TUNBRIDGE WELLS U3A NEWS AUGUST 2016

TUNBRIDGE WELLS U3A NEWS AUGUST 2016 www.tunbridgewellsu3a.org THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE You will notice immediately that th...
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TUNBRIDGE WELLS U3A NEWS AUGUST 2016 www.tunbridgewellsu3a.org

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE

CHAIRMAN’S UPDATE You will notice immediately that this newsletter isn’t as polished as usual. This is because John Cunliffe has resigned as editor. We are enormously grateful for his help and support over the last 4 years when he took over at very short notice and introduced many innovative ideas.

OUR MONTHLY

It follows that we are looking for a new editor, which is a committee position. The newsletter contents are supplied by members and the committee. Please contact me if you are interested in this role and would like to know more.

Thursday 18

I am delighted that Sandra Macdonald has offered to be Outings Coordinator, which means that our popular outings will continue into 2017. Adrian Twiner has also taken on the role of Business Secretary and will liaise with National Office and be responsible for Study Days. He is running one on the ‘Lesser Known Churchill’ at Salomons on October 10th. Please do support him if you can.

at 2.30pm at Camden ‘The Amazing Dr by Tim Thursday 15 Sept ‘Spirit of Invicta Kent’ by Bob Ogley

Sue Brimlow Chairman 01892 863691 [email protected]

OUR Tues 13

CONTENTS

Watts

1. Chairman’s report 2. Standing Orders cancellation 3. Outing News 4. Watercress Line photographs 5. ‘Bulgarian Experience’ 6. Groups Update 7. 25th Anniversary BBQ photographs 8. Useful Information 9. 25th Anniversary Lunch application form 10. Art Appreciation form for new members 11. Chartwell Outing Application form 12. Study Day information and booking form

Tues 4 October Chartwell Nov/Dec Theatre Outing

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CANCELLING YOUR STANDING ORDER. You will be receiving this message in several different ways this month. This is because there is only a short time to cancel your standing order, which is due on 1 st September. I make no apologies for repeating this message as I have a vested interest; I will have to sign all the refund cheques!

PLEASE CHECK IF YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION TODAY. The AGM agreed in June that existing members will receive a free annual subscription for our 25th Anniversary year 2016/17. Therefore, no subscription payment is due on 1st September 2016. Normally we renew your membership when we receive your subscription. 

Please let us know if you do not want to renew your membership, by emailing [email protected].



If you pay by cheque and wish to remain a member then you need do nothing further.



If you pay by Standing Order and have not already cancelled it then you must cancel it as soon as possible as the U3A cannot cancel your Standing Order on your behalf. You need to do this today. The bank normally requires 2 to 3 weeks’ minimum notice.

The following guidance may be useful. The Standing Order is payable to Tunbridge Wells U3A and is due on the 1st September 2016. The amount is £16 or £32 depending on whether you have a single or joint membership. You may also have an additional donation of £6 if you receive the newsletter by post. You can cancel it in a number of ways: 1. Call in at your local bank branch. Ask the teller/receptionist to cancel the Standing Order on your personal account for Tunbridge Wells U3A 2. Use internet banking. Go to the page that lists Standing Orders and Direct Debits. Cancel or delete the Standing Order to Tunbridge Wells U3A. 3. Use telephone banking. Ask them to cancel the Standing Order for Tunbridge Wells U3A 4. Write a letter to your own bank branch. Quote your account number and ask them to delete the Standing Order. If you don’t cancel it we will refund your subscription by cheque, but there is considerable effort and cost in doing this. It is quite possible that next year’s subscription may be for a reduced amount, which means it will need altering next year anyway. If you have any questions, please call or talk to a U3A Committee Member or email Ruth (Membership Secretary) on [email protected] or David (Treasurer) on [email protected] Sue Brimlow

