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The University of the Third Age

Wyre

Newsletter Issue 10.17 November 2017

Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 30thNovember 2017. Please send to [email protected] When finished with this issue, please pass it to a friend. DW 29/10/2017

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT – Kathleen

Smith

They say that wisdom comes with age! At the moment I feel like a two year-old! I find that I get more confused every day. How many times do you find yourself saying, "Why?" Every time we watch the news we see how, even a small difference of opinion, can spark horrible things, so we say "Why?" Last month, our speaker, Harold Hoggarth, told us about the Catholics and the Church of the Royals, in his talk. On the television I watched a very graphic programme about the Gunpowder Plot. OMG! Could a human do that and could it be seen as entertainment for the families who watched the torture? Have things changed? Not for some. This is why it is vitally important to spread friendships with the ethos like the one we have in the U3A. We can, and do make a difference to our lives with all the options we enjoy. Let us keep it up.

ENQUIRIES TO WYRE U3A

Telephone enquiries about Wyre U3A may be made to 0749 533 6519.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Pub Meals – Jennifer Fawcett

I have arranged a meal on Tuesday, 14th November at the Victoria Lounge, The North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood at 6.00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, we are a very friendly group. No need to book a place just turn up on the night. If you have any questions or concerns please ring me. I will have a sample of the new menu at the monthly meeting.

Monthly Meetings

These are meetings for all members held

at the Thornton Little Theatre at 2.00 p.m.

on the second Thursday of each month.

SPEAKERS

9th November Sharon Rawcliffe

Who'd be a hairdresser to the famous?

Her clients included the Iron Lady.

14th December Live Wyres

Wyre U3A’s own Live Music Group

Christmas Extravaganza.

11th January Claire Fretwell

Corn allergies. Donks make a din!

8th February Tony Ward

Blackpool Tower.

8th March Geoffrey Cowell

Why are there mountains in Cumbria?

12th April Graham Evans

Thirty years as a seaside GP.

mailto:[email protected]

Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 30th November 2017. Please send to [email protected] When finished with this issue, please pass it to a friend. DW 29/10/2017

Theatre Trips - Barbara King

Pick up points and times for the next trips: Bradshaw's coach Leaves Beach Road, near the Travellers Rest, at 9.50 a.m. and Thornton Library at 10.00 a.m. Please tell me if you wish to join at Beach Road. Cabaret Thursday, 9th November, The Lowry Matinee There are seats on the coach costing £10. Book your own ticket for the Lowry -or just for lunch and shopping in the Lowry Shopping Centre. -or the Imperial War Museum is just over the bridge, admission free.

Theatre Trips in 2018

Cinderella Matthew Bourne's ballet. Thursday, 15th March, The Lowry Matinee £50 Bourne's interpretation of this classic fairytale. A chance meeting between Cinderella and a dashing RAF pilot gives them just enough time to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the blitz. I have more tickets reserved, but need payment by 7th November.

BLACKPOOL MUSEUM PROJECT

There have been some big changes to the Blackpool Museum Project over the last few months and a new site is planned – more news later. Meanwhile, the team and our volunteers are continuing to research and work on the collections and engage people in the extraordinary heritage of this town. Our new address is FY Creatives, 154-158 Church St., Blackpool, FY1 3PS. [email protected]

NEWS FROM THE ACTIVITY GROUPS

Ancient Civilisations - Pam Hinchcliffe The topic this month was Asia Minor in the Iron Age (1200-1000 BC) and how migration altered the ethnic and cultural diversity of the population as smaller Neo- Hittite kingdoms consolidated into larger states. Also how the introduction of cheaper iron tools and weapons, against the higher cost of bronze, meant states could afford larger armies in the iron rich countries of notably Greece, Anatolia, Assyria, Iran and Nubia. This altered the balance of power away from the older civilisations of Egypt and Babylon. Next month we will look at how the Greeks influenced Asia Minor as they migrated along the Ionian coast of Anatolia with the exchange of ideas and technology. Also, we will cover the expansion of the Persian Empire as King Cyrus I, conquered Anatolia in 546 BC, incorporating the entire peninsula into a Near Eastern Empire. (Recorded lectures by Professor Kenneth Harl, Tulane University.) The next meeting is on 28th November at Fleetwood Fire Station at 2.00 p.m.

