Our monthly newsletter shows what members of Mansfield and District U3A in north Nottinghamshire have been doing recently and what's planned. This edition includes the AGM agenda and officer reports for 2012/13. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
Summer Picnic. (See Recent Events: Page 12)
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
September 2013 – AGM Edition
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 16

2. Welcome from your chairman
THIS LETTER, I promise, is the last that you will have to read from me – a merciful release for both
you and me!
One point that I would like to labour – the Exhibition of Mansfield U3A activities and works at the
Museum in May-June 2014. It could be a wonderful celebration of your membership and
enthusiasm over the years.
The Museum authorities are excited by the idea and will help in any way that they can. I would ask
Group Leaders and members to start thinking how best their activities can be presented. Perhaps
less of a picture-framed, hung-on-walls exhibition than something more dynamic – videos projected,
photos on continuous loop, maps covering a wall, Interest Groups busy in the Museum to show
how we approach our leisure time.
With the permission of the Groups Coordinator, I would like to gauge your thoughts at the
November meeting of Interest Group Leaders and then we can plan from there.
Meanwhile, I will slide into a reflective mode. Last summer's AGM Newsletter contained my
thoughts on the Olympics, and recently, the papers and TV have been full of rather gloomy
retrospectives. Did the Olympics make any difference to us in the longer term?
No doubt, some sports, many sportsmen and women, and most volunteers and workers would say
that they have gained from the Games and that a lasting legacy has been created.
But for the nation?
Perhaps the major gain was, and is, the sense of pride that we, the British, could create such a
joyously successful occasion, one which the whole country could embrace – an experience that
was not purely selfish and personal, but which covered most of us.
Perhaps we can bring this into our time in U3A – not just pleasure in personal enjoyment, but a
sense of pride that we are creating an organisation in which many can find find something valuable
and enjoyable, something that we share and work together towards.
Let's go forward thinking this, and then we will have done something good. Adieu!
Mike Allen
______________________________________________________________________________
In this issue
Page 2 Welcome
Page 3 AGM Agenda. Chairman's Report. (Start)
Page 4 Chairman's Report. (End); Treasurer's Report.
Page 5 Subscriptions Reminder. Groups Report (Start)
Page 6 Groups Report (End). Membership Secretary's Report. Newsletter
Report. Website Report.
Page 7 Nominations for Committee. Introducing New Committee Members.
Pages 8 - 11 Interest Groups meetings diary.
Page 11 Holiday Updates. (Start)
Page 12 Holiday Updates. (End). Recent Events: Summer Picnic; Visit to Sheila
Whalley's Garden
Page 13 Groups News: Theatre Visits; Digital World; Holidays (Start)
Page 14 Groups News: Holidays (End); Luncheon Club; Bowls
Page 15 Groups News: Reading1; Strollers; Writing for Pleasure
Page 16 Dates for your diary and Notices.
Page 2 of 16

3. AGM Agenda
1. Welcome by Chairman at 11.15am after monthly meeting and coffee.
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2012 AGM.
3. Chairman's Report.
4. Treasurer's Report (inc. approval of the Accounts and re-election of the
Auditor).
5. Nominations for committee.
6. Election of new committee.
7. A.O.B.
Date of next AGM: Tuesday 16th September 2014.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chairman's Report 2013
THE ANNUAL Report provides us all with the opportunity to reflect on how well Mansfield U3A is
fulfilling the Objects of its own Constitution that require us to ‘advance the education of its Members
in the spirit of the Third Age Trust’ and to ‘provide the facilities for leisure time and recreational
activities’.
With 35 active Interest Groups, Mansfield U3A provides a wide range of activities for its 275
members. Education is advanced, not just by talks and lectures, though some groups do bring in
most interesting speakers (the Gardening Group and Local History for instance), but also by visits
(Sci-Tech and Art Appreciation) and, above all, through our activities. We learn through doing - in
Digital Photography, Art, Writing for Pleasure, Current Affairs, Family History, Scrabble and so many
more.
