Recent News

Dear Member,

As the Government relaxes the LockDown rules regarding the Corona Virus, your committee has decided that those group activities which can operate within both the Third Age Trust and Government guidelines, could recommence if they wish to do so. This will probably be those groups who can meet outdoors.

Your Group Leaders will be receiving copies of the Third Age Trust guidelines, and it will be up to them to decide if proposed activities can comply with these and those of the Government. At the moment these guidelines will restrict any group to six members, including the Group Leader who will have to decide the best and fairest way to manage this.

It will be your choice should you wish to take part in these activities and it will be your and your Group Leader’s responsibility to ensure that the guidelines are met.

I hope that you are all keeping well and safe, and like me, looking forward to when we get back to some kind of normality.

Best Regards

Ivan

I am sure that everyone is doing as much as they are able to follow the Government’s advice on helping to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Below is a letter from our Chairman outlining the U3A Head Office guidelines.

Keep safe, everyone.

DG

Book Lovers, one of our five book groups, has room for ONE more person.  This popular group meets on the 3^rd Monday monthly and is ably run by Francis Harris.

They read a wide selection of books and this month have chosen The Power by Naomi Alderman a 2016 science fiction novel.  Apparently, its central premise is women developing the ability to release electrical jolts from their fingers, therefore leading them to become the dominant gender.  It has brilliant reviews, Margaret Attwood says “Electrifying! Shocking! Will knock your socks off.  Then you’ll think twice, about everything”

It will be interesting to hear what the group thought of it and if their socks ‘have been knocked off’.

If you are interested in joining this group contact Frances on 01621 783770

The Discussion Group met Monday evenings at the beginning of the month – but now gone are those cosy evenings where friends met to discuss various topics and enjoy the hospitality that Peter Davidson provided.
Over the years he has come up with a huge variety of subjects including the following:
Is there a future for the EU? (2015)
Is obedience a force for good or evil? (2016)
Is the increase in use of social media, press regulations and restrictions on university free speech threatening democracy? (2017)
In good spirit, whether in agreement or disagreement, and accompanied by a glass of wine ‘to loosen the tongue’, arguments were listened to and discussed. Unanimous conclusions were rare but differences were forgotten once the discussion ended and coffee and homemade cake were served.
Regrettably, due to events beyond his control, the group has had to disband. This is a great loss as not only was the group well-liked by its members but more so because Peter is one of our longest serving group leaders and most respected member of our U3A.
Thank you, Peter, for inviting members into your home for all those years.

Diane Caulkett
Group Coordinator

The Essex Association of U3As is holding 4 individual study days over the next six months.

Music Workshop, Tree Study Day, Advanced Genealogy, Geology

The first of these is the Music Workshop and will be held on Sunday 24th November 2019 at Broomfield Village Hall, 158 Main Road, Chelmsford CM1 7AH  at 9.30am

This is what Shirley writes about the day:

I would like to invite you to expand your horizons by participating in my “Singing for Physical and Mental Wellbeing” workshop.

My name is Shirley Masterson and I am an experienced singing teacher who has led many choral workshops in Essex and who runs the South Woodham Ferrers  U3A “ Find Your Voice” choir.

This is a day for everyone – if you can sing or not. The workshop will include brain-training, work on breathing techniques, co-ordination and communicating with others but most of all singing!

You’ll leave with a sense of euphoria and achievement and hopefully, a willingness to carry on singing.

Itinerary for the Day:

9.30  Coffee

10.00  – 11.00  Session 1

11.00 – 11.15 Break

11.30 – 12.30   Session 2

12.30 – 1.30 Lunch

1.30 – 3.00  Session 3

The cost of the day is £12 which includes lunch.

The second Study Day  is The Study of Trees at the Arboretum

to be held on Monday 11^th May 2020 at Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

Please note the Marks Hall will be closed to the public on this day

The Arboretum forms  an enviable collection of trees originating from every temperate area of the world and miles of leafy woodland walks to explore and enjoy.

The day will begin at 10.30 am  with the Senior Arborist taking you through the differing areas of the worlds trees.

Following the lecture you will be free to explore and enjoy a picnic. (please bring your own lunch)

The cost of the Day is £10.00  (there will not be food available to purchase on this day)

Please note that this day will be on uneven ground, it will also involve steps and grassed areas which may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.

Please apply via the Essex Association Website on the contacts page for the above Study Days

Would you please be kind enough to read, and action if appropriate, the four pages in Recent News  (click in menu on the left) relating to our AGM to be held during September’s Monthly Meeting.

Also remember that as well as the AGM we do have a speaker: Keith Sargeant whose talk is entitled ‘My Journey as a London Fireman’