Mansfield and District U3A's monthly newsletter shows what members have been doing recently and what's planned. This edition celebrates the 15th anniversary of this U3A with a look back to May 1999. Reports include ones on the art of WW1 and a visit to Hemswell Antiques Centre. http://www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk/

1. Mansfield and District U3A
Newsletter
Our first Group Event: a visit to London in September 1999
_____________________________
Established 1999
HMRC Charity Registration No.: XT30525
May 2014
Website: www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk
Noticeboard: http://mansfieldu3a.blogspot.com
Page 1 of 12

2. Welcome to Mansfield & District U3A’s 15th Anniversary day
THE DAY has finally arrived and we welcome as guest speaker today, Barbara Lewis, our National
Chairman, who along with her husband Stewart, will also be joining us at the Crystal Ball this
evening. The topic of her speech is “The U3A and Me and the U3A and You” and, having read her
Chairman’s Column in the latest 'Third Age Matters' – page 35 – I know we are in for a treat.
I was particularly interested in Barbara’s penultimate paragraph, which echoes Peter Fletcher's
poem read by Norma Shillinglaw at the last members’ meeting and printed on p.11 of this issue. In
case some members may have missed what Barbara wrote, I quote it below:
“… We know that the motto is: 'Those who learn, also teach; and those who teach, also
learn'. But, equally, it could be: 'Those who contribute also benefit; and those who benefit
also contribute' ”.
So, with our committee vacancies in mind, please consider what has been said by both Barbara
and Peter and come forward to help, support and enable growth within our U3A.
I would also like to mention Ray Reader’s article on page 3 about the beginnings of Mansfield U3A
and to mention the young trio on the front of this newsletter! How Tempus Fugits!
Mansfield U3A's launch meeting was held on 18th May 1999 – before the Millennium, and it seems
only yesterday we were waiting anxiously for this after being told all computers would crash, which
they did not, of course
Now, full to capacity with 275 members, we have to thank and remember our founding and long-
serving members who have worked hard to make Mansfield and District U3A what it is today –
highly successful and with people clamouring to join. Just when we think the waiting list has shrunk
as we continue to help new U3As to form locally, up it goes again. Significantly.
Many of you will be looking forward to the Crystal Ball tonight – donning our best finery and 'scrub-
bing up well'. Have we all practised our dance steps? The Social Committee has worked hard to
ensure all arrangements are in place for what, I am sure, will be one super evening and we must
thank them for their time and efforts.
I wonder how much has changed in 15 years – and I just have to mention Prince George – isn’t he
just gorgeous? What a successful tour of New Zealand and Australia. But do we remember things
that have gone missing? I read that dressing tables, for example, are now the prerogative of the
over-70s; with hostess trolleys, telephone tables and airing cupboards all fading from view. But
enough of reminiscing!
Sit back and enjoy the day! Happy 15th Anniversary everyone.
Glenis Carr
______________________________________________________________________________
In this issue
Page 2 Welcome.
Page 3 Member's Contribution ('How did we begin?'). Social Events. (Anniversary
Ball; NNNG Picnic in The Park).
Pages 3 - 4 Holiday Updates. (The London Musical; Hayling Island; The Algarve).
Groups News (History; Garden Visits; Theatre Visits, start).
Pages 5 - 8 Interest Groups meetings diary.
Page 8 Book Table.
Page 9 Groups News (Theatre Visits, end; Art Appreciation; Digital World, start).
Page 10 Groups News (Digital World, end; Art; Antiques & Collect's; Luncheon Club).
Page 11 Name Badges; Committee Vacancies; Member's Contribution ('Apathy').
Page 12 Dates for your diary and Notices.
Page 2 of 12

3. Mansfield U3A, how did we begin?
ATA MEETING of an Interest Group of Dukeries U3A called Pot Luck at the house of Edith Senior,
someone posed the question, “would there be enough people interested to form a U3A in Mans-
field?” Those present decided it would be worthwhile to find out.
