CHARD, ILMINSTER & DISTRICT
 University of the Third Age (U3A)

Newspaper editors often change the articles that are sent to them, and our local press is no different! So what is shown here is what actually appeared in the papers, not necessarily what we sent them. Articles that were substantially changed are indicated *, while for minor changes our submitted words are given in square brackets after the altered text.
 

'Great festive party'

Members of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A enjoyed a great Christmas party [on 20 December], with much of the entertainment provided from within the U3A’s own ranks.

     The Poetry Group contributed several highly amusing verses, the Circle Dancing Group gave a delightful demonstration, the Calligraphy Group adorned the tables with beautiful hand-made Christmas cards, and chairman Brian Harper weighed in with some amusing stories involving President George W Bush.

     Christmas music by Terry Hodgson on the keyboard and some quizzes added to the fun. The food was also wonderful.

     In addition to all the group meetings the U3A holds a monthly general meeting. The next meeting will be at Chard Guildhall on Monday January 17, from 2 to 4pm, when the visiting speaker will be Mr Phil Regan on the subject of Charities and Overseas Aid.

     Members and visitors are welcome. Please phone chairman Brian Harper (01460-52994) or vice-chair Iris Leake (01460-221678) for more details.
 

'Learning about overseas aid'

When Chard, Ilminster & District U3A asked the Rev Phil Regan to be the visiting speaker for their January meeting, little could they have known how timely and appropriate his talk would be.

     Mr Regan’s subject was Charities and Overseas Aid, and in the light of the Asian tsunami tragedy it gave members an insight into the economic realities of charity operations. An expert economist in his own right, Mr Regan explained with clarity the benefits that charities offer over other forms of giving such as state hand-outs, and the problems they face when dealing with such intractable problems as debt-ridden countries and corrupt governments.

     One of the attractions of the U3A (University of the Third Age) is that new subject groups are forming all the time in response to members’ interests. Groups started up in the past year include circle dancing, decoupage, etymology and European studies, and the latest idea to be put forward is indoor Short Mat Bowls.

     If anyone is interested in joining such a group, would they please contact Beryl on 01460-65573. People often become U3A members in order to join a particular group, so Beryl would also welcome calls from non-members. For more general information about joining the U3A, readers should contact the chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994 or vice chair Iris Leake on 01460-221678.
 

'Developing a Bible'

The next monthly meeting of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A (University of the Third Age) will feature a talk by local calligraphy expert Iris Leake on the development of the St John’s Bible. 

     This is a massive new project, under the patronage of St John’s University Minneapolis, which involves producing a complete hand-written Bible on special large velum pages, illustrated on a grand scale like a latter-day Book of Kells. All members and visitors are welcome to come and learn about the history of this amazing project. The meeting is at Chard Guildhall on Monday February 21, 2pm - 4pm.

     The annual meeting [Annual General Meeting] will take place on Monday March 21 as part of the monthly meeting at Chard Guildhall. It will include the election of the committee and any motions to be put to the membership. Nominations and motions should be submitted to the Secretary, Iris Leake (01460-221678), by Friday February 25. Nomination forms will be distributed with this month’s newsletter, which will be available at the February meeting.

     The U3A Chairman Brian Harper (01460-52994) will be delighted to talk to people interested in joining this thriving organisation, which offers a wide range of learning and social activities for those no longer in full-time employment.
 

U3A4U?

It appears from casual conversations that some local residents have yet to discover the delights of the University of the Third Age.  They are missing a great deal – the pleasure of learning new skills or brushing up old ones, the opportunity to keep both mind and body in good shape as the years go by, and above all the chance to make new friends and enjoy the company of people with a similar outlook on life. The U3A offers a host of activities for people no longer in full time employment, and has groups in most parts of the country, each with a range of subjects to cater for all tastes.

