October 2023
Ready for an Oscar!
All the world was a stage (sorry Mr Shakespeare) when a gang of us had a fantastic tour of the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
Everything from the stars’ dressing room to the secrets of the backstage tricks, and from the fascinating history to the ghost stories, it was an amazing day out.
Our guide Carol kept up informed with her amusing tales of how they managed to get a full size helicopter for Miss Saigon onto the stage – well it is one of the largest stages in Europe – and how it can take 18 months of planning to bring a musical to fruition.
The gas-lit theatre opened in 1891 with a ballet about Cleopatra and in 1913 it was converted to electric. It was previously the Railway Inn pub although there is part of a 16century archway can still be seen in the Circle Bar.
The theatre has seen everything from live elephants to the flying Chitty Chitty car. Charles and Diana were guests and there have been some spooky visitors over the years including ‘resident’ May Wallace who has been spotted sitting in one of the boxes.
Strike it lucky
It’s been a month of outings – the latest being another trip to Chorley’s bowling alley.
Competition was brisk and there was some “striking’ play! A good time was had by all, even though there were some aching arms the next day. Thanks to Gavin for organising.
The highest point scorer of the night was Geoff Eccleston with David Watford close on his heels.
November speaker
Mike as usual, had lined up a super speaker from November.
North West Blood Bikes will be telling us all about the amazing and valuable work they do with their free voluntary out of hours service to moving urgent and emergency supplies covering everything from blood, platelets, samples, donor breast milk, theatre equipment on their bikes.
You should all have had the email about this and please note the change of venue. It will be at Hillside Methodist Church Link Building, Parke Road, Brinscall. PR6 8PU.
It’s on Wednesday, November 1 at 10.30 so please get there early. Admission is £2 to include refreshments. Blood bikes will make a collection at the end to support their valuable work.
Don’t judge a book by its cover
The bookswap group meet on the first Thursday of every month to talk about good books they have read and to share them with other members.
Everyone takes one or two books, describe why members like them, pool the books and after a pleasant chat about authors they do or don’t like, why book covers can be misleading and whether a happy ending matters, they leave with some new reading. Books are borrowed and returned.
The group recently changed meetings to fit better with the many activities available on the lively U3A calendar. If you are interested our next meeting is at 3pm on Thursday 2 November at the Social Club.
Power of the Mind returns
Power of the Mind is all about understanding the amazing way the human mind works and how it influences our behaviours. We have well regarded and engaging guest speakers, do fun exercises and get involved in some great chats as we learn, laugh, live. You can even get involved in research and taking free courses if you want to pursue your interest further.
After the really positive feedback from the summer 2023 sessions with Dr Debbie Pope we’ve been working hard to put together a lively programme to keep you going over the long winter months. There are some amazing speakers coming from the University of Central Lancashire UCLan, Edge Hill and Manchester Universities. We are also planning a series of Social Psychology sessions for the Spring/ Summer 2024 so plenty to keep you interested!
All the latest information on the Winter speaker events and other activities is available via the U3A website to the Power of the Mind activity group. Please let us know if you want to join the fun by clicking on this link to see all the activities and using the contact form:-https://www.westpenninevillagesu3a.org.uk/menu/activities/power-of-the-mind/
Fancy a SOSS?
Walking with friends is a great way to keep fit and banish the blues but not everyone wants or can manage walking over hills, vales and stiles.
So….A new group has been suggested.
“Saturday or Sunday Strolls.”
Or SOSS for short.
It is aimed at those who would like a congenial stroll at weekends around our parks and canals, distances of about 2 miles with a stop at a cafe or take your own flask .
Like the walking group, members would take it in turns to reckkie and describe the walks which will be on a Saturday or Sunday .
If you would be interested in joining this group contact Maria through the Saturday or Sunday Strollers group on the website
…..Or a Sing Song?
Jayne is hoping to restart the ‘Singing for Pleasure ‘ Group. This will probably run fortnightly on Tuesdays from 1.15 – 2.15 (avoiding the Craft Group sessions on the 2nd Tuesday of the month)
If there is sufficient interest! This is a fun session – no auditions, solos etc so come along and have a good sing! It’s so good for you!
If you’re interested contact Ann at the link below and she’ll pass on your name to Jayne who will get back to you with details of the first session. Ann Furlong – Chair
Arts and Crafts
For those who prefer a more genteel past time, the art group and the crafters have been busy producing some amazing work.
And it looks like the craft group got an early memo – about Christmas!
Don’t struggle
Anyone who struggles with the website can find help by clicking on the Help option from the website menu.
Anyone having difficulty getting to meetings, we can reserve a parking spot right next to the clubhouse. Just let us know.
National news
Don’t forget your can get all the national u3a news as well as lots of info about different courses etc at the national u3a website.
We hope you have enjoyed this month’s newsletter. If you have any contributions please contact Lynn using the form below.