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Outing News I am delighted to say that two lovely people have volunteered to join the Outings Committee: Sandra Chandnani to join to our team of organisers and Sandra McDonald who will take over as Outings Co-ordinator in the Autumn. It was full steam ahead for our outing on the Watercress Line in July. We had an enjoyable lunch on the train and everything ran on time (unlike Southern Railways). When our speaker was not available, the Managing Director came instead to give us a talk on how the organisation operates and links in with British Rail and other preservation societies (including our own Spa Valley Railway). Many thanks to Stella Westrup for this enjoyable and informative day out. You can see some photographs taken by Colin Turner on the following page. The outing on Tuesday 16th August to Belmont House Faversham and Provender House, which is full, is due to take place just prior to the monthly meeting. On Tuesday 13th September there will be an outing to the remarkable Watts Gallery Artists’ Village near Guildford. In the 1880s George Watts was the most famous artist in the world and his wife Mary was a fine designer and potter. Now we have an opportunity to visit their home, extraordinary chapel, gallery and studios – as featured by Michael Portillo in his Great Railway Journeys. There are a few places left and the application form can be found in the July Newsletter and on the TWU3A Website but please check with Stella Westrup on 01892 523413, before applying. Then Tuesday 4th October will see a relaxing day out with lunch, at nearby Chartwell House, a National Trust Property and the family home of Sir Winston Churchill since 1922. In addition to the house, the studio houses a large collection of his paintings and the estate reflects his love of the outdoors. Main organiser is Robby Holmes 01892 544095 supported by Lynne Monckton 01892 533652 and the application form is on page 11 of this Newsletter and on the Website. From 29th November – 3rd December TWODS are performing the musical Guys & Dolls at the Assembly Hall. If you would like to go as part of a group with an option of meeting beforehand for a meal, then please let Pat Micklewright know - preferably by email [email protected] or by phone 01892 537993. At this stage, I just want a rough idea of numbers, so that I can reserve some tickets, which will be priced around £17.00. The application form will appear in the September Newsletter. If you are interested, please say which of these two performances you would like to go to (tickets available for both days). Wednesday 30th November – matinee performance starting at 2.30pm Thursday 1st December – evening performance starting at 7.30pm (You will be able to choose to meet up in a nearby restaurant or go directly to the theatre) Pat Micklewright – on behalf of the Outings Committee.

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WATERCRESS LINE OUTING

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Bulgarian Experience In June, some members of the Wealden Walkers and friends travelled to Bulgaria for our annual walking holiday. Our party of 22 was located in Banya, a 2.5 hour drive from Sofia, near to the ski resort of Bansko. It is a pretty village with 53 hot mineral water springs nestled in the valley between three mountain ranges (Rila ,Pirin and Rodopes). The views from our hotel terrace were stunning and the hot weather meant that we had our meals there and were able to watch storks returning to nearby nests . Also our hotel benefited from the natural hot water and the swimming pool had to be cooled by cold water!! One day we had an excursion by bus to the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria's oldest, largest and most beautiful monastery. Another time we visited nearby historic Bansko with its cobbled streets and wonderful fruit and vegetable markets. This was followed by a fantastic al fresco lunch in a local mehana, (a private house serving meals). After that we went to the Brown Bear Sanctuary for rescued former 'Dancing Bears'- The Charity has been successful and there there are no longer any dancing bears in Bulgaria but they are now rescuing bears from Croatia . The Charity takes good care of the bears; they have a large area to roam in and a dentist flies in from Germany to give them an annual check-up ! The walking was varied with some rocky ascents. There were two groups – one with harder and longer walks, - the other with somewhat easier walks and there was an option to switch between groups on a day by day basis. All walks had wonderful scenery – and one day we all met up for a barbecue lunch in a secluded glade in a pine forest. A walking holiday to remember. George Bicknell