     The nearest U3A to most readers of CBO News is probably Chard, Ilminster & District. Others nearby are at Taunton, Wellington and Bridgwater. In the case of Chard & Ilminster, there are currently over 30 subjects to choose from, and members can take as many of these as they wish. The cost is remarkably modest – just an annual subscription of £12, plus 30p or 50p for each meeting attended, most of which are held monthly during weekday mornings or afternoons. Despite the rather daunting title of ‘university’ there are no entry qualifications and no exams to take. U3A is open to all. Some of the subject groups (for instance calligraphy and languages) are taught by a local expert; in other cases everyone just learns together, such as by holding discussions or taking turns to prepare a talk. There are practical subjects (e.g. circle dancing, rambling, bird watching, gardening, art, bridge, quilting) as well as more ‘academic’ ones (history, languages, etymology, religion, European Studies, etc).

     Why not join this happy throng? As the local publicity person I will be pleased to give more details, but better still would be to contact Brian Harper, the chairman of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A, on 01460-52994. Details of all U3As may be found on the national website u3a.org.uk.

Alan Bamber (01460-234041)
 

'Joys of the 'third age'
 

It appears from casual conversations that some parishioners have scant knowledge of the University of the Third Age.  They are missing a great deal – the pleasure of learning new skills or brushing up old ones, the opportunity to keep both mind and body in good shape as the years go by, and above all the chance to make new friends and enjoy the company of people with a similar outlook on life. The U3A is a registered charity which offers a host of activities for people no longer in full time employment, and has groups in most parts of the country, each with a range of subjects to cater for all tastes.

     In the Ilminster area we have the Chard, Ilminster & District U3A. There are other U3As nearby at Crewkerne, Taunton and Bridgwater. Chard & Ilminster currently offers around 30 subjects to choose from, and members can take as many of these as they wish. The cost is remarkably modest – just an annual subscription of £12, plus 30p or 50p for each meeting attended, most of which are held monthly during weekday mornings or afternoons. Despite the rather daunting title of ‘university’ there are no entry qualifications and no exams to take. U3A is open to all. Some of the subject groups (for instance calligraphy and languages) are taught by a local volunteer; in other cases everyone just learns together, such as by holding discussions or taking turns to prepare a talk. There are practical activities (e.g. circle dancing, rambling, bird watching, gardening, art, quilting) as well as more ‘academic’ ones (history, languages, etymology, religion, European Studies, etc).

     For more information on this lively organisation please contact Brian Harper, the chairman of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A, on 01460-52994, or the secretary Iris Leake on 01460-221678. Details of all U3As may be found on the national website u3a.org.uk.
 

'Importance of recycling'

Chard, Ilminster and District U3A held its annual meeting [Annual General Meeting] on March 21, with the Mayor of Chard, Tony Prior, presiding.

     In his annual report Chairman Brian Harper spoke of the tremendous world-wide success story and growth of U3A (University of the Third Age), and noted that our own U3A had shared in this growth, increasing its membership by 20% in the past year.

     Decisions taken at the annual meeting [AGM] included maintaining the present annual subscription at £12, and electing the new committee.

     After the annual meeting [AGM], members listened to an absorbing talk by Rupert Farthing on the subject of waste and recycling. Mr Farthing, who works for the Somerset Waste Action Programme at Cary Moor, described in graphic detail the problems of coping with waste (the country’s waste would fill the Albert Hall every two hours) and explained what is being done in Somerset to encourage recycling. He said Somerset has one of the highest recycling figures in the UK, but the national recycling rate of 17% lags behind many other countries.

            As Chard & Ilminster U3A enters a new year, it is an excellent time to join this thriving organisation, which currently offers around 30 study subjects and activities to suit all tastes. More details are available from Brian Harper (01460-52994) or the vice chair Iris Leake (01460-221678).     
 

'Tenth Anniversary'
 

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Chard, Ilminster and District U3A (originally Chard U3A), and preparations are underway for a celebratory lunch party at Chard Guildhall on Monday May 16, starting 12 noon. 

     It will be an event not to be missed, including a three-course lunch, entertainment and reflections on the early days of the U3A (University of the Third Age) – and all for the normal monthly entrance price of just 50p.

     For catering purposes a limit has to be put on the number of tickets available. U3A members will be able to purchase these at the next monthly meeting at Chard Guildhall on Monday April 18, 2pm - 4pm. Members unable to be present that day should contact Iris Leake (01460-221678) as soon as possible after that meeting.

     April’s speaker will be Mrs J Gammon on the subject of beekeeping, beeswax and candle making. New members and visitors will be most welcome.

     For more details about the U3A, including an information pack, please contact the chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994.
 

'Looking at the busy life of bees'

Members of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A were treated to a fascinating account of the life of bees at their monthly meeting on April 18.

     Local beekeeper Jenny Gammon gave a graphic description of the habits of these extraordinary insects, leaving members in some doubt as to which to feel most sorry for – the queen, workers or drones.

     Mrs Gammon went on to give a practical demonstration of various ways of making candles from beeswax, and samples of her honey and wax products were much in demand at the end of her talk.

     There are just a few tickets remaining for the 10th anniversary lunch celebration on Monday May 16 at Chard Guildhall.  These are available to paid-up members, who should contact Iris Leake on 01460-221678 as soon as possible.

     Iris will also be pleased to give information about the U3A (University of the Third Age) to anyone interested in joining this lively organisation, which offers around thirty different activities and study subjects for people no longer in full-time employment. 
 

'Third Age University marks tenth year'

Chard, Ilminster & District University of the Third Age celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special lunch.
     Around 80 members met for at Chard Guildhall on Monday for the meal prepared by local restaurateur and U3A member Ann Liddle and her family.
     Belinda Bather, one of the founder members of the local group, was present at the celebrations. [** see note, below]. Having moved to Chard 12 years ago Belinda was disappointed at the range of activities on offer to a newly retired person. However, after contacting the national U3A headquarters to find the nearest existing group, she was prompted to start up a new one in the town.
     Belinda was the first chairman, and she and the subsequent chairmen, Janet Brown, Don McDonald and Brian Harper, were all present at the anniversary lunch.
     The celebrations also included an anniversary quiz, a play performed by U3A members, and the current committee acting as waiters while dressed up as post-war Lyons Corner House “nippies”.
     The proceedings were rounded off by Brian Harper presenting Belinda Bather with a beautiful scroll designed and made by the Calligraphy Group leader Iris Leake.

The U3A is open to anyone who is no longer in full time employment.
     There are discussion groups, practical subjects such as art, calligraphy and quilting, active pursuits such as rambling and bird-watching, and numerous study opportunities including history, religion and languages. 
     If you would like more information,  contact chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994, or go along to the next monthly meeting at Chard Guildhall on Monday June 20, 2 to 4pm. 

[** This sentence has been changed so as to avoid repeating a serious error for which the newspaper apologised in the next edition]
 

Article below picture:
'U3A serves up dinner for birthday treat'

The Chard, Ilminster and District Division of the University of the Third Age celebrated its tenth anniversary last week with a celebratory meal in the Guildhall in Chard.
     The further education group for retired people was introduced to the town by Belinda Bather and Maureen Cotter.
     Since then it has grown to offer courses in more than 30 subjects such as gardening, art, history and European Studies.
     The celebratory meal was rounded off by a poem recital by the last four chairmen of the group, Belinda Bather, Don McDonald, Janet Brown and current chairman Brian Harper. reflecting the university's progress through the past ten years. This was followed by the presentation of a scroll made by calligraphy expert Iris Leake to Belinda Bather.
     For further information on the university, contact chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994.
 

'Learning about China'

In recent months the History Group of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A has been studying China.

     Several members of the group volunteered to read up an aspect of Chinese history and give a presentation to the group.  Subjects have included Chinese legends and ancient history, the Mongol conquest, Opium Wars, the last emperor and empress, wars against Japan, and the life and times of Chiang Kai-Shek.

