May 22

pu3a pulsePeterborough University of the Third Age May 2022 Issue 2 Contact: [email protected] As I write this, I’m tempted to paint a verbal Inside this issue picture of the first days of Spring, but truth be told, it’s cold today! Never mind, plenty to Dave’s Toy Story………... ..............2 warm you up inside. So much in fact, that one The Brain Game ..........................3 cannot fail to be amazed at just how much Theatre Trips...............................3 goes on inside PU3A. And outside of it as Spotlight on Groups ....................4 well, as we continue our delve into just what More on Groups ……………………..5,6 a member gets up to when not at a PU3A Lord Kitchener's Shout……………...6 group event. The competition is back, this Day Trips .....................................7 time a photo caption. And yet more news of Diary Dates………………………………..8 developing plans for our 30th anniversary. Get your coat, and head off to a new activity. Ian Gray HELP SPREAD THE WORD Giving with a Smile!.....................8 Are there any members who would be willing to The Committee Lowdown...……...9 distribute a few Pu3a leaflets and/or posters Thirty Years on…………………………10 around their local area please? Eg, shops, Members’ Meetings………………...10 cafes, community centres, churches, doctors, libraries, hairdressers, etc Want more info? Just click Please contact Joy 01733 233713 or email anywhere you see the blue [email protected] HERE and you’ll be directed to the PU3A website or elsewhere. ARE YOU THE NEXT DAVID BAILEY? We would like to improve the variety of photographs of our groups depicted on our opening website page. Our website is the window to the world for potential new members, and as the old adage goes “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Your photo may just be the trigger to encourage people to join. Please forward any snaps of groups having fun to [email protected] . If your email provider blocks the picture attachments (some do because of the size of digital photos) just send an email to the same address with contact details and we will get back to you to find a way around the problem. Please ensure that any people in the photos are okay with their lovely faces being published . 1

This month we meet a member with a passion for toys. Dave Reason tells how he restores vintage Dinky and Corgi vehicles. My interest in this hobby started after spotting an article on the value of some older diecast models, mostly Dinky. Sadly, my own childhood collection were either damaged and/or overpainted, but I then discovered what enthusiasts call Code 3 restoration— taking a \"playworn\" model that has perhaps been badly overpainted or is probably damaged with parts missing. To my surprise, its possible to buy new parts from small modelling firms that produce all that you could need, e.g. tyres, wheels, axles, windows, doors, decals etc. So off I went, soon learning that brush painting was not the answer, so it was down to aerosol paints. Luckily, Wilkinsons (Wilko) produce a range of aerosol paints that closely match Dinky's original colours. To get a model usually involves bidding on ebay, when it arrives I assess what spares are need to be ordered. The model is taken apart, wheels and tyres removed and windows taken out, which may involve removing the baseplate. The bare shell is put in a bath of paint stripper and left for about 48 hours then washed off. Fine wire wool will remove any scratches, then it's ready for priming and a couple of topcoats. New tyres and wheels are fitted together with any decals and the model is finally given a coat of clear lacquer to seal it. To finish off, replica Dinky Toys boxes are available. These restorations have a value depending on the model and quality of the job, but it's good fun and keeps me out of mischief. My oldest model is a Riley saloon which is from approx 1950 datewise.My favourites have got to be the Trojan 17cwt van range, available in several different liveries, Cydrax, Esso, Dunlop Tyres, Chivers Jellies etc Share your story, email now…. [email protected] 2

Last month we challenged the poets amongst you to complete the fifth line of a topical limerick. Here’s the winning entry, from Brian Hoare., but thanks to all who had a go. Better luck next time. Twas way back three decades ago When some oldies decided to show Win They hadn't lost all their youth £10! Nor being too long in the tooth Thrice ten years, energised, in full flow This month, we invite you to write a witty caption for the photo on the right, showing Village Walkers Joan and Wendy with a brace of deer seen on a recent walk. Plenty to have a go at there! The lucky winner (announced in the next issue of Pulse) will win a £10 M&S Voucher. Get thinking!! PU3A Committee Members and Partners not eligible to enter. Entries to [email protected] The Show Must Go On! Upcoming dates for PU3A Theatre Group: May 19: the Agatha Christie play Witness For The Prosecution, which is staged in the old Council Chamber of County Hall in London and resembles an actual courtroom. June 22: Carousel at Kilworth House, Leicestershire in the open air theatre. Watch the show protected from the elements by a canopy. July 21: NEW!! Billy Elliot The Musical at The Curve, Leicester, based on the film, with music by Elton John. Details of these shows and how to book tickets for them can be found on the PU3A website. HERE If the shows are sold out it is always worth putting your name on the standby list as tickets often become available nearer the time. Tickets for new shows are released for sale via email to all Theatre Group members on a Tuesday at 4.00pm. New members of the Theatre Group are welcome, and there is no charge to join. Please apply via the website to receive emails about future shows. 3

PLANE DAFT (Aviation) at the May meeting, Ken Cothliffe speaks about ‘Canadian Aviation Treasures’ HERE • BOARD GAMES The popular board games group will restart on May 19th at 2pm at Copeland Community Centre with a new leader, John Boocock. A variety of Board Games and non-Board Games will be available. All members welcome to give the group a try and perhaps learn new games and make new friends. HERE • BOWLS AT YAXLEY (Beginners and experienced welcome.) Wednesday afternoons for an initial 12 weeks at £2 per session. HERE • SHARED READING Will be monthly on Tuesday morning. Venue either village hall or member’s home. HERE • BRIDGE The popular Wednesday afternoon group has a new leader Mauricette Proud. HERE • WORLDWIDE DINING ….viva l’espana, as we head out into the local countryside in June for Spanish Tapas. A different nationality of cuisine every month, with choice of dates. Join now to book your place. HERE • CLASSIC & KIT CARS hope to have some cars on the u3a stand at the Peterborough Celebrates event at Ferry Meadows. And on May 22nd they’ll be flying the u3a flag at the Classic Wheels event being held on the Rutland Showground, Oakham with about 10 vehicles on display. HERE • CHESS The group meet at Copeland every Monday (including most Bank Holidays) from 1:30 to 3:30. We do not teach chess, but this is a group of mixed abilities and gender. If you know the basics, the more experienced players will sometimes be heard saying to their opponent “Are you sure that is what you want to do?” HERE 4

The BOWLS at BRETTON group would like to see you try your hand (literally!) at this absorbing sport. You only need to know the difference between forehand and backhand, and wear flat-soled shoes; our enthusiastic members will fill you in on the rest. We have a guide for new bowlers on our website, HERE Come and give it a try when the season opens in the first week of May – Monday and Friday afternoons 2.00 - 4.00. You will be surprised at how quickly you pick up the basics, and how well- Hilary Lewis exercised you feel afterwards. Details HERE Contact Hilary 01733 265769 or email [email protected] if you fancy….. • Joining a new BOOK READING GROUP, as all current similar groups are full, so there’s space for more….. • Linking up with a new LUNCH GROUP. The recent pandemic has led to several of our lunch groups dwindling. Now is the time to start new ones, maybe a Saturday or Sunday. The second MAP READING course of this period is moving on, although we have been hampered on this course by some inclement weather. This has not though dampened members smiles and enthusiasm for the great outdoors with a map and compass. I will try and run another one this side of Summer but may have to wait until Activities Day to recruit new course members. Seen here is Mary McCarthy, John Munro and Janet Marshall locating a control in Fineshades Wood . HERE Les Ranford FRIDAY WATERCOLOURS a friendly group who meet at St Andrews Church, Netherton, every Friday afternoon between 1.45 and 4 o'clock. We are a mix of beginners and people who have been painting for some time. We do have some demonstrations, but help and advice is always available if needed. We currently have spaces should you wish to join us and new members would be most welcome. HERE Maureen Hudson 5

