October Newsletter 2
Welcome to your October newsletter number 2.
The days are getting shorter and the nights are drawing in but that doesn’t stop your u3a!
There’s been lots of activities this month, from felting to fungi and learning how not to get lost.
So read on…..
How do you read a map?
The walking group has no excuses for getting lost as many of them enjoyed a map reading session.
‘How do we get to Adlington?’ This was the mystifying challenge set to 23 members who attended the ‘Map Reading for Beginners’ session last week.
Multi talented leader Paul put the group through their paces as they poured over maps with their compasses working out North from South.
Watch out for them now on the local hillside practising their skills! Many thanks to Paul for a very enjoyable session.
Meanwhile here are the latest walking pictures from Dean taken on the White Coppice, Anglezarke walk on a gorgeous Autumn day.
Meanwhile the map readers were getting their bearings, the drop-in session christened the club’s new ‘Snug.’
Usually used for storing tables, it has been transformed into a cosy area with cushions, colourful rugs, throws and lighting.
The club is hoping it will provide an extra space for both members and u3a members to enjoy. Thanks to u3a and club member Jayne for her interior designs.
Ann’s game …again!
She’s off again!
Our intrepid chair Ann who has been to more Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships than Usain Bolt, is donning another volunteer uniform – this time a bit nearer home.
Ann will be at Liverpool Arena down by the waterfront, as a volunteer at the World Gymnastics being held from October 29 to November 6.
As the event is inside the uniform will be T shirts and a hoody to be worn with black trousers and shoes.
“But for those of us helping on the piazza, probably me, a coat will be provided!” says Ann.
She added: “Looks like it’s going to be a great event and I think tickets are still available. It would be a great place to take grandchildren if they are still on half term as there is a brilliant ‘fan zone’ where they can have a go at gymnastics on all apparatus etc.”
Fun with fungi
The new natural history group got off to weird and wonderful start with a search for … weird and wonderful fungi!
Eight fungus enthusiasts met on an unpromising Friday afternoon, with Patricia who writes: “However, the black clouds rolled away and the afternoon was perfect. Not so our collective knowledge!”
The group explored the area close to the club and were amazed at the abundance and variety to be found.
Pat added: “There were lots of shouts of ‘here’s another one’, ‘oh there’s lots’, ‘what’s this’ and ‘have we seen this before!’ Some of us used modern technology (Apps) to try and identify our discoveries, others relied on books. We can confidently say identifying fungi is difficult!”
After an hour’s exploration the group gathered for coffee and made valiant efforts to name their finds, successfully identifying two, an amethyst deceiver and a fly agaric which is highly toxic!
“A happy, amazing afternoon spent using our powers of observation so close to home. Just don’t ask us can we eat this one!” said Patricia.
Thank you Menna!
Everyone in the social group has enjoyed some great outings thanks to convenor Menna.
She has done all the leg work, sorting out venues and patiently collecting the money and making sure everyone has a good time. But it’s time to say a huge thank you to her as she bows out from the role.
So we are now looking for a replacement. If anyone fancies taking on the role, please contact please contact the chair Ann or group co-ordinator Maria.
Any ideas?
In the meantime, we hope you are all enjoying the new website and having fun exploring it. Look out for new groups.
Singing for Pleasure is now up and running and the first meeting is planned for Thursday, November 3, at noon at the clubhouse.
Coming soon……..a Cinema Group and get those spades out for an Allotment Group.
To find out more simply click on the group you are interested in to find out more and send a message to the convenor.
We are always on the lookout for new ideas, so if you have any please let us know.
Blue Peter eat your heart out….
The craft group had a bumper turn out for a Felting masterclass from member Jackie Cardy.
Armed with towels, bottles of water and strands of wool, the group set too transforming scraps into amazing pieces.
Jackie went through the techniques of felting – including the muscle building rolling – and then the group was let loose with their imaginations to come up with some delightful creations (I do not include my effort in that description!).
Spotlight on the MOTO group
With all the new groups cropping up, it’s time we put some of our established ones under the spotlight. As part of a monthly look at what’s on offer, we start with the MOTO group.
Members On Their Own does what it says on the tin – it’s a group for members who live alone and fancy a get together.
They meet for a lunch somewhere local and usually on Sundays.
Convenor Lynne Lynch explained: “Many people on their own don’t always want to make a Sunday roast and often if they have family, they are doing their own thing. So we get together at a local pub or restaurant for a meal and a chat.”
And it is proving hugely successful. Friendships have been forged and new members are joining.
“We have a good mix and everyone looks forward to the lunches. It’s a really friendly group.” said Lynne.
The diners usually meet somewhere local, but Lynne is always happy to hear of any new venues to try.
Check out the Group’s next lunch under the MOTO heading on the website.
November speaker
Next months speaker is Carole Codd, a retired Registrar from Liverpool who will share her reflections on the registration of births and the variety of names she has encountered.
So make a date in your diary for Wednesday, November 2 at 11am. Admission £2 including and brew and biscuits.
The December meeting will be our annual Christmas Quiz ….oh yes it will!!! So get your obligatory festive outfits ready. More details next month.
Don’t struggle
We can reserve a parking spot right next to the clubhouse for those finding it difficult to walk up. Just let us know.
We hope you have enjoyed the new-look newsletter. If you have any contributions please send them to Lynn at publicity@westpenninevillagesu3a.org.uk