People’s History Museum and

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Monday, 5th February - £40

If you’re interested in social history and

would like to find out more about the

effects of industrialisation, the suffrage

movement and much more, then why

not join our trip to the People’s History

Museum in Salford? And if literature is

your thing, we will also be calling in at

Elizabeth Gaskell’s house.

The visit includes return coach travel,

guided tours of both venues, light lunch,

afternoon tea/ coffee and cake.

For further information, please email or

see me at the November meeting.

- Alison Vanes

More information about The People’s

History Museum here:-

www.phm.org.uk

and Elizabeth Gaskell’s House here:-

elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

https://maps.google.com/?q=154-158+Church+St,+%0D+Blackpool,+%0D+FY1+3PS&entry=gmail&source=g


http://www.phm.org.uk/

http://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/


Artists and Paintings - Barbra Cropper Camille Corot was a French landscape painter, [1796 - 1874]. His paintings of a misty lake reflecting luminous skies and a few small figures sometimes have a Claudian effect with a build-up of trees on either side. His landscapes are noted for soft, silvery woodland scenes. Corot worked in the Forest o Fontainebleau with Millet and the Barbizon painters. We studied Realism and learnt that Gustave Courbet pronounced his art Realism, showing the life of country folk in his own town, Ornams. For Courbet the peasants and local people were a worthy theme as we see in ‘Burial at Ornams’, 1854 and ‘Bonjour Monsieur Courbet, 1854. Camille Pissaro [1850-1903] was considered ‘The Father of Impressionism’ and he continued the theme of realism in the paintings around villages and farms in France. Realism emerged therefore portraying landscape and local life during the social and political upheavals of the mid 19th century. The Impressionists followed this theme painting ‘En Plein Air’ in the late 19th century. In November we will look at Surrealism and Magritte and S. Dali. Computers - Jacqui Owen

This month the group welcomed back Dave Carlos, a local IT Leader of a group who offer support.

Dave has recently been officially trained by Lancashire County Police to give talks on Cyber Security, as a volunteer. This group of volunteers has put together a presentation which they are more than happy to give to as many groups as they can manage. Lancashire is the first Police Authority to take the initiative in the area of Cyber Security. The presentation is very interesting and with Dave's background in IT and his considerable knowledge, he delivered what the group need to know in a very effective way. Everybody enjoyed the session and the thing we are able to take away and forward is - not fear, no, positive actions that all of us can do to ensure our own security, whilst still facilitating all that being online has to offer.

Next month we will be discussing some of the websites on Cyber Security that we are all going to review before 23rd November, the date of the next meeting.

Creative Writing Group 1 - Ann Fewson

As our sessions have been affected by

illness over the summer, this month’s

meeting was an unusual one as we listened

to and discussed work on several different

topics, in an attempt to catch up with writing

that hadn’t been heard. These topics were “I

know the truth”, “The Return” and

“Underground”.

We will, I hope, be back to normal in

November when we will have a topic

suitable for the month - “Fireworks”.

Next meeting: Monday, 13th November

10.00 a.m.

Creative Writing Group 2 - Ann Fewson

This month we had written pieces using the

idea of “The Committee”, which may not

sound like a very inspirational title. It did,

however, result in writing in a range of

genres, from comic to tragic. Special

mention for the very original story called

“The New Home”, featuring cleverly

disguised Philip and Theresa along with

other well- known Tory politicians in a Brexit

tale. Whether it was comic or tragic

probably depended on how you voted in the

referendum!

Next meeting: Monday, 20th November

10.30 a.m.

Subject: Either “Hate Crime” or “A story with

a farcical ending”.

Crown Green Bowling - Peter Rawcliffe

The Group now meets every Monday

(weather permitting) at the Fleetwood

Marine Hall bowling green at 9.50 a.m. for a

10.00 a.m. start. The green is now

controlled by the café concession who will

charge £2.60 pp for its use.

Current Affairs - Graham Page

Perhaps it is the time of year, but health issues have multiplied in the media, with Summer a distant memory (at best).


