailto:tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.comhttp://www.u3asites.org.uk/tadley

15th May 2014 "The Joe Lyons Story" - Lyons Teashops, Corner Houses and Lyons Nippies.

Neville Lyons

Interest Groups

New Groups We have had enquiries about the following interests:

Acoustic guitar

Camping and Caravanning

Travel

Ukulele Group "The U3leles" If you are interested in any of these groups then please contact us using the email address tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.com

A full list of interest groups and Group Leader contact details can be found at the end of this newsletter.

Group Reports

10-pin Bowling Ten pin bowling meets at 10.30 a.m. every 2nd and 4th week at the Bowlplex in Basingstoke. The group varies in size but usually averages about 10 people. It is not a very competitive group but we do have some fun, which is what it is all

about. However, I have been asked to leave my husband, Colin, at home as he keeps winning!

Group report by Maureen Gifford

New Group – Acoustic guitar

A brief mention of a new group focussing on the acoustic guitar........ This group has yet to meet but interest has been expressed by a number of members, plans for an inaugural meeting are in hand. Anyone interested should contact Andy Imms at ahimms@gmail.com .

Needless to say, joining this group will require quite a bit of pluck (groan!!).

Group report (and weak jokes) by Andy Imms

Art & Crafts Group

Doreen Cheshire came to the Art and Craft Group to give us a demonstration in Sugar craft. The plan was for us to watch Doreen and then produce our own works of art.

Our first task was to decide what colour sugar paste we each wanted, having made the decision we started by making a shape, out of the sugar paste, that resembled a very small traffic cone.

mailto:tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.commailto:ahimms@gmail.com

Our next step was to take a small ball, mould it into a petal shape and place it around the cone. We gradually built up 5 or 6 petals and to my amazement, in my case anyway, we had successfully made a rose. We then completed two more, added some leaves and placed them on a small iced board, completing the picture by adding a frill.

We were all very pleased with our cake tops. I have never considered cake decorating as something I could do, but Doreen made the instructions simple and we all produced something to be proud of. We all really enjoyed the afternoon and we are all looking forward to Doreen returning.

Group report by Jacki Cassidy

Aviation Group The Aviation Group now has 25 members and meets on the second Tuesday of each month in Heath End Village Hall from 3 – 5 pm.

The group is open to anyone with any kind of interest in aviation and has a programme of visits set out for the remainder of this year along with aviation related talks and video showings during the monthly meetings.

Our programme of visits has included:

Three members joining the Heathrow branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society in

March, to listen to a talk on “The Farnborough Air Show – Behind the Scenes”, given by

Amanda Steiner, Commercial Director of Farnborough International.

In May ten members travelled to the iPilot London Flight Centre at Westfield to attempt

to fly a Boeing 737 – 800 from London to an airport of our choice anywhere in the

world. This was an extremely enjoyable “hands-on” flight simulator experience.

Also in May twelve of our group visited ATC Lasham’s aircraft maintenance and

overhaul facility. There, we were shown around the facility and given full access to the

aircraft undergoing maintenance.

June saw us again on our travels. This time to visit the RAF Museum at Hendon. Again

an extremely interesting and worthwhile visit.

Also in June a group of us visited the Solent Sky, the renamed Hall of Aviation in

Southampton. This museum concentrates on the aviation industry that grew up around

the Southampton area and included, of course, the story of the Supermarine factory

and the development of the Spitfire amongst others. Again a very enjoyable trip.

In July we made a trip to Farnborough to be taken on a tour of the airfield by TAG, the

owners of the airfield. This trip included a visit to the control tower and a ride down the

runway in the TAG minibus. All in all, again a very worthwhile trip.

Our upcoming activities for the remainder of the year include:

The International Air Tattoo at Fairford on 21 July.

The Flying Proms at Old Warden on 17 August.

Mustangs and Anything American Day at Brooklands on the 18 August.

A Take a Glider Flight at Lasham on 21 August

The Duxford Air Show on 8 September.

