Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk Editor: Email:
Issue 7
Edwin Lilly
[email protected]
MAGAZINE—April & May 2015 Welcome to the April & May 2015 edition of our Maga-
International Festival of Glass at Stourbridge
zine. This issue runs from 1st April to 31st May. Reports include: Card Making Group Walking Group—April Science, Nature & All Things Technical—April Choir Social Evening—May—now updated with extra
Last update: 7th July 2015 when the format was reduced from 3 months to 2 months.
photographs courtesy of Tony Jones. Computer Group New Members’ Meeting Science, Nature & All Things Technical—visit to the 6th
Pictured above is the Shakespeare Birthplace, April 2015. Photograph by Edwin Lilly. Please send me any Stratford Photos for use in this spot. 2015 Magazine.
1st April — 31st May 2015
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Card Making Group This report covers a period from October 2012 to
The Club began in 2006 when a group of members, who wished to learn techniques for mak- 31st March 2015.
ing cards for themselves, met for workshops every 6 weeks. Addiction soon took over and this pastime developed into a means of helping local charities by selling cards at monthly meetings, at fairs and at other local events and by supplying cards for sale at Hunscote Farm Shop and the Shakespeare Hospice. Since 2006 a total of £2446.30 has been donated to various local charities.
List of the Charities which have received donations from the group: Ovarian Cancer Research. The Buzz Cafe, Stratford-upon-Avon. Different Strokes ・for rehabilitation of young people following strokes. Shakespeare Hospice ・In memory of Marga- ret James. Jennifer Trust ・to support the out reach service for people with spinal muscular atro- phy. Amasango ・Educating South Africa's Street Children. (knitting wool purchased) Cancer Research UK. Cinnamon Trust. ・As You Like It・- Club for blind and partially sighted people ・Stratford-upon-Avon. Water Aid. Troop Aid. - supporting injured troops returning from Afghanistan. Help for Heroes. Methodist Church Redevelopment Fund. (Christmas Bazaars 2010 - 2014) N.S.P.C.C. R.N.I.B. The Salvation Army ・Stratford-upon-Avon. Willowvale Ward, St. Michael's Hospital,
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Warwick. Vale Wildlife Rescue. Age UK for Mini Bus Maintenance. Samaritan's Purse. Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, H of E Branch. In memory of Anna Barton. The Acorns Hospice, Worcester. The Blue Cross ・Britain’s pet charity. Riding for the Disabled Wck. Branch. Crohn’s Disease ・Local Branch. Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary ・ Nuneaton. Avon Cat Rescue Welford on Avon. Transition Stratford. Time Out. Shakespeare Hospice Youth Project Support. Cyrenians. Shakespeare Puppies Appeal. Stratford Hospital Cancer and Eye Appeal. Heart of England Mancap. Stratford Volunteer Transport Service. Talking Newspaper for the Blind . The Hospice at Home Service. Stratford Food Bank. WRAP (Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project). The Missing, West Midlands. Total to March 2015: £2,446.30
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Handmade greetings cards raise £50 for Blue Cross Animal lovers have raised £50 to help sick and homeless pets at Blue Cross after making and selling handmade greetings cards. A group of women from the Heart of England University of the Third Age (U3A) presented the cheque at our charity shop in Stratford-upon-Avon. Blue Cross shop manager Benita Smith says: “As a charity we rely on support from the public and we were overwhelmed with the generosity of U3A. “We’d like to say a big thank you to them for their help.”
Carolyn Leach (left) presenting Cheque to Benita Smith at the Blue Cross Charity Shop, Meer Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. October 2012.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Walking Group - Wednesday 8th April 2015 We met by the Gower Memorial on the Bancroft at young lambs with the herds of sheep in the fields 10.00am for our monthly walk, led by Val and Fred Redfern. Our numbers eventually reached 14 when someone joined us partway round. The walk was one we have done before, sarting with a walk along
either side of the farmer’s road. We stopped by Roundhouse Farm for a break and a group photograph.
the canal towpath to avoid the crowded town centre streets. At the Warwick Road we left the canal and walked up Welcombe Road. Partway up the hill we diverted to the fields to walk up the hill towards the Monument.
From there we followed paths down towards Stratford, passing by Clopton House, before arriving on Maidenhead Road. From there we continued down the hill to Clopton Road, then following the canal towpath back to The Bancroft. A very pleasant walk with reasonable dry weather and plenty of nattering.