The members present were Edith Senior, Peggy Thomas, Marjorie Smith, Gwen Harry, Reg Harry,
June Reader and Ray Reader.
What to do next? Letters were sent to the local newspapers, advertisements were displayed in Post
Offices, Libraries, shops, etc. and Ray Reader did an interview on Radio Nottingham, all inviting
people to attend an Open Meeting at The Friends Meeting House on Rosemary Street in the after-
noon of 18th May 1999.
We thought if 20 people attended, we would be in business. Actually 65 people turned up, so we felt
that a Mansfield U3A could be started. Edith Senior gave a presentation about the U3A, those
present resolved to establish a new one.
Edith Senior was elected Chairman, with Ray Reader as Vice Chairman, Malcolm Osborne as
Secretary, Edith Humphries as Treasurer (shortly afterwards replaced byAlan Radford).
Meetings would be held on a monthly basis. A draft Constitution offered by the U3A national office
would be used on an interim basis. Various Interest Groups were proposed and agreed. Methods of
funding, including annual subscriptions were discussed and how to develop these.
And that is how it all began!
Ray Reader, founder member.
______________________________________________________________________________
SOCIAL EVENTS
CRYSTAL CELEBRATION BALL: 20th May at the John Fretwell Centre from 7pm. SOLD OUT
Suit has been pressed and the LBD (Little Black Dress!) got out and shoes polished.
Bar opens at 6-30pm. See you all there for a great night out!
Karen Troop – 01623 633404, karentroop@hotmail.com. Check for updates on the website.
_______________________________
IT’S PICNIC TIME AGAIN!
The North Notts Neighbourhood Group will be holding its fourth Picnic in the Park on Wednesday
4th June 2014. This will take place in and around the marquee at the beautiful Rufford Country Park
and is a free event between 10 am and 4 pm.
There will be singing by massed U3A choirs in the morning and afternoon entertainment provided
by Worksop U3A Swing Band who wowed us at our 2012 Jubilee Jamboree. There will be the usual
outdoor games for the fitter members!
Nine local U3As are involved so come along and meet the neighbours. Just bring a picnic and a
chair and enjoy!
Rita Turner, Chairman NNNGroup – 01623 660003, raymond.turner2@ntlworld.com
______________________________________________________________________________
Holiday updates
LONDON MUSICAL: Pajama Game (10th - 11th June)
Those who are getting on the coach first at the Johnsons'/Redfern's coach depot in Mansfield
Woodhouse; please make sure you are there no later than 8.30am. We shall all be leaving Walkden
Street hopefully at 9am prompt.
Page 3 of 12

4. LAKESIDE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, Hayling Island (23rd - 27th June.)
Individual packs with itineraries, luggage labels etc. are now ready to pick up from my table.
Remember to bring your insurance details with you on holiday. 29 members who have taken the
Company's insurance should have copies at home. They were given out at the end of last year.
THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL (18th - 25th Sept.)
1. Balances of £850 (singles) £760 (twins & doubles) to be paid at the May meeting please.
2. All completed passport sheets with insurance details on the reverse, should be handed back
to me at the May meeting so I can send the details to the airline. And please check the date on
your passport has 6 months left after the 18th September. (If not, please renew it now!)
3. The same goes for your EHIC card (automated service 0300 330 1350). Have your card with
you if you are renewing – you can use the same number if you have never had an EHIC card.
4. As usual I shall be organising a meeting at the Junction, Sutton in Ashfield at 11am on
Saturday 30th August, when we can discuss any questions that may arise after reading through
your individual packs. 11am. on Monday 1st September is an alternative date. I shall need to
know by the July meeting which date you prefer. The Saturday is better for me so please try to
make that date if at all possible. (I chose 11am so that we can stay for lunch if you like.)
Margaret Burlinson – 01623 632538, marburl@lineone.net
Updates about all holidays are on the website …
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Groups News
History
THIS NEW group held its first meeting on 8th May to study 'History with a difference'; not as we all
learnt at school, but to look in depth at Great Leaders, Major Inventions, Invasions, Battles,
Clothes, Customs, Politics, Romance, Scandal and Skulguggery. You'd be very welcome if you
think that sounds interesting and we'll certainly try to make it so!
Linda Spray
Garden Visits
WE ARE leaving at 8.30am from the Odeon car park on 12th June for our outing to Harlow Carr.
(RHS members will need to show membership cards or you will have to pay admission charges!)
Karen Troop and Janet Whitlam
Theatre Visits
SIX MEMBERS of the Theatre Visits group went to the Royal Concert Hall on 16th April to see
Cats. No one seemed to know the storyline except for the fact that it had something to do with TS
Eliot's 'Old Possom's Book of Practical Cats.'
We could see that the stage was set as a larger-than-life junk
yard and when the show started the costumes made an
impression. The singing was superb, especially the familiar
and unforgettable 'Memory' and 'Midnight.'
At the interval however I still found it confusing and the
names of the characters were difficult to understand so
Sheila very kindly offered to fetch us a couple of ice-creams
and bring back a programme. This had a synopsis that I
quickly skimmed through before the second half. I immedi-
ately began to understand the emotion portrayed in the
dancing and the purpose of the main characters became more clear.
I was overwhelmed with the tremendous energy, the creativity and the way that each of the twenty-
eight members of the cast emulated, with remarkable accuracy, the variety of movements that must
be familiar to cat owners. Continued on page 9 ...
Page 4 of 12

5. Key to Meetings details:
THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DAY of the month, time and frequency using the first two letters of the
day, followed by numbers 1 - 5 to represent the week number. The final letter M (or F, W or V) indic-
ates that the group meets monthly, fortnightly, weekly or at variable intervals.
So 'Tu2, 2.30 - V M' would mean a group meeting on the 2nd Tuesday at 2.30pm Monthly but with
Variable finish times.
The main Mansfield and District U3Ameetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (exceptAugust
and December) at the Oakham Suite, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield from 10 am - 12.30 pm.
All members are invited to contact the relevant Group Leader if they would like to participate in any
interest group or attend an event. NB: * indicates a waiting list.
Interest Group Meetings Meeting Places Leader/Contact
Antiques & Collect-
ables *
Tu 2, 10 - 12 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pat Blackwell
01623 481745
Next Meetings: June 10th; July 8th
Art We3, 10 - 12 M Big Barn Lane
Methodist Church,
Mansfield
Linda Spray
01623 795176
Next Meetings: May 21st; June 18th; July 16th
Art Appreciation Mo1, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Pauline Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: June 2nd; July 7th
Beginners' Bridge
(With Ashfield U3A)
Mo, Various
6.30 - 9.00
Enviro Centre,
Derby Rd College,
Mansfield
Maxine Rose/Glenis
Carr
01623
459081/627735
Next Meetings: June 2nd & 16th
(Also Acol sessions at the Mechanics Institute – Thurs 10 - 12.30 W)
Bowls Th, 1.30 – 3.30 W Mansfield Bowls
Club: QE Academy
Don Wright
01623 628946
Next Meetings: Outdoors season and Coaching began on May 1st and continues every week.
All welcome, including beginners, but flat / bowls shoes must be worn.
Caravan & M'home
Rally
Various Various Terry Lammas
01623 471963
Next Meetings: June 1st to 29th – France. (See web page for more details)
Chat and Stitch Mo3, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Doreen Storer
01623 407731
Next Meeting: May 20th; June 17th; No Meetings in July or August.
Page 5 of 12

6. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Current Affairs Tu2, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Norma Shillinglaw
01623 466934
Next Meetings: June 10th; July 8th
Digital World Fri 2 & 4, 2.00 - 4.00
2/M
Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Skegby
David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: May 23rd – Visit to Pleasley Pit Trail; June 13th; June 27th – TBA
Family History Tu4, 10.00 - 12.00 M St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Max Clarke
01623 621744
Next Meetings: May 22nd – Wills & What they Reveal; June 26th – TBA
Film Studies * We1, 1.30 - V M Joy's home Joy Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: June 4th; July 2nd;
Garden Visits During the Summer Various Janet Whitlam
01623 635607
Next Visit: June 12th – RHS Harlow Carr. (See page 4.)
Gardening Tu1, 10.00 - 12.00 M St Peter's Centre,
Mansfield
Avril McGee
01623 452688
Next Meetings: June 3rd – Plants in Literature by Patsy Rayner; July 1st – Visit/Tour to
Easton Walled Garden
Heartstart Mondays
1.00 - 3.00
William Kaye Hall,
Ladybrook Lane
Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Mondays: May 19th; June 23rd; July 28th; August 25th
History
(NEW)
Th 2, 2.00 – 4.00 Stanhope Centre,
Rock Valley
Linda Spray
01623 795176
Next Meetings: June 12th; July 10th
Holidays
(Home & Abroad)
Various TBA Margaret Burlinson
01623 632538
Next holidays: June 23rd - 27th – Warner's, Hayling Island*; Sept. 18th - 25th – Portugal;
Tues. Dec. 3rd - Thurs. 5th – Thursford Xmas Spect.; 2015: Mon. Feb. 2nd - Fri. 6th – Thoresby
Local History Fri1, 10.00 - 12.00 M Bridge Street
Methodist Church
Bob & Sue Longden
01623 486903
Next Meetings: June 6th – Early Non-Conformists, Why Mansfield? With Rev. D. Smith;
July 4th – World War One: Members' contributions
Luncheon Club Th after 3rd Tu,
12.00 - 2.00 M
Various David Ling
01623 822994
Next Meetings: May 22nd – The Hostess, Sookolme; June 19th – White Horse, Woolley Moor
Page 6 of 12

7. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Movement to Music W 10.30 - 11.30 W St John's Church Hall Linda Leivers
01623 471963
Next Meetings: Weekly on Wednesdays. Cost £4.00 per session
Music Groups
Classical Music 2 Mo4, 2.00 - 4.00 M Members' homes Peter Hart
01623 620940
Next Meetings: May 19th – Italian opera at Alan's. NB Date change; June 23rd – Mandolin Music
Music 2 * Mo4, 2.00 - 4.30 M Members' homes Eric Prescott
01623 631160
Next Meeting: 26th May – Something in the Air with Elisabeth Ellis; June 23rd
Popular Music
Appreciation *
Tu4, 2.00 - 4.00 M St John's School,
Mansfield
Peter Haynes
01623 610886
Next Meetings: May 27th; June 24th; July 22nd
Pudding Club * Tu1, 4.00 - 6.00 M Members' homes Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meetings: June 3rd – Janet; July 1st – Sylvia; August 5th – Janet
Reading 1 Th3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Peter Dawson's
home
Peter Dawson
01623 882191
Next Meetings: May 15th; June 19th; July 17th
Reading 2 Tu3, 2.00 - 4.00 M Ravenshead Library Joan Hufton
01623 557488
Next Meetings: May 20th; June 17th; July 15th
Science & Technical Tu1, 2.00 - 4.00 M
(NB Change)
Stanton Hill Baptist
Church, Albert St.
Skegby
Ian Boucher
01623 644798
Next Meetings: June 3rd – Visit to JCB Factory; July 1st – TBA
Scrabble * Mo2, 2.00 - 4 .00 M Brenda Thurkettle's
home
Brenda Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: June 10th; July 8th
Singing for Fun
NB Changes
TuV, 5.45 - 7.15 St Alban's Ch.
Clipstone Rd. West,
Forest Town
June Fell
01623 623547
Next Meetings: Tues. May 13th & 27th; June 10th & 24th. (Overflow parking opposite.)
Tai Chi Mo, 9.30 - 10.30 W St John's Centre,
Mansfield
Cliff Laycock
01623 481985
Next Meetings: Weekly on Mondays
Page 7 of 12

8. Interest Group Meetings Meeting Place Leader/Contact
Theatre Visits Various Various Sheila Whalley
01623 453908
Next Meetings: Thurs. 29th May – Sister Act. Mon. June 2nd – Lady Boys of Bangkok; Tues/Wed
June 10/11 – Pajama Game: trip to London (See web page for venue, time, cost and future trips)
Walking Groups
Hikers
(all-day, 6 - 8 miles)
Th1 & Mo3, 9.30 - V
2/M
Tesco car park, off
Oak Tree Lane
Peter Thurkettle
01623 628136
Next Meetings: Mon. May 19th – Everton Mattersey; Thurs. June 5th – Cromford;
Mon. June 16th – Youlgreave & Middleton; Thurs. July 3rd – Halam
Shufflers
(short & gentle)
V Lunchtimes Various Sylvia Slack
01623 633981
Next Meeting: Fri. May 30th – Hardwick Park Visitors Centre; Mon. June 30th (12.30 pm) – Sutton
Reservoir Car Park; Wed. July 30th – Newstead Abbey Gates
Strollers
(a leisurely 2 miles)
We2, 10.30 - V M Various Barbara Massey /
Marion Thornton
01623 628357 /
01623 651528
Next Meetings: June 11th – Sherwood Pines; July 9th – Pleasley Pit Trail
Walkers
(an easy 4 - 5 miles)
We4, 10.30 – V M Various Joy & Nick Crowe
01623 645400
Next Meetings: May 28th – Rowthorne Trail; June 25th – River Maun & Sherwood Forest
Wine Appreciation 2* We3, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Mike Allen
01623 653345
Next Meetings: May 21st – Rosé with George & Mavis; June 18th – 'Supermarket Sweep' Whites
with John & Margaret
Wine Appreciation
3*
Tu4, 7.30 - V M Members' homes Graham Allin
01623 473662
Next Meetings: May 27th – Pomerol with Graham & Eileen; Mon. June 16th – Premier Cotes de
Bordeaux with Jill
Writing for Pleasure * Mo2, 2.00 - 4.00 M Stanhope Centre,
Bridge Street,
Mansfield
Sue Ford / Hilary
Miller 01623
844286 / 620067
Next Meetings: June 9th; July 14th
Book table
SALE OF BOOKS in April raised £33.70, down some from previous occasions. This could
have been due to less time in the interval for people to browse for books or fewer attendees
due to child-minding duties.
Lilian Whitehead
Page 8 of 12

9. … Groups News:Theatre Visits, continued from page 4
The synchronisation of couples and groups working together was brilliant. In fact I came to the
conclusion that it really didn't matter about the storyline after all, for the movements on the stage
throughout were mesmerising.
It was interesting to read that Andrew Lloyd Webber composed his music to already existing lyrics in
their original form and that he showed his gratitude to TS Eliot's widow Valerie, who gave him
access to some unpublished material of her late husband. Apparently, without her help the produc-
tion of Cats would not have been possible and surprisingly it became the longest-running musical in
the history of British musicals.
Thanks Sheila for making this visit possible. Keep up the good work!
Margaret Burlinson
_______________________
THE GROUP visited the Palace Theatre, Mansfield, on 27th April to see Monty Don.
It was a very good evening; Monty Don talked about his family life, his set-backs and triumphs. We
saw pictures of the derelict farmhouse he moved to with 3 children and virtually no money; there
was a lot of humour he was very laid-back. He had photographs on the big screen of gardens from
around the world. The theatre was full for a very enjoyable, relaxing evening.
Sheila Whalley
PS: If anyone is interested in going out for afternoon tea on a Saturday afternoon please see me on
the Theatre table at the next meeting. Sheila
Art Appreciation
FIRST WORLD WARANNIVERSARY
At their March meeting the Art Appreciation Group studied paintings and photography of WW1 and
also shared readings from the First World War by poets including Wilfred Owen, Rupert Brooke and
Siegfred Sassoon.
A favourite painting was by John Singer Sargent entitled 'Gassed', which showed a scene in the
aftermath of a mustard gas attack on the Western Front.
