BREAK FOR SUMMER
The study groups demanding regular homework for effective learning will be assessing their viability over Spring/Summer. It is for the members of each group to decide. For my own part I will not continue with either French or Italian (weekly meetings) after April, preferring to devote my time to the outdoors including making the most of a large garden.
Chess Group have already decided to close down after April (Hazel Court 1st and 3rd Mondays of month) until the start of the new U3A year in October.
Book Reading 4 also Hazel Court will not meet in April because the 2nd Monday is Easter Monday. They will however meet in May at least.
Italian Group also Hazel Court weekly on Monday morning will discuss continuation beyond April. They will be unable to share the room cost thereafter as it stands, though a quite separate Painting Group I assume will still share costs for the 4th Monday.
French Group have decided to run weekly until the end of April on Thursdays at 10am in Hazel Court and will review shortly any extension.
Tai Chi Hazel Court every Friday will run on except only for Good Friday.
Wednesday Lectures run weekly from 22 April to the AGM on the 24 June.
Outings are scheduled for 8 July and 30 September
The Established Groups will by now have an accepted time scale
LIFE BEGINS AT 50+ in Leisure Centre
This was judged by those with experience to have been more successful than similar events in alternate venues. Our records show we talked to over 100 people showing an interest, a sizable underestimate as I for one was guilty of not always adding to the count. I did however persuade 31 callers to leave their email addresses and have sent them all the link to the blog and that has triggered several pleasant responses, it will be interesting to observe how many later join.
PROSPECTIVE GROUPS
NEW PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP?
Laurence Hopes and Pat Herbert are trying to form a Photography Group which would meet in the Vivian Hall but go out on Photo-shoot expeditions. This sounds an excellent variation for the summer months, and could well feed into a second Digital Media Group to edit the photographs next year. I personally find the photographic emphasis attractive and the improvement of such records, my background is of course travel photography which decorates our walls with our travel memories, non more poignant than the group of celebrating school leavers near Tapaktuan (West Coast Sumatra) who were almost certainly wiped out by the Tsunami.
Would anyone interested please contact me via this blog or get in direct touch with Laurence Hopes on 362113 or hopes123@tiscali.co.uk
NEW GERMAN GROUP ?
Dorothy Little who already runs Book Group 4 and is a keen contributor to MOTO (Members om their Own) writes to ask if others are interested in forming a German Group. Thoughts to me or direct to Dorothy Little on 511127 or dorothylittle@ntlworld.com The big problem with such groups is finding a tutor, (I must ask if she was a German teacher), and finding a compromise knowledge level. There is lots of experience amongst our membership, though not all are willing to share it even in a self help organisation like this one.
LECTURES for 2009/2010
Barbara Ellis reports that it is more difficult than previously to find speakers from increasingly demanned organisations like museums. She, one of three committee members planning next years lectures (the others are the Searles and Helgi Opik), would be interested in hearing from any member who is willing to offer a lecture.
ARMCHAIR TRAVEL
Joan will give a Power Point Slide show illustrating our month long backpack across GUATEMALA by CHICKEN BUS, 2.30pm Friday 3 April at the Sketty Park Evangelical Church immediately south of Hazel Court on the same road Maes y Gollen.
READING GROUP 2
Barbara Ellis (894030 or wgellis@sky.com ) writes to tell me that this home based group has vacancies for a few more members. They meet in members homes at 10.30am on the 3rd Monday of the month, but willingness to host a meeting is definitely not a requirement for new members, nor for several existing ones. She also tells me they share cars and would be prepared to give lifts to those with transport problems, current members live in Mayals, Gowerton, Sketty and even Burry on Gower.
The book for April is 'The Bend in the River' by V S Naipaul, no meeting in May, then 'When will there be Good News' by Kate Atkinson for June, 'The Reader' by Bernard Schlink for July, and, 'Somewhere Towards the End' by Diana Athill for August. Like Mo Ellard's Book Reading Group 1 they obviously plan the book selection well in advance.
DISCUSSION GROUP
Roly Govier writes to say that next year Rob James will take over as leader of this group. He can be contacted on 822508 (I don't see the need to add the area code to 01792 numbers) or rob3james@btinternet.com
It is very encouraging to see volunteers to take over groups, each will I am sure be able to add something new.
APOLOGIES
Last week's poem came from Don Mason. It was bad enough assigning it to ANON without getting his real name wrong.
One of the worst signs of mental ageing I suffer is the recall of names of people and places. I have developed a particular fault in that I no longer remember Christian Names and Surnames together. Once upon a time if you said Hutton I would automatically think Len; or Compton would link easily with Denis - but a little thought would produce Leslie his brother, a fine Centre Half for Arsenal. But nowadays Brian is difficult to link with Corbett , so I'll sign off this week as Brian Shakespeare - you will understand why when I bore you all in a couple of weeks time.
I must apologise too for MOTO because the party of around eight who went by the Mid Wales Line to Shrewsbury for a couple of nights obviously thought they had travelled by steam train, and developing the theme they phoned to say they were water drinking in Shrewsbury. Perhaps with water from one of those refuelling tower tanks along the line, I muse!!
Third apology for the absence of photographs, I am just too tired to bother! There, I feel quite humble!
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Saturday, 21 March 2009
LIFE BEGINS AT FIFTY+
On Thursday the 26 March the Leisure Centre is hosting a day dedicated to demonstrating the range of facilities available to the over fifties in Swansea, between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
The Leisure Centre itself is offering free tasters of some of their activities mostly in hour long slots with bookings on arrival at the Leisure Centre. In the Water Park they offer a Splash in Pool from 11.30 to 2pm and three Aquarobics sessions. In Studio A they offer a session of Yoga, then Aerobics, Pilates, Easy Line Exercises and finally Yoga Stretch. Bring swimwear or suitable footwear for exercises.
