Happy 70th Birthday Beryl
*please click the photograph below to access a larger photo
Attached is a photo of Beryl Lewis, one of our U3A members celebrating her 70th birthday by doing a parachute jump for charity.The parachute jump was at Swansea, in tandem with her instructor; it was in aid of Parkinsons UK.Beryl said she would like to thank everyone who sponsored her, helping her to raise £1060.WELL DONE BERYLEditorSkydive Swansea - the only skydiving facility in Wales “We are committed to providing a safe environment with highly qualified instructors with the aim of helping Welsh Charities raise funds through Tandem Skydiving as well as providing a centre of excellence for Welsh skydivers”
website link: www.skydiveswansea.co.uk
Caldicot goes Dutch
The early hours of Monday 23rd November 2009 saw an intrepid 45 strong contingent of our membership with high spirits departing for the Low Countries. Little daunted by the winds and driving rain, which had penetrated, in very short order, our luggage and most other places we boarded the modern, well equipped, luxury coach provided by Edwards on our first leg of the Special Events pre Christmas adventure.
A nifty bit of commuