SWANLAND
Registered Charity Number 1078104
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SWANLAND
Registered Charity Number 1078104 |
YOU MAY HAVE CONTACTED US USING THE OLD ADDRESS OUR NEW ADDRESS IS
www.swanlander.karoo.net please pass this address on
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Seminar on Science, Transport and Trade, Abergavenny 21st to 24th. June 2004 I went to this seminar out of interest but also to see whether I could obtain any ideas on how to develop the activities of our Science and Technology Group. I discovered that there was a huge variation between groups. The most cerebral groups actually have members who give each other talks on atomic theory. Others organise expeditions to study things like geology in Guernsey. Only a few seem to visit local companies and organisations, as we do. We have found these to be very popular. Our membership seems to have a low proportion of members with a scientific background and it prefers to remain passive, going on visits or attending the occasional talk on scientific topics. I feel pretty sure that a talk on atomic theory wouldn’t get much of an audience. Unless someone has some suggestions, we will remain as we are. The seminar was held in the Study Centre at Abergavenny, which is similar to Cober Hill. There were 9 talks on topics ranging from food production to the development of maps. I found the Geology of Building Stones of particular interest, no need to clamber into quarries, just look at the buildings around you. There were two field trips which were of great interest. The first was to the Newport Transporter Bridge, a wonderful example of Victorian engineering, still in working order. The other was to the Newport Boat, a recently discovered boat dated about 1450, a hundred years before the Mary Rose. This had been discovered only after piles had been driven through it and it is now being dismantled and removed piece by piece. The pieces are being stored in a large number of huge water tanks, prior to preservation and reassembly. The archivist in charge gave us a most interesting talk. |
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Pastures, Precipitation and Pandas Aspects of the Natural World Would the speakers arrive in time? Would they come at all? Would the equipment requested be there on time and work? Would the meal be as good as I had promised? Would everyone find the day interesting? These were some of the questions that went round and round in my head as I counted the hours towards dawn of Thursday 1st July, our Study Day. I am happy to report that the answer to them all was YES!! Our speakers did all arrive and they were on time! They both entertained and educated us. Richard Fuller explained the environmentally friendly way in which Givendale has developed, and his wonderful slides showed the wide range of birds and butterflies, insects, animals and plants that enjoy the habitats created there. Professor Ian Reid told us of the destructive force of water in dryland regions the world over. His home made video of a flash flood in a dry valley in Israel may have been shaky, but was both dramatic and chilling. The conclusions he reached and presented to us, gave us all much to think about. This year questions were taken at the end of each lecture, and although time limited the number we could ask, this opportunity was welcomed by both audience and speakers. Lunch, as predicted, was excellent. So many people have commented favourably on the food and how they enjoyed this relaxing period. We all had time to chat with our friends and make new ones amongst members of visiting U3A’s. It was a pleasure to welcome our visitors and we thank them for their support. After lunch Pollyanna Pickering told us the fascinating story of her successful search for giant pandas in a remote part of China, accompanied by her daughter, Anna Louise, who had taken the slides shown. Her bright and cheerful presentation disguised the often less than basic conditions in which they were sometimes forced to live. Slides of some of these conditions raised groans from the audience, whilst laughter and exclamations of delight greeted those of the antics of the baby panda they befriended in the animal hospital in which they lived and worked for a time. A cup of tea before we all went home ended a most successful day. I have had telephone calls and letters and many comments from people I have met in the street, supermarket and even the doctor’s surgery, all of whom had thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was however a team effort and I would like to thank all the Study Day committee. Without the help, support and enthusiasm of Pauline Dennison, Avril Armitage, David Losh, Peter Bingham and Jim Bainbridge it would have been a much more difficult task.
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Universities of the Third Age
(U3As) set out to provide stimulating activities for those over 50 who are retired
from full time employment. U3As exist to bring people together so that they may pursue
common interests. In doing so they meet other people, make new friends, and discover new
interests, hobbies, activities or even fields of study. Each U3A is what its members make
it. It need not be academic. No qualifications are asked for or given. There are over 400
U3A groups in the UK, all affiliated to the Third Age Trust, with some 100,000 individual
members. Membership is growing nationally at about 15 per cent a year. The annual
subscription is £9 starting in September.