Even in those groups that seem less educational on the surface, such as the Walking Groups, the
Pudding Club, Chat and Stitch and Tai-Chi, members are learning new skills and encountering new
ideas. Theatre Visits do this dramatically, of course (intentional pun!) while the odd corners left are
filled by the Luncheon Club!
Education does not have to be ‘book learning’ to be valuable; it is about introducing new ideas and
enriching the lives of members. The Singing for Pleasure Group not only enriches the lives of our
members, but also those of the audiences.
The monthly meeting reinforces the idea of education sliding in under the radar – each different
speaker opens up new avenues for us. Just remember the lady from the Dickens Society, the
farmer’s wife, Capt. Dyer and the film stars – we learnt a lot from them.
I believe that we fulfil the educational objective, and by doing so, we provide the ‘facilities’ (the
Interest Groups) for leisure and recreation for our members. New groups are formed (Antiques and
Collectibles is the latest), although some gently fade or do not appeal to enough people.
If there are members of Mansfield U3A who do not take advantage of the range of Interest Groups,
both to continue their own education and to enhance their own enjoyment of life, they are missing
one of the main points of U3A membership..
Let us reflect on another point – that Members undertake themselves, without payment, the
many and varied tasks necessary to run their U3A. I would like to think that we do this, willingly
and happily, although I have some worries.
Will an Interest Group survive without the founder leader? How long should a leader carry the
burden and are others ready to pick it up? Have we got new members joining who are prepared to
become leaders of groups?
Page 3 of 16

4. The Quiz Night, the August Picnic, the Coffee Morning have done us proud for years, but isn’t there
a need for other social ventures to be supported by the members?
Mansfield U3A succeeds. It succeeds because of its members. Let us ensure that it does not
survive in spite of its members.
Mike Allen
Treasurer's Report,
Financial Year 1st August 2012 – 31 July 2013
WE ARE PLEASED to report another successful year for Mansfield U3A and a healthy financial
situation at the year end on 31st July.
We have received a further tax refund on subscriptions via the Gift Aid Scheme. This has enabled
us to make a refund to members of £2 each via a reduction in the subscription charge for the
coming year.
We have made a one-off purchase of a new P.A. system that will improve the quality of sound for
our members at the monthly meetings.
Members’ continued support for the book sales, coffee morning and quiz night have made an
important contribution to our finances and the proceeds from these social events are now kept
separate from our general running costs.
The committee thank you all once again for your support over the year.
Below is a brief summary of our accounts for the year. A full detailed financial report will be given at
the AGM and copies of the full accounts are available from the treasurer on request.
Pauline Boucher, Treasurer
Page 4 of 16

5. Annual Subscriptions 2013/2014 – Reminder
OUR financial year ended on 31st July and annual subscriptions are now due: £17.00 for new
members; £15.00 if you're renewing and £11.50 for associates.
Please remind any friends who wish to renew their membership but are unable to attend the
monthly meetings to contact the treasurer or any committee member. And please contact me if
you'd like to use on-line banking.
Pauline Boucher
______________________________________________________________________________
Groups Report
WE CLOSE the Mansfield U3A year noting that 3 of the 4 new groups that emerged in 2011-12
continue to flourish, thanks to the support of members and the dedication of their leaders:
• Local History Group Leaders: Bob and Sue Longden
• Bowls Group Leader: Don Wright
• Writing for Pleasure Group Leaders: Hilary Miller and Sue Ford
(Unfortunately Line Dancing proved short-lived, despite Carole Justice's stalwart efforts, as income
from members' attendance subs fell short of that needed to cover the tutor's fees and hall costs,
despite a start-up grant from the Committee.)
New this year were:
• Heart Start Group Leader: Linda Leivers
Supported by the British Heart Foundation, this initiative teaches people simple
Emergency Life Support skills to help them know what to do in a life-threatening
emergency. It has proved so popular with members that training sessions are fully-booked
until December and more are being planned.