Group member Pat Kendall writes: “In this painting Sargent depicts soldiers who are displaying
heroic dignity – is the sun setting on the sort of society that allows its 'gilded' youth to be wasted in a
cruel war?”
An interesting meeting that marked the anniversary of the Great War.
Pauline Boucher Photos on the website ...
Family History
MEMBERS enjoyed a most interesting and enjoyable visit to Hodsock Priory on April 22nd as
guests of owner George Buchanan, our excellent speaker last November.
Highlights included seeing a betrothal chest that had been in the family for about four hundred
years, a family ledger detailing the family accounts for the past nine generations and his family tree,
going back many generations, with beautifully-painted heraldry.
Max Clarke Photos on the website ...
Digital World
RAIN PUT paid to our photographic walkabout at at Hardwick on 25th April so some members took
advantage of free car parking at the Hardwick Food Festival the following weekend and others
responded to a brief to photograph 'something wooden'. So we had an interesting mixed bag to
discuss at Stanton Hill on 9th May.
Page 9 of 12

10. Our next walkabout, weather permitting, will be on the Pleasley Trail and we'll meet at the café by
the pit head at 2.00 on 23rd May so do come along if you fancy a walk with camera in hand.
It doesn't matter if you just use a simple point-and-shoot or a complex DSLR; you'll be very
welcome and you'll be free to follow your instincts or accompany an experienced member if you'd
like tips.
We'll discuss the results at Stanton Hill Baptist Church at 2.00 on 13th June.
David Ling (01623 822994)
Art
THERE WERE 11 members at the April meeting, which proved to be very busy as everyone took
pieces of their art work that they had completed during the year. Gordon Howlett very kindly under-
took the job as photographer, setting out the paintings/sketches for a photo shoot (assisted by Mike
Allen). We intend to offer these pictures to the U3A exhibition at the Picnic in the Park this summer. I
also hope to obtain some of them for our web page. After the coffee break we tried to settle down to
tackle the subject of buildings and looking particularly at perspective.
Our next meeting will be on 21st May when all members can bring along any work they wish to
finish, or even to start something new.
If you fancy a bit of painting or drawing and enjoy the company of like-minded people, please come
along and join us; you will be made very welcome.
Linda Spray
Antiques and Collectables
A FULL coach-load of bargain hunters set off in fine weather
on 8th April to tour the many galleries at Hemswell Antiques
Centre near Gainsborough on the group's first outing. And,
judging by the number of bags and larger items that were
loaded for the return, most found at least something.
Successes I've heard about so far include a rare 78 record
that's about to be digitised, some books, a watering can,
some brass-ware and one of the first Dartington Glass
decanters, designed in 1968.
The very good and economically-priced restaurants added to the pleasure of the day so thanks Pat!
David Ling More photos on the website ...
Luncheon Club
OUR APRIL LUNCH at The Chesterfield Arms near Gunthorpe, showed everyone why a
community-run pub can beat a big brewery into a cocked hat when it comes to value for money and
service so many thanks to Sheila Whalley for recommending it and making the arrangements.
Next, on 22nd May, our 15th Anniversary Lunch is being arranged by Norma Shillinglaw at The
Hostess at Sookholme that was a favourite of the Luncheon Club's first leader, the late Edith
Senior, who was also Mansfield U3A's first chairman. Their full carvery will cost just £7.50 or choose
their 2-course special menu for £10.95. Order on the day.
Margaret Burlinson and Sheila Whalley have combined to arrange for us to visit a delightful Derby-
shire pub, The White Horse at Woolley Moor, on 19th June. But they warn that space is limited so
you'll need to get your name down promptly. Two courses will be offered at £13 and three for £16.
Please pre-book at the Lunch Club table or by email to dlpruk@aol.com.
David Ling Photos on the website ...
Page 10 of 12

11. Name Badges
THE NON-WEARING of badges has raised it’s head once again!