350 people are members of Swanland U3A although
it was only formed four years ago. Interest Groups covering a wide range of
activities meet once or twice a month, usually in the daytime, often in members’
homes. These Interest Groups reflect members’ interests, so there is a standing
invitation to launch new ones.
Afternoon lecture meetings are held at
2pm on the first and third Thursday in the month. They take place in St. Barnabas’
Church Hall, Main Street, Swanland. The talks last forty minutes to an hour and cover a
wide range of subjects. There is time afterwards for a chat with friends over a cup of tea
and a biscuit.
There are also interest groups that meet once or twice a month, usually in the daytime, often in members’ homes. These interest groups reflect members’ interests, so there is a standing invitation to launch new ones. The current interest groups are:
| HUMBERSIDE ACCORD Other interest groups are available to our members through the Cottingham and Hessle U3As. These include Art, Bookworm reading, Computer, Cycling, German Language, German Plus, Healthy Eating, History, History of Book Illustration, Magic, Needlework, Photography, Play Reading, Singing for Fun and Understanding Landscapes. Information about these groups is on our noticeboard or can be obtained from the chairman. |
AMBLING 10-30a.m. first
Tuesday in the month.
The ambles are usually between 1and 3 miles lasting about one and a quarter hours.
ART HISTORY 10.30 a.m. First
Wednesday in the month
We started the year with a carefully researched lecture by Peter Bryson charting the
progress of art "From Venice to Cezanne", he having in previous years covered
the earlier development of art and artists.
In February, Jean Cameron gave us her very personal view on individual works by the Scottish Colourists, which was enhanced by the showing of an informative BBC video. This prepared us well for our March visit to the Ferens Art Gallery to visit the exhibition Intimate Friends.
We operate as a tutorial group, with a research based talk by a member followed by a relevant visit to an exhibition. In the next few months we plan to study Christopher Wood and Boudin, Monet & Impressionism, with visits to Sheffield and the Bowes Museum.
At the moment the Group is at full capacity with 18 members.
June Bogie
ART HANDS ON
Usually 2p.m. first Monday and third Wednesday
This is a small, self-help group, meeting twice a month (see Diary for dates) in North Ferriby. Members come as and when they are free. Our room is self contained and comfortable, and offers the space and the freedom for members to follow their interest without outside interruptions, with encouragement from the others. Current members have a range of experience in drawing, use of water colours, acrylics and pastels, and their interests include landscape, bird painting, still life and abstract art. Where necessary we are happy to share our expertise and encourage any member who has a relatively small amount of experience. We pay a small fee for room hire and supply our own materials. If you are interested, please make contact with Ann Adamson and arrange to come along and share our facilities.
ART HISTORY II
2pm third Monday in the month
The group is now 12 strong and we normally meet on the third Monday of the month at
2pm. Our first meeting in January was a general discussion to determine guidelines for our
forthcoming programme. Should "art" be broadly interpreted? Yes, we decided.
Should we have a theme running through our meetings? No. It was also decided that we
should continue to meet in each others houses rather than hire a venue .
On 15th Mar. we visited the exhibition of paintings by The Scottish Colourists at the Ferens Art Gallery having previously discussed the paintings and the individuals concerned. Peter Bryson is coming to our April meeting to talk about Florence and the Medici. As a complete change in June we are due to visit the National Railway Museum, York, to see and hear about its unique collection of original railway posters.
Further meetings in May onwards have still to be arranged. Anyone interested in joining our group should contact me on 827662.
John Barrett
BRIDGE
1.45p.m. On second and fourth Thursdays
Meetings are held in the Swanland Bowls Clubhouse during the winter on the
2nd and 4th Thursdays at 1.45pm. We have some very enjoyable
afternoons, averaging four tables, but on one occasion reaching maximum capacity of six.
We had great pleasure this year welcoming two ladies from Cottingham U3A as members of our group
We shall, hopefully, restart in September when the bowls season ends.
Sue Gosling
Bird Watching A new group which would welcome more membersDUPLICATE BRIDGE
6-30p.m. Sundays most evenings
CHOIR
3-30p.m. first and third Thursdays
COMPUTING new convener is needed
New courses run when required
CREATIVE WRITING
2p.m. second Monday in the month
If you can sit and write a newsy letter, convey your thoughts on paper to
your friends,
If you sometimes think ‘I could have phrased that better’ and promise that, next time, you’ll make amends,
If you can think afresh about the weather or remember life when you were young,
Or write a paragraph containing ‘feather’, ‘yak’, ‘cereals’, ‘binoculars’ and ‘tongue’.