The Life Long Learning organisation are offering tasters in the Sports Hall, Digital Photography, IT, Water Colour Painting, Calligraphy and Mobile Phones.
SPA treatments are offering, File and Polish, Scalp Massage, Reflexology and Hand and Arm Massage.
In addition there will be 70 exhibitors with topics like Health, Safety, Benefits, Social Care and Housing.
Swansea U3A will be there throughout in an exercise coordinated by our Publicity Secretary Marilyn Croft, who will ensure we have an impressive display and demonstrate the range and friendliness of this organisation. It is vital to us to
continue to attract new members because that is the life blood of any dynamic
organisation.


We now number over 650 members but just as importantly over 150 joined for the first time this year. As Groups Coordinator, responsible above all for the creation of new groups and the strengthening of weaker ones I have learned how important this new blood is. Val Lawton now an enthusiastic member of many groups, and determined to run one of her own once she has recovered her mobility following an operation, told me it was this event last year that sold this organisation to her.
Think of the success of new member Gerwyn Thomas and the hugely pleasurable and effective way he has formed a Jive Group in the Monkey Cafe on Wednesday mornings and The Members On Their Own Group (MOTO) for those who have lost partners. MOTO have an ever increasing range from events in Swansea to overnight trips and were even promoting a short Baltic cruise until the company Travelsphere pulled out for lack of sufficient overall support. A lot of their ideas originate from group discussion over coffee in the Monkey cafe on Jive mornings.
Then think that the French Class was failing as its tutor had died. Along come three new members Steve Johnson who had lived in Paris for 30 years, followed by Beryl Edney who taught our kids French, then Celia Roberts with a degree in French and an interest in teaching, all three joined this year. Think Italian and my chance meeting with Carolina Rosati-Jones who had taught me at DACE, she hadn't even heard of the U3A and is now both a member and a tutor.
Remember how the Chess Group was set up by a hugely enthusiastic new member, and then how Ken Huntley, a school coach, has helped the embryo group with coaching. Think how Lawmary Champion is well on the way to revitalising the Literature Reading Group after its original leader had died, with new members joining to add to a solid core, as well as creating another group in Cards for Pleasure.
Don't forget either how Cecily the Chairman's wife has brought to fruition her idea to have high quality lectures in advance of classical music concerts in the Brangwyn presentations. Concert Goers Group is helping people to enjoy the concerts even more. This added to her last years successful inauguration of a wine group and a third book group with a fourth this year.
The latest group of all, Tai Chi taught by Mike Hart, arose from a contact direct to the Chairman Bob Hughes and has now been split into two classes at 9.30 and 11.00 on Friday morning, so as to allow members of the Digital Media Group (digital photographic editing techniques) run by Anthony Hughes to attend Tai Chi as well.
I am often asked what lies behind this expansion and diversification and I usually answer luck, ie chance meetings and contacts, but though my wife Joan would find this almost impossible to believe I would add 'listening'. Listening to the ideas of strangers at events like this one, and listening to the ideas of established members. Lastly I hope and think this blog has provided vastly improved communication of activities and developments. No less than two first time jivers last week said they were encouraged to try thanks to this blog. The Internet is undoubtedly a technology to be seized. I am prepared to put effort into this publication because I know the information is being potentially shared by 250 members. Think of the effort and cost of producing and mailing an equivalent weekly newsletter. This blog costs the U3A nothing, and me but a few hours of my time each week, usually till after midnight!
Dynamic long term members also contribute on their own initiative. Two years ago long time member Mo Ellard was running the one and only book reading group. Last year she decided with Margaret Winter to establish an Art Appreciation Group with lectures by a respected tutor. This year she has further diversified, with two coach trips to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff and to an Art based 5 day holiday in The Netherlands. Likewise Marjorie Vanston who has run the Welsh Group for years, also organises trips for instance to the outdoor theatre at St Fagan's, and keeps her eyes open for other events and lectures of interest. The Politics and Citizenship Group also organise trips, this year a guided trip to Swansea's Synagogue and the Mosque in St Helen's Road. Astronomy have projects including hiring a time slot to use a powerful international telescope.
SWANSEA U3A

If you believe that life begins at fifty you will believe anything! BUT being fifty truly does offer a new beginning. There is a life after raising a family, one which opens new opportunities, so does retirement, and though it must be hard to believe at the time there is even a life after losing a loved partner. The Swansea U3A will help you make new friends, widen your interests by helping you pursue new ones and develop present ones, and always in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere - unfortunately often not envisaged from our full title University of the Third Age. Above all this is a self help organisation, run by members freely giving their time to help others pursue an ever wider range of interests. Here then is a departure from the normal style of my blog so as to provide some appreciation of our activities for anyone enquiring at our stand.
There are basically three strands to our activities
1) Weekly Lecture in term time. On Wednesday afternoons, usually in the large Grove Lecture Theatre at Swansea University. The program varies each year and always covers a wide range of topics of general interest - think Radio 4 rather than a university lecture.
2) Interest Groups. There are over forty Groups, say of between 10 and 40 members, with specific common interests.
Physical Activities like Walking (and lunching!), Geology field trips, Jiving, Tai Chi, Short Mat Bowls and Gardening.


Other Activities like Watercolour and other Painting, Singing, Bridge, Craft & Design, Scrabble, Cards for Pleasure, Chess, Calligraphy and Creative Writing
Study Interests like Welsh, French and Italian, Concert Going, Music Appreciation, Art Appreciation, Astronomy, Climate Change, Digital Media, History, Local History, Research, Literature and Travellers Tales
Discussion groups like Roly Govier's Discussion Group, Politics and Civilisation, and, Book Reading
Social Groups , like Wine Tasting, Sunday Lunches and MOTO.
3) Miscellaneous Events, like the Jill Govier's Pantomime in the Dolphin Hotel on only its second year, a real fun event for actors, audience and even those who are only there for the cream tea.
An Official Outing just returned from Tintern Abbey.
The St David's Day Lunch for 100 and the Christmas Lunch in the Greyhound. Then there's Taste of World Food where Lyn Holt and Team cook to a theme for 50 - this year's themes were Celtic (Whisky, Haggis, Laverbread etc), then the American Confederacy, finally last week's Asian Food.
The Quiz in St David's Hall, the Open Day in the Dolphin where my year began and the possibilities started to unfold.


Don Mason sends this poem to amuse elderly PC Buffs
The computer swallowed grandpa
Yes, honest it's true!
He pressed 'Control & Enter'
And disappeared from view
It devoured him completely
The thought just makes me squirm
He must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm
I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet
But nothing did I find
In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine
The reply from him was negative
Not a thing was found on-line
So, if inside your Inbox
My grandpa should you see
Please Copy, Scan and Paste him
And send him back to me.
by ANON or was it DON? who adds
We do not stop playing because we grow old
We grow old because we stop playing.
SOUTH WALES & SEVERNSIDE NETWORK of U3As
Margaret Massey is our Network representative. As an organisation they target improved coordination between individual U3As, like this one at Swansea. They also have several meetings a year attended by representatives of all the constituent groups, and the next one is Wednesday 8 April 10am (until 3.30pm) at the University of Glamorgan at Trefforest.
The cost including a buffet lunch, tea and coffee breaks is 10.50. If anyone wants to go they should contact Margaret on 205028 before the end of March. There is a full program of lectures from a Keynote Address by Ruth Marks, Commissioner for Older People in Wales, a hour discussion on 'Sharing Ideas', in the afternoon Angela Fish, Director of the university's Intergenerational Unit will lead contributions on 'Spanning the Generations', and finally to conclude Network Business session.
Margaret handed me this information a month ago but I held onto it seeking a better time to publicise. That time of course was yesterday, before the bog update emails went out. Sorry Margaret.
Many already know that the Geology Group operates across the Network with site visits from the Pembrokeshire west coast to beyond Wales eastern borders, for instance including the Malverns. If interested contact Yvonne Thomas on 01554 832337 or better still email her on
yvonne@lunn-thomas.fsnet.co.uk
and ask her to email a poster of the next visit. One of the beauties of studying geology is the beauty of the sites you have to visit! We are indeed privileged to live in such a wonderful part of the world.
Computer Storage and this Blog
Some people are worried at how large this blog is getting, but you will rarely want to read back further than the last two postings, there is always some editing in the week before the next posting, the Network section above is a case in point.
However be assured that the bulk of the blog is held on a Google server computer on the web. When you bring up the blog only the most recent sections will be downloaded to your PC and the memory they temporarily use will be released the moment, when having finished you shut the blog down. In this respect it is no different to any other time you access the Internet.
INAUGURAL LECTURE by PROFESSOR VANESSA BURHOLT
She is the Professor of Social Gerontology and will lecture on 'Is home where the heart is? The affinities between people and betwixt places in later life'. It will be held in the Taliesin Theatre at 3pm on 1 April, and members are invited to attend.
s
The Life Long Learning organisation are offering tasters in the Sports Hall, Digital Photography, IT, Water Colour Painting, Calligraphy and Mobile Phones.
SPA treatments are offering, File and Polish, Scalp Massage, Reflexology and Hand and Arm Massage.
In addition there will be 70 exhibitors with topics like Health, Safety, Benefits, Social Care and Housing.
Swansea U3A will be there throughout in an exercise coordinated by our Publicity Secretary Marilyn Croft, who will ensure we have an impressive display and demonstrate the range and friendliness of this organisation. It is vital to us to
continue to attract new members because that is the life blood of any dynamic
organisation.
We now number over 650 members but just as importantly over 150 joined for the first time this year. As Groups Coordinator, responsible above all for the creation of new groups and the strengthening of weaker ones I have learned how important this new blood is. Val Lawton now an enthusiastic member of many groups, and determined to run one of her own once she has recovered her mobility following an operation, told me it was this event last year that sold this organisation to her.
Think of the success of new member Gerwyn Thomas and the hugely pleasurable and effective way he has formed a Jive Group in the Monkey Cafe on Wednesday mornings and The Members On Their Own Group (MOTO) for those who have lost partners. MOTO have an ever increasing range from events in Swansea to overnight trips and were even promoting a short Baltic cruise until the company Travelsphere pulled out for lack of sufficient overall support. A lot of their ideas originate from group discussion over coffee in the Monkey cafe on Jive mornings.
Then think that the French Class was failing as its tutor had died. Along come three new members Steve Johnson who had lived in Paris for 30 years, followed by Beryl Edney who taught our kids French, then Celia Roberts with a degree in French and an interest in teaching, all three joined this year. Think Italian and my chance meeting with Carolina Rosati-Jones who had taught me at DACE, she hadn't even heard of the U3A and is now both a member and a tutor.
Remember how the Chess Group was set up by a hugely enthusiastic new member, and then how Ken Huntley, a school coach, has helped the embryo group with coaching. Think how Lawmary Champion is well on the way to revitalising the Literature Reading Group after its original leader had died, with new members joining to add to a solid core, as well as creating another group in Cards for Pleasure.
Don't forget either how Cecily the Chairman's wife has brought to fruition her idea to have high quality lectures in advance of classical music concerts in the Brangwyn presentations. Concert Goers Group is helping people to enjoy the concerts even more. This added to her last years successful inauguration of a wine group and a third book group with a fourth this year.
The latest group of all, Tai Chi taught by Mike Hart, arose from a contact direct to the Chairman Bob Hughes and has now been split into two classes at 9.30 and 11.00 on Friday morning, so as to allow members of the Digital Media Group (digital photographic editing techniques) run by Anthony Hughes to attend Tai Chi as well.
I am often asked what lies behind this expansion and diversification and I usually answer luck, ie chance meetings and contacts, but though my wife Joan would find this almost impossible to believe I would add 'listening'. Listening to the ideas of strangers at events like this one, and listening to the ideas of established members. Lastly I hope and think this blog has provided vastly improved communication of activities and developments. No less than two first time jivers last week said they were encouraged to try thanks to this blog. The Internet is undoubtedly a technology to be seized. I am prepared to put effort into this publication because I know the information is being potentially shared by 250 members. Think of the effort and cost of producing and mailing an equivalent weekly newsletter. This blog costs the U3A nothing, and me but a few hours of my time each week, usually till after midnight!
Dynamic long term members also contribute on their own initiative. Two years ago long time member Mo Ellard was running the one and only book reading group. Last year she decided with Margaret Winter to establish an Art Appreciation Group with lectures by a respected tutor. This year she has further diversified, with two coach trips to the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff and to an Art based 5 day holiday in The Netherlands. Likewise Marjorie Vanston who has run the Welsh Group for years, also organises trips for instance to the outdoor theatre at St Fagan's, and keeps her eyes open for other events and lectures of interest. The Politics and Citizenship Group also organise trips, this year a guided trip to Swansea's Synagogue and the Mosque in St Helen's Road. Astronomy have projects including hiring a time slot to use a powerful international telescope.
SWANSEA U3A
If you believe that life begins at fifty you will believe anything! BUT being fifty truly does offer a new beginning. There is a life after raising a family, one which opens new opportunities, so does retirement, and though it must be hard to believe at the time there is even a life after losing a loved partner. The Swansea U3A will help you make new friends, widen your interests by helping you pursue new ones and develop present ones, and always in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere - unfortunately often not envisaged from our full title University of the Third Age. Above all this is a self help organisation, run by members freely giving their time to help others pursue an ever wider range of interests. Here then is a departure from the normal style of my blog so as to provide some appreciation of our activities for anyone enquiring at our stand.
There are basically three strands to our activities
1) Weekly Lecture in term time. On Wednesday afternoons, usually in the large Grove Lecture Theatre at Swansea University. The program varies each year and always covers a wide range of topics of general interest - think Radio 4 rather than a university lecture.
2) Interest Groups. There are over forty Groups, say of between 10 and 40 members, with specific common interests.
Physical Activities like Walking (and lunching!), Geology field trips, Jiving, Tai Chi, Short Mat Bowls and Gardening.
Discussion groups like Roly Govier's Discussion Group, Politics and Civilisation, and, Book Reading
Social Groups , like Wine Tasting, Sunday Lunches and MOTO.
3) Miscellaneous Events, like the Jill Govier's Pantomime in the Dolphin Hotel on only its second year, a real fun event for actors, audience and even those who are only there for the cream tea.
An Official Outing just returned from Tintern Abbey.
The St David's Day Lunch for 100 and the Christmas Lunch in the Greyhound. Then there's Taste of World Food where Lyn Holt and Team cook to a theme for 50 - this year's themes were Celtic (Whisky, Haggis, Laverbread etc), then the American Confederacy, finally last week's Asian Food.
The Quiz in St David's Hall, the Open Day in the Dolphin where my year began and the possibilities started to unfold.
Don Mason sends this poem to amuse elderly PC Buffs
The computer swallowed grandpa
Yes, honest it's true!
He pressed 'Control & Enter'
And disappeared from view
It devoured him completely
The thought just makes me squirm
He must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm
I've searched through the recycle bin
And files of every kind;
I've even used the Internet
But nothing did I find
In desperation, I asked Jeeves
My searches to refine
The reply from him was negative
Not a thing was found on-line
So, if inside your Inbox
My grandpa should you see
Please Copy, Scan and Paste him
And send him back to me.
by ANON or was it DON? who adds
We do not stop playing because we grow old
We grow old because we stop playing.
SOUTH WALES & SEVERNSIDE NETWORK of U3As
Margaret Massey is our Network representative. As an organisation they target improved coordination between individual U3As, like this one at Swansea. They also have several meetings a year attended by representatives of all the constituent groups, and the next one is Wednesday 8 April 10am (until 3.30pm) at the University of Glamorgan at Trefforest.
The cost including a buffet lunch, tea and coffee breaks is 10.50. If anyone wants to go they should contact Margaret on 205028 before the end of March. There is a full program of lectures from a Keynote Address by Ruth Marks, Commissioner for Older People in Wales, a hour discussion on 'Sharing Ideas', in the afternoon Angela Fish, Director of the university's Intergenerational Unit will lead contributions on 'Spanning the Generations', and finally to conclude Network Business session.
Margaret handed me this information a month ago but I held onto it seeking a better time to publicise. That time of course was yesterday, before the bog update emails went out. Sorry Margaret.
Many already know that the Geology Group operates across the Network with site visits from the Pembrokeshire west coast to beyond Wales eastern borders, for instance including the Malverns. If interested contact Yvonne Thomas on 01554 832337 or better still email her on
yvonne@lunn-thomas.fsnet.co.uk
and ask her to email a poster of the next visit. One of the beauties of studying geology is the beauty of the sites you have to visit! We are indeed privileged to live in such a wonderful part of the world.