• Concert Visits Contact; David Ling
This initiative by Southwell U3A to provide discounted group concert tickets at the Royal
Concert Hall, Nottingham, and coach travel from local pick-up points didn't prove
sufficiently popular with local U3As to justify a route through Mansfield. Hopefully the
North Notts Neighbourhood Group of U3As will be able to gain enough support from their
wider catchment area for it to continue for another year.
• Art Group Leader: Linda Spray
Helped by member Michael Morton, a former professional illustrator, this group is now
well-established with members tackling a wide range of projects together.
• Yoga Group Leaders: Linda Leivers & Pauline Boucher
Initial enthusiasm tailed off as the cost of the weekly sessions took their toll but our yoga
enthusiasts have been welcomed by Ravenshead U3A.
• Caravan & Motorhome Rally Group Leader: Terry Lammas
This group held its inaugural meeting in June and continues to meet at well-equipped
sites so that members can enjoy breaks together and share experiences. Its first overseas
trip will be to France in June 2014.
• Antiques and Collectables Group Leader: Pat Blackwell
This new group will have its first meeting at 10.00 on Tuesday 8th October, at the
Stanhope Centre, Bridge Street, Mansfield. The hope is that people will share their own
interests and knowledge with others. The subjects and objects need not be of great value
and can range from medieval to mid-sixties.
Page 5 of 16

6. • Movement to Music Contact: Linda Leivers
This new group hopes to start in the Autumn, subject to being able to find a teacher who
can help us keep fit in a suitably U3A manner, and a group leader,
Our thanks go to these new Group Leaders for the hard work and interest they are giving in
ensuring that their groups are successful.
There will be updates after the Group Leaders' next meeting on Friday, 8th November, so please
contact Linda Leivers if you have any ideas.
Membership Secretary’s Report
IT WILL BE of no surprise to all of you that, as in previous years, our waiting list for membership
continues to grow. This is despite our decision to increase the membership for 2012/2013 by 25 to
275. We had hoped that this move would absorb the majority of the waiting list but I can report that
we currently have in excess of 30 people still waiting for membership.
It is definitely a sign of our continued success and popularity, and possibly the launch of the new
Rainworth U3A later this year will absorb some of our waiting list, at least temporarily.
Following the AGM and when all the fees have been collected we can start the process of taking on
new members.
As always, I know that you will all give a warm welcome to this year’s new members.
Avril McGee, Membership Secretary
Newsletter Report
I'M DELIGHTED to be able to report again that we published 12-page issues every month last year
– apart from this special AGM edition that has to be 16 pages in order to include all the necessary
formalities.
(The August issue was only published on-line as we don't meet that month and it's better use of
members' funds for those with on-line access to download their own copies and print copies for
friends that lack them.)
Earlier availability, bigger text and full-colour photos are other advantages of on-line publication of
every edition that around 100 members have enjoyed too, from around the 10th of every month.
Publication is always announced on the website home page and you could sign-up there to be told
by email when each new issue is available.
I'm sure all members will join me in thanking the many contributors whose news of events, future
interest group plans and humorous/helpful/cautionary tales make this newsletter what it is.
David Ling, Editor
Website Report
THREE website managers are now helping to maintain our website, which has 56 active interest
group and general pages at the moment and offers over 100 printable reference documents. We
currently attract around 2000 visitors every month, seeking information quickly and saving money.
Terry Whitehead, Linda Leivers and Bob Longden have already taken-on several maintenance
tasks, helping group leaders to maintain their pages so that every interest group page is kept up to
date.
Last year's change to a Content Management System seems to have been completed seamlessly
and most Group Leaders are getting confident in updating their own pages, willingly helped by the
Managers whenever asked.