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Groups Update My first month as group coordinator for the u3a in Tunbridge Wells has been very interesting and a real learning curve! Thank you to all those who sent encouraging messages and information about their groups. I am looking forward to lending support and I am particularly interested in the sharing of expertise among our members. Two language groups, Spanish and French, are very keen to find fluent speakers to attend their sessions and help raise their levels of fluency. Please contact me if you are able to offer some time. New Groups Circle Dancing Circle Dancing has been danced in many countries across Eastern Europe, Israel and Former Yugoslavia for thousands of years. They are community dances in which all would join in: wedding dances, thanks giving for the harvest etc. No previous experience or partner needed, with a leader who has been sharing the dances for over 30 years. If you are interested please contact Jan Sumner [email protected] Current Affairs Group The Current Affairs Group will meet to discuss items of local, national and international news that has interested them over the previous period. Specific topics will be up to the members of the Group. No particular political stance will be taken but discussion encouraged over all aspects (without the aim to come to a common conclusion or view). If you are interested please contact Jan Sumner [email protected] New short course Jonathan Farley has offered to run another of his very popular short courses in the autumn. His suggested topic is Britain's Friends and Foes in 2016. It will focus on a number of countries and Britain’s relationship with them including USA, Russia and the former Soviet Union, France, Germany and the EU and the Arab and Islamic world. Some of these have traditionally been friendly, others less so but all are, or have been, important. The course will examine the relationship between Britain and the above countries from a political/historical/sociological perspective, the tutor talking for about half an hour and thereafter leading a general discussion If you are interested please contact Jonathan Farley [email protected] Groups looking for new members French Group 3 This group is looking for new members when they restart after the Summer on Wednesday 14th September at 10am. It is ideal for those who studied French at school a long time ago and wish to brush up on it again. Please contact Liz Hammond [email protected] 457913 The Decline of the Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity The group will study the Roman Empire from its zenith about 100AD and investigate how it changed and declined thereafter. At the same time Christianity was emerging as the state religion. Meetings will resume in October, fortnightly on Tuesday afternoons. Please contact Lionel Cole at [email protected] 01580 752663. Jan Sumner Groups Coordinator

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TWU3A 25th Anniversary BBQ The BBQ was held at Barnsgate Manor set in beautiful countryside

Good food

Good Company

And more… A good time was had by all and our thanks go to the organisers. Everyone agreed we must do it again! Alison Grace Do look at the rest of the gallery; there are some great photographs there. http://www.davidhodgkinsonphotography.com/u3abarnsgatebbqjune2016 (I also have a disc containing high resolution versions of the photographs if you would like a copy. Sue Brimlow) 7

USEFUL INFORMATION We have the remaining events arranged for this year. 18th August

Monthly Meeting - Tim Moorey:

26th August

THE AMAZING DR JOHNSON - Following his fascinating talk on the secrets of a crossword setter, Tim Moorey will illuminate the life and achievements of Dr Samuel Johnson. Despite huge personal difficulties, this English hero gave the nation its first "proper" dictionary. After recent research, the talk is now able also to cover the fascinating life of Samuel's former Jamaican slave, Francis Barber. Coffee morning at Trinity

15th Sept

Monthly Meeting—Bob Ogley Spirit of Invicta Kent in the 20th century

30th Sept

Bob is a former editor of the Sevenoaks Chronicle. He was born in Sevenoaks and has lived all his life in the county, He is proud to be a Kentish Man. He is an author of 23 books relating to Kent and has travelled extensively in pursuit of information and photographs for them. He was a journalist for 30 years before leaving the newspaper to concentrate on writing and giving Coffee morning at Trinity

19th Oct

New members welcome meeting

20th Oct

NOTE - NO MONTHLY MEETING Buffet Lunch at Masonic Hall

28th Oct

Coffee morning at Trinity

17th Nov

Monthly Meeting—William Benson CEO Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

25th Nov

Coffee morning at Trinity

15th Dec

Anniversary Quiz/Mulled Wine etc

We are pleased to welcome the following new members who joined in July. Mr Zaid Al-Adhab Ms Gill Butcher Mrs Sandra Chandnani Mrs Sharon Colback Mrs Ann Dunnet

Mrs Susan Evans Mrs Gillian Ham Mrs Prue MacGibbon Mr Tom MacGibbon Mrs Julie Madden

Your Committee Chairman Sue Brimlow Vice-Chairman Alison Grace Secretary Wendy Maher Treasurer David Scott Group Coordinator Jan Sumner Membership Secretary Ruth Johnson Webmaster Sue Brimlow Outings Coordinator Sandra Macdonald Business Secretary Adrian Twiner

01892 863691 07900 974684 01892 325272 01892 701950 07900974684 01892 523097 01892 863691 01892 752196 01892 459352 8

Mr Bernard Madden Mrs Diana Perks Ms Elizabeth Potier Mrs Mary Woolgar Mr Peter Woolgar

All contributions to the next newsletter should be emailed to Sue Brimlow by 31st August at the latest. [email protected]