     The History Group, like many others in the U3A, has no ‘experts’; it is based on the sharing of knowledge.  Some other U3A groups naturally lean heavily on the expertise of particular members, as in language studies and calligraphy, but an important U3A principle is that ‘third agers’ can be both learners and teachers. Currently around thirty subjects and activities are on offer locally and people interested in knowing more about them are invited to contact the Chairman, Brian Harper, on 01460-52994.

     The next monthly meeting of the U3A will be at Chard Guildhall on Monday June 20, 2pm - 4pm, when Rev Phil Regan will give a talk on ethical issues in medical research. Visitors and prospective new members will be most welcome.
 

'World of medical ethics'

In a talk to the monthly meeting of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A (University of the Third Age) on June 20, the Rev Phil Regan gave members an intriguing insight into the world of medical ethics. 

     As a member of the Somerset Research Ethics Committee, he [Phil Regan] is familiar with the moral dilemmas that can arise when researchers test their theories in live situations. Examples given of ethical problems included well-publicised cases where people refuse blood transfusions for their children, and the issues involved when control groups are given placebo drugs. A difficult subject was explained with great clarity.

     Ethical issues have also been well to the fore in the U3A’s Religion and Philosophy Group, which has recently grappled with such matters as freedom of speech, blasphemy and attitudes to religion in a secular society. This Group is proof that emotive subjects that are often considered a no-go area can be studied and discussed in a friendly atmosphere. Recent topics have also included world religions such as Islam and Buddhism, aspects of Christianity such as the Quaker tradition and current problems besetting the Anglican Church, and philosophers as diverse as Francis Bacon and Bertrand Russell.

     The group, and the U3A as a whole, would be pleased to hear from any local residents who would like to participate in lively but amicable exchanges. Anyone interested should contact the group leader Brian Harper on 01460-52994. Brian is also the chairman of the U3A and will be pleased to give details of the full programme of subjects and activities on offer.

'Saving Domestic Energy'
 

A talk on methods of saving domestic energy attracted more than 70 members of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A to Chard Guildhall on July 18.

     In a highly practical presentation Lisa Pinchen of the Bristol Energy Efficiency Advice Centre spoke of the disturbing costs, both to the environment and to individual households, of wasting energy.

     It was sobering to learn that a quarter of all CO2 emissions are due to domestic practices, many of them avoidable.

     Lisa outlined numerous ideas for householders to consider, and members were especially interested in the range of grants that are available for energy-saving measures such as loft and wall insulation, in some cases the full cost.

     A queue formed at the end for various leaflets and forms, and some members were seen to be making grant applications on the spot.

     There is no monthly meeting in August, and many of the special interest groups are also taking the month off. A new season starts in September. Full details of the U3A (University of the Third Age) are available from the chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994 and new members will be most welcome.

'Ramblers keep going!'

August is traditionally a holiday month for Chard, Ilminster & District U3A (University of the Third Age) but one of the groups that continued to meet last month was the Rambling Group, which enjoyed an exhilarating walk in the vicinity of Uplyme. The Rambling Group goes on morning walks of around four or five miles and is ideal for people who like some beneficial but not too strenuous exercise coupled with friendly social interaction. An added bonus is the pub lunch at the end, which has sometimes been known to last as long as the walk itself!

     The group leader, Brian Turner, would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining this friendly gathering, on 01460-63440.

     Monthly meetings of the U3A resume this month, and our first speaker will be Roy Kibble-White at Chard Guildhall on Monday 19 September at 2pm. The title of Roy’s talk is ‘Secrets of the Park’.

     Visitors and new members will be most welcome. Details of the U3A and how to join can be obtained from the chairman Brian Harper on 52994. 
 

'Breaking the Code'

The monthly meetings of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A (University of the Third Age) resumed on September 19 when local member Roy Kibble-White gave a talk entitled ‘Secrets of the Park’.
     The park in question was Bletchley Park, the Buckinghamshire base of the Government’s Code and Cipher School in the Second World War, and the ‘secrets’ were the clandestine and ultimately successful efforts of a team of boffins to break the code of the Enigma machines as used by the Germans to transmit war-time communications.

     With the use of diagrams and various visual aids Roy explained how Enigma, and its successor the Lorenz machine, came to be broken by this brilliant team of assorted mathematicians, scientists and crossword solvers.
     They were major players in winning the war, having shortened it by two years according to some estimates. More than a million enemy messages were decoded. Roy went on to outline the lives and subsequent careers of famous members of the team such as Alan Turing and Tommy Flowers.
     Roy showed a deep knowledge of this esoteric subject, revealed by the ease and enthusiasm with which he answered questions at the end. It was perhaps ironic that in trying to explain the mysteries of these cunning gadgets of a bygone age Roy was hampered by the idiosyncrasies of a faulty modern slide projector, but he ploughed manfully on.
     There was a good turn-out for the meeting and it was encouraging to welcome a number of visitors and prospective members. New members are always welcome. More details of the U3A may be obtained by contacting the chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994.
 

The News has been spotted in a picturesque part of northern Tuscany.
     A group of 14 members and friends of Chard, Ilminster & District U3A Italian Group spent a week in the area recently, but found time to read the News between visits to local sights, shops and restaurants.
     Pictured, from left, are Brian Lenden, Josette Slater, Roger Slater, Aline Lenden, Martin Shirley and Maguy Higgs. 
 

'Looking at miniatures'

For some of the men in the audience, the talk on ‘Dolls Houses and Miniatures’ at Chard, Ilminster & District U3A on October 17 may not have been the most enticing of prospects.
     In the event, local expert and collector Mrs Alison Spiller gave a talk and presentation that people of both sexes found fascinating and instructive. Mrs Spiller took us through the history of miniatures, and we learned, among other things, that the practice originated in the ancient world when people had their possessions buried with them for re-use in the afterlife. Those of limited means could not afford large tombs, so they made do with small replicas of their belongings.

     In medieval times, miniature houses and their contents were used as a means of instructing young people in household skills, and in the 16th and 17th centuries wealthy people started collecting them as objects of art. It was only later that dolls houses came to be seen as suitable objects for children’s play.

     In recent times the subject has gone full circle, with adults now showing more interest than their children in collecting miniatures. Mrs Spiller brought along a table-top full of miniatures and explained how some of them could be made.

     The next monthly meeting of the U3A will be in Chard Guildhall on Monday November 14 at 2pm, when Mrs C Brain will give a talk on Barrington Court. Members should note the change of date with the meeting on the second Monday of the month rather than the customary third. Visitors and new members will be most welcome.
     Further information about the U3A (University of the Third Age) may be obtained from the Chairman Brian Harper on 01460-52994 or Membership Secretary Sue Smith on 01460-68462.
 

Feast for the eyes

Chard, Ilminster & District U3A (University of the Third Age) enjoyed a feast for the eyes [on November 14] when Christine Brain, Head Gardener at Barrington Court, gave a superb illustrated talk on the work of planning and maintaining the gardens.

     She brought along dozens of beautiful slides showing the various gardens in all their glory at different times of the year. Mrs Brain has worked at Barrington for 26 years and has master-minded numerous projects and innovations, including restoring some areas in accordance with the original planting schemes of the famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.

     U3A members were impressed by Christine’s grasp of broad garden planning ideas as well as her intimate knowledge of individual plants. She ended her talk by giving an impromptu ‘Gardeners Question Time’ when fielding members’ questions.  

     The next monthly meeting, on December 19, will be annual Christmas lunch and all members are invited. There is no need to book places in advance: just come along to the Chard Guildhall at 12pm, armed with the usual 50p entrance fee, plus some item of food (savoury or sweet) that can be put on the buffet table for others to enjoy.

     The Chairman Brian Harper would be pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining the U3A. Please phone Brian on 01460-52994.