October Newsletter
Welcome to October’s newsletter. No you haven’t missed September’s, this is a combined one. We hope you find something to read which is of interest to you.
Make a date with Boyd
Don’t forget the next speaker meeting on Wednesday when local historian Boyd Harris will talk about the fascinating social history of Withnell Fold.
Boyd gave the talk back in 2019, but it is well worth a second visit. Boyd, who spent many of his earlier years in the village has added some updates. Entry is £2 including a cuppa and a biscuit. The talk starts at 11am.
Sing your hearts out!
Do you like to belt out a tune in the shower or warble along to the radio in the car? Singing has been shown to lift mood and promote positive mental health.
A new group has been proposed, Singing for Pleasure, for those who can sing or feel they can’t as everyone can enjoy singing.
If you are interested in joining and bringing some joy to your soul contact Maria Groups Co-ordinator.
New Natural History Group
The new Natural History group is up and running.
You don’t need any knowledge just a lively curiosity and fascination about the world around you.
The group will be focused mainly on our local area taking short walks exploring and recording our findings. Indoor meetings to discuss and examine many topics eg properties of various plants, tasting session, the sky, trees and fossils etc.
The first outing to find and identify local fungi will be on Friday, October 7.
To contact group convenor please contact Maria groups co-ordinator as the Natural History site is not yet up on the webpage .
Croquet mallets at noon..well 1.30pm
The croquet group held their first fun tournament at the beginning of September, the emphasis as always being on fun – and the sun obligingly shone.
Pairs were randomly selected and games played with a degree of concentration that we have come to expect from players, with much laughter, cries of ooooooh and occasionally, polite applause. As ever tactics could be cut throat but eventual winners in a close competition prevailed. Well done to Ann and David.
The group continues through winter, weather permitting. It is played by lots of people who are sporty or say they are ” no good at sport”
If you like being outdoors and enjoy company, having fun playing a game with a tactical edge this may be for you.
Contact the group convenor by clicking on the croquet group on the webpage and send a message or speak to Maria at Wednesday drop in.
Thank you Jackie
Jackie is stepping down as walking group leader. She has been involved with the group since it started, in planning the walks and the administration and has no doubt covered some miles! I’m sure all members want to say a huge thank you for all her hard work.
If anyone wants to take over the vacancy they can contact Maria at groups@westpenninevillagesu3a.org.uk
Meanwhile, here are couple of pix from the latest walk to Hoghton Bottoms, thanks to Dean.
Join the committee
There is another vacancy – on the committee. If anyone is interested in joining, it meets once a month and oversees your U3A, taking in everything from policy documents, to finances, to grant applications. Meetings are held at Withnell Fold Sports and Social Club. If you are interested in finding out more, contact the secretary at secretary@westpenninevillagesu3A.org.uk
Christmas Crafts
A date not to be missed…..
The craft group is holding a Felting workshop which was a huge success when the last one took place.
Member Jackie Cardy will be leading the session on Tuesday, October 11 at Withnell Fold Sports and Social Club and it is open to everyone.
Jackie will be provide everything needed to produce a piece of felt which can then be used as a base to add to or to make a picture or use in another craft. This is open to all U3A members but please go to the craft and chat group to confirm your interest.
Whether you have felted before or just want to give it a try, why not have a go. Felt can be used in many ways and Jackie will show some of her beautiful work. The session starts at 2pm and you will need an old towel as it is wet felting, also a plastic bottle for water. There will be a charge for the fleece and there will be a few bags of coloured fleece to purchase.
The group has been busy making delightful Christmas tree decorations which will all go to decorating a white branch which the group will be entering as a table tree in a competition organised by Withnell Fold Sports and Social. We think they have ‘winner’ written all over them!
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