Thus we started with pollution of our rivers and seas, before moving on to the growing resistance to antibiotics, and sympathising with the ineffectiveness of the PM's own cough sweet. We then discussed the merits of Doctor Google, and of being required to 'opt out' rather than 'opt in' to a donor card. On a wider front, the fall of Mosul and Raqqa led to some discussion on the 'war on terror', followed by the impasse in Catalonia, before finally, and briefly, returning to our own shores. The next and final meeting of this year will be at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, 23rd November, at Carleton Memorial Hall. All welcome. Family History - Graham Lougher On Monday, 2nd October, the Coordinator explained how to prove your ancestry (needing proof x3) as stated by Kimberley Powell of the Board of Certification of Genealogists – for those who wish to read the full article, the link is: https://www.thoughtco.com/genealogical-evidence-or-proof-1420515. This article gives advice and states the do’s and don’ts of researching your family tree. The Coordinator also demonstrated how to view actual images of church records (Bishop Transcripts) on-line using The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) website https://www familysearch.org. You need to register (free) and then to sign in to the website with username and password for this activity to be available. There will be an opportunity for you to view these images at Chorley on 6th November - see below. Paula Simpson has now received results of her Ancestry DNA tests and was able to share this information with the group. She promises to update us when she has had contact with her newly found relatives supplied to her by Ancestry. She will also be able to share her husband’s DNA results when received. Glen Lougher gave a presentation to beginners about how to start their research and which websites to use, many are free and others (e.g. Ancestry and Find my Past) which can be accessed at public libraries.

On Monday, 6th November, Kathryn Carter is holding another workshop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) Family History Centre in Chorley to help us research the 1939 Register on Find my Past and how to create your own Trees on Roots Magic 7 and LDS websites. For Roots Magic 7, download the programme and bring your laptops/tablets and/or a memory stick. Please let me know if you wish to go. We plan to meet at 12.30 p.m. at Thornton Little Theatre car park to car-share. There is no meeting at Carleton Memorial Hall in November. French Conversation - Clive Jones The latest meetings were held on 9th and 23rd October. The potential group attendance is now seven members. During the meetings, we continued with the themes of individual presentations and exercises in French. The topics covered were quite varied and led to a lot of good conversation. These subjects included a wedding venue in Nice, France, ‘Les Grandes Écoles’, a quiz to identify a Francophone region in the New World, the region of La Palmyre in Poitou-Charente, France, the ocean liner ‘La Normandie’, ‘L’Écriture Inclusive’ and a quiz on useful expressions associated with health and well-being, among others. The objective of the group meetings is to generate suitable conversation and discussion in the French language to reflect the typical conversation that could take place on holiday in France and other French-speaking countries. This concept continues to work really well. We will also be introducing inputs from the French magazine ‘Bien Dire’ to the meetings in this Autumn/Winter period. New members are always most welcome to join. Please contact the Group Leader for further details. Future meetings will be held on Mondays every two weeks from 11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. at Poulton Library. The programme for Autumn/Winter 2017 is as follows: 6th and 20th November; and 4th and 18th December. Dates for 2018 will be published shortly.

https://www.thoughtco.com/genealogical-evidence-or-proof-1420515

https://www.thoughtco.com/genealogical-evidence-or-proof-1420515


French Beginners - Ann Burley Following the August break and some absences through illness or holidays taken later in the year, we have knuckled down during October to extending our vocabulary even further. We have now also begun to make use of this vocabulary by carrying out the kind of conversations that would crop up during a visit to somewhere new. So, we are now able to reserve a table at a restaurant, order a taxi, order a meal (and some wine) and ask for the bill. We have been successful in asking for directions to various places in town, and negotiating our way around a railway station, buying a ticket and making sure we know when to get off the train. Our next meeting is at 3.00 p.m. on Thursday, 2nd November at the Fleetwood Fire Station. French Improvers - Christine Holt At our first meeting of the month we listened to a recording giving information about the Tour de France. We read the related text and translated it. This was easier for those of us who watched and were familiar with the race. We also had a very brief attempt at a conversation where we were making a booking at a hotel. Our next meeting found us covering several current topics. These are brief reports from the Bien Dire magazine. Perhaps the one that caused the most discussion concerned a report about a scheme to provide host families for older people who want to remain independent. This sounded very much like foster care for the retired. We really were not sure whether it was a good idea or not. I have also provided the group with some information on the use of pronouns. This is for them to look at in their own time. There will be meetings on the 2nd and 16th of November as usual. However, there will be no meetings in December. Gardening - Kath Smith