Computer Storage and this Blog
Some people are worried at how large this blog is getting, but you will rarely want to read back further than the last two postings, there is always some editing in the week before the next posting, the Network section above is a case in point.
However be assured that the bulk of the blog is held on a Google server computer on the web. When you bring up the blog only the most recent sections will be downloaded to your PC and the memory they temporarily use will be released the moment, when having finished you shut the blog down. In this respect it is no different to any other time you access the Internet.
INAUGURAL LECTURE by PROFESSOR VANESSA BURHOLT
She is the Professor of Social Gerontology and will lecture on 'Is home where the heart is? The affinities between people and betwixt places in later life'. It will be held in the Taliesin Theatre at 3pm on 1 April, and members are invited to attend.
s
Sunday, 15 March 2009
SPRING IS RIZ
SPRING AT LAST
For the first time this year I have been enticed to start the years labouring on my garden, the first day I felt it warm enough and dry enough that I could actually do more good than harm, to both the garden and myself, by digging the vegetable plot - well a quarter of it but the rest is now free of annual flowering seeding weeds which should give me a head start.

Saturday I came in tired but happily announced to Joan that my heart had miraculously gone back into rhythm, well it was pulsing strongly but further investigation by her showed it was as irregular as usual. Still that gave me a thirty second lift. The crocus of St. David's Day are now giving way to a field of
golden daffodils.
Field is the best way to describe my lawn, well paddock would be better the result of frequent visits by my eldest grand-daughter on horseback with assorted friends like mother, boyfriend, girlfriends, acquaintances and even her young brother.

Joe was into Rugby rather than riding until he was kicked unconscious, complete with broken nose, by his own scrum half. He even praises the said scrum half for not being afraid to put his boots into a ruck to win the ball. How the world changes! At that age I was just an innocent beginning grammar school and Rugby, whilst he is already a veteran. We English of the day described Rugby as 'a game for hooligans played by gentlemen'. Did you see them play France off the park in the nicest possible way? Tally-ho Ireland!

TAI CHI
Such a success that from this Friday it has been decided to split into two groups, the first 9.30 to 10.30, and the second 11am to 12am. One of the advantages of Hazel Court not before exploited is that the rental pays for a half day. Of the twenty five present last week twelve opted for one course and thirteen for the other, that means there is ample space for further members at either session. The charge remains at £3 per session.

MOTO
Janet Jones who is co-ordinating, but not booking, for the MOTO 6 day cruise party going to Stockholm and St. Petersberg leaving Heathrow on 6 June is now looking for an extra male as a previous one has booked but now finds himself unable to go. I assume he will be the second male in a shared cabin, but for this or other details lease email Janet at
janeteileenjones@hotmail.com
CREATIVE WRITING 2
Jill Govier writes to say that John Barber has agreed to take over as convener of this group, he has been standing in for Tony Crisp for several weeks already.
His address is: 86, Rhodfa Fadot/ Morriston/ SA6 6NB/ Tel:01792 774741/ e-mail: barberjay@aol.com.
LIFE BEGINS AT FIFTY
This free event will take place on Thursday 26 March between 10am and 4pm at the Swansea Leisure Centre. The U3A will be amongst the organisations promoting our wares in an effort co-ordinated by our Publicity Secretary Marilyn Croft. The Leisure Centre are also offering free a Free Splash in the Pool, Aquarobics and Exercise tasters, and Health Checks. There will be Learning Tasters on Computers, Water Colour Painting, Digital Photography and Calligraphy. Contact Ann or Richard on 636703/636745, or text/phone 01792 636733 for further information.
ART APPRECIATION
Mo Ellard is organising a coach trip to the National Museum of Wales on Tuesday 28 April. There will be free guided tours of an exhibition of Alfred Sisley's paintings of South Wales. The coach leaves Wellington Street (opposite Tesco Swansea Central) at 9.30 and leaves Cardiff for the return at 4pm. The cost is £3, all U3A members welcome but please contact Mo, tel 363465 to book places.
EVERYMAN OUTDOOR THEATRE at St. FAGANS
Marjorie Vanston 296375 is organising her usual coach trips to St Fagans to see:-
The Gondoliers on 11 July
King Lear on 1 August
The price will be £11 per ticket plus a share of the cost of the coach. She is asking for Names of those wanting to go by this Wednesday, but money later once the cost of the coach has been determined.
THIS WEEK'S NEW GROUP ACTIVITIES
MONDAY 16 March
ITALIAN at 10am in Hazel Court with CHESS sharing the Craft Room.
TUESDAY
LITERATURE at 2pm in St. Mary's Vestry with Mary Webb's Gone to Earth.
WEDNESDAY
JIVE as usual 10.30am at the Monkey Cafe in the Centre of Swansea opposite the Castle. Come and try. A good time to pick up the latest news on MOTO activities, eg Janet Jones is a regular attender.
NO WEDNESDAY LECTURE until 22 April
THURSDAY
French Conversation as usual at 10am in Hazel Court.
FRIDAY
TAI CHI First Class at 9.30am and Second Class at 11am.
Taste of Singapore 6.30pm at Sketty Park Community Centre. Lyn Holt goes Asian for his last meal of the U3A year.
For the first time this year I have been enticed to start the years labouring on my garden, the first day I felt it warm enough and dry enough that I could actually do more good than harm, to both the garden and myself, by digging the vegetable plot - well a quarter of it but the rest is now free of annual flowering seeding weeds which should give me a head start.
Saturday I came in tired but happily announced to Joan that my heart had miraculously gone back into rhythm, well it was pulsing strongly but further investigation by her showed it was as irregular as usual. Still that gave me a thirty second lift. The crocus of St. David's Day are now giving way to a field of
golden daffodils.
