July 2023
Another milestone!
We have another milestone to celebrate this month – our 200th member.
When we started back in September 2019 with our inaugural meeting we had lots of enthusiastic people eager to join us. Then Covid hit, but our numbers continued to grow.
And now we welcome Julie Vickers as our 200th member.
But we haven’t stopped there, our membership now stands at 202 with several new members waiting in the wings to join us. So onwards and upwards for your WPVu3a!
This way please………
Many members driving or walking to the sports club will have seen Ann’s home-made signs directing the way.
Now we have some shiny, new posh ones showing the way. Thanks to Paul for sorting them, and we think you will all agree, they are just the ticket.
Calling all members……..
Next month’s speaker will be taking us on a whistle stop tour of the history of communication.
While we all use our smartphones for everything from photographs to ordering the weekly shop, Nigel Linge, a Professor of Telecommunications, School of Science, Engineering and Environment at Salford University, will cover 2,500 years of communications from the early forms of semaphore signalling to today’s latest inventions. Professor Linge has spoken to various u3a groups, WI groups and has delivered children’s Christmas lectures and so is able to make this scientific subject matter entertaining and accessible to all.
The talk is on Wednesday, August 2, at Withnell Fold Sports & Social Club with a prompt 10.30 start. Admission is £2 which includes refreshments. If you can turn up in good time that would be helpful.
Thank you Boyd
A huge thanks to Boyd Harris for last month’s fascinating film show about Withnell Fold paper mill. Boyd digitally remastered the film which brought the quality right up to date. It was amazing to see the history of the mill and the workers – especially the ladies who obviously wore their Sunday best for the cameras!
Interested in some science?
Talking about science……….Is anyone interested in a new STEM group.
For the uninitiated, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. It probably covers the broadest range of subjects of any potential new U3A group – from the Big Bang to the invention of the light bulb and from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to Neil Armstrong.
The aim would be to share talks and presentations of relevant subjects that interests members and invite speakers and have visits to relevant places of interest. If anyone is interested, contact the Groups Coordinator.
A trip to the East…….
The walking group decided to head off to pastures new – to East Lancashire.
As usual east of Burnley, it was raining which was quite apt as the walk was entitled Historic Waterways!
But it didn’t stop them donning their waterproofs to explore Colne and Foulridge.
Earlier in the month they paid a visit to Skelwith Bridge…and there was no rain!
Sorting out the UFOs
Meanwhile the craft group decided to stay warm and dry and tidy up their UFOs. Nothing to do with aliens, but their Unfinished Objects – pieces that have got put to the back of the cupboard or just never got finished.
Caption fun
Last month’s picture of two of our members having a sneaky nap at the RHS Bridgewater brought in a few captions, including: “All we need is a nice cup of tea” and “The terrible two go wild”. Thanks for the contributions.
A reminder……
It’s nearly that time of year again – time for subscription renewals. Reminder emails will be going out soon for September.
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.