We actually had a rather good session of exchanging experiences within our own gardens. Obviously everyone had something to say and

sometimes all at once! Most of us took on a challenge, to pick out a random packet of seeds and grow-to-share in spring. Imagine how embarrassing it will be if we kill them off! As usual we were spoiled with home-made apple pie, amongst other food. In case anyone is not aware, this is not necessary. Next month is wreath making time. All you need is to bring some traditional leafy stuff. We have the basic wreath rings, and Marguerite will be there to give us a nudge in the right direction. Please contact me, if you are not email-able or ask a friend who is. I have the address but as part of data protection rules, cannot publish details here. History - Ann Kelly We had a presentation based on the history of Todderstaffe Hall Farm, Singleton, 1332 – 2015. This was given by a visitor from America who grew up at the farm before she went to study in America, married, and now lives there. The presentation gave a good insight into the estate holders in the Fylde and their historical connections with the area, revealing many names which we knew but hadn’t known their background and how they came into possession of their estates, (and lost them in some cases). We spoke about the local place names and how many of them had Norse derivations, (Viking marauders!). It was most interesting and the insight into farming life throughout the ages was enlightening. The next meeting is on Monday, 13th November, at 2.00 p.m. in the Carleton Memorial Hall. One of our members will give a presentation about the History of Entertainment and Ivor Novello’s part in this. History of Art - Martin Johnson In September, the group looked at two of Bosch's most famous works and watched the remainder of a film which showed how his home town had brought together most of his existing paintings. The exhibition proved that an obscure Flemish artist portraying religious subjects 500 years ago can still move, inspire and fascinate us.


In our last meeting we looked for the first time at Sculpture, considering works as diverse as Rodin's The Kiss, Michelangelo’s Pieta and Head of a Woman by Modigliani. Having found some terms to explain why these appealed, next month we are returning to each choosing a piece of sculpture they enjoyed. We can use the Net, but photo-copies of the piece would greatly help. Some useful terms to consider might be - location, pose, texture, sense of movement, proportion or distortion and the qualities of the material used. Line Dancing - Kath Smith. Best thing since sliced bread. Live Music - John Houghton. We are currently working towards U3A's Christmas extravaganza. In the meantime, if any member wishes to while away a couple of hours you are welcome to come and join us at the Burn Naze. Music Appreciation - Susan Schofield

At our October meeting the first steps were

taken in a programme where we will

examine some of the foundations of British

classical music. Charles Hazelwood

introduced the life and work of Henry

Purcell; born in 1659 he is probably best

known for his contribution to sacred music

and early operas. We heard excerpts from

Dido and Aeneas, King Arthur and the music

he composed for the funeral of Queen Mary

in 1695. His sombre and respectful style

also finds his music being a regular feature

of the Remembrance Day service.

He composed several hundred songs many

of which were performed in the ale houses

of the time, revealing a lighter side to this

talented composer who tragically died aged

thirty six in 1695.

Following a lively and interactive discussion

on what we had heard, we watched a short

lecture by Leonard Bernstein on musical

interpretation before he accompanied Glenn

Gould playing the first movement of Bach’s

first piano concerto.

In November we will turn our attention to

Handel. There will be no meeting in

December due to the Christmas holiday.

In 2018 we will continue our British

programme with Haydn in January and

Mendelssohn in February.

In March, ‘ Puccini : Friends and Duets’ will

examine his lifelong friends and their

contribution to the maestro's work partnered

with duets from his major operas.

You are more than welcome to join us on

the fourth Monday of the month, 2.00 p.m. at

Carleton Memorial Hall.

Non-Beginners Italian - Clive Jones The latest meetings held on 10th and 24th October were both very well attended. The potential group attendance is now nine members, with the recent addition of one new member. This is very strong and well-attended group all-round. During the meetings, we continued with the verb tenses exercises covering the subjunctive tenses and other interesting topics including presentations and translations of a recipe for Pesto sauce, Nessun Dorma from the opera Turandot, a holiday to Scotland, La Scarzuola – which is a very grand private house in Umbria, Italy, a recipe for a Pasta Carbonara dish with artichokes and some more conversational role-play exercises. The group has advanced considerably since its inception in November 2014 and in addition to covering the various verb tenses and essential grammatical elements of the Italian language it is also very much a conversation and discussion group that has now held more than sixty meetings. New members are always most welcome to join but must already have an existing ability in the Italian language - bearing in mind that the group is now well advanced. Please contact the Group Leader for further details. All future meetings will be held on Tuesdays every two weeks from 11.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. at the Poulton Library. The programme for Autumn/Winter 2017 is as follows: 7th and 21st November; and 5th and 19th December. The dates for 2018 will be published shortly.


Photography - Elaine Holliday October’s meeting was held at Carleton

Memorial Hall where members showed their

photo of any fruit, followed by critical

analysis of the photographs.