Tunbridge wells U3A

25th Anniversary Celebration Lunch Thursday 20 October 2016

Please come and celebrate with us at the Masonic Hall, St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells at 12pm for 1.00pm £17 per person includes gratuity, an arrival drink of wine or fruit juice and then a buffet lunch: Choice of dressed salmon, honey glazed ham, chicken Caesar salad, vegetable quiches Accompanied by: Minted new potatoes and a choice of Green salad, tomato and mozzarella salad, Mediterranean couscous salad and coleslaw Followed by: Choice of apple pie and custard, lemon tart, profiteroles, fruit salad, pavlova And then tea or coffee There is plenty of free parking and the Masonic Hall is easily accessible by bus Queries to Di Brown on [email protected] or 01892 529999 Please send completed applications with cheque and stamped, addressed envelope for ticket(s) to Di Brown, The Corner House, 44 Pennine Walk, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3NW

I/We enclose cheque for £…….. made payable to Tunbridge Wells U3A together with a SAE Name(s) ………………………………………………………………………………….. Membership no(s) ……………………….. Phone no…………………………………….

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ART APPRECIATION GROUP As noted in the July U3A Newsletter, the Art Appreciation Group has moved its venue from King Charles the Martyr Church Hall to the Main Hall of the Camden Centre where we shall enjoy the following series of 5 lectures from Liz Strang, running from October to March on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, commencing at 2.30 p.m.: 2016 Tuesday 18th October PICASSO & HIS WOMEN – reflecting the development of his portraits and experiments in cubism. N.B. Do note the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery 6th October – 5th February. Tuesday 22nd November GAUGUIN IN BRITTANY- a study of the development of the Pont Aven artist’s colony and how the work of Gauguin and Emile Bernard gave rise to a new way of painting, influencing artists such as Bonnard and Vuillard 2017 Tuesday 24th January MATISSE THE MASTER OF COLOUR. Matisse is known for his mastery of colour and we will learn how this developed through his teachers, the women he loved and the artists of the Fauvist movement such as Derain & Dufy. Tuesday 21st February DAVID HOCKNEY – with particular reference to the exhibition at Tate Britain, 9th February – 29th May 2017 Tuesday 21st March collection.

A WALK THROUGH BRITISH ART - a visual tour of the Tate Britain

If any new members of the U3A are interested in joining us, please send the attached form to our Group Treasurer, Linda Sydenham, together with a cheque for £9 (payable to “Tunbridge Wells U3A”) and s.a.e. if you would like an acknowledgment Alison Turner

(Group Organiser) 01892 526693

[email protected]

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

ART APPRECIATION GROUP 2016-17 Please return to Linda Sydenham, 43 Bowen Rd, Rusthall TN4 8SU (01892 539945) e-mail: [email protected] I/we would like to join the Art Appreciation Group and enclose cheque for £……… Name/s…………………………………………………………………………U3A No/s:………. Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………… Tel: ………………………………….

e-mail: …………………………………………………….

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A fair amount of walking involved Members Only

U3A

Tunbridge Wells U3A Outing A visit to Chartwell, Home of Sir Winston Churchill Tuesday, 4th October, 2016 The outing for October takes us to Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922. Filled with treasures from every aspect of Churchill’s life, the house provides an opportunity to explore the home of one of Britain’s greatest leaders. The studio houses a large collection of Churchill’s paintings and offers a colourful insight into his life and art. The garden reflects Churchill’s love of the landscape and nature including the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter, Mary. On arrival at Chartwell, there will be time to visit the shop before lunch in the Landemare Cafe. The café serves home-cooked food inspired by the Churchill’s family cook. Alternatively, you may wish to bring a picnic. After lunch, we shall go into the house. We have a timed entry of 2.00 pm. This is not a guided tour; you are free to walk round in your own time. There are guides in all the rooms, who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Afterwards, you may like to visit Churchill’s studio, the garden, wander in the grounds or enjoy a cup of tea. 11.00 am 11.10 am 12 noon 12.30 pm 2.00 pm 4.30 pm 5.15 pm

Coach leaves Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells. Coach leaves Southborough Fountain. Arrive at Chartwell. Lunch in Landemare Café restaurant. We visit the house. Coach departs for Tunbridge Wells. Arrive back at Southborough Fountain.