(You may use repetition just for effect and seek your listener’s passion to arouse)
Or if you think your writing’s without defect please share your skill,don’t stay there in your house
But come and join us at Creative Writing: we only get together once a month.
We need new minds to aspirate our thinking and somebody who knows a rhyme for ……..
Corrections and suggestions for improvement to Christine Wylie, please. ( 354524 )
DISCUSSION
Currently we have 10 members and usually 7 or 8 attend our meetings which
are held at the home of Connie and Bill Swain. Recently we have discussed such topics as
the proposed EU constitution, the future of Royalty, do we work hard enough?, the status
of the UN and should we marry for love or for money?
As you see, we have very varied and interesting subjects. Anyone wishing to join the group please contact me on 01430 - 422056.
FAMILY HISTORY
10a.m. usually first Friday in the month
JAZZ & SWING APPRECIATION
2p.m. second Tuesday in the month
As is evident by our title "Jazz & Swing Group", we by no means limit our
interest to jazz. There is a wide variety of jazz idiom music appreciated by the group.
Our members continue to recruit new people, so much so that our November meeting will be
presented by one of our newer members. We still maintain a good equal proportion of males
and females and attendance of our ‘hard core’ is consistent and enthusiastic.
Our post summer programme is as follows and we think there is interest for all jazz/swing enthusiasts.
All meetings are at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and we welcome all new members.
14th Sep Glen Miller reappraisal Geoff Annis
12th Oct Piano Trios Richard Pearson
9th Nov The European Trad. Jazz scene Ray Height
14th Dec Spanier 'Great 16' & Bechet/Spanier 'Hot 4' Bill Swain
21 Dec Christmas Get-together
Bill Swain
One of our future sessions may well be on the poetry of the 1930/40’s ‘classical’ popular song.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
2p.m. second and fourth Friday in the month
This group, as the name suggests, concentrates on improving communication
and comprehension skills for those who have a working knowledge of the language. During
our meetings we make use of discussions, readings, French crosswords, videos and tapes. At
the same time, we never take ourselves too seriously!
If you wish to place your name on the list of prospective members for the new group please contact me.
SELF HELP ITALIAN
This group meets on alternate Wednesday mornings. The members
have been meeting for two years during which they have been able to practise their Italian
during holidays in Italy (some with the U3A). They are now confident that their language
skills are at an intermediate stage. Any other members with a little knowledge of Italian
would be more than welcome at the meetings. If you would like to join, please contact
Daphne Ayling on 657240.
LATIN
7-30p.m. usually on the second Thursday in the month
Our group meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30am. We
are currently amusing ourselves by reading the story of Cupid and Psyche taken from
"The Golden Ass" by Apuleius.
Although not very expert, all the members have done some Latin before. It would not therefore be suitable for beginners, but we would welcome new members .Occasionally we indulge ourselves with a visit to somewhere of interest - for example, last December we went to see the Roman section in the Hull museums. This was followed by a snack in the Sailmakers’ Arms.
SPANISH
2p.m. alternate Tuesdays
The group started in 1999 as a beginner’s class, and has moved
steadily forward since then although none of the original members now remain. The group
comprises mixed abilities, averaging somewhere around the old "O" level. We meet
for 2 hours every two weeks on a Tuesday afternoon.
What do we do? In each session I try to include free conversation, reading (magazine articles, books, and newspapers), written work, occasional dictations, and an element of instruction. I am currently trying to go back over a whole swathe of grammar and syntax which tends to get rusty through disuse. We are doing this slowly so that people have time to come back on things if they continue to experience difficulty. As we only meet fortnightly, I set homework to encourage members to "do a bit" between sessions, and of course to practice and reinforce any particular points of grammar that we may have been studying. If this sounds heavy, I can assure you that it is not; we have a lot of laughs, and the atmosphere is very light-hearted.
The group stands at six currently. There is room for more, and if we cannot all fit around my dining table, then we’ll go and rent a room at St Barnabas, or meet in a bigger dining room!
So, if you have done Spanish to a certain level in the past and would like to revive it, or if you’ve done a night school course and want to keep it going, why not think if joining us? Anyone who is unsure can always come and sit in on one of our sessions to see if the cap fits. For more information, contact David Losh on 634291. ¡Adelante! ¡Os esperamos!