The photograph of the month was voted by

the group members who were at the

meeting:

Photo taken by Elaine Holliday

Plans for the next three meetings are:-

November - Re-visiting ‘Depth of Field’.

December - Coffee and Mince Pies, whilst

planning how to approach the Photography

Group’s programme for 2018. This is an

important session so that the group can

flourish and members can become skilled in

photography through sharing knowledge

and expertise through topics which the

members would like to cover.

January - Talk on ‘Composition’ of

photographs.

The Photography Group meet on the

second Tuesday of each month at Carleton

Memorial Hall 2.00 p.m. for the next few

months. Visitors and new members will

receive a warm welcome.

Play Reading - Graham Bannister The Group met at the home of Sheila Hutchinson and completed the reading of The House on the Cliff by Butson. The play was listed as a “Mystery Comedy”. In reality it proved to be more of a mystery than a comedy. There were some humorous

bits but in the main it was a “Who dunnit?” with three murders and an unexpected villain. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, 28th November at the home of Tony Ward. Our next reading will be The Matchmaker by Wilder. Poetry for Pleasure - Ann Fewson After a break in the meetings we recommenced in October and enjoyed a complete miscellany of poetry - we had a ‘free choice’ session for once! So we read and discussed poems by a really diverse group of poets, some well-known, others less so - Louise MacNeice, Vernon Scannell, Harvey Kershaw, Daljit Nagra, Helen Dunmore and Carol Ann Duffy all contributed to our morning’s entertainment. Next meeting: Thursday, 2nd November 10.30 a.m. Subject: Poetry by black writers Science and Technology - Graham Topping At our meeting in October Tony Ward spoke about Computing and Aviation. His presentation comprised two parts. The first covered his personal account of the development of computers and the second covered the role of computers and associated software in the evolution of the modern jet and jet fighter. He began by describing the early methods of calculating data, beginning with the Chinese abacus in the 2nd century B.C., the development of a mechanical machine by Pascale to manipulate data and the idea developed by the British Mathematician George Boole in the late 19th century for a binary mathematical notation system based on one and zero which would ultimately form the basis of the modern computer. He then guided us through the development of computers after the second world war, including the influential work of Alan Turing in the development of theoretical computer science and Ferranti’s first electronic computer. He explained that the power of computing and the reduction in size of computers made a quantum leap with the replacement of valves by transistors,


followed by the use of chips and microprocessors. He then took us through the development and design of software for use in computers, including the role played by Tim Berners-Lee in developing the World Wide Web in which computers can communicate with each other and individuals can access information very quickly. He concluded his first part by speaking about the impact that organisations such as Apple and Google had had on our lifestyle in the development and use of iPhones, iPods, iPads and PCs. After a short coffee break, Tony spoke about his work with BAE and the various roles he played in this Company. He began with a series of photographs showing the evolution of the instrumentation in the cockpit in both commercial airliners and the jet fighters. He explained how the use of computers and appropriate software had progressively changed cockpit instrumentation and the way in which the pilot flies these very sophisticated machines. He concluded by showing how the modern British jet fighter’s cockpit instrumentation had evolved, through a series of slides showing the TSR2, Jaguar, Tornado and finally the Typhoon. It was evident from the lively discussion that followed that not only had the members thoroughly enjoyed Tony’s talk but had understood enough to pose one or two demanding questions. The next meeting of the group will be held on Monday, 20th November in Carleton Memorial Hall at 2.00 p.m. Geoff Hutchinson will give a talk on Fracking. Singing for Fun - Arthur Jones Having had thunderstorms at our previous two meetings, when the theme was Summer, we found ourselves a bit more in tune with the weather this time. Our theme was the Moon and Stars so of course we had Creedence Clearwater’s Bad Moon Rising - with John Fogerty singing cheerfully about hurricanes a’blowing and rivers overflowing. Just coincidence, honest guv! The real stars though, as ever, were our members who sang along to everything that popped up on screen – even one (Laurel and Hardy’s classic clip of Shine on Harvest

Moon) with no on-screen lyrics to remind them. We decided that, because the December meeting would have fallen on the 20th, the theme for our next meeting (2.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 15th November) will be Christmas and there will be no meeting in December. White November anyone??