Group report by Roland Higgins

Birds and Wildlife The Bird and Wild life group have met regularly throughout the Spring and early Summer. We had a very enjoyable and secret trip to Salisbury Plain to see the Great Bustards and our most recent trips have been to see Wild flowers, mostly Orchids, and Butterflies. On our

last trip to Burghclere there were so many orchids we had difficulty finding space to walk.

Group report by Jacki Cassidy

Bridge Group The Bridge Group intends to continue every Monday afternoon throughout the summer (except Bank Holidays). Just come along to Heath End Village Hall at 2pm. You don’t need to be an expert and you don’t need to come every week.

Group report by George Porter

New Group - Camping and Caravanning Group

The Camping and Caravan Group have had a couple of meetings. As the group started well into the holiday season several dates were already claimed as pre-booked by members for holidays and, as we wanted to miss the crowds and expense of July and August, we have agreed on an October break (with electric hook ups) to make sure we are warm and cosy.

We are hoping to arrange some breaks next year and will have further meetings later on to arrange dates.

Our next meeting to finalise arrangements for October is July 30th at 10.30 in Tadley library. I did send an email to everyone who expressed an interest in the group but a couple came back as non-delivered so if you are interested in joining and haven't heard anything from us, please let me or Sherry know.

Group report by Cilla Radley

Computing Group The computer group (second and fourth Monday, 2pm in the Fir Cones Suite in the Hurst Leisure Centre) is thriving and is in fact branching out into areas of new technology, as people are bringing their tablets along, often with slightly puzzled expressions on their faces. But they are in the right place to find help and support

with their new toys and this is an exciting development within the group.

Don’t forget that even if you have no idea on how to use a computer but would like to learn then we can provide one-to-one tuition to get you up and running.

Along with a number of other groups the Computer group is taking a summer break. The last meeting will be the 22nd July, resuming on the 9th September.

Group report by Andy Imms

Country Music Group After a hesitant start, we have grown into an active and enthusiastic group of 23 members.

At our monthly meeting we have been tracing the history and origins of country music from its inception to the present day. In addition, we have been visiting some local Country Music clubs to listen to live music which has been very

popular. If you enjoy listening to country music, of any type, then please feel free to come along and join us. We meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month between 2pm and 4pm and will resume in September after our summer break (the venue is currently under review).

Group report by Ken Pickering

Cribbage Group

The cribbage group continues to meet in Tadley Library on the first and third Monday afternoons of the month at 2pm. Recently we have had one or two new members joining us but there is always room for more. So if you would enjoy a relaxing afternoon

playing cards, you will always be assured of a few games. Green eye shades and cheap cigars are optional.

Group report by Andy Imms

Croquet Group The Croquet Group have had a good and enjoyable season so far, we average 10-12 members spread over the day. We are now meeting weekly on a Monday, only, 11am-3pm at the Calleva Arms, Silchester. The season will probably last until the end of September or the beginning of October depending on the

weather. If you would like to come along for a trial game you are more than welcome, just come into the garden at the Calleva, where you will find Mervyn or Jacki.

Group report by Jacki Cassidy

Exploring by Bus with Bus Pass Ably led by our very capable leader, Wendy Caple, the Tadley U3A Bus Pass Users Group continues to grow from strength to strength, not only in membership but also in the wealth of activities that the group undertakes.

The group continues to meet twice a month – the first meeting being a social gathering plus formal meeting to report on the previous visit and to plan for the next one later in the month. The second meeting is the trip itself when members from all over the Tadley area gather together to make their way to a central point, usually Basingstoke Bus Station, to start their journey altogether as a group. Members of the group have learnt not to be a TWIRLY – nickname given to bus pass users by drivers for being TOO EARLY – starting their journeys before 9.00am and consequently having to pay.

In APRIL , a small number of members took the 86 bus to the Theatre Royal in Winchester to watch the matinee performance of ‘ West Side Story ‘. Despite misgivings about the bus timetable for the return journey, everything went

very smoothly with the return bus picking up shortly after the end of the performance close to outside of the theatre so the use of the train was not required.

MAY saw a visit to Alton. Pat Hopkins led a group to see ‘Sweet Fanny Adams‘ grave in the vast churchyard in Alton. This was mentioned by our January speaker – Jill Daniels – ‘How well do you know Hampshire ?‘ The Curtis Museum in Alton High Street was quite amazing, featuring all aspects of history and activities in the Alton area since the dawn of civilisation. The layout of the museum was also inspirational and well worth a visit even if you don’t want to use your bus pass. All this plus lunch at the Alton House Hotel, buffet for two £10, and the opportunity for shopping at a number of independent-type shops makes Alton a very pleasant place to spend a few hours.

In JUNE it was back on the Alton bus, changing buses just outside Alton to continue on to Farnham. This was the first time that the group had tackled three different buses on an outward journey. I am glad to report that this exercise was undertaken without mishap. Farnham was not a place known to

group members and proved to be a great place to explore. A visit to the Castle, at the top of the hill was very worthwhile, but beware of the 49 steps – 7 steps in 7 groups installed by a previous bishop who was losing his sight. It was only a £1 donation to enter the Castle which has recently been refurbished. There were several local hostelries and cafes for lunches of all types as well several shopping opportunities. Certainly a place that I intend to return to in the future.

Future visit plans include visits to the Watercress Railway at Alton in July, a ride on the Kennet and Avon canal from Newbury in August and various other places where we are able to get to by bus.

A suggestion that Tadley U3A members might like to consider is to use their bus pass to go to the Silk Mill in Whitchurch before Dr. Geoff Hide speaks to the U3A main meeting in November about the Silk Mill.

The group are also looking for bus driver – retired or otherwise to come and speak to the group about ‘ Life on the bus.’ Do you know of anyone who could do this?

Group report by David Gent

Family History The group is now on a summer break. Recent topics have included Genealogy Software, Photographs, Use of the Internet, Working with Archives, Immigration/Emigration, Illegitimacy and a host of other topics covered during our general group discussions. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 25th September, 1.30 pm at Pamber Heath Memorial Hall

Group report by Don Evans

French Group The French group has just given itself a well-deserved summer break, before restarting on 25th September. The list of members stands at around 10, which ensures an attendance of 7 to 8 participants and lively conversation; the varying levels of skills being no obstacle - the main aim is to enjoy it and the ambiance is excellent. A recent addition, very popular, has been the introduction of French films

on DVDs (no comments please!).

Group report by Sylviane Cattermole

History Group

The History Group meets on the fourth Thursday morning of the month at 11am. The group intends to continue through the summer.

Give/send your email address to George Porter to join the mailing list. If you don’t have an email address, give him your phone number.

Group report by George Porter

Jazz Appreciation The Jazz Group meets on the first and third Wednesday mornings at 11am. The group intends to continue through the summer.

Give/send your email address to George Porter to join the mailing list. If you don’t have an email address, give him your phone number.

Group report by George Porter

Lunch Club Our Lunch Group continues to be very popular and we now have to arrange for two days each month to cater for the large numbers that enjoy our friendly lunches.

Recently we have visited two of our favourites - The Rowbarge at Woolhampton and Esseborne Manor at Hurstbourne Tarrant as well as new venues and are always keen to try something new especially those suggested by Members.

If you would like to join our Group either telephone for a chat or email. You can, of course, visit our table at the Speaker Meeting

Group report by Margaret Grinstead

Mah Jong Group

The Mah Jong group is progressing really well. Everyone is enjoying playing and the ladies get quite noisy at times. I say ladies as the men we did have have left, perhaps it’s the chattering that goes on while we play that's driven them off? We

have gained some new players so we are playing at different levels which doesn’t impede the games at all. We still get the occasional ping instead of pung and characters are confused with winds but it doesn't matter so long as everyone enjoys their Monday afternoon. We even had one player who couldn't come to play but made sure she arrived in time for tea and cake. That's the sort of group we are!

