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 reports on Mansfield U3A's Christmas Lunch and a holiday break at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
Christmas Lunch: Pages 3 and 4
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
December 2013
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 12

2. Welcome from your chairman
SO HERE IT IS – no doubt we are all rushing about shopping and organising our Christmas Festivities, only to say “I am not going to do this next year”, but nevertheless we do!
We had a very successful Christmas Lunch on Monday, 2 December, when nearly 100 members
attended, and our thanks go to Norma Shillinglaw for her work in yet again organising this for us.
John Sellers entertained us with Christmas Carols and popular, seasonal songs – thank you John –
it does make an enjoyable finale to the lunch. (See pages 3 & 4).
A party of members then left for the Thursford Show on Wednesday, 4 December, and, as usual, all
were thrilled by this spectacular event – not to be missed at least once in a lifetime. (See page 9).
Margaret Burlinson works hard to ensure that this is a successful 3-day break, filling the days with
other interesting places and pictures are available on the website.
2014 sees Mansfield U3A’s Fifteenth Anniversary Year and we have the Anniversary Ball scheduled
for 20 May 2014 at the John Fretwell Centre. Final details will be announced later, but tickets should
be on sale at the 21 January meeting. If you have not already done so, remember to put your name
down. To add to the Members’ Meeting on 20 May 2014, we also have Barbara Lewis, the National
Chairman of the U3A, who will be our speaker.
A Picnic in the Park is also being arranged, following last year’s successful one – watch for further
details later.
Next year also sees the 100th Anniversary of 'The Great War' – the First World War -- and our
Speaker Finder, Marilyn Dibble, has arranged for Danny Wells to speak to us in April regarding
“Shattered Illusions” and relate some works of the First World War soldier poets.
We have a full programme for most of the year, with very interesting speakers! I do not know where
she finds them – but very well done!
Finally, the Committee wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and, most importantly, a Healthy and
Prosperous New Year.
Glenis Carr
A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND NEW YEAR 2014
FROM THE COMMITTEE
THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS
YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS
YOU BECOME SANTA CLAUS
YOU LOOK LIKE SANTA
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3. In this issue
Page 2
Welcome.
Page 3
Quiz Night. Book Table. Holiday Updates. Recent Events (Christmas Lunch)
Page 4
Christmas Lunch Photo-spread.
Page 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary.
Page 8
Recent Events (Singing for Fun Christmas Concert).
Page 9
Groups News (Holiday in Thursford).
Page 10
Groups News (Luncheon Club and Digital World).
Page 11
Member's Contribution ('I Remember The Cheese Of My Childhood').
Page 12
Dates for your diary and Notices.
______________________________________________________________________________
Annual Fun Quiz Night
Saturday 22nd February 2014 at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, 6.30 pm.
Come along to our annual fun quiz night and you may win a cash prize! Organise yourself a team,
(maximum 8 players per team) or just come along and join a team on the night.
Cost £7.00 to include buffet supper, but bring your own drinks and glasses.
Pauline Boucher – 01623 644798, pauline12boucher@yahoo.co.uk
______________________________________________________________________________
Book table
SALE of books in November raised £44.00 exactly. Thanks to all helpers and customers.
Remember, any unwanted books you get for Christmas can be recycled in January to help keep
your subs low!
Lilian Whitehead.
______________________________________________________________________________
Holiday updates
WARNER'S THORESBY, 4 nights (Jan 27th to Jan 31st 2014). Singles: £233: sharing: £193pp.
Please contact me via telephone (626991) to join the 'no obligation' waiting list.
Terry Whitehead
LAKESIDE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, Hayling Island (23rd - 27th June 2014) £299, no S. Supplement.
(This holiday is now fully booked.)
THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL, 18th - 25th Sept. 2014, H. board. This holiday is now full but a
waiting list is open. We will now be flying with Monarch at a new cost of £819, inc. 3 ½ days excursions, since Jet 2 increased their price to an unacceptable amount. (Deposits have now been paid
and the price is now fixed.)
Margaret Burlinson
More details here ...
______________________________________________________________________________
Recent Events
Christmas Lunch
NORMA Shillinglaw and all the Oakham Suite staff well-deserved the thanks and applause they
received after lunch on 2nd December. The main hall was packed with members, old and new, who
quickly got into the Christmas spirit, beers, wines or whatever took their fancy before highly professional service of a well-chosen festive menu.
Presentation and service were first class.
David Ling
Photos overleaf with more here ...
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4. Page 4 of 12

5. 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 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 U3A meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except August
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
Tu 2, 10 - 12 M
Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: Next Meetings: Jan 14th – Treen (small wooden items); Feb11th – TBA
Art
We3, 10 - 12 M
Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Linda Spray
01623 795176
Next Meetings: Dec 18th – Working with landscapes; Jan 21st;
Art Appreciation
Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M
Baptist Church,
Rosemary St.
Mansfield
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Enviro Centre,
Derby Rd College,
Mansfield
Maxine Rose/Glenis
Carr
01623 459081/627735
Next Meeting: Dec Jan 6th – TBA
Beginners' Bridge
(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, Various
6.30 - 9.00
Next Meetings: Jan 20th; Feb 3rd; Feb 17th; March 3rd
(Also Acol sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Th, 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls
Tu, 2.30 - 4.00 W
Lammas Sports
Centre, Sutton
Don Wright
01623 628946
Next Meetings: Jan 7th, then weekly until March 15th
Caravan & M'home
Rally
Various
Various
Terry Lammas
01623 471963
Next Meetings: June 1st to 29th – France. See web page for more details.
Chat and Stitch
Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M
St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Next Meeting: Jan 20th; Feb 17th
Page 5 of 12
Doreen Storer
01623 407731

6. 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: Dec – No Meeting; Jan 14th; Feb 11th; March 11th
Digital World
Fri 2 & 4, 2.00 - 4.00
2/M
Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Albert St.
Skegby
David Ling
01623 822994
Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M
St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
We1, 1.30 - V M
Joy's home
Joy Crowe
01623 645400
During the Summer
Various
Janet Whitlam
01623 635607
Next Meetings: January 10th & 24th
Family History
Next Meetings: Jan 28th
Film Studies *
Next Meetings: TBA
Garden Visits
Next Visits: February 24th – Hodsock Priory – Coach / private tour / snack for £26. Book early;
June 12th – Harlow Carr
Gardening
Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M
St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
William Kaye Hall,
Ladybrook Lane
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Winter break till March 2014
Heartstart
Mo4, 1.00 – 3.00 *
* NB change
Next Meetings: January 27th; February 24th; March 24th
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various
TBA
Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
Next holidays: Monday 27th to Friday 31st January – Warner's Thoresby Hall (Contact Terry
Whitehead on 01623 626991); June – Warner's, Hayling Island *; Sept 18th - 25th – Portugal
Local History
Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M
Bridge Street Methodist Church
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: No meeting in Jan; Feb 7th – Archaeology of Sherwood Forest with Andy Gaunt
Luncheon Club
Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various
David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: Jan. 23rd – 281, Nottingham Road Mansfield.
Movement to Music W, 10.30 - 11.30 W
(New)
St Peter's Church Hall Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Weekly on Wednesdays from Jan 8th.
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7. 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: Jan 27th – Vaughan-Williams with Peter Crabbe; 24th Feb – Sonatas with Sheila
Music 2 *
Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M
Members' homes
Eric Prescott
01623 631160
St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M
Members' homes
Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M
Peter Dawson's home Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meeting: Jan 27th; Feb 24th
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M
Next Meetings: Jan 28th; Feb 25th
Pudding Club *
Next Meetings: TBA
Reading 1
Next Meetings: Jan 23rd; Feb 20th
Reading 2
Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M
Ravenshead Library
Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next Meetings: Dec 18th (Fuddle, 12.00); Jan 21st; Feb 18th
Science & Technical
Tu1, 1.30 - 3.30 M
Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Jan 7th - TBA
Scrabble *
Mo2, 2.00 - 4 .00 M
Next Meetings: TBA
Singing for Fun
Thur2 & 4, 6.30 – 8.30 Methodist Church,
Chesterfield Road
June Fell
01623 623547
Next Meeting: Jan 9th – fortnightly from then on. Bring ideas and music you'd like to sing. The
church is just up from QE Academy on the other side of the road. Plenty of parking on side road.
Tai Chi
Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W
St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Cliff Laycock
01623 481985
Various
Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: Weekly from Monday Jan 6th
Theatre Visits
Various
Next Meetings: Wed Jan 8th – Jack and the Beanstalk (N'ham Playhouse) at 2.30
Wed Feb 12th – Singing in The Rain (Theatre Royal) matinee.
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8. Interest Group
Meetings
Meeting Place
Leader/Contact
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: Jan 3rd – Chatsworth; Jan 20th – Glapwell & Hills Town; Feb 7th –Whaley & Upper
Langwith Valleys; Feb 18th – Roche Abbey
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
V Lunchtimes
Various
Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
We2, 10.30 - V M
Various
Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357 /
01623 651528
Next Meeting: TBA
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
Next Meetings: Jan 8th – King's Mill Res. (park in Morrison's); Feb 12th - Burnt Stump Park
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 – V M
Various
Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: Jan 22nd – Strawberry Hill Woods and Rainworth; Feb 26th – Thieves Wood
Wine Appreciation 2* We3, 7.30 - V M
Members' homes
Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: Jan 15th – South African Reds with Bob & Sue; Feb 19th – Spanish Whites (Mike's)
Wine Appreciation
3*
Tu4, 7.30 - V M
Members' homes
Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: Jan 21st – Entre-Deux-Mers with Ian & Pauline; Feb 25th – Italian Reds with
Graham & Eileen
Writing for Pleasure * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M
The Stanhope Centre
Mansfield.
Sue Ford / Hilary
Miller 01623
844286 / 620067
Next Meetings: Jan 13th ; Feb 10th
Recent Events (Cont. from page 3)
Singing for fun
THE MANSFIELD U3A Singing for Fun Choir, together with Ladies' choir, Bellisima, entertained a
large audience at St Lawrence’s Church on Sunday December 8th. In turn, each choir sang carols
and Christmas songs under the direction of Suzy Fell, who also sang a solo and a duet with her
friend Grace. John Sellers accompanied the choirs on piano and played a solo himself.
Our U3A choir, has developed really well since it started – practice has led to greater confidence
and to a cleaner and tighter sound. More difficult music was performed and the choir compared well
with the more experienced Bellisima whose complex harmonies were a joy. It was noticeable that
the men sang with greater vigour and tone, although it would help if there were more of them!
Suzy’s solo (by Reger) and duet (Franck) were most professional and together with John’s glittering
solo, provided variety.
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9. The concert was enthusiastically received by the large audience, who joined in for a song and a
carol. At the end, mince pies and a drink were served – gratefully received by all. In spite of the
defunct heating, everyone enjoyed the concert, and our best wishes go to Suzy who will now go on
‘leave of absence’ awaiting her new child. Ann Irons (of Cantamus) has stepped in and both choirs
will rehearse together for the time being.
Another concert and another success for the choir.
Mike Allen
______________________________________________________________________________
Groups News
Holidays
THE THURSFORD Christmas Spectacular from
December 4th to 6th was our first venture on
holiday with Margaret and it fully lived-up our every
expectation. Well organised but with flexibility.
Our coach collected us all from Walkden Street for
our journey to Norwich with the able assistance of
Peter our very helpful and entertaining driver from
Johnson's Tours. How can you not be impressed by
a driver who not only provides hot drinks, but adds a
little festive toddy to warm the heart?
We were met with pre-ordered lunch to fortify us for
evening entertainment in Thursford.
To call it a Spectacular is an understatement, but
beyond that is hard to describe it to anyone who
wasn't there. The grounds are full of mature trees all
lit in white and red and the air is filled with carols.
The show was a true Christmas treat and tribute to
Christmas in every sense. At times the stage and
auditorium held over 100 dancers, musicians,
including pipers and a choir. It celebrated the
season from carols to Broadway.
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10. The next day took us to a Christmas Tree Festival in Fakenham, on the days the worst sea surge
and storms shook the country and Norfolk especially. Almost one hundred trees had been decorated for individual charities in the parish church. It was a stunning sight that regularly raises muchneeded funds for the local community. We left the church at the moment the wind and tide was at its
highest, nearly getting blown over by the force of it.
The weather didn’t deter us from going to Holt for some festive shopping in a store much like
Aladdin’s cave. I don’t think anyone came out empty handed.
On our final day we stopped-off for a few hours in the historic and picturesque town of Stamford for
lunch in any one of the many splendid restaurants.
A lot was crammed into just a few day's break, but you could not fail to be in festive mood by the
end of it.
My thanks to Margaret and her helpers for arranging such a wonderful break; we will be sure to look
carefully at her next ventures and would recommend them to anyone.
Linda Leivers
More photos here ...