Field is the best way to describe my lawn, well paddock would be better the result of frequent visits by my eldest grand-daughter on horseback with assorted friends like mother, boyfriend, girlfriends, acquaintances and even her young brother.
Joe was into Rugby rather than riding until he was kicked unconscious, complete with broken nose, by his own scrum half. He even praises the said scrum half for not being afraid to put his boots into a ruck to win the ball. How the world changes! At that age I was just an innocent beginning grammar school and Rugby, whilst he is already a veteran. We English of the day described Rugby as 'a game for hooligans played by gentlemen'. Did you see them play France off the park in the nicest possible way? Tally-ho Ireland!
TAI CHI
Such a success that from this Friday it has been decided to split into two groups, the first 9.30 to 10.30, and the second 11am to 12am. One of the advantages of Hazel Court not before exploited is that the rental pays for a half day. Of the twenty five present last week twelve opted for one course and thirteen for the other, that means there is ample space for further members at either session. The charge remains at £3 per session.
MOTO
Janet Jones who is co-ordinating, but not booking, for the MOTO 6 day cruise party going to Stockholm and St. Petersberg leaving Heathrow on 6 June is now looking for an extra male as a previous one has booked but now finds himself unable to go. I assume he will be the second male in a shared cabin, but for this or other details lease email Janet at
janeteileenjones@hotmail.com
CREATIVE WRITING 2
Jill Govier writes to say that John Barber has agreed to take over as convener of this group, he has been standing in for Tony Crisp for several weeks already.
His address is: 86, Rhodfa Fadot/ Morriston/ SA6 6NB/ Tel:01792 774741/ e-mail: barberjay@aol.com.
LIFE BEGINS AT FIFTY
This free event will take place on Thursday 26 March between 10am and 4pm at the Swansea Leisure Centre. The U3A will be amongst the organisations promoting our wares in an effort co-ordinated by our Publicity Secretary Marilyn Croft. The Leisure Centre are also offering free a Free Splash in the Pool, Aquarobics and Exercise tasters, and Health Checks. There will be Learning Tasters on Computers, Water Colour Painting, Digital Photography and Calligraphy. Contact Ann or Richard on 636703/636745, or text/phone 01792 636733 for further information.
ART APPRECIATION
Mo Ellard is organising a coach trip to the National Museum of Wales on Tuesday 28 April. There will be free guided tours of an exhibition of Alfred Sisley's paintings of South Wales. The coach leaves Wellington Street (opposite Tesco Swansea Central) at 9.30 and leaves Cardiff for the return at 4pm. The cost is £3, all U3A members welcome but please contact Mo, tel 363465 to book places.
EVERYMAN OUTDOOR THEATRE at St. FAGANS
Marjorie Vanston 296375 is organising her usual coach trips to St Fagans to see:-
The Gondoliers on 11 July
King Lear on 1 August
The price will be £11 per ticket plus a share of the cost of the coach. She is asking for Names of those wanting to go by this Wednesday, but money later once the cost of the coach has been determined.
THIS WEEK'S NEW GROUP ACTIVITIES
MONDAY 16 March
ITALIAN at 10am in Hazel Court with CHESS sharing the Craft Room.
TUESDAY
LITERATURE at 2pm in St. Mary's Vestry with Mary Webb's Gone to Earth.
WEDNESDAY
JIVE as usual 10.30am at the Monkey Cafe in the Centre of Swansea opposite the Castle. Come and try. A good time to pick up the latest news on MOTO activities, eg Janet Jones is a regular attender.
NO WEDNESDAY LECTURE until 22 April
THURSDAY
French Conversation as usual at 10am in Hazel Court.
FRIDAY
TAI CHI First Class at 9.30am and Second Class at 11am.
Taste of Singapore 6.30pm at Sketty Park Community Centre. Lyn Holt goes Asian for his last meal of the U3A year.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
ST. DAVID'S DAY
St. DAVIDS DAY LUNCH
Although not present and thus unable to give my own impression of the St David's Day Lunch, the feedback I have heard is that the switch to Pennard Golf Club was a big success. I have Chairman Bob to thank for a fine selection of pictures, some of which are included here.






TAI CHI
This new group continues to flourish having completed four weeks with a turnout between 22 and 29. The higher number is certainly at the limit of capacity for this room at Hazel Court. If demand grows there will be a clear case for running two groups probably in succession on Friday morning with a 30 minute interval and thus avoiding the choice between Digital Media and Tai Chi for those who want to attend both groups.
LITERATURE
I went to last week's meeting for the first session on the new book 'Gone to Earth' by Mary Webb to see how Lawmary Champion would tackle a novel. You may remember I previously attended the reading of the last act of the play 'An Inspector Calls'. She had prepared information sheets on the background to the book (Mary Webb apparently owes her success to the advocacy of Prime Minister Baldwin) but we moved on rapidly to a group reading of the first few chapters, each being discussed in turn. A technique which involves everyone in the group and I found stimulating. The group were full of praise for the way Lawmary is re-directing this group. All nine members were there, a considerable advance on the uncertain start at the beginning of the U3A year when it faced collapse. Members are now expected to read the next few chapters and discuss them next time before progressing with the group reading.
They tell me that in their heyday there were 20 members of this group. I would certainly advise you to join, you will be welcome and I expect like me you will find the session pleasant and informative. They meet in the vestry of St. Mary's Church at 2pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, a very convenient location close to the Quadrant bus station.
CONCERT GOERS
Joan attended last Monday's talk by Clive John on Dvorak's 8th symphony, although as you will see later we were unable to attend the concert in the Brangwyn Hall. She returned full of praise for the lecturer.