Group report by Cilla Radley

Modern World

Topics so far have included; Digitisation - what it is, and why it's so important in our everyday life: Computer Miniaturisation - how computers shrank from room sized monstrosities to things that fit into a wrist watch: Graphene - the modern wonder material that will revolutionise electronics and engineering: and, Radio

Waves - all around us, a natural component of our entire universe. Unfortunately, due to poor attendance, the group is now on hold until after the summer, when opinion will be canvassed as to whether, and in what form, the group may be re-launched.

Group report by Don Evans

Petanque/Boules Group After we spent the winter not playing petanque but just putting the "world to rights", the faithful members were keen to be let loose on the renovated pitch provided by our hosts, The Calleva Arms, Silchester. Since then we have been very lucky with the weather and have welcomed new members to the group and to our usual banter and friendly rivalry. Some weeks, when the numbers are such,

we even have a battle of the sexes which always result in that little bit of added fervour. We meet throughout the year, weather permitting, on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday in the month from 11-1pm so if you fancy a go, pop along. No equipment is needed as we generally have spare boules. Just bring yourself and a sense of humour!!!

Group report by Linda Evans

Photography and Photoshop Group On Wednesday, 9 members met to discussed how the group should progress, lots of ideas were given and we have worked out a mini programme for the next few months.

Remember this is your group and any ideas or suggestions are welcome to keep it moving forward.

There will be no meetings in July or August

Photography Group Calendar September 2013 – February 2014

September Wednesday 11th Visit to Aldermaston Station/Wharf. To park in Wharf car park at 1 p.m.

September Wednesday 25th Subject Nature and Light Please bring maximum of 3 examples of either or both in digital format.

October Wednesday 9th Visit to Pamber Forest. Meet at Beacon car park at 1 p.m.

October Wednesday 23rd Subject Autumn Please bring maximum of 3 examples of either or both in digital format.

November Wednesday 13th Inside visit. i.e. church etc. to be advised all suggestions welcome.

November Wednesday 27th Portrait studio shoot.

December Christmas pub lunch at Calleva (to be booked if enough interest). Any ideas you may have for coming year we will compile a diary at the lunch.

January Wednesday 8th to be advised.

January Wednesday 22nd Subject snow. Please bring maximum of 3 examples of either or both in digital format.

February February 12th to be advised.

February February 26th Photo book production presented by Sue Philips.

Group report by Mike Cassidy

Quilting Group

On 17th March members of the Quilting Group joined a coach full of crafters to go to the Knitting & Stitching Show at Olympia where we were inspired by the fabric, quilts and accessories on display there. In July some of our members joined with our sister group, Treacle Quilters who had a visit from Village

Fabrics of Wallingford with samples of their kits, cot panels and fabric etc... Our small, friendly group meet on the 2nd & 4th Mondays in the month at The Salvation Army Hall, Mulfords Hill at 2-4pm. We enjoy a chat, a sew and helping each other whenever needed. Our "so-called" beginners have produced some beautiful work that will certainly be regarded as heirlooms by their families for years to come. No matter what your level of experience is, everyone is welcome. We have all the equipment you need to start you off, so give it a try.

Group report by Linda Evans

Reading Circle

Over the last four months we have had an assorted selection of books varying from the biography of Margaret Rutherford to a short tome on summer life on a Finnish island. As per usual there were mixed likes and dislikes on each and every book. Perhaps one day we may find a book that we all like, or alternatively all dislike, but if we did it would lead to a very short meeting! We have also added into each meeting a poem or two selected by the members with one of the objectives being to educate your editor on the delights of poetry, we shall see.

August’s book is The Fear Index by Robert Harris.

Group report by Colin Hewitt

Theatre Group

The last few months have seen four visits, all well subscribed and enjoyed by the participants.