Spain beyond the Costas - Sue Clark In October the group visited Valencia. Two members of the group, Barbara and Helen, have reported on the visit:

At the Turia fountain in the Plaza de la Virgen Most of the group arrived in Valencia on 4th October just after near-neighbours, Cataluña had voted for independence. Our first visit was to the historic 13th century Arab Baths, followed by the oldest church in Valencia, San Juan del Hospital, built in 1238. It has alabaster windows and some original painted murals. We attended the Water Tribunal at noon on Thursday, which has taken place every week outside the Cathedral for a thousand years. Crowds watch while irrigation grievances are quickly resolved. Friday's visits included the Central Market with amazing food stalls; the Silk Exchange, the most beautiful building in Valencia, built in 1483 and the spectacular Serranos Towers, survivors of the medieval city walls. On Friday afternoon some walked to the restored Mercado de Colon, a fine example of the Modernista style. On Saturday we visited the Museo de las Rocas, which contains the tall figures and carriages used for Corpus Christi parades. Cycling, walking or by bus we admired the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. Later we


ate a traditional Valenciana Paella by the beach. In the evening some attended a concert in the Palau de la Musica. Palaces used as civic buildings were open to the public on Sunday. We had free time to visit these and other museums and churches. An evening meal was followed at midnight by a spectacular fireworks display over the Turia gardens.

Procession of the Moors and Christians

Monday, a public holiday, saw Valencians bedecked in flags watching a civic parade. Later was the Festival of Moors and Christians, a lavish parade of sumptuous costumes. On Tuesday, our last day, we travelled to Xativa and visited its castle high on a ridge above the town. All enjoyed a traditional meal of local specialities on the terrace overlooking the town. Later we met for tapas and thanked Sue and Keith for their welcome and organisation which gave us a taste of all Valencia has to offer. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 1st November when we will look at the topics of art in Spain and probably the Catalan question.

Travel - Mick Carey

A well attended meeting on 19th October

heard Mick Carey talk about his experiences

walking in various parts of Greece.

On 16th November Clive Jones will give the

first of his long-awaited presentations on

Sydney and New South Wales.

Walking - Derek Woodhouse In October, fourteen walkers set off from Staveley to scale the heights of Craggy Wood on what turned out to be the sunniest day of the week, although recent heavy rain had made conditions which severely tested our footwear. We headed to Potter Tarn and then on to the smaller tarn, Gurnal Dubbs which was the destination for our lunch stop. After that, a mostly downhill route took us back to Staveley where, inevitably, Wilf’s Café was our final stop. Thanks to Geoffrey Cowell for a very enjoyable seven mile walk. Next Walk Wednesday, 29th November - Rivington. Approximately 6.5 miles. Led by Graham and Susan Essex Crosby (Tel: 01253 885660). Meet at Rivington Hall and Barn (Hall Lane, Rivington, BL6 7SB) at 10.30 a.m. (Car sharing from the Little Theatre 9.30 a.m.) Parking off-road, echelon style, towards the top end of Hall Lane. Please tell Graham and Susan if you intend to go straight to Rivington. The first half of the walk is relatively straight forward around the Upper Rivington and Yarrow reservoirs before heading up onto the moors. The second half of the walk is more challenging and, in parts, is likely to be wet and/or muddy underfoot. Total ascent is around 750 ft but long slopes rather than climbs. Bring a packed lunch. Toilets (and refreshments) are at the start and end of the walk. Watercolours for Beginners - Christine Ashton As usual, we commenced the session with a perusal of members' work completed since the previous meeting.


The main emphasis for this meeting was an examination of the 'wet in wet' technique. This must be applied in very quick strokes and most people find it very difficult to control. However, if it works, it produces beautiful results, which are the most appealing of all the techniques used in watercolours. This technique really typifies the wonderful delicacy of the watercolour medium in art. I particularly drew attention to the artist, Hazel Soan, who makes frequent use of this technique. Her paintings are very effective, and instinctive, making wonderful use of colour and light. Watercolours for Intermediates - Christine Ashton Members are working steadily on a variety of paintings which include landscapes, animal studies, group scenes, etc. This group is working at a high standard and some members are involved in other art groups, these include The Blackpool Art Society and the Lytham Art Society. This is good as we get to hear about exhibitions, and events throughout the two districts. We heard about a recent workshop, which was headed by a local artist, and the member who attended, brought a wonderful piece of work in, which she completed at the workshop. This swapping of information and knowledge, is great for all members of the Watercolour Groups, keeping us up to date with movements in the local art world.