THE WEEK AHEAD for this year's new groups.
MONDAY 9 March
ITALIAN at 10am in Hazel Court at which new members are welcome. A few more would be highly desirable.
READING GROUP 4 sharing the Craft Room is now full and anyone wanting a reading group should contact Cecily Hughes on 363875.
GETTING STARTED with INTERNET, I will have another session for a few at home in the afternoon. I have now offered help to all those who signed the lists, albeit at a shorter and more basic level than originally envisaged.
TUESDAY
CARDS FOR PLEASURE, another venture by Lawmary will meet in the Taliesin Bar Restaurant at 11 am. They meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, thus dovetailing with her Literature group.
WEDNESDAY'S LECTURE in the Faraday Theatre on the ground floor of the Engineering building looks fascinating. Elizabeth Walker, Archeology Curator at the National Museum in Cardiff will talk on 'The Red Lady of Paviland and The Early History of Gower'.
Before that the JIVE GROUP will meet in the Monkey Cafe at 10.30. It's the one U3A Group which attracts as many men as women and is always good exercise and fun. Welcome back to Julia Huntley now thankfully recovered from vertigo - not caused by Jive I assure you!! John and Val Day, who run the Art/Painting group in Fforestfach, came for the first time last Wednesday. Before them it was new U3A member Mike Lewis who has led walks for the Gower Society for years. They are already dancing like us group veterans and illustrate how easily new members can be taught and integrated. Gerwyn's cry of 'Round One Lady' ensures that every one gets to know the others quickly. We are not short of members but there is room on the dance floor for more. It is also the place where a hardcore of the MOTO group go to plot future activities.
MOTO
Anyone interested in the 6 June cruise from Stockholm to St. Petersberg should scroll back to last week's posting, because the entry has been changed significantly.
THURSDAY
The French Conversation Group meet at 10 am, when those who have done their homework will talk, in French, of their feelings about Winter and the advent of Spring.
FRIDAY
TAI CHI in ground floor room at Hazel Court at 10.30 under the excellent direction of Mike Hart.
NATIONAL U3A The Third Age Trust
FIRST ASSIST provides free legal advice to members who phone 01455 251 500. You apparently need a Code Number from our Swansea Committee (news to us!) in order to access a service available 24 hours a day. When I have additional information I will clarify this entry on the blog, so watch this space.
2009 U3A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
We are being reminded that the theme is 'Eccentric Britain' and that the closing date for entries is 5 May 2009. A quirky humorous look at British Society is required with suggested topics being Places, People, Pets and even the Weather.
A good colour print minimum size 7" by 5" is required with each entry for judging purposes even though the source may be a digital camera. I take it the 300 dots per inch resolution asked for on the print implies a resolution of at least 2100 x 1500 pixels, which is less than 4 mega pixels. The prints are not returned and up to three different pictures may be submitted in a single entry.
This is merely a reminder, full details will be found in your U3A magazine.
EVERYMAN OUTDOOR THEATRE at St. FAGANS
Marjorie Vanston 296375 is organising her usual coach trips to St Fagans to see:-
The Gondoliers on 11 July
King Lear on 1 August
The price will be £11 per ticket plus a share of the cost of the coach. She is asking for Names of those wanting to go by this Wednesday, but money later once the cost of the coach has been determined.
JULIUS CAESAR
(SHAKESPEARE AT THE TOBACCO FACTORY or SATTF)
Joan and I went to the matinee yesterday in Bristol and enjoyed it so much that we are booking for the second half of their Theatre in the Round Shakespeare season, which will be the better play Antony and Cleopatra. We can also recommend the rustic cafe in the same building for Tapas, light lunches or meals. It passed my criterion for finding good restaurants across the world, that is to be obviously popular with locals and free of large parties, it passed with flying colours and from our experience trying only one plate of tapas each the reputation was well deserved.
We rate last year's performance of Hamlet directed by Jonathan Miller as the finest theatrical experience we have ever had. Julius Caesar needed to be good or it would have suffered dismally by comparison. If not in the same class it was still a very enjoyable performance.
Both Joan and I had studied Julius Caesar for 'O' levels so the numerous long speeches were very familiar. Almost the whole cast had trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a number many years ago. Brutus (Leo Wringer, an outsider who has often performed with the RSC) and Cassius (Clive Haywood) were excellent and the play came to life for me with a stunning short intervention by Brutus's wife Portia (Dani McCullum), pleading to be told what they were plotting. Dani last year won a prize at the school and represented them with the BBC. Alun Raglan was ill and so script in hand Peter Clifford played the role of Mark Antony, though he interpreted the role exceptionally well and never had to refer to the script in sight of the audience. (Just as well since by the end his script was covered in blood, and he just shook hands with the murderers!).
Although not present and thus unable to give my own impression of the St David's Day Lunch, the feedback I have heard is that the switch to Pennard Golf Club was a big success. I have Chairman Bob to thank for a fine selection of pictures, some of which are included here.
TAI CHI
This new group continues to flourish having completed four weeks with a turnout between 22 and 29. The higher number is certainly at the limit of capacity for this room at Hazel Court. If demand grows there will be a clear case for running two groups probably in succession on Friday morning with a 30 minute interval and thus avoiding the choice between Digital Media and Tai Chi for those who want to attend both groups.