In March we went to The Mill at Sonning where we had a meal together prior to being entertained by 'Forever in Blue Jeans', a mixture of 50's,60',and 70's music. All familiar songs and we left singing music from our youth!

Later in March, a smaller group went to London to see 'Les Miserables'. A fine evening at this long running production.

To London again in May to 'War Horse'. Everyone had high praise for this show.

Our latest visit was to The Globe Theatre on the South Bank. We were entertained and informed by our guide on a private tour and afterwards were able to peruse the Exhibition. The tour was followed by an excellent production of 'Macbeth'. We were blessed with good weather for this outdoor experience and everyone was delighted

with the day.

Future visits, now fully booked, are for 'Lion King', 'Billy Elliot' and 'One Man, Two Guvnors' all in the West End plus a return visit to The Mill at Sonning for a meal and an evening of Motown Music.

We have also reserved tickets for 'West Side Story’, which is touring the country next year, for a performance at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. Details of date and when to pay will be in your e-mail inbox very soon.

Group report by Marjorie Boorman

New Group - Ukulele Group "The U3leles"

After a ragged start the ukulele group has had five good meetings. By unanimous vote we decided to call ourselves "The U3leles"; much wittier than "The Tadley Strummers". The holiday season makes attendances very variable; the average so far has been 8, from a total of 18 on the register. All of us are learners, but after the apprehensions of the inaugural meeting, we have all found the meetings to be jolly affairs. It is surprising how much pleasure and satisfaction we all feel on stumbling slowly and

tentatively to the end of a song.

It's a bit early to decide on future plans; we are focussing on developing a base level of expertise so that we can build a repertoire of songs. Anyone who wants to learn the most cheerful instrument of all is most welcome to join us.

Group report by John Knott

Walking Group Unfortunately due to the amount of rain we had earlier in the year the March and April walks had to be cancelled at the last minute. The intended walk was to have been around the Silchester Fortifications and according to the published text was suitable for wet conditions. I don’t know who pioneered the original walk but they certainly got the

suitable weather conditions wrong.

The May walk was slightly different as we left our home patch and travelled to Micheldever Forest where we walked through the bluebell woods to the Northington Arms for lunch and

back to the car park. The walk was spectacular and I think the extra drive and longer walk were worth the effort. Only five of us made this walk but we had an interesting circular walk passing through the village of Micheldever on our way to East Stratton and stopping at the Northington Arms for lunch. We then made our way back through the woods to the car park. We set off on the walk at 10:00 and completed the walk at about 15:00. We did take about an hour to have lunch. I would like to know if something like this would be acceptable as a walk in the future.

The June walk, which was essentially the Silchester walk postponed from March and April, was kindly led by Lynne Jones. Seventeen people made her walk and I understand they all enjoyed themselves and had good weather on the day.

The walking group has 61 names on the contact list and interest in the group is being maintained. If anyone has any comments or suggestions for the future please let me know.

Group report by Gerry Smith

Trips and Events

Visit to Ham House On Tuesday 16th April fifty-seven of us set off on our trip to Ham House in Richmond. We were all looking forward to the event as the weather had been pretty miserable, so fingers were crossed for a nice day. We weren't disappointed - the sun came out and it was warm at last.

Ham House proved to be a hit with all of the group. All the furnishings and paintings are original to the house, and with a little imagination it was easy to visualise the Ladies & Lords and the downstairs staff going about their daily routine. We had a tour of the gardens and a tasting of 17th century ale, which proved to be surprisingly tasty. The day was rounded off with a relaxed cuppa sitting in the sun before leaving for home. Everyone arrived home happy and relaxed after a nice spring day out.

Pointless Our trip to Elstree Studios on 20th May to see a recording of the apparently, (judging by the enthusiasm shown by our members), very popular television programme POINTLESS, was enjoyed by everyone.