LITERATURE I & II
2:30 first Friday in the month both groups
THE LITERATURE GROUPS
The division of the literature group two years ago was inevitable. Indeed, the membership of both groups has now grown considerably, but we still all miss the company of those who fervently shared our passion for reading. Thanks to Ursula Winder, who kindly lent us her garden in early August, we were able to enjoy an "old girls' reunion" in the form of a garden party. During the party we struggled with quizzes of a literary nature, heard favourite readings and exchanged anecdotes regarding our reading habits. We could have even waxed lyrical about the shafts of warm sunshine on the delicate petals and leaves in the late summer garden! Perhaps the books on the coming year's reading list will inspire us to explore other ways of reuniting next summer.
Pauline Dennison
LOCAL HISTORY new convener
needed
10-0a.m. usually second Tuesday in the month
PHILOSOPHY
10 a.m. last Friday in the month
PLAY READING
2p.m. third Friday in the month
The group is still flourishing and continues to meet each month in various homes. Great
Fun!
PLAY READING II
2pm 2nd Thursday in the month
RECORDER GROUP
Recorder Group.
Our group very much enjoyed playing during the garden party, even though it was indoors. At the moment we are playing simple Elizabethan and Baroque music arranged for descant, treble and tenor recorders.
We currently have three members but hope to enlarge it to a quartet in September and possibly a sextet in October when new members from Hessle and Beverley U3As may join us. A new beginners group is planned for October, anyone interested please contact Molly Gerrard for advice. You will need a recorder and music suitable for a beginner.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Outings inividually arranged
Visit to the BP Chemical Factory.
The Science and Technology Group have made two visits this year to the BP plant at Saltend. This is the home of one of BP’s main global research and technology centres and makes a wide range of petrochemical products. The major product is acetic acid and the Saltend plant is the largest BP plant world-wide.
We were given a presentation on the site organisation and safety and then taken by minibus on a tour of the site, finishing with a visit to the main control room. We were impressed by the cleanliness and organisation of the site and by the lack of personnel actually on the plants. The latter was explained when we reached the control room and it was shown that all necessary plant information and controls are relayed there enabling the operators to view and remotely control the complete operation. BP claim to lead the world in this type of remote control. I was most impressed as when I left the chemical industry ,20 years ago, we were still driving our plants by sound, smell and feel. It was quite unreal.
We were very impressed by the high level of attention given to worker amenity and to protection of the environment. A visit to this plant should be a must for anybody who still believes that industrial plants are necessarily synonymous with dirt, noise, smell and danger.
Jim Willson. Science and Technology Organiser
SCOTTISH DANCING
7p.m. usually first and third Wednesdays
The group now meets in the large hall at Swanland Primary School. This generous space gives us plenty of room for dancing and also for new members. You do not have to have any dancing skill to join, just a willingness to learn and the ability to laugh at yourself when you go wrong, as we all do from time to time! Scottish Dancing is now scientifically recognised as the very best form of activity for keeping the brain alert through linking thought and concentration to physical movement. It is the very best defence against senile decay, so not only is it enjoyable - causing frequent laughter - but, like the laughter, it is also extremely good for you! Join us! Contact Peter Bingham .
SCRABBLE
2p.m. third Tuesday in the month
This is a friendly group and you don’t have to be an expert player! We meet once a month, on a Tuesday afternoon, in a member’s home. Pairs are drawn out of a hat and the games proceed in a relaxed atmosphere, with time allowed for a cup of tea and socialising. We have room for a few new members, so if you are interested please contact. Sylvia Wilson on 654157.
SUNDAY WALKING
What do you do on a Sunday? …… Stay in bed? …… Read the paper?
Just think what you’re missing!
The sun on your face, the banks of primroses in Spring, the Autumn leaves, and the crisp crunch of footsteps in the frost ----- not to mention the rolling fields of waving corn, and the red kite wheeling overhead.
These are just a few of the experiences of the walkers who stroll the footpaths, field tracks and woodland glades of East Yorkshire for two hours, twice a month, with the U3A group.
----- And you really would be surprised how often the sun shines on a Sunday! Try it!