That we passed by and continued up the hill towards the gate into the farmer’s road, which we followed as far as Kings Lane. We saw quite a few 2015 Magazine.
1st April — 31st May 2015
We walked about 5 miles in about 2 and a bit hours.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
‘The Perfect Cuppa’ An illustrated talk given by Ian Roberts In our Science, Nature and All Things Technical meeting on Friday 10th April 2015 Ian Roberts gave an illustrated talk entitled “The Perfect Cuppa”. He was expertly assisted by Elaine who produced a seemingly endless stream of sample glasses of various teas for members to taste the effects Ian was talking about.
tween thos two extremes.
Tea bags have been around much longer we think. Ian produced a Chinese tea ball packed in a foil, vacuum sealed bag. This was special tea with fragrant petalsincluded. The contents of the bag were in a very tight ball about 20—25 mm diameter. When placed in hot water the ball slowly un-
During his talk Ian directed us through the various packed to show the contents of the ball. types of tea produced, where they come from, how they are produced and what effect varying the
production methods at the estates and the varying methods of producing a cuppa in the home made to the final taste. Also, he delved into Miffy’s and Tiffy’s. (Milk in First or Tea in First!) There is no such thing a “the perfect cuppa”. It all depends on circumstances and customers likes and dislikes. What can be perfect on a hot summers day may not be perfect in the depths of winter. Caffeine content depends on how long the tea has steeped—1 minute gives a very low content; 3 minutes gives a bigger content and 9 minutes gives a very dark strong brew with a lot of caffeine. If you want a strong tea with out too much caffeine use more tea leaves and a shorter time—no more than 3 minutes. Water temperature is also important. Tea can be
brewed cold if you wish. Otherwise choose the temperature according to the type of tea green needs about 700C; black tea needs about 960C. Other types require a brewing temperature be2015 Magazine.
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It was a thoroughly enjoyable talk and certainly gave us some thought as to how to improve our cuppas in the future.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Choir Social Evening—Friday 1st May 2015 There was almost a full house for the Choir Social Evening at Briarcroft. Everyone collected up in the lounge prior to the start at 7.00pm. First off was a light meal in the dining area of the Briarcroft Café. The light meal was provided by the Briarcroft Café and all enjoyed the meal with lots of conversation helping the occasion along. Afterwards we returned to the lounge area for the entertainment - all put on by members of the choir. The musical bits were helped by Stewart accompanying on his keyboard - except for Robin who sang with gusto a Frank Sinatra number “All The Way”. He was accompanied by Jill who has played for his singing many times over the years. First up was Cyril with his rendition of “The Garden where the Praties Grow”, interspersed with Irish jokes. His act was uproarious and well applauded. Next was a very amusing reading by Marion H. A duet sung by Sylvia and Elaine - an
Russian song “Midnight in Moscow (the English title of the English version) in Russian. She informed us that it should be accompanied by a Balalaika and she came on carrying one. However, since she had never learned to play that instrument, she would be accompanied by husband Norman on the Ukulele as he had never learned to play the Balalaika, let alone the Ukulele. Brian read a Pam Ayres poem, which are always funny. Hilary did a Joyce Grenfell monologue. Bill and Sheila did a rendition of the Two Ronnies sketch of “Nymphs and Shepherds”. The whole evening was rounded off by a performance by a
quartet made up of Dave, Brian, Cyril and Colin who rendered a Noel Coward song “Green Carnation”. As they had dressed specially for this rendition and put their ‘all’ into it, it was very funny and had everyone in fits.
old Italian classic “Que Sera Sera”. Mary Taylor then spoke a poem “about a choir”. Robin then sang his Frank Sinatra song. Marilyn read an amusing story, followed by Marion Head who sang a
The assembled entertainers 2015 Magazine.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Choir members enjoying a light meal
Part of the audience before the entertainment.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
MC Brian Cyril with his Irish jokes, etc. Marion H reading
Sylvia and Elaine singing as a duet “Que Sera Sera”. Mary Taylor reading her poem “about a choir”
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Robin and Jill “All The Way”
Marion singing Russian version of “Midnight in Moscow” in Russian.