Please remember that wearing name badges is a simple way to show that you'd welcome a “hello”
from a new friend you haven't met yet. It's a courtesy we ask you to show to others that is even
more important now that our membership has grown to the point that it's impossible for everyone to
know everyone else. How can new members feel welcome if they can't easily introduce them-
selves?
Committee members try to lead on this by always wearing their red badges to show that they
welcome questions from anyone, new members and old, but please do your bit too!
(If you've lost or forgotten the one our hard-working membership secretary gave you, please buy
another at her table by the entrance (50p!) and write your name on it.)
PLEASE OBSERVE THIS REQUEST!
Many thanks.
Glenis Carr, Chairman.
______________________________________________________________________________
Mansfield U3A Committee Vacancies
THE COMMITTEE is seeking members who would be willing to join the committee and undertake
various roles to be agreed.
It is essential that proposed new committee members come forward to ensure the continuity of
Mansfield and District U3A, without which there would be no U3A. Any member could be co-opted
onto the committee until the AGM in September, when new committee members are voted in.
As discussed previously, we seek a Minute Secretary who would like to join us and help organise
and run our U3A. If you have an interest in other roles and feel you would help, please speak to any
member of the committee.
Many thanks.
Glenis Carr; Chairman
______________________________________________________________________________
Ode to the Apathetic
Are you an active member, the kind who would be missed?
Or are you just contented that your name is on the list?
Do you take an active part to help the work along?
Or are you simply satisfied to merely just belong?
Do you assist at meetings and help to make them tick?
Or leave the work to just a few then talk about the clique?
Think about it member, think both hard and long,
Are you an active member, or do you just belong?
Peter Fletcher
(30.3.36 to 13.4.14)
Page 11 of 12

12. ______________________________________________________________________________
Peter Fletcher. It is with deep regret that we have learned that Peter passed-away peacefully at
home on 13th April after a long illness. The funeral was at Mansfield Crematorium on 25th April. Our
thoughts are with Lynette at this sad time.
______________________________________________________________________________
Found
LILIAN Whitehead has found a CD inside a book donated some time ago. It contains personal data
and she'll return it if anyone phones her on 626991 and can describe it.
______________________________________________________________________________
Speakers' Corner
WE ARE very pleased and honoured to welcome Barbara Lewis, National chairman of the
University of the Third Age, to help us celebrate our 15th anniversary. She says:
“At a time when organisations across the country are struggling to arrest decline and trying
desperately to make their offering attractive, U3A continues to grow precisely because of
what we are. People have heard that the U3A experience is stimulating, instructive, life-en-
hancing, and fun. We are developing in ways that enrich our members’ experience.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Dates for your diary (Check the website for more information and updates.)
Tues. 20th May: CRYSTAL CELEBRATION BALL at The John Fretwell Centre. Tickets £20
inc. food and entertainment. SOLD OUT.
Wed. 4th June: PICNIC IN THE PARK at Rufford. 10.00 - 4.00. Free but bring your own picnic
and chairs/tables. See p3.
Tues. 15th July: EAST MIDLANDS REGIONAL U3A CONFERENCE AND AGM at Trent College,
Long Eaton.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Event and Visit Payments
MEMBERS are reminded that deposits and payments for events and visits organised by Mansfield
U3A and its interest groups are non-refundable, but places so reserved may be offered to others.
______________________________________________________________________________
Changes of address, etc.
PLEASE contact the membership secretary, Avril McGee (01623 452688), if you've changed your
address, phone number or email since joining Mansfield U3A so that she can update our records.
______________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer
THE VIEWS expressed here are those of the contributors, only, and do not necessarily reflect those
of the editor, the committee of Mansfield U3A or the Third Age Trust. Nor can any responsibility be
accepted for members' announcements or any errors that may occur.
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Next Issue
PLEASE SEND contributions for the June issue to mansfieldu3a@aol.com, or in typescript, to the
editor as soon as you can and by 1st June at the latest. Thanks!
Editor: David Ling (01623 822994) Printed by: Portland Print (www.portlandprint.org.uk)
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