LITERATURE
I went to last week's meeting for the first session on the new book 'Gone to Earth' by Mary Webb to see how Lawmary Champion would tackle a novel. You may remember I previously attended the reading of the last act of the play 'An Inspector Calls'. She had prepared information sheets on the background to the book (Mary Webb apparently owes her success to the advocacy of Prime Minister Baldwin) but we moved on rapidly to a group reading of the first few chapters, each being discussed in turn. A technique which involves everyone in the group and I found stimulating. The group were full of praise for the way Lawmary is re-directing this group. All nine members were there, a considerable advance on the uncertain start at the beginning of the U3A year when it faced collapse. Members are now expected to read the next few chapters and discuss them next time before progressing with the group reading.
They tell me that in their heyday there were 20 members of this group. I would certainly advise you to join, you will be welcome and I expect like me you will find the session pleasant and informative. They meet in the vestry of St. Mary's Church at 2pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, a very convenient location close to the Quadrant bus station.
CONCERT GOERS
Joan attended last Monday's talk by Clive John on Dvorak's 8th symphony, although as you will see later we were unable to attend the concert in the Brangwyn Hall. She returned full of praise for the lecturer.
THE WEEK AHEAD for this year's new groups.
MONDAY 9 March
ITALIAN at 10am in Hazel Court at which new members are welcome. A few more would be highly desirable.
READING GROUP 4 sharing the Craft Room is now full and anyone wanting a reading group should contact Cecily Hughes on 363875.
GETTING STARTED with INTERNET, I will have another session for a few at home in the afternoon. I have now offered help to all those who signed the lists, albeit at a shorter and more basic level than originally envisaged.
TUESDAY
CARDS FOR PLEASURE, another venture by Lawmary will meet in the Taliesin Bar Restaurant at 11 am. They meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, thus dovetailing with her Literature group.
WEDNESDAY'S LECTURE in the Faraday Theatre on the ground floor of the Engineering building looks fascinating. Elizabeth Walker, Archeology Curator at the National Museum in Cardiff will talk on 'The Red Lady of Paviland and The Early History of Gower'.
Before that the JIVE GROUP will meet in the Monkey Cafe at 10.30. It's the one U3A Group which attracts as many men as women and is always good exercise and fun. Welcome back to Julia Huntley now thankfully recovered from vertigo - not caused by Jive I assure you!! John and Val Day, who run the Art/Painting group in Fforestfach, came for the first time last Wednesday. Before them it was new U3A member Mike Lewis who has led walks for the Gower Society for years. They are already dancing like us group veterans and illustrate how easily new members can be taught and integrated. Gerwyn's cry of 'Round One Lady' ensures that every one gets to know the others quickly. We are not short of members but there is room on the dance floor for more. It is also the place where a hardcore of the MOTO group go to plot future activities.
MOTO
Anyone interested in the 6 June cruise from Stockholm to St. Petersberg should scroll back to last week's posting, because the entry has been changed significantly.
THURSDAY
The French Conversation Group meet at 10 am, when those who have done their homework will talk, in French, of their feelings about Winter and the advent of Spring.
FRIDAY
TAI CHI in ground floor room at Hazel Court at 10.30 under the excellent direction of Mike Hart.
NATIONAL U3A The Third Age Trust
FIRST ASSIST provides free legal advice to members who phone 01455 251 500. You apparently need a Code Number from our Swansea Committee (news to us!) in order to access a service available 24 hours a day. When I have additional information I will clarify this entry on the blog, so watch this space.
2009 U3A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
We are being reminded that the theme is 'Eccentric Britain' and that the closing date for entries is 5 May 2009. A quirky humorous look at British Society is required with suggested topics being Places, People, Pets and even the Weather.
A good colour print minimum size 7" by 5" is required with each entry for judging purposes even though the source may be a digital camera. I take it the 300 dots per inch resolution asked for on the print implies a resolution of at least 2100 x 1500 pixels, which is less than 4 mega pixels. The prints are not returned and up to three different pictures may be submitted in a single entry.
This is merely a reminder, full details will be found in your U3A magazine.
EVERYMAN OUTDOOR THEATRE at St. FAGANS
Marjorie Vanston 296375 is organising her usual coach trips to St Fagans to see:-
The Gondoliers on 11 July
King Lear on 1 August
The price will be £11 per ticket plus a share of the cost of the coach. She is asking for Names of those wanting to go by this Wednesday, but money later once the cost of the coach has been determined.
JULIUS CAESAR
(SHAKESPEARE AT THE TOBACCO FACTORY or SATTF)
Joan and I went to the matinee yesterday in Bristol and enjoyed it so much that we are booking for the second half of their Theatre in the Round Shakespeare season, which will be the better play Antony and Cleopatra. We can also recommend the rustic cafe in the same building for Tapas, light lunches or meals. It passed my criterion for finding good restaurants across the world, that is to be obviously popular with locals and free of large parties, it passed with flying colours and from our experience trying only one plate of tapas each the reputation was well deserved.
We rate last year's performance of Hamlet directed by Jonathan Miller as the finest theatrical experience we have ever had. Julius Caesar needed to be good or it would have suffered dismally by comparison. If not in the same class it was still a very enjoyable performance.
Both Joan and I had studied Julius Caesar for 'O' levels so the numerous long speeches were very familiar. Almost the whole cast had trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a number many years ago. Brutus (Leo Wringer, an outsider who has often performed with the RSC) and Cassius (Clive Haywood) were excellent and the play came to life for me with a stunning short intervention by Brutus's wife Portia (Dani McCullum), pleading to be told what they were plotting. Dani last year won a prize at the school and represented them with the BBC. Alun Raglan was ill and so script in hand Peter Clifford played the role of Mark Antony, though he interpreted the role exceptionally well and never had to refer to the script in sight of the audience. (Just as well since by the end his script was covered in blood, and he just shook hands with the murderers!).
Labels:
jive,
literature,
MOTO,
photograsphy,
stdavids,
theatre
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