David Ling, Webmaster
Page 6 of 16

7. Nominations for the committee
THE FOLLOWING are seeking election to the Committee for a period of two years:
Bob Longden (Vice Chairman)
Linda Spray (Business Secretary)
John Troop (Asst. Treasurer)
Sheila Whalley (Committee Member)
The following are seeking re-election to the Committee for a period of two years:
Pauline Boucher (Treasurer)
Avril McGee (Membership Secretary)
Jean Hinds (Social Events)
The following were elected at the 2012 AGM for a period of two years:
Glenis Carr (Chairperson)
Jennie Roberts (Minutes Secretary)
Linda Leivers (Groups Coordinator)
Marilyn Dibble (Speaker Finder).
Introducing the new Committee Nominees
Bob Longden – Vice Chairman
bob.longden@ntlworld.com (01623 486903)
Bob joined Mansfield U3A a few years ago, looking for some ways to better enjoy
his free time. He found the choices appealing and his first group adventure was
Sci-Tech. Having thoroughly enjoyed this, he and Sue became involved in setting-
up and running the Local History Group in December 2012 and he became group
leader.
Linda Spray – Secretary (Business)
nilda23@virginmedia.com (01623 795176)
Linda joined Mansfield U3A in October 2012 after a diverse career within
Nottinghamshire County Council. She retired in 2011. Looking for ‘retirement
pastimes’ led her to Mansfield U3A, which she enjoys and participates in fully. She
is now co-ordinator of the newArt Interest group and is a regular Stroller.
John Troop – Asst. Treasurer
johntroop@hotmail.co.uk (01623 633404)
John joined the family business selling fruit and veg on Mansfield Market before
he and Karen bought a Post Office and Store. He joined Mansfield U3A in 2007
and previously served on the committee from 2008 to 2011. He is a member of
the Luncheon Club, Family History, Garden Visits and Gardening Groups.
Sheila Whalley – Committee Member
jeansheila@btinternet.com (01623 453908)
Sheila joined Mansfield U3A 7 years ago. She used to run her own business
designing and making children's dresses and fancy dress costumes. She now
does voluntary work for the Air Ambulance and opens her garden to raise money
for the NGS, etc. She's on the Gardening group committee and is group leader for
Theatre Visits. She also enjoys baking, U3A holidays and outings.
Page 7 of 16

8. Key to Meetings details:
THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of the
day, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V)
indicates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals.
So 'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but with
Variable finish times.
The main Mansfield and District U3Ameetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (exceptAugust
and December) at the Oakham Suite, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield from 10 am - 12.30 pm.
All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in any
interest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.
Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Antiques &
Collectables (New)
Tu 2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Inaugural Meeting: October 8th
Art We3, 10 - 12 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Linda Spray
01623 795176
Next Meetings: September 18th – Animals; 16th October – TBA
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Baptist Church,
Rosemary St.
Mansfield
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next Visit: 7th October – Visit to Nottingham Art Gallery and Museum.
Beginners' Bridge
(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, Various
6.30 - 9.00
Enviro Centre,
Derby Rd College,
Mansfield
Maxine Rose/Glenis
Carr
01623 459081/627735
Next Meetings: Sept. 16th & 30th; Oct. 14th & 28th; Nov.11th & 25th; Dec. 9th
(Also Acol sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Th, 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls Th, 1.30 - 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls
Club,
Chesterfield Road
Don Wright
01623 628946
Next Meetings: Sept. 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th. (End of season.) Then, from 15th Oct., indoors at
Lammas Sports Centre, Sutton: 2.30 - 4.00
Caravan & M'home
Rally
Various TBA Terry Lammas
01623 471963
Next Meetings: 1st & 2nd Nov. – at Swinethorpe, nr. Lincoln, with hog roast, entertainment and
firework display; 1st to 29th June 2014 – France
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meetings: 16th September; 21st October; 18th November.