COST (for National Trust members) £9.00 which covers the cost of the coach and gratuities. (You must bring your National Trust card). OR (for non National Trust members) £21.00 which covers cost of entry into the house, coach and gratuities. Please note that members will need to pay for their own drinks and lunch in the restaurant. Applications (including cheque made payable to “Tunbridge Wells U3A” and s.a.e. for reply) to: Robby Holmes, 14 Albany Hill, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3RX Tel. 01892 544095 Also available for queries: Lynne Monckton Tel 01892 533652 Mobile on the day of the outing 07944 364622 Members are advised that neither the TWU3A nor the outings organiser will accept responsibility for any mishap of whatever nature during the outing. Members are advised to consider personal insurance cover. …..................................................................................................................................................................................... Tunbridge Wells U3A Outing to Chartwell, Tuesday 4 th October 2016 Please reserve …............... place(s) for this visit. I/we enclose a S.A.E. plus cheque for £ …………

for National Trust Member(s)

£ …………

for non National Trust Member(s)

I/We shall join the coach at Crescent Road □

(NT membership number/s) ………………………

Southborough Fountain

Name/s:............................................................................................



Delete as appropriate

U3A Membership no/s...................

Address ......................................................................................................................................................... Post Code …………………………………………………Tel. Number………………………………….. Signed: …...................................................................

Date: …...................................................................

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KENT U3A study DAY: The Lesser-Known Churchill

KENT U3A STUDY DAY: the lesser-known churchill

Speakers This Study Day brings together three speakers with an academic and literary background, to explore different aspects of the political figure who has been called the giant of the 20th century, Sir Winston Churchill. But do we know all there is to know about Churchill? This Study Day seeks to throw new light in to unknown corners of his life and work. Date Venue

Monday 10th October 2016 Salomons, Broomhill Road Southborough TN3 0TG Time 9.15am to 3.30pm approx Cost £12.50 includes 3 lectures and coffee Lunch 2 course hot or cold buffet lunch is available, served in the conservatory or dining room, £11.50. You may bring a packed lunch. Organiser Adrian Twiner Tel. 01892 459352

Programme 9.15am Registration and coffee on arrival 9.50am Welcome 10.00 - 11.10am Jonathan Smith: The Churchill Secret, KBO 11.10 - 11.40am Tea and Coffee Break 11.40am - 12.50pm David Lough: No More Champagne 12.50 - 2.10pm Lunch Break 2.10 - 3.20pm Sonia Purnell: First Lady 3.30pm Close

Jonathan Smith has had parallel careers as a writer and as a teacher. He was Head of English for many years at Tonbridge School. His first book Wilfred and Eileen, was made into a four part series for BBC TV. In 2013, his fifth novel, Summer in February, was released as a feature film while his seventh, The Churchill Secret, KBO, was adapted for an ITV Sunday night film, starring Michael Gambon, Lindsay Duncan and Romola Garai. David Lough After an early career in financial markets he founded a private banking business that advises families across the range of their private affairs and became its chief executive. In 2008, he became its part-time chairman while also starting to research No More Champagne which reveals the untold story of Winston Churchill's precarious personal finances. Sonia Purnell's groundbreaking portrait of Clementine Churchill First Lady, has been hailed on both sides of the Atlantic, translated into several languages and has been shortlisted for the Plutarch Prize for Best Biography. Her first book, a rollicking and clear-eyed biography of Boris Johnson, has been credited with changing the national political debate and was longlisted for the Orwell Prize. ___________________________________________ Directions: Maps will be sent to applicants. Signed copies of these books will be available to buy. Members may visit the Salomon Museum as well as the Estate gardens.

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This Study Day is open to the members of any U3A in Kent who may bring one guest. How to Apply: Fill in this part of the form indicating how many tickets at £12.50 per person you require, and add a further £11.50 per person for lunch, if required. Make your cheque payable to Kent Network Account and include a stamped self-addressed envelope (9" x 4") in order to receive your ticket(s) and directions to Salomons and send to Kent U3A Study Day Adrian Twiner, Flat 16, Bishops Court, Bishops Down Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8XL I/ We wish to apply for 1/2 places for the Kent U3A Study Day on Monday 10th October 2016 Name(s).............................................................. ............................................................................ Address............................................................... ...........................................….............................. E-mail: .............................................................. Tel No………………Home U3A………………..  I/We wish to apply for lunch at £11.50 a head OR  Will bring a packed lunch. Please tick.

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