Awards for All Wales [the Lottery Fund]Caldicot & District U3A have again been fortunate in receiving a grant from Awards for All Wales [the Lottery Fund] for the purchase of extra Computer Equipment and 6 new laptop computers, complete with additional keyboards and headphones, have been acquired.
These are being used by beginners with little or no experience of computing to learn what can be achieved with knowledge of computing and access to the Internet. The scheme started at the beginning of September and there has been a "full house" ever since as more and more senior citizens realise that the world of IT can add to their quality of life.
In addition to the computer equipment, the U3A received a grant to buy a sound amplifying system for the Drama Group. The system includes wireless collar microphones which allow the players to have their voices amplified without the encumbrance of wires and they were used publicly for the first time in September when the Group gave a performance of "The Worst Day of my Life" to an audience of over 100 people in the Choir Hall in Caldicot.
5/10/2008.
WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING AT!!
*please click the image above to access a larger photograph
Reg and Betty Shore are looking at photographs with Tim Ryan, Project Co-ordinator of the Severn Princess Restoration Group, the photographs were taken by Reg of the Severn Ferry in the 1930s.
Betty is shown in the photograph below holding a print of a watercolour painted by Ron Lapthorn a U3A Member of the Art Group, Ron painted the original from one of Regs photos of the Severn Ferry.
Tim presented Reg and Betty with a video of the Severn Ferry film clips from the past , Ron gave Tim and Reg framed prints of his watercolor painting.
Tim gave the U3A a talk earlier this year and there is a note from him on our Guest Webpage.
*please click the image above to access a larger photograph
Reg and Betty are founder members of the Caldicot & District U3A
Reg will be 98 years of age in October 2008
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY REG"
Harry Secombe’s Stand-inAt the July monthly meeting we had a talk by Mrs Rosemary Scadden entitled ‘I was Harry Secombe’s Stand-in’.
*please click the image above to access a larger photograph
photo: Terry Williams our speaker finder is seen here with our July speaker Rosemary Scadden (on the left) and our Chairman Pam Caines (on the right). Rosemary gave a fascinating talk about her career behind the scenes in the TV industry, her talk was entitled "I was Sir Harry Secombe's Stand In"
Mrs Scadden has worked in television for many years, mostly as a programme researcher. In that capacity she was responsible for preparing material for a magazine programme, interviewing potential guests, selecting items to be included, arranging a script, and looking after guests in the studio.
She described the functions of the various people who work in a television studio, and how they interact to create the end result.
Rosemary worked with George Thomas, Lord Tonypandy, when he did a series of interviews with some well-known political figures. When George was shown the London studios where the programmes were to be made, Rosemary collected him by taxi from his hotel, together with two other ladies. George, ever the gentleman, insisted that the three ladies enter the cab first, and he sat on the pull-down seat facing them. As he sat, the taxi surged forward, throwing George on top of Rosemary. George remonstrated with the driver, saying that he should have waited until he was properly seated before moving off. The driver smartly replied that the last time that had happened in his cab, the woman concerned had a baby nine months later.
When Margaret Thatcher was George’s guest, she was asked if she would like some Perrier mineral water in her dressing room. She reacted in horror, and enquired in her inimitable way, “Is there no English water available?”
Rosemary also worked on the ‘Highway’ series with Sir Harry Secombe. The programmes were made by the ITV regions, and co-ordinated by the London office. Each region produced the ones that were set in their area, and Rosemary was involved in researching the Welsh ones (20 in total).
In many of the programmes, Sir Harry recorded short pieces outdoors. In most of rural Wales the bane of the outside broadcast is the low-flying aircraft, and Sir Harry would often shake his fist against the disappearing plane, saying that Thora Hird (compére of the rival BBC program ‘Praise Be’) was responsible.
Rosemary often stood in for Sir Harry during camera and lighting rehearsals, and got to know very well. Sir Harry in turn treated her like a daughter. When he died, she attended his memorial service, and was proud to see the Welsh Dragon flying above Westminster Abbey.
Dave Edwards
Our Caldicot & District U3A Committee for 2007-2008
*please click the image above to access a larger photograph
Photo taken at our AGM which was held in Caldicot choir hall.
From left to right... I.P.Chairman Glenice Dallow, Jim Hill, Beryl Lewis, Marion Guppy, Chairman Pam Caines, John Sherrington, Cindy McOwen and Roger Slade, (David Evans not in picture).