Page 8 of 16

9. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: September 10th; October 8th; November 12th
Digital World Fri 2 & 4, 2.00 - 4.00
2/M
Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Skegby
David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: September 13th – Back to Basics & 27th – Treasure Hunt; October 11th & 25th
Summer Theme: TheAlphabet in Pictures
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: 24th Sept. – How computers aid research
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: TBA
Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam
01623 635607
Next Visits: TBA
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: 1st Oct. – Native Trees of Britain with Phil Holmes; 5th Nov. – Willow Wreath Making
Heartstart Th3, 1.00 - 3.00 William Kaye Hall,
Ladybrook Lane
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: 19th Sept. (10.00 - 12.00); 17th Oct. (1.00 - 3.00)
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
Next holidays: 4th, 5th & 6th December – Thursford Christmas Spectacular; Monday 27th to
Friday 31st January 2014 – Warner's Thoresby Hall (Contact Terry Whitehead on 01623 626991)
Local History Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: Oct. 4th – The Workhouse with Pat Blackwell; Nov. 1st – Lost Houses of Notts. with
Sue Longden
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: September 19th – Bestwood Lodge,Arnold; Oct. 17th – Greendale Oak, Cuckney
Movement to Music
(New)
TBA TBA Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Inaugural Meeting: TBA
Page 9 of 16

10. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart
01623 620940
Next Meetings: 23rd Sept. – Scandinavians with Peter Hart; 28th Oct. – Piano with Peter Crabbe
Concert Visits
(With Southwell U3A)
Various Royal Concert Hall,
Nottingham
David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meeting: TBA
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott
01623 631160
Next Meeting: TBA
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Next Meetings: TBA
Pudding Club * Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: No meeting in September. October 1st – with Sylvia
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's home Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meetings: 19th September; 17th October
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next Meetings: 17th September; 15th October
Science & Technical Tu1, 1.30 - 3.30 M Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: 1st Oct. – DNA with Jill Pullan; 8th Nov. – TBA
Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4 .00 M Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: TBA
Singing for Fun Th V West Notts College,
Derby Rd. Mansfield
June Fell
01623 623547
Next Meetings: Sept. 19th; Oct 3rd, 17th & 31st, Nov. 14th & Tues. Nov 26th
Next Concerts: Fri. Dec. 6th – Kirkby Library; Sun. Dec. 8th – In Church (TBA)
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Cliff Laycock
01623 481985
Next Meetings: Sept. 16th, 23rd & 30th; Oct. 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
Page 10 of 16

11. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: Wed. 18th Sept. – Fiddler on the Roof; Sat. 12th Oct. – Our House; Wed. 16th
Oct. – To Sir With Love; 30th Oct. – Chin Chin. (Matinees at the RCH, Nottingham)
Walking Groups
Hikers
(all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V
2/M
Tesco car park, off
Oak Tree Lane
Peter Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Mon. 16th Sept. – Tithby / Cropwell Bishop; Thurs. 3rd Oct. – High Peak Junction;
Mon. 21st Oct. – Kniveton / Bradbourne
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
V Lunchtimes Various Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meeting: Fri. 20th Sept. – Sutton Reservoir, 11.00am; Thurs. Oct 24th, – The Lion,
Farnsfield, Noon
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357 /
01623 651528
Next Meetings: 9th Oct . – The Lawns, Sutton in Ashfield; 13th Nov. – Berry Hill Park
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 – V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: 25th Sept. – Calverton; 23rd Oct. – Farnsfield
Wine Appreciation 2* We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: Sept.18th – Whites with John & Margaret; Oct 16th – Macon-Villages with NS
Wine Appreciation
3*
Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: Sept. 24th – Wide price range White with Ron
Writing for Pleasure * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M The Stanhope Centre
Mansfield.
Sue Ford / Hilary
Miller 01623
844286 / 620067
Next Meetings: Oct. 14th; Nov. 11th
Holiday Updates
Warner’s Thoresby Hall, Mon. 27th to Fri. 31st Jan. 2014 (Update for those not on the internet.)
YEAR 9 OF THE ANNUAL U3ATHORESBY HOLIDAY.
4 nights bed breakfast and evening meal. Price per person: £193.
There are no singles left, because I initially asked for standard rooms for 180 guests and some
people have upgraded. But several twin/double rooms are still available.
Page 11 of 16

12. I will require paying by the October meeting; date your cheque for 15th October 2013 and make it
payable to Mansfield & District U3A. If you want to come, phone 01623 626991 to discuss T&Cs.
Terry Whitehead (01623 626991)
Thursford Christmas Spectacular 4th, 5th & 6th December 2013
All balances must be paid at the September meeting as I have to send off the money before the end
of September. Cheques to be paid to Mansfield & District U3A; £194 single room, £169 pp sharing.
Margaret Burlinson (01623 632538; email: marburl@lineone.net)
______________________________________________________________________________
Recent Events
Summer picnic
I HOPED for good weather for our picnic on 20th August, and it was. Everyone started to arrive
early with arms and baskets full of food. We had so much we needed extra tables and wow what a
picture they looked. Sandwiches, paté, cooked meats, salads, fruit kebabs, cakes and scones ... the
list could go on and on.
Well done everyone who contributed to another marvellous U3A picnic.
The rest of the afternoon was spent chatting with friends and playing games. I even had a lesson on
how to play “shove ha'penny”. Thanks Gordon.
Thank you to Elizabeth and Jean for selling raffle tickets and thank you all for buying them; we took
£109. Thanks too to Janet, Jackie, Linda, Sheila, Mike, John, Pete, Bob & David for their help and
everyone who came and made it such a lovely afternoon.
Karen Troop, Social Committee. Photos on the website ...
Visit to Sheila Whalley's garden
I'D LIKE to thank Sheila Whalley for
her generosity in opening her
wonderful garden to us on 28th July.
It was a real life Secret Garden as
each garden ‘room’ opened into yet
another hidden garden room, filled
with plants and statues and
comfortable places to sit.
The hard work and dedication she
has shown astonishes me and I can
only thank her.
Thanks also to the hard working
Social Committee members who
spent Sunday (and other days
beforehand) ‘on duty’ organising a
raffle and providing us with tea and
delicious cakes.
We spent enough to give Air Ambulance nearly £200.
Her efforts over two weekends raised £500 for the National Garden Scheme and a total of £443.90
for the Air Ambulance. Thanks to those who attended.
Mike Allen More photos on the website ...
Page 12 of 16

13. Groups News
Theatre Visits
I will book for the Panto at the Playhouse Nottingham Nov/Dec. It is Jack and the Beanstalk this
year. As parking is sparse in that area I will organise a bus if enough people want one or a taxi from
the Theatre Royal tram stop would be feasible. Wednesday matinee, stall seats £22, seniors £20.
Registered disabled £11.
PROGRAMME FOR 2014
• Singing in the Rain: Wed. 12th February matinee £40 (if 10 go, £36) Pay by 12th
December.
• Brassed Off: Wed 5th March matinee £21 (if 10 go, £18.90) Pay 5th January.
Sheila Whalley (01623 453908)
Digital World
OUR EXPLORATION of the alphabet in commonplace subjects produced some interesting
examples at our last meeting at Stanton Hill Baptist Church before the holidays and we'll revisit the
subject on 13th September. We'll also have another back-to-basics session then to help less-
experienced members with the camera settings and menus that may seem daunting until they're
explained.
Everyone welcome!
Then we're hoping to hold another treasure hunt on 27th September, weather permitting, when
members will be tasked to find and photograph a list of subjects that we'll discuss on 11th October.
This will obviously be weather-dependent so please let me know if you'd like to be updated in due
course.
David Ling (01623 822994)
Holidays
ANOTHER HUGE THANK-YOU for the beautiful flowers that were presented to me at the June
meeting by Norma Shillinglaw on behalf of those who went on the 'Around Britain Cruise'. It was a
wonderful & unexpected surprise. I couldn't believe how long they lasted too!