WALKING
10-30 a.m. usually second and fourth Wednesdays
We have enjoyed a varied programme of walks during the first half of 2004 with members leading the walks and arranging the lunch venues. Our routes have covered a wide area of the East Riding from the banks of the River Ouse in the south to Huggate and Millington, high on the Yorkshire Wolds. Furthermore, we have had the pleasure of guests walking with us on a couple of occasions. Stephanie joined us in March, from Philadelphia, claiming the walk through Givendale to be the highlight of her visit to England even though she was quite drenched before we even set off! In stark contrast, Jean, who was visiting from New Zealand, was much more fortunate enjoying brilliant June sunshine for our walk around the Goodmanham area, even needing the protection of a very fetching sunhat!
At the Garden Party in July, using Tony’s wonderful map of the area, we were able to pinpoint over 40 tried and tested walking routes, covering distances of 5 to 7 miles and all within easy travelling distance from Swanland. We look forward to welcoming members, old and new, to the next session and thank all those who have led walks and participated in this group activity. For the record, an unprecedented 44 members joined the walk from Etton! Elspeth and Avril are quite willing to continue convening the group, in the same manner for the next year if this is acceptable or unless other volunteers would like to take over.
WINE TASTING
Meetings arranged from tme to time, they are highly educational and surely no one suggests
that we actually drink the wine.
A wine tasting will be held in Christchurch Hall (the Church by the pond)
on the afternoon of Thursday, 13th May at 2.00 pm.
Mike Ruddock from MR Wines, who provided us with an informative and entertaining afternoon last year, is paying us a return visit. His theme is "Wines of the New World".
Tickets are £5 ( including tasters and titbits) available at the next few meetings or by ringing either Jennie Thomas (656047) or John Marshall (505002). Numbers limited so buy early to avoid disappointment.
YOGA
The Yoga group meets on the first and third Tuesday mornings of the month, at the James Reckitt Hall in Swanland. The class caters for all levels of experience, from beginner upwards and welcomes both male and female members.
The aim is to use physical movement and mental concentration to gain physical, mental and spiritual benefit. Breathing is important and is co-ordinated with the physical exercises.
The session starts and finishes with a period of relaxation and hopefully members are able to keep healthy and have a sense of improved well being.
We have about nine members and would welcome a few more – why not give it a try?
Thursdays at 2pm, in St Barnabas’ Church Hall
| 1st April | Martyn Kirby | A Tale of Four (Hull) Doctors |
| 15th April | Dr NV Jones | Antarctic Life - 40 years on |
| 6th May* | Alan Boden | Climb to the Top of Africa - Mt Kilimanjaro to Mt Kenya |
| 20th May | Harry Bursell | Butterflies in Focus |
| 3rd Jun | Irene Kirby | The Bacarat Scandal |
| 17th Jun | Malcolm Lawrenson | Lands of the Inca |
| 1st Jul | Study Day | Aspects of the Natural World |
| 15th Jul | Garden Party Display of hobbies | and activities |
| 2nd Sep | NO MEETING | |
| 16th Sep | Lawrence Dettman | The Hull & Goole Port Health Authority |
Website:< www.swanlander.karoo.net>
Travel
Travel Companions.
I am sure there are members of our U3A who would love to go on holidays abroad other than with a large organised tour. Unless you are prepared to travel alone, there is no real option available. We are endeavouring to find a solution to this problem! If you would like a holiday with one, two or three companions, get in touch with Ursula Winder. You may already have a destination of your dreams or you may be looking for inspiration - if so - talk to Ursula. She is prepared to host meetings in her house for those interested who would welcome discussion and exchange ideas. The holiday arrangements would be booked by you and accompanying companions.
Ursula’s number is 633086. Do get in touch if you welcome the idea of ‘companions in travel’.
Jennie Thomas
Newsletter Deadline
The closing date for the submission of articles for the Jan. 05 newsletter is the 18th Nov. 2004.
Will conveners please ensure that all dates up to and including April 05 are given. Any other changes
within the group should also be reported. Many thanks for your support.
There were four U3A groups in the East Riding THERE ARE NOW SIX
Beverley Cottingham Hessle Hull Swanland Wolds (Driffield)
The Third Age Trust is the national body of the U3A movement. It can be contacted through the U3A National Office, 26 Harrison Street, London WC1H 8JG. Tel. 0171-837 8838; fax 0171 837 8845;e-mail nationaloffice@u3a.org.uk ; Website – http://u3a.org.uk.