Luncheon Club
WE brought the 2013 season to a close in traditional French manner at Launay's in Edwinstowe,
where Alain Launay and his expert kitchen team reinforced their reputation as one of the best for
miles around.
Five courses of French classics were on offer to cater equally for the indulgent for whom the
Christmas season cannot begin without oysters and those who preferred a lighter lunch of simpler
fare cooked beautifully and served immaculately by Alison and her front of house team.
(One couple relaxed so much that they got half way home before they saved their blushes -- and
everyone else's – by returning to settle their bill!)
Roll-on next year for a repeat.
Our New Year lunch will see a return to 281 on Nottingham Rd on January 23rd, where Brian and
Barbara Harvey are sure to repeat their success of 2013. Bookings will close at the January
meeting for an attractive menu priced at £10.95 for 2 courses and £14.95 for 3, including
coffee. (Please pre-book by email to dlpruk@aol.com if you can to avoid the queue).
David Ling
Photos here ...
Digital World
OUR first meeting of the New Year will be on 10th January when we look forward to welcoming
members who'd like to make better use of their cameras. New members will be especially welcome
as we'll start the season by trying to show how the right choice of settings and simple editing can
make all the difference between a picture and a simple snap.
Please bring your camera and any photos you'd like to show us or want help with – and your
cheque book, as we're following other interest groups by switching to quarterly subscriptions. (£12
per 6 sessions; cheques payable to Mansfield and District U3A.)
Members of any local U3A are welcome but please bring your membership card to your first
meeting so that we can check that you are covered by U3A insurance.
It doesn't matter if you just use a simple point-and-shoot or a complex DSLR, we'll try to help. So
please come along to Stanton Hill Baptist Church at 2.00 on any 2nd or 4th Friday.
David Ling (01623 822994)
Page 10 of 12

11. I REMEMBER THE CHEESE OF MY CHILDHOOD
And the bread that we cut with a knife,
When the children helped with the housework,
And the men went to work not the wife.
The cheese never needed a fridge,
And the bread was so crusty and hot,
The children were seldom unhappy
And the wife was content with her lot.
I remember the milk from the bottle,
With the yummy cream on the top,
Our dinner came hot from the oven,
And not from the fridge in the shop.
The kids were a lot more contented,
They didn't need money for kicks,
Just a game with their mates in the road,
And sometimes the Saturday flicks.
I remember the shop on the corner,
Where a pen'orth of sweets was sold
Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic?
Or is it . . . . I'm just getting old?
I remember the 'loo' was the lav,
And the bogy man came in the night,
It wasn't the least bit funny
Going 'out back' with no light.
The interesting items we perused,
From the newspapers cut into squares,
And hung on a peg in the loo,
It took little to keep us amused.
The clothes were boiled in the copper,
With plenty of rich foamy suds
But the ironing seemed never ending
As Mum pressed everyone's 'duds'.
I remember the slap on my backside,
And the taste of soap if I swore
Anorexia and diets weren't heard of
And we hadn't much choice what we wore.
Do you think that bruised our ego?
Or our initiative was destroyed?
We ate what was put on the table
And I think life was better enjoyed.
A member's contribution
Page 11 of 12

12. _____________________________________________________________________________
Carole Justice: It is with deep regret that we have learned that Carole passed-away on 4th
December after a short illness. She served as Secretary, Minutes Secretary and on behalf of
several interest groups.
Service at 11am on Thursday 19 December in the Thoresby Chapel of Mansfield Crematorium.
Family flowers only. A collection will be taken by the funeral directors for Cancer Research. Refreshments afterwards at The Rushley.
______________________________________________________________________________
Speakers' Corner
THERE will be no speaker in January as our meeting on the 21st is our annual Members' Day,
when members entertain the meeting in various ways.
______________________________________________________________________________
Minutes Secretary
Due to unforeseen circumstances, a vacancy has arisen on the Committee for a Minutes Secretary
so please contact the Chairman if you could help. There's a description of the duties on the noticeboard.
______________________________________________________________________________
Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)
Sat. 22nd Feb. 2014: FUN QUIZ NIGHT at Queen Elizabeth's Academy. 6.30. Tickets (£7.00 inc.
refreshments but bring your own drinks and glasses) on sale at the November meeting.
_________________________________________________________________________
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 January issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in
typescript, to the editor as soon as you can and by 1st January at the latest. Thanks!
______________________________________________________________________________
Editor: David Ling (01623 822994)
Page 12 of 12