I would also like to thank all those who went to Tenby for the most unusual orchid, the bottles of
booze, the chocolates and the lovely basket of fruit that Brian and Pat Gaunt brought me after my
replacement knee operation. I also appreciated the visits, the cards and phone calls wishing me a
speedy recovery. I had a few setbacks but I'm pleased to say I am now making steady progress.
New Holidays for 2014
WARNER'S LAKESIDE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, HAYLING ISLAND. Mon. 23rd - Fri. 27th June 2014
Cost £299, no single supplement. Deposit £25 by October meeting + £10 optional travel insurance
(no upper age limit). Cheques to Mansfield & District U3A
This price includes 3 excursions to include Portsmouth, Chichester, Arundel Castle, Bognor Regis
and probably Brighton. Entrance fees to places of interest in Portsmouth e.g. Historic Docks, Mary
Rose, HMS Victory and the Spinnaker Tower will be optional as some people may have already
been. To give you an idea, a combined group ticket (15 people) to all these will today cost £21.45p.
Booking for these will be discussed at a later date.
(Will all those people who went to Tenby and showed an interest in the Hayling Island holiday
please come to see me to confirm if you still want to go.)
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14. 8 DAYS IN THE ALGARVE PORTUGAL SEPTEMBER 18TH - 25TH 2014.
Cost including 5 excursions approximately £800 (£90 single supplement)
Flying from East Midlands to Faro with Jet 2 airline. Staying in 3* hotel Dom Jose in Quarteira, 5kms
from Vilamoura. Situated across from the beach so area very flat. Deposit £50 to be paid no later
than the November meeting + optional £56 no-upper-age-limit insurance. (The earlier the better
because we have to watch potential airline increases that will have to be passed on!) Cheques
payable to Mansfield & District U3A.
Margaret Burlinson
Luncheon Club
I'M SURE we all lost weight during the holidays (not!) so I hope you're getting in the mood to enjoy
the start of our Autumn lunch season at the Bestwood Lodge in Arnold, which will be a new venture
for us (thanks Pauline and Ian!).
I keep hearing rave reviews about this venue from members who've ventured South free-lance so
please check that your name is on the booking sheet – with the choice of dishes you want.
Bookings are now open for our October lunch at the Greendale Oak, Cuckney, too which has had a
major make-over since our last visit some years ago and has passed tests by organiser Linda Spray
and did Jackie and I proud when we dropped in for a snack.
Joyeux Noel: That time's fast approaching so bookings for our now-traditional Christmas fine-
dining lunch in the French manner at Launay's, Edwinstowe, are also open today. It will be earlier in
December than usual – on 12th December – so that we avoid at least some of the seasonal
festivities elsewhere.
Cost: from £15.95 for 2 courses, £23.50 for 3 and £30 for 4.
(Plus optional oysters pre-starter @ £8 per 1/2 doz.)
Pre-book by the November meeting AT THE LATEST with £10 deposit by cheque payable to
Mansfield U3A.
David Ling
Bowls
THE VERY successful and enjoyable outdoor bowling season ends on 28th September. The
weather compared to last year has been extremely good with many red faces due to the sun rather
than the wrong bias being played. Many members of the U3A Group wanting to play more than the
weekly two hours have become members of Mansfield Bowling Club, fully participating in activities.
The highlight of the season was U3A member Pat Kendall
winning the Mansfield Bowling Club's Ladies Single Champion
Competition, so congratulations to Pat. Well done! (She's
pictured here receiving the trophy from President Eleanor
Lake.)
The U3A Bowls Group will be moving indoors commencing
Tuesday 15th October (2.30 to 4.00pm) weekly until 15th
March 2014 at the Lammas Sport and Leisure Centre, Sutton.
New members are very welcome so come along and have a
go; coaching and equipment (bowls) is available. Bowling
indoors is an ideal way to discover whether it’s for you.
Give me a ring on 01623 628946 if you'd like to know more.
