Royal Chatham Dockyard Tour

31^st October 2019

Twelve Burnham U3A members got on the coach at 9am on a chilly but dry morning. We then went on to the Jacks Centre to collect another twenty-one Dengie & District U3A members as this was a joint U3A outing. Then off to Chatham. On arrival at 10.45 am, we were treated to tea, coffee and lots of biscuits whilst a guide gave a very informative talk about the site. Then off we all trooped with our maps in hand.  We had a planned tour of The Ropery booked for 2.30pm so there was plenty of time to explore. Some members had a tour on HMS Ocelot (the submarine), whilst others enjoyed The Heart of Oak exhibit which is a video led tour taking you from room to room and takes about 35 minutes. The tour was interesting.
There are two other ships that you can walk around at your leisure as well. One is HMS Cavalier, the other HMS Gannet.
There was a vast undercover exhibit of all types of Lifeboats and amphibious vehicles, some you could walk onto, others had raised viewing galleries over them enabling you to get great views.

The Ropery tour was led by a lady dressed in costume of the time, and she took us through the making of rope. The building is a quarter of a mile long, and is the longest brick-built building in Europe!!

Beverly Hunt

Visit to Bressingham Gardens and Steam Day Review

On 11^th September 14 U3A members went to Bressingham Gardens and Steam Day. The weather was mixed but it didn’t spoil our enjoyment. It was our first time using a Mini Bus. It was a cosy journey with a stop off for refreshments along the way. Entertainment was provided by Ivan in the form of a quiz and treasure hunt. Well done Ivan!  Bressingham gardens were amazing, really well kept and lovely collection of plants. The carousel was great fun and the little trips out on the trains were just magical. The Dad’s Army exhibition was interesting.  There was also a variety of trains from the royal carriages to the travelling post office. A really nice day out.

Beverly Hunt

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat – review

On Wednesday 10^th July 16 U3A members (including 2 from Limebrook and 2 from Brentwood U3A’s) went to see this brilliant show at the London Palladium.

The show starts way back many centuries ago, with Jacob and his 12 sons. His favourite son has always been Joseph, which continues to anger the others. Pent up with jealousy, the other 11 sell Joseph to slavery. But, his gift of interpreting dreams turns into his saving grace as he finds himself standing alongside the Egyptian Pharaoh. His journey takes him to prison and into the heights of civilisation as he tries to right wrongs and do good.

Sheridan Smith played the Narrator but took on other parts including Pharaoh’s wife, a jailer and Jacob whilst waring a pull-down beard, eye patch and cloak and asks the audience “can you tell it’s me” and “still me”. Jac Yarrow who has just graduated from Drama School played Joseph and was exceptional. Jason Donovan played Pharaoh and gave it the full “Elvis” treatment. He descended into the Valley of the Kings scene with Pharaoh’s all-gold throne room including singing electric guitar playing statues.  The whole show is supported by an excellent cast of children.

After the show members either made their way home or stayed in London for an after-show meal.

Beverly Hunt

Review of 9 to 5 The Musical

On Wednesday 22nd May sixteen members had a wonderful day out at the Savoy Theatre. Eight members met at Burnham station at 11.00 am and two were already on the train from Southminster. Two members of Crouch Valley U3A also joined our jolly group at South Woodham Ferrers station. Once arriving at Liverpool Street station, we split up into various groups to spend the time either going shopping or having lunch before the show. All sixteen of us met up at the Theatre for the start of the show, where I was very pleased with our rows of seats in the dress circle.

Dolly Parton popped up in video footage to introduce the show to the audience. From my point of view, the cast, including Bonnie Langford, Louise Redknapp, Natalie McQueen, Amber Davis and Brian Conley all contributed to a hilarious performance.

I have received a few comments from those that attended: – It was a brilliantly funny show, I thoroughly enjoyed it, a lovely day out, great show, fun, easy watching (a little noisy!).

It was a shame about the quick exit from the theatre (the theatre had a fire alarm practice and we were all ushered out very quickly) as we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to everybody. Thank you to all those that came along and made it an excellent day out.

Beverly Hunt