Audio-Visual Equipment Wyre U3A Laptops and Projector sets are now held by the following members:

Elaine Holliday Arthur Jones Mick Carey

Graham Lougher Graham Topping

Group Leaders must continue to telephone in

advance to arrange a suitable time to collect and return the equipment. Flipchart holders,

flipcharts and pens are available.

Publicity

If you have any ideas for publicising

Wyre U3A please contact

Nita Sproston

Carleton Memorial Hall Bookings should be addressed

to: Peter Farrell. Email:

[email protected]

Peter must be notified, in advance if the hall is not going to be used otherwise a charge will be made for the room.

Wyre

Officer Contact Details

Chairman:

Kathleen Smith

Vice Chairman: Jim Lawrenson

Secretary:

Maureen McDermott

Membership Secretary: Sue Bousfield

Social Events Co-ordinator: Alison Vanes

Speakers’ Secretary:

Kathleen Smith

Groups’ Co-ordinators: Carla Clark

and Helen Scarborough

Newsletter Team: Email:

[email protected]

Wyre U3A Website: http://u3asites.org.uk/wyre-lancs

Contact Wyre U3A:

0749 533 6519



http://u3asites.org.uk/wyre-lancs

Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 30thNovember 2017 Please send to [email protected] When you are finished with this issue please pass to a friend DW 29/10/2017

Schedule of Group Meetings and Venues

If unsure-check with the Co-ordinator

Activity Regular Meeting Venue

Ancient Civilisations 4th Tuesday at 2.00 pm

Fleetwood Fire Station

Artists and Paintings in the 19th and 20th Centuries

3rd Monday at 1.00 pm 2.30 pm

Check with Co-ordinator

Book Group

(Monday)

1st Monday at 2.00 pm

Poulton Library

Book Group

(Wednesday)

2nd Wednesday at 10.00 am

Poulton Library

Canasta 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2.00 p.m.


Card Making 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 2.00 pm

Carleton Memorial Hall

Computers 4th Thursday at 11.00 am


Creative Writing

Group 1

2nd Monday at 10.00 am

Lodge Cottage

Creative Writing

Group 2

3rd Monday at 10.30 am


Crown Green Bowling Weekly on Mondays 9.50 am for 10.00 am

Fleetwood Marine Hall Bowling Green

Current Affairs 4th Thursday at 2.00 pm


Family History 1st Monday at 2.00 pm

Small room at Carleton Memorial Hall

French for Beginners 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 3.00 pm

Fleetwood Fire Station Community Room

French for Improvers 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 1.30 pm

Fleetwood Fire Station Community Room

French Conversation See report in “News from the Activity Groups”

Poulton Library

Gardening 3rd Wednesday at 1.00 pm

Various. Check with Co-ordinator

History 2nd Monday at 2.00 pm

Various. Check with

Co-ordinator

History of Art 2nd Tuesday at 10.30 am


Line Dancing Every Friday 1.00-3.00 pm



Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 30thNovember 2017 Please send to [email protected] When you are finished with this issue please pass to a friend DW 29/10/2017

Live Music Fortnightly Thursdays 1:30 pm from 2nd Nov.

Burn Naze Pub

Music Appreciation 4th Monday at 2.00 pm


Non-Beginners Italian See report in “News from

the Activity Groups”

Poulton Library

Philosophy 4th Tuesday at 2.00 pm


Photography

2nd Tuesday at 2.00 pm


Play Reading 4th Tuesday at 2.00 pm

Members’ Homes

Poetry for Pleasure 1st Thursday at 10.30 am


Science and Technology 3rd Monday at 2.00 pm


Scrabble Every two weeks, check with co-ordinator


Singing for Fun 3rd Wednesday

at 2.00 pm


Spain beyond the Costas 1st Wednesday at 2.00 pm


Spanish Conversation Fortnightly on Mondays

at 2.00 pm


Theatre Trips advertised in the Newsletter

Various venues

The Listening Readers 1st Monday at 2.00 pm

Members’ Homes

Travel 3rd Thursday at 2.00 pm


Ukulele 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 11.00 am – 12 noon

Victory Baptist Church St. Annes Road Blackpool.

Walking Last Wednesday each month

Various. Check with

Co-ordinator

Watercolours for Beginners 1st Tuesday at 1.30 pm


Watercolours for Intermediates 3rd Tuesday at 1.30 pm


Yoga 1st and 3rd Mondays

at 10.00 am



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