Don Wright
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15. Reading Group 1
SINCE the first meeting of Reading Group 1 in April 2001, when we read Alice in Wonderland. we
have read over 160 books, both classic and modern; all of them interesting and most of them
enjoyable. We have read several biographies but most of the books we read are fiction.
We now have a couple of vacancies in this group so if anyone is interested in joining us please give
your name and phone number to Joy Crowe or Sylvia Slack at the September AGM.
We meet once a month on the third Thursday, 2pm - 4pm, usually in Farnsfield but sometimes at
other members' homes. The books are provided by Farnsfield Library.
At our friendly meetings, we have tea or coffee and then we discuss the book we have read the
previous month; we are then given the book we will read in time for the next meeting.
If you can’t make the meeting, our numbers are: Joy, 645400 and Sylvia, 633981.
Joy Crowe
Strollers
APPROXIMATELY 19 eager strollers met at the Teversal Trail Visitors Centre on Wednesday 14
August. The day was fine and the walk took us along the Phoenix Greenways.
This is a network of trails linking the five pits, Silverhill and Pleasley – the Teversal Trails. These
easy-access routes and quiet lanes are amidst local countryside, which are being preserved by
means of country parks and wildlife reserves. Like Phoenix rising from the ashes, nature flourishes
with our care.
We tramped through a very large field, which had obviously
been the domain of our bovine friends, if the cow-pats were
anything to go by.
We trod precariously amongst them and finally reached a
moderately challenging style. Helping hands were there to
assist those of us who were not so nimble and a five-minute
breather was enjoyed on the other side.
A few members wanted to look in the pretty church, but the
door was locked, so on we went towards the Coal Garden.
This was a memorial to the pits and machinery, etc. which
has been excellently maintained by various bodies who are
part of the Phoenix Greenways Partnership.
Then it was time for a cuppa in the Visitor Centre café. Thanks to Barbara and Marion who always
try these walks out before taking us, to ensure we go the right distance and the whole experience is
a pleasurable stroll.
Linda Spray More photos on the website ...
Writing for Pleasure
WRITING FOR PLEASURE has been just that, a real pleasure over the past year. We celebrated
our first birthday in July with most of our original members, all of whom make the afternoon really
enjoyable for us too (two). The two-hour sessions pass very quickly, as there is much laughter and
frivolity as well as more serious creativity.
We have covered a wide range of topics, such as Poetry, Short Stories, Lonely Hearts Ads and
Travel Articles, to name just a few.
We just wanted to let everyone know that we are so happy that we decided to start a new group!
Hilary and Sue
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16. ______________________________________________________________________________
Speakers' Corner
OUR speaker next month will be KayAdlington.
______________________________________________________________________________
Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)
Tues. 27th Sept: INVITATION: Ashfield U3A invite you to "Antiques Road Show" at the Ashwood
Centre, Kirkby in Ashfield. Details from Kathleen Jones (550740) or Gill Knight (01773 778115)
Fri. 8th Nov.: Group Leaders’ Meeting at the Stanhope Centre. 10.00 am. Apologies and Items for
Agenda to Chairman Glenis Carr (627735) by Saturday October 27th.
Mon. 2nd Dec: CHRISTMAS LUNCH at the Oakham Suite. 12.30 for 1.00. Details from Norma
Shillinglaw (466934).
Sat. 22nd Feb. 2014: FUN QUIZ NIGHT. More details soon
_________________________________________________________________________
Event and Visit Payments
MEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by Mansfield
U3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.
______________________________________________________________________________
Changes of address, etc.
PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed your
address, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.
______________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer
THE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect those
of the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility be
accepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.
______________________________________________________________________________
Next Issue
PLEASE SEND contributions for the October issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in
typescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by 1st October at the latest. Thanks!
______________________________________________________________________________
Editor: David Ling (01623 822994) Printed by: Portland Print (www.portlandprint.org.uk/)
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