The Nordic Walking group on a recent sunny walk in Ferry Meadows to see the bluebells in the Bluebell Wood HERE Antiques, Bygones and Collectables Members continue to bring in for “Show and Tell” fascinating items ranging from A ( Armoire wine drawer) to Z ( Zulu knobkerrie). For future meetings we will be trying out a Theme approach staring off with “ Kitchenalia- kitchen utensils, accessories, equipment, cook books, ceramics, glass items typically found then and now in kitchens. The June meeting theme will be “ Royalty/ Commemorative items tying in with the Jubilee celebrations. A well received presentation to Oundle U3A Antiques Group was made featuring a Treen Tunbridge Ware writing slope depicting Shakespeare’s birthplace, made for the 1864 Tercentenary of his birth. A reciprocal visit is planned. HERE Brian Hoare Many of the current committee have served for several years, some of them through different roles. But a consequence of enjoying such stability through these long-servers is that sooner or later, for varying reasons, they have to step down. And that’s where you come in! We need to start planning months ahead of the AGM, when the committee elections take place, to allow for smooth handovers and understudying. For example, our treasurer Mary will be stepping down next year. You don’t need to be an accountant (a secret— she isn't!), its similar to running your household finances. What about secretary? Or data protection officer. All you need is a willingness to get involved, and a wish to help keep our great organisation on track. The stark truth is….. NO COMMITTEE, NO PU3A. Don’t let that happen. Just email [email protected] to learn more. 6

DAY TRIPS What’s not to like? Collection and drop-off at local points, transport laid on, great day out in good company, interesting destinations. As the PU3A day trips get booked up pretty darn quick, just get your diary out and start planning ahead. Note cut-off dates for booking, subject to HERE availability. Transport generally by Fowlers Coaches, operating the full safety and COVID protocols applicable on the day. The coaches are fully cleaned and sprayed every evening and are ‘fogged’ once a week. To book, please phone Gina Bates on 01733 579317. When CUT OFF DATE of WHERE TO DATE TRIP Gardeners’ World Live incl BBC Good Food Show Always popular, see your favourite gardeners and 29th 16th visit displays and sales stalls at the NEC HERE April June Sutton Hoo : 7th century royal burial ground,visit 30th 3rd one of the most Popular locations of British Dark May June Ages History HERE 1st 16th York: explore the city at your own pace, be that for Aug Aug history or shopping. Spend all day doing whatever you want. HERE 15th 3rd Sept Oct Windsor: Historic Windsor for the Day HERE ART BOOKS OFFER TO PU3A Group Leaders In closing my Canal Art Group I have a box of art books which painters, both learners & skilled, found useful to borrow in the course of their work. Before disposing of them I would like to offer them free to other PU3A Group Leaders or individual members. If you are interested please contact me online or by phone at 01733 568896 or email Donne Buck [email protected] 7

Fancy a date? Diary at the ready Here’s what happening around PU3A over the next few months….. May 13/14/15 : Join PU3A at Peterborough Festival, Ferry Meadows May 31: Members’ Speaker Meeting—The Dark Ages, Central Library June 29: PU3A Concert Songs and Poetry, St Andrews Hall, Ledbury Road July 6: Membership Renewals commence July 26: Members’ Speaker Meeting— ‘Up the Cut’, Central Library August 4: PU3A Activities Day at the Fleet, Fletton October 22: PU3A AGM at Jack Hunt School, Bradwell Road, Netherton November 18: Thirty Years Quiz Night, Jack Hunt school, Netherton AMAZON SMILE Following my note of thanks in the last edition of Pu3a Pulse, I was asked how members could set up the system. Please note, I am not for one second encouraging anyone to buy from Amazon but, if you already do and would like to be able to donate to Peterborough u3a at the same time, here are the instructions. 1. Go to the site AMAZON SMILE website HERE 2.Sign in with your Amazon ID and password 3. Scroll down to click on the ‘Get Started’ button. 5.This should bring up a screen where you are asked which charity you would like to support 6. Ours is listed as Peterborough University Of The Third Age (NOT PU3A) Once you have selected the charity any eligible purchase (not all items are eligible) that are bought using the Amazon Smile site will attract a donation from Amazon to Peterborough u3a. If you have a favourite charity this is a way you can donate to that one instead, if it is listed. Only one charity can be selected at a time. If anyone would like to do this but is still having a problem, please contact me and I will do what I can to help. Mary McCarthy 8

THE COMMITTEE LOWDOWN Who are the people who oil the wheels of your PU3A? Each month, we lift the lid to say hello to a committee member. First off is our treasurer, MARY McCARTHY. The Background: Born, brought up, married and had children in the Rhymney Valley one of the South Wales mining valleys. The Jobs: First job was bank clerk with the then Midland Bank, followed by ten years as a full-time mum of three. Then back to school as a part time clerk typist in a local Comprehensive, where, for 22 years, my roles varied through Headteacher secretary, admin network manager, Headteacher personal assistant, school private fund manager, IT manager and more. Qualified to teach IT to adult learners, and enjoyed agency work doing exactly that.. And then: After the children had left home and grandchildren started arriving, we decided to ‘up sticks’ and move to a more convenient area for seeing them grow up. We arrived in Peterborough in on a cold, snowy day in December 2010. U3A history: One of the first things we did was join u3a; we wanted a way of meeting people in our new area and this seemed an ideal way of accomplishing that. My husband soon became a member of the committee and, somehow, through him, I found myself on the website committee and leader of a group teaching use of computers, followed by joining the full committee as website coordinator. In January 2016 I became membership secretary following the resignation due to ill health of the previous person. Then in January 2019 I suddenly ‘found’ myself treasurer. And now? Yes, over the past 11 years I have been grateful to Peterborough u3a for several reasons. Meeting and befriending many people, holidays with no stress, day trips to interesting places, improving greatly, my belly dancing skills and, through my roles on the committee, being able to help shape Peterborough u3a into an organisation which benefits many, many people. 9

30 Brian Keegan Writes Decisions are being made, events are being planned! If your group are planning something ‘special’, we hope to have some banners which will be available for use by any Group putting on a public event over the next year. Peterborough Celebrates Ferry Meadows Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th May. • We will be having a stand on both days, hopefully flanked by some of our Classic Car Group to attract attention to publicise us and maybe recruit some new members. If you would like to help with this please contact me. We would like to have a Gazebo in case of inclement weather, so if you have one may we borrow it! • Saturday 14th May 2pm to 2.45 pm our American Square Dancing, Sing Something Simple and Poetry Writing Group will be performing in the BIG TOP which will be to the North of the car Park in Ham Lane by the Visitors Centre. Please come and support them. Concert St Andrew’s Church Ledbury Road, Wednesday 29th June 6-8 pm The Sing Something Simple and Poetry Writers are staging a concert to raise money for charity, you are all welcome just £5 entrance fee on the door. September Mayoral Reception The first ever meeting in 1992, when over 80 people attended, was Chaired by the then Mayor, Les Rimes so it seems appropriate to ask the current Mayor to thank key people in our U3A who have enabled it to grow from less than 100 members in 1992 to over 2,000 now. 30 Years Quiz Night Friday 18th November—get your team ready! Barn Dance January 2023 Yee hah! Get your pardners ready! Brian Keegan 07979694305 email [email protected] Members’ Speaker Meeting? What’s that all about? HERE Well, actually, it is simply a social event, with a guest speaker. But more than that, it’s a chance to socialise with members, outside of the regular groups to which you belong. Completely ad hoc, pop along when you fancy. Pop along when and where? The John Clare Theatre, at Peterborough Central Library in the town centre, bi-monrthly, on the last Tuesday at 2pm. • May 31st : Terry McCarthy takes you back, way back…to the Dark Ages. From the 4th century AD to 1066 or thereabouts. And what remains of their legacy. • July 26th : Derek Harris floats ‘Up the Cut’… an informative whistle stop tour of the canals of England and Wales. With traditional canal songs requiring audience participation. Ooer! 10