Our 13th Birthday Party
Pam Caines our chairman (left) is seen posing with some of our other members for a photograph at our 13th birthday party -the theme was 50s and 60s.*Please click the images below to access larger photographs
A great time was had by all, which included an ample buffet and dancing to Ian and his music. We would like to thank everyone who supplied the food and the team which laid it out and did all the washing up afterwards.
Picture slideshow of our U3A 2007 Christmas Lunch held at the
Dewstow Golf Club
*please click the photograph above to access the photo slideshow of the Christmas Lunch:
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The Student Musicians from Caldicot Comprehensive School
Entertain us.*Please click the images below to access larger photographs
At our recent monthly meeting in the Choir Hall, Caldicot and District U3A were treated to a recital by members of the 6th form (years 12 & 13) from Caldicot School. The programme was compèred excellently throughout by Nicola Jones and started off with Zoe Walters singing “Wishing you were somehow here again” from Phantom of the Opera.
This was followed by individual instrumental pieces accompanied by Sara Axon (Music Department) on the piano and performed to perfection by Bethan Keeble (Oboe), Lucy Coulson (Flute), Kathryn Jones (Tenor horn), Nicola Jones (Flute), Calum Charlesworth (Guitar), Cara Williams (Flute) and Daniel Davies (Piano) accompanying Alison Early singing “There’s a fine, fine line”. (Alison will be singing a lead part in the school’s production of West Side Story in March)
The recital concluded with an “Upper a capella” with Bethan, Nicola, Gavin Williams and Kathryn being joined by Mrs Lloyd (Music Department) and Mr Whitcombe (Deputy Head) giving an excellent rendition of an African Zulu song “Jabulah Jesu”. This was so well received that they gave an encore. Nicola told members that a number of the musicians had already secured places at various universities including Cambridge, Bangor and Cardiff to study music.
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OPEN DAY
Thursday the 18th of October 2007 saw a packed choir hall for our open day, where all groups are given the opportunity to display their work and everyone is invited to enjoy scones, jam, cream, tea or coffee.*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of the Open Day
photo: Our Chairman Pam Caines opening the exhibition
Pam Caines, our chairman welcomed everyone and went on to quote an example of a new member who had just joined us and with very little experience had attended her first art class only two weeks ago and was already displaying her first piece of work here today.
Pam went on to say,
"That is what the U3A is all about".
25th Birthday Celebrations in Caldicot.
A Piano Concert entitled "A Prelude to Spring" and Afternoon Tea took place on Sunday 1st April as a celebration of 25 years of U3A in U.K.
*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of the
25th Birthday Celebrations in Caldicot.
The guest pianist was Ivan Ilic a most talented musician. He played music by Handel, Brahms, Schumann, Liszt and Debussy and enthralled the audience of over 130 with his great talent and sensitivity. During the interval sandwiches, cakes and tea were served. The event was organised by Jean Imrie and committee members and visiting U3A members from Cardiff, Chepstow, Newport and Usk joined many Caldicot members and visitors for the concert. The event was supported by The Arts Council of Wales "Night Out" Scheme. Chairman, Glenice Dallow, presented a framed watercolour painting of Caldicot Castle (painted by Ron Lapthorne, a member of the Art Group) to Ivan as a memento of his visit and thanked everyone for their support.
*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of the
25th Birthday Celebrations in Caldicot.
At the monthly meeting on Thursday, 17th May as part of the National 25th Birthday Celebrations of U3A, members had a silver theme at their 12th birthday party. Sparkle Cabaret from Newport entertained us with vocalists Suzanne and Matthew accompanied by Richard on the keyboard.
"Shiatsu" by Karen Silk
*please click the photograph above to access a photo slideshow of "Shiatsu" by Karen Silk
At our March monthly meeting members were given a talk and demonstration of "Shiatsu" by Karen Silk. As well as demonstrating the technique on two willing volunteers she also encouraged the rest of the members to take part!
"Turkey and Tinsel (or Mistletoe and Holly!) Holiday - 200647 members and friends enjoyed five days at Llandudno recently. The weather was a bit violent at times but this did not prevent us from enjoying some magnificent scenery and I've no doubt there will be plenty of photographs available soon to prove this as Ron, Nita and Dorothy were very busy with their cameras.
*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of the Turkey and Tinsel
(or Mistletoe and Holly!) Holiday - 2006
During our trip to Snowdonia we were fortunate to have Rodney and Dorothy to supplement the tour with some very interesting information regarding the harnessing of the lake water for power and the history of the arctic fish that are to be found in the deep cold water there.
Shopping was not overlooked - and the stores of Llandudno were duly plundered! Our hotel was warm and comfortable; the staff pleasant and attentive - our welcome was very pleasing; and some of us wanted to take the chef home - his porridge was so delicious!!
Thank you Jean for arranging this "Mistletoe and Holly" break and for managing to get a wonderful driver once more.
Auriol HORTON.The Forest of Dean U3A with Caldicot U3A visit to London
*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of the visit to LondonTower Bridge and Greenwich
An open invitation was given recently by the Forest of Dean U3A to any of our members who would like to join them on a trip to London to visit in particular Tower Bridge and Greenwich. A number of our members took up the offer including our chairman, Glenice and Ron Lapthorn who kindly provided the photographic record of the visit which can be accessed below.Visit to London
On Thursday 31 August 48 members of our U3A set off on a most enjoyable overnight trip to London. The overnight stay was at the Novotel London City South where everyone had very well appointed rooms. On the Thursday evening most people found somewhere to eat in Covent Garden before being coached to the Prince of Wales theatre for a performance of Mamma Mia. This was a most lively and happy show with a clever storyline based on Abba hits of the 60's.
*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of the Group visit to London
On the return journey to the hotel the very obliging Edwards driver took us to see the lights along the embankment, past the Tower of London and over Tower Bridge.
After a good breakfast on Friday morning the group visited Clarence House and Buckingham Palace where over 80 of the Queen's dresses were on display, which was an added bonus to the visit. A wonderful trip and thanks must go to Jean Imrie for arranging it even down to a refund which was enough to buy an ice cream in the theatre!
U3A at Caldicot Carnival - May 2006
*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of the 2006 Caldicot Carnival
Mr & Mrs John Llewellin wed in Chepstow.
*Click the photograph above to access a larger image
Caldicot U3A Walking Group provided a "guard of honour" when two of their members, John and Margaret, were married at Chepstow Registry Office on Saturday, 8th April.
SW & SS U3A Network MeetingCaldicot & District U3A were proud to host the SW & SS network meeting on March 9th, with senior representatives from the Third Age Trust, National Office and members from U3A's from S.Wales & Severnside. Lin Jonas, Co Sec of 3rd Age Trust gave an entertaining and informative insight into how the Trust supports & enriches the work of U3As and the facilities available to us. After entertainment by Caldicot & District U3A Choir and Drama group, there was further discussion on U3A awareness and how we can spread that word that we are proud to belong to U3A movement.
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of the SW & SS network meeting on March 9th 2006
The performance by the Choir and Drama sections were praised by everyone. A delegate from Swansea U3A, who is Chairman of The Dylan Thomas Society, made a special point of praising the Drama sections performance of 'Under Milk Wood'.Roy Noble and Glenice Dallow pose for a souvenir photo at the end of Roy's visit to our January monthly meeting, where he gave us a talk on "Who do you think you are". His talk related to some of his past experiences, which included many amusing human moments which our members found that they could relate to.
Thank you Roy for coming to visit us and we hope it will not be long before we have the pleasure of your company again.
Editor
DECEMBER MUSIC HALL
My Lords, Ladies, Gentlemen, Friends, I give you Caldicot U3A's very own artistes who shall dance for you like Fairies and sing like Angels. We will indulge you in an afternoon of home made repast, jollification and merriment with oodles of entertainment.
Our acclaimed entertainers will wait with baited breath for your joyous cries, nay shrieks, for more after each one has personified, nay acted out, even better than the excellence of the greatest artists in the land, nay the World!
We shall batten down the roof of this emporium, in anticipation of your gi-normous acclimations and cries of wonderment, at this extravaganza, so ably brought to you by your Angelic Choir and Athletic Drama group.Ladies and Gentlemen of Caldicot U3A we give you a Music Hall like no other!
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of our MUSIC HALL
Caldicot and District U3A closed their year with a wonderful afternoon of entertainment, every member was invited to dress up as though they were attending an old time music hall.
The first half of the afternoons entertainment was by our choir, led by Eric Taylor. The choir sang a selection of carols which included audience participation.The second half of the afternoon was a show organized by Anna Nicholas, leader of our Drama group. Every song was acted out by one or more of Anna's members and all renditions were encouraging audience participation to sing along with the cast.
The show was overseen by master of ceremonies Jerry Nicholas, attired in full regalia of top hat, huge moustache and gavel. After the closing song of 'Lambeth walk' was given an encore it enthused the audience to join the cast in doing 'the walk' round the choir hall.
The afternoon would have not been complete without the usual festive refreshments which were enjoyed by all, Glenice Dallow, our chairwoman went on to thank everyone for a most successful year and with a membership growth now breaking the 300 barrier, she and the committee were looking forward to an even more enjoyable and successful year in 2006.
U3A Christmas Dinner at the Dewstow Golf Club
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of our Christmas Dinner
Betty, Reg and Reg,caught in a nice pose at the Dewstow where our Christmas Dinner was held. Thank you Jean for arranging such a great day for us all.
Turkey and Tinsel trip to Eastbourne
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of our Turkey and Tinsel trip to Eastbourne
Thankyou Jean for a wonderful Turkey and Tinsel trip to Eastbourne where we were looked after wonderfully at the Afton Hotel. No more could be asked of our driver, Graham from Edwards coaches who took us the scenic routes on our day trips, which were to Tunbridge Wells, Brighton and to Rye on market day, what more could we ask!
Snapshots of our exhibition meeting in October
The meeting was a full house where all groups had been invited to display their activities (our covering picture must be followed up in the slide show to get the real story).
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of our exhibition meeting in October
Over the last few weeks two of our members, Bob and Ann Taylor-Heard have been busy making a slide show of our 10th Anniversary celebrations, having put music to the pictures they have gone on to make copies, which can be purchased with all profits going to our U3A account. After visiting the stands and watching the slide show we were served scones with jam and cream followed by tea.
Our Chairman Glenice thanked everyone for making it a wonderful afternoon for our visitors and our members.
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Caldicot Goes Classical
*Please click the above photograph to enter the gala recital photo album
On Saturday October the 1st. at Grayhill school Caldicot, the Caldicot & District U3A were proud to present to an audience of enthusiasts a concert of such quality it left us all speechless.
Mezzo Soprano Guang Yang the 1997 winner of the prestigious Cardiff Singer of the World Competition was accompanied by Ingrid Surgenor who is one of Britain’s most successful pianists and who is Internationally renowned for her work as an accompanist including 20 years for the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition.
Yang and Ingrid performed to guests, members of the public and the ‘Two Bridges Music’ group who are allied to Caldicot and District U3A.
These Internationally famous artists performed with such talent, warmth and grace it was a privilege to be in the audience.
Those gathered there included many who had kindly sponsored and encouraged this ground-breaking venture; from the response after the concert each and everyone felt they had shared a wonderful experience.
The programme included work by Bizet, Samuel Barber, Saint Saëns, Mahler, Rossini, and Mascagni; Guang Yang also introduced us to a selection of traditional Chinese folk songs.
All in all a wonderful evening to be remembered and our thanks go to Gerry Nicholas, his Music Appreciation group and helpers. It is to be hoped that this will prove to be the first of many such ventures.A fine September day witnessed the invasion of North Somerset by 113 Caldicot and District U3A members to the well-publicized country home - Tyntesfield. The National Trust acquired the property in August 2002, from the estate of the 2nd. Lord Wraxall, at a cost of £20,000,000, which was raised in fifty days! Lord Wraxall, a bachelor, lived alone here and was the fourth generation of the Gibbs family to live there. Each generation made changes but with unusual sympathy for their predecessors` work.
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of the visit to Tyntesfield.
The Gibbs family was wealthy! Having made their fortune from gnano "mining" and exporting from South America. They were also very generous having funded the building of nineteen churches, including one at Keeble College and Christchurch in Clifton. The house is a magical place bristling with Gothic extravagance, and the well-informed guides helped organize the house tour.
We were all taken aback by the immense beauty inside, especially the library and 150 years of Gibbs family memorabilia, 40,000 items now being catalogued! Outside, the area of "Paradise", the formal gardens and the kitchen gardens are extremely photogenic.
This amazing treasure, now in the safe hands of the National Trust, is undergoing extensive conservation and repairs. It will no longer remain one of the least known of English country houses.
If you were not there, you missed an excellent day, for which we must thank Jean and Rodney Imrie for organizing.
PAUL LEWIS.
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Caldicot & District U3A NEWS REVIEW photo slide show
*Click the photograph below to access a slide show
Our members, including our Chairman Glenice and Vice Chairman Pam, are seen putting the final preparations to our display ready for when visitors arrive to an exhibition in the Methodist Church, Caldicot Town Centre, organised by Age Concern.
Our members arriving back at Caldicot Country Park at the end of the
Carnival Parade.
Photo slide show of archive news articles
*Please click the photograph below to access a photo slide show of archive news articles
photo: Peter and Norma Shreeve's garden party
Glenice Dallow and Peter Shreeve are seen scrutinizing the winning tickets for the raffle, which was held ar Peter and Norma Shreeve's garden party. It was held to raise funds for our U3A so that we could purchase a gazebo, to be used for future events, which will include our displays and exhibitions.
Thank you both for a lovely time.
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