Marilyn reading a story.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Norman with his Ukulele
Hilary reading a Joyce Grenfell monologue
Sheila and Bill doing a
2 Ronnies’ “Nymphs & Shepherds”
Dave, Brian, Cyril and Colin performing Noel Coward’s “Green Carnation”
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Choir Social—30th May 2015. Photographs taken by Tony Jones
Brian
Corinne
Cyril
Lyn
Mary 2015 Magazine.
Bob
Sylvia
Marion 1st April — 31st May 2015
Neville
Deidre
Sylvia and Elaine
Robin Page No 14
Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Choir Social—30th May 2015. Photographs taken by Tony Jones
Norman
Frances
Hilary
Sheila
Dorothy
Dave 2015 Magazine.
Ruth and Chris
Colin & Cyril 1st April — 31st May 2015
Sue
Stewart and Deborah
Stewart
Brian Page No 15
Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Computer Group—27th May 2015 This year we moved the meetings from The Stratford School , firstly to the Methodist Church Hall, and latterly to the Holy Trinity Church Hall. The reasons for the changes was the advent of laptops and tablets meant very few members were using the network computers at the school and the wish for an earlier time slot in the day. The rooms at the Methodist Church Hall are very comfortable but we could not get the WiFi there to work sufficiently for our purposes even though efforts were made to boost
the performance of the WiFi facility. Moving to the Holy Trinity Church Hall did give us the WiFi performance we required but did mean moving away from our Thursday afternoon timeslot to a Wednesday afternoon. We have now had two meetings there and everyone is pleased and now managing to get on and learn some new skills. Look for the an-
nouncements nearer September when the next sessions will be announced. In the opposite column are some photographs of the group hard at work. Top—the Tablet table Middle—Athena and Geoff on the laptop table Bottom—Robyn and Marilyn and others on the
laptop table.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
New Members’ Meeting—29th May 2015 A meeting of new U3A members was convened looks very likely that the Spanish Group will re for Friday 29th May 2015. The intention was
-open with a leader from the new members in
for new members to meet with committee
the meeting.
members and allow them time to talk to com-
A photograph of the new members appears
mittee members and officers to answer any questions they might have and to allow an input of new ideas. Twenty two new members came to the meeting and exchanged views with
below. Thanks to all who took part and contributed to the meeting.
the Chairman, Geoff Bridgewater, and other officers and committee members. There was a wide range of interests represented and it
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Science, Nature and All Things Technical Group Visit to The 6th International Festival of Glass, Stourbridge, Saturday 30th May 2015 Stourbridge was the centre of glass produc-
producers.
tion in Britain for more than 200 years. The
Twenty five members journeyed to Stour-
local deposits of coal, limestone, fire clay, and bridge to join in the Festival. Shuttle bus other minerals ensured adequate supply, easy transport was available between the venues,
transport, and good economics. The advent of most of which were on or near the A491 bethe canals and, later, the railways ensured the tween Stourbridge centre and Wolverhampindustrial pre-eminence of Stourbridge well ton. Most of us managed to visit the Ruskin into the 20th century.
Glass Centre, The Red House Glass Cone and
The festival started in 2004 and takes place
the Broadfield House Glass Museum. The one
every other year. It showcases design studios remaining working glass cone manufacturing and production units as well as showing the
site, Dial Glassworks making Tudor Crystal,
products of international companies and glass
was not open to personnel illness, so we could
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
not see that facility. A glass cone is similar in size and look to a potteries bottle kiln and used coal to heat the glass. The cone at The Dial Glassworks was converted to gas firing during the 1930s and the top of the cone was dismantled after the war when it became un-
safe. You have to look carefully at it to discern the remaining shape of the cone. There were several demonstrations of glass blowing at several of the venues and the writer saw two of those. There were also other demonstrations—glass cutting/engraving, Civil War weapons and armour (I’m not sure what that had to do with glass). There were lots of
retail opportunities involving glass.
Left—2 pictures of glass blowing at The Broadfield House Glass Museum. Above—Redhouse Glass Cone and glass blowing inside there.
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Heart of England U3A Stratford-upon-Avon Website: www.heartofenglandu3a.btck.co.uk
Above—The Dial Glassworks that produces Tudor Crystal glassware - lead crystal and full lead crystal table ware, vases and other decorative glassware. The last surviving glass cone producing glass products in Stourbridge. Look carefully at the shape of the building as the upper part of the cone was dismantled some years ago and a pitched roof put on.
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