Being in the studio provides an interesting an insight into how a programme is put together, the slick show we sit and watch at home is very different to what goes on in the studio. A number of hitches involving lights failing, hasty script changes and generally assorted gremlins doing their worst resulted in a surprisingly large number of retakes. We also had a very busy ‘warm-up man’ who had to keep us all amused when things went wrong. Naturally we had to rehearse too; practising when to applaud and making all those "ooohs" and "aaahs" at the appropriate times. We sat through two recordings and became very proficient at our "ooohs" and "aaahs" by the second show.

All this audience participation meant that we were in dire need of refreshment so, needless to say, we stopped off for well deserved refreshments on the way home.

If you have any enquiries regarding these or future events please contact: Angie & Ken Pickering at: kanda.pickering@btinternet.com Tel. 0118 981 2489

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Your Committee

Chair: Maureen Gifford

Vice Chair: Jenny Davey

Treasurer: Bob Bone

Secretary Mike Batson

Group Liaison: Michael Cassidy

Hospitality: Margaret Grinstead

Membership: Jacki Cassidy

Newsletter: Colin Hewitt

Speaker Secretary: Roland Higgins

Web Editor: Linda Evans

Assistant Treasurer: Mervyn Pugh

Technical sub-committee: George Porter

Trips & Events: Angie & Kenny Pickering

For general enquiries on any subject then do mail us on tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.com .

Miscellany - Scams More than 22,000 people were scammed in 2012, according to Citizens Advice, and fraudsters are constantly inventing ways to swindle you out of your cash. The following list has been extracted from an article in the Guardian May 2013. Although the basic rule is that if it seems too good to be true then it most probably is, a number of these scams are not at all nice and prey on your fears of being in debt or taken to court. If you suspect that you have been caught by any of these scams you should report them to the organizations listed at the end of the article.

Missed payments You are sent a fake council tax bill or told you are in arrears, and asked to pay immediately over the phone.

Telephone debt You are called by "Her Majesty's Court" and told you have defaulted on a debt for an expensive telephone preference service. You are asked for immediate payment over the phone and warned you will be disconnected and face arrest or a court summons if you refuse to pay. If you hang up, the fraudster will stay on the line so you'll think your line has been disconnected.

Courier scams You are called on your landline by your bank and told that fraudsters have used your debit or credit card and it needs to be replaced. You call your bank, which confirms this. You are told to key in your pin number and hand over your card to a courier who will arrive soon. However, between receiving the call and dialling your bank you didn't hear a dial tone and are actually still speaking to the scammers, who never disconnected the line.

Holiday help You are sent an email from a friend or relative whose account has been hacked. You are told they are stranded abroad and need you to send them money urgently. They are not, and do not require any money.

mailto:tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.comhttp://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/may/02/27-common-scams-to-avoid

Virus hoax You are called by "Microsoft Windows Support" and told your PC has a virus or is running slowly. The problem can be solved remotely if you give them your credit card details and/or remote access to your PC.

Rogue traders A police officer calls claiming criminals are trying to steal money from your bank account, and that a special "safe account" has been set up for you to transfer your savings into. You are told that clerks at your bank are under surveillance and that revealing why you are transferring the money will jeopardize covert police work.

PPI refunds You are texted or called by someone claiming to be your bank, the Ministry of Justice, or a PPI company and told you are owed money in the form of mis-sold PPI payments – but you must pay an administration fee before the refund can be processed.

Tax back You receive an email from HMRC offering you a huge tax refund if you give your personal details online or by email.

Council tax refunds You are told by a cold-caller that you are owed a rebate on your council tax bill or are overpaying because your property is in the wrong tax band. You are then asked to hand over your bank or credit card details so your money can be refunded.

If you encounter any of the above scams you should report them to the following organizations:

Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)

Your local Trading Standards Office via Citizens Advice (08454 04 05 06)

Your local police station, using non-emergency number 101

The Newsletter Please e-mail us on tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.com with suggestions for items that you would like included in the Newsletter, content that may prove of interest or any comments that you may have on the content/layout/etc. of the Newsletter.

Putting together a Newsletter requires a combination of editorial, production and creative skills; whilst we feel that we are reasonably comfortable with the editorial and production side some help with the creative skills would not come amiss. So, please, if you feel that you can contribute some creative talent do contact us on the above e-mail address.

Group Details

Contact E-Mail Address Tel: No: Group

Maureen Gifford maureen.gifford49@gmail.com 10 pin bowling

Hazel Shaw hazelshaw3@hotmail.co.uk

Art and Craft

Roland Higgins higghouse@gmail.com 0798 637 1076 Aviation

Jacki Cassidy mcas103441@aol.com 0118 981 5201 Birds and Wildlife

George Porter georgewporter@gmail.com 0118 981 9059 Bridge

Cilla Radley tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.co.uk Camping and Caravanning

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns/current_campaigns/scams_awareness_month/sam13_consumers.htmmailto:tadleyanddistrictu3a@hotmail.commailto:hazelshaw3@hotmail.co.ukmailto:georgewporter@gmail.com

Contact E-Mail Address Tel: No: Group

Andy Imms ahimms@gmail.com 0118 970 1202 Computing

Andy Imms ahimms@gmail.com 0118 970 1202 Cribbage

Jacki Cassidy mcas103441@aol.com 0118 981 5201 Croquet

Ken Pickering kanda.pickering@btinternet.com Country & Western

Mike Cassidy mcas103441@aol.com 0790 538 3757 Cycling

Wendy Capel davidgentj16@hotmail.com 0118 981 1075 Exploring with bus pass

Don Evans don_evans@btopenworld.com 0794 115 8227 Family History

Sylviane Cattermole s.cattermole@talktalk.net 0118 982 0266 French

George Porter georgewporter@gmail.com 0118 981 9059 History

Margaret Williams mmtad@onetel.com 0752 343 1445 Italian

George Porter georgewporter@gmail.com 0118 981 9059 Jazz

Leslie Petrie daveandles@aol.com 0118 981 5027 Jewellery making

Margaret Grinstead margaretgrinstead@gmail.com 0118 981 2512 Lunch Club

Cilla Radley cillaradley@gmail.com 0118 981 2144 Mah Jong

Frank Wallace frankwallace@uwclub.net 0118 981 2611 Music Enrichment

Linda Evans linda_a_evans@btinternet.com 0794 101 4802 Petanque/boules

Don Evans don_evans@btopenworld.com 0794 115 8227 Modern World and how we got there

Mike Cassidy mcas103441@aol.com 0790 538 3757 Photography and Photoshop

Linda Evans linda_a_evans@btinternet.com 0794 101 4802 Quilting

Sherry Worley sherryandvic@aol.com 01256 851741 Reading Circle

Sandra Newson sandranewson@gmail.com 0118 981 3299 Sewing

Holly Baker h.baker832@btinternet.com

Spanish

Gail Biggs gailmbiggs@aol.com 0118 981 1438 Spinning and Lace making

Marjorie Boorman marjorieboorman@gmail.com 0118 981 7833 Theatre

John Knott jk@silchester.org Ukulele

Gerry Smith gerrysmith2007@btinternet.com 0118 981 4557 Walking

mailto:ahimms@gmail.com../../AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.IE5/PHJ3TNUI/kanda.pickering@btinternet.commailto:davidgentj16@hotmail.commailto:s.cattermole@talktalk.netmailto:georgewporter@gmail.commailto:mmtad@onetel.commailto:georgewporter@gmail.commailto:norming.onetwoone@gmail.commailto:norming.onetwoone@gmail.commailto:daveandles@aol.commailto:margaretgrinstead@gmail.commailto:cillaradley@gmail.commailto:linda_a_evans@btinternet.commailto:linda_a_evans@btinternet.commailto:sherryandvic@aol.commailto:sandranewson@gmail.commailto:gailmbiggs@aol.commailto:marjorieboorman@gmail.commailto:jk@silchester.orgmailto:gerrysmith2007@btinternet.com