CHRISTMAS 2007
Due to various things that happen to us around Christmas time you may not get this until you have almost forgotten the turkey and the only reminder of Christmas dinner is a slightly tighter waistband; however if this arrives before then Happy Christmas and if the post is delayed then Happy New Year!
Those of you who were able to attend the AGM in November will be aware of changes to the committee, these are listed on the back of the programme which you receive on paying your annual subscription. We all look forward to an enjoyable, entertaining and busy year in our branch of the U3A.
Jean Wells
CHAIRMAN'S CHAT
As I write this the sun is streaming through the window and NO central heating! Some bulbs are beginning to flower and I'm told the frogs and toads are mating – what a strange time we are living in. In November our new committee was voted in. I would like to say a big thank you to them for volunteering for the next two years – without the committee NO U3A, and what a loss to the community that would be.
My thanks also to Wendy Cannon as our outgoing Chairman, or should I say Chairperson to be politically correct, I hope I can fill the shoes as ably as she and Bill have done since our Branch was setup. Our Group leaders have done a sterling job this year with many a good walk, feed, read, write, watch and talk; we look forward to more of the same next year and hopefully a few different groups to consider joining.
I look forward to a Community Club packed to the seams with enthusiasm in January, (if suffering from delayed hangovers, - February will be OK!!)
My very best wishes to you all for a happy, healthy, peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Betty Short
CREATIVE WRITING
There are six members of the group at present, ably coached and prompted by Hazel Brown. We meet once a month and in the meantime do our homework. It is very enjoyable and rewarding.
Eryl Oxburgh
PLAY READING
We have had two enjoyable readings of “You should see us now” and “Fools Paradise” in October and November respectively. In the latter we discovered we had an actress who can speak English with a perfect Portuguese accent! Our next reading will be on January 10 th at Steward Mill when we will be dealing with J B Priestley's “Dangerous Corner” – more of a drama than we have been reading recently. We are still desperately short of male Thespians which does very much limit our choice of plays. Please, any gent/bloke who has been in a school play, village panto, Royal Variety Performance or even never been in any production – just come along; you can watch to start with if you like, it's a very enjoyable afternoon .
David Cannon
EU STUDY GROUP
RECENT MEETINGS
10 September :
Reform of the House of Lords,
Steve Adams. Photocopies of slides available.
8 October
Sarkozy's task in reforming France and some comments on the French health service
Dr Vivienne Hodges
12 November
Why are the British so paranoid about the EU?
Bill Oxburgh (paper available)
10 December
The Origins of Europe.
Jean Rhodes
FUTURE MEETINGS
14 January
Non-Violence
Ted & Annette Clapton
11 February
Globalisation: a force for good or evil?
Steve Adams
10 March
2006 (or 2007) EU Budget Analysis.
Bill Oxburgh.
14 April, 12 May, 9 June subjects to be announced. There is a monthly EU Study Group Newsletter available by e-mail with attached papers when available. All invited to be on the mailing list and to attend meetings whether from East Dartmoor U3A or neighbouring U3As
Bill Oxburgh
PUB LUNCHES.
The pub lunch group will just have completed its first year, and if it has proved nothing else, it has shown that U3A members do enjoy a good meal to say nothing of a social get together. During the last twelve months we have visited six different hostelries and apart from one minor hiccough, each occasion has been a great success. Numbers of people attending have steadily increased, to the point where, at out Christmas lunch at the Artichoke, Christow, we will fill the whole of the dining room.
We are always very pleased to welcome different members to these essentially social events which are held bi-monthly. Our first lunch in 2008 will be on Thursday, February 21 st at a venue to be decided. In the meanwhile a happy New Year to all gourmets!
Ken Kirby
FRENCH CORRECTION!!!
Sounds like a very dodgy advert in a shop window BUT the correction is to the Group Coordinators list in th2008 programme. Bobbie MacEacharn is in fact leader of the Intermediate French group, not Beginners, and would welcome any new members who might wish to join them
IT GROUP
As the Development Trust was unable to get further funding, our sessions ended in September and the group is now in abeyance. However, at present, Merlin is continuing to run an IT surgery on Tuesday evenings in Moreton Library. He is doing this on a voluntary basis, with a suggested donation of £10 per hour. To book a session go to www.moretonhampstead.com and click on Training and follow the instructions from there.
Jill Staddon
DISCUSSION GROUP
Many a good hour has been spent in the last year discussing topics from immigration to the arts, compensation and topical issues. To round off the session a glass of wine and a few nibbles offered by our wonderful hosts, Eryl and Bill ten a general chat putting the world to rights. Our group is full at the moment but we would be happy to help anyone who would like to set up another group. Happy Christmas
Betty Short
ART GROUP
Following Eryl's suggestion at the AGM that a Painting Group be formed those who expressed an interest arranged a meeting to discuss the practicalities of the idea. Alan Bennett has kindly offered to be our mentor and as the optimum number was deemed to be 10 the class is already full! It was necessary to commit to a 3 month session as the Community Club had to be booked. If any of those who wanted to try their hand at art find that it is not for them we will be recruiting. Perhaps we will manage an end of year exhibition!
WALKING
We have had three walks since September covering Mardon and Doccombe, North Bovey and Easdon, and Fernworthy. We have been lucky with the weather. 13 people have been involved in the walks and we have averaged 8 people per walk. We look forward to more walks hopefully starting in January. If you would like to join us please get in touch.
Reg Wells
THEATRE GROUP
The theatre season kicked off with an excellent production at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, “Romantic Comedy” starring Tom Conti. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A Francis Durbridge thriller is next on the agenda for 4 – 9 February, again in Plymouth; I will be contacting all those interested after Christmas with details.
The ‘New 'Northcott Theatre has been in the news recently. A withdrawal of almost ½ million pounds funding from the Arts Council is being considered. Could this threaten the future of this lovely local theatre?
Ken Burdett
A FINAL WORD
To help us shrink our carbon footprint which I'm told has been enlarged by our use of Christmas tree lights, if you go to www.polyprint.co.uk and head for recycling they say they will recycle supermarket bags, bread bags, 6 pack rings and mailing films. I haven't yet checked it out but I'm going to.
Yet again Happy Christmas