Slough U3A Newsletter, May 2016

Our next meeting is on 18 May at 1:30 pm. Our speaker is Judy Tipping on “Local History and Landscape of the Farnhams”

Farnham Royal has a very long history – dating back at least as far as the Doomsday Book. In fact the title ‘Royal’ was bestowed on the village by William the Conqueror himself. Farnham Common is of more recent origin, being the ‘common’ where local people grazed their animals. Local historian Judy Tipping was born in Farnham Common and can trace several generations of her family to the Farnhams or the villages round about. So who better to give a talk on these villages and their surprisingly long and varied history?

Future General Meetings and speakers as follows;

• 15 June, Beryl Beare on “Wartime Experiences”
• 20 July – Leslie Grout on “How our language evolved”
• 17 August – Chantelle Kingsbury on “Forensic Science”

The monthly meeting is at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Merton Road, Slough SL1 1QW, guests are welcome and refreshments are provided. Doors open at 1:30 pm with announcements and speaker starting at 2pm.

If you are a newcomer, there is no obligation to join on your first visit. However you must become a member if you wish to take part in any of the activity groups, or if you attend more than one general meeting.

U3A Activity Groups

Here are brief reports from some of our members’ activity and interest groups

• The Art Appreciation will visit Leighton House Museum in Kensington on Monday 16^th May to view their exhibition entitled Pre-Raphaelites on Paper – Victorian Drawings from the Lanigan Collection.
• Thos month the Book Group met to discuss “Awakening” by S. J. Bolton which they all enjoyed although it was a bit scary! Next month’s read is “Courtesans” by Katie Hickman. Comment from a member – “I am reading and enjoying books I wouldn’t normally choose!”
• The Cookery Group group are having a demonstration of the Thermomix on 11th May and then they will be “Cooking Italian” on Monday 23rd May.
• The Creative Writing Group have been busily flashing, attempting to write Flash Fiction of 100 words or less, and their attempts at this challenging task have been surprisingly successful. We have also been looking at—and creating—some inspiring titles, and at our next meeting on Friday 18 May members will be reading pieces suggested by their titles.
• Create & Craft meets every Tuesday as St Andrew’s Church.
• Current Affairs Discussion met on 27^th April for a very interesting a discussion of hearing loss, it brought out quite a few issues. Such a lively group. On 25 May they will discuss EU Membership.
• Film & Theatre Group have an exciting and varied program of activities lined up for the next few months; the highlight being in August with the Elizabethan Experience A guided tour of the Globe theatre with an Elizabethan dressing demonstration and a further tour of the Rose Theatre and Bankside.
• The French Group enjoyed its first meeting in early May and agreed to meet on the first Wednesday of each month. We are French enthusiasts, wanting to improve our communication skills for future French holidays; we are hoping to learn from each other and generate discussion topics which are of interest to us.
• The Play Readers are continuing their high jinks in the bedchamber on Monday 9^th May while reading Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce. Next month they will venture into the rather more complex world of George Bernard Shaw.
• Walking – in April we enjoyed the bluebells in Rowley Wood; on 11 May we will be admiring the azaleas and the Arboretum in Langley Park.
• Wildflower Identification have been stumped by a local tree.
• Wine Appreciation tasted some lovely Italian whites in May; on 7^th June we will explore the world of Rosé wines. This will be followed by our visit to Dropmore Vineyard in Buckinghamshire in July.

If you wish to join any of these groups, please come to our General Meeting and talk to the group’s coordinator.

Carers Week 2016 – 6th-12th June.

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges that carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. The new SPACE service is arranging drop in sessions for carers and special events across Slough over Carers Week.

Events taking place at the Main Room at 29 Church Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1PL:

• 6th June Health and fitness sessions             Various times
• 7th June Carers Forum         12pm-2pm
• 8th June DROP IN Fair          10am-3pm
• 9th June Meet AND Mingle               10am-3pm
• 10th June Beauty Day and Cream Tea
  Musical entertainment with Rob Harris  10am-3pm

For further information e-mail sloughcarers@gmail.com or telephone 01753 303 428.

What’s on around Slough?

The National Gardens Scheme – the Royal Garden at Frogmore House, Windsor. Tuesday, 7 June. 2016 marks the 70^th anniversary of Frogmore opening for the National Gardens Scheme charities. This lovely peaceful parkland garden is rich in history and has a fascinating royal heritage. For more information and to book tickets in advance, including the option of a garden history tour, please phone 01483-211535 or go to the NGS website shop at www.ngs.org.uk

The historic Kedermister Library at St Mary’s Church, Langley will be open to visitors from 2.30pm to 5.00pm on the following Sundays – 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 September

Need help with anything IT related? Then why not drop in to Cippenham Library on Monday 16th May from 12.30pm to 2.30pm for answers.

Discover the ancient trees of Burnham Beeches on Sunday 15 May! Our old trees have some fantastic stories to tell, as do the Rangers. Join this 2 hour walk to discover how and why the ancient pollards were created and what we are doing to keep them alive. Booking required – email burnham.beeches@cityoflondon.gov.uk or call on 01753 647358

Slough Senior Citizens Group – 10th Anniversary Year Celebration Event – Wednesday 13th July at Copthorne Hotel. Lunch, Health Talks, Music and Networking with the Mayor of Slough and Dr Jim O’Donnell Chair for Slough CCG. Contact: Email- sloughseniors@gmail.com or 01753 537996

Self publishing talk with local writer Tim Walker – Tim Walker has successfully published several of his books online and is coming to Slough Library on Thursday 2 June at 11am to talk about writing and publishing, particularly online!

Slough Festival of Learning 19 May – 16 June. We are hosting a range of taster sessions including cake decorating, yoga and pilates, interview skills among other things. You can find details on the website http://www.slough.gov.uk/libraries/library-news-and-events.aspx

U3A Special Events

Swan Lake at the London Coliseum – U3A exclusive talk with ballet principals. The Australian Ballet are one of the world’s leading ballet companies and U3A members will be able to attend a talk given by Adam Bull and Amber Scott, two of the principal dancers in the company on Thursday 14 July at 12.45pm followed by a performance of Swan Lake. Discounted tickets for the full afternoon £45.00 per U3A member. To take advantage of this special offer call the London Coliseum Box Office on 020 7845 9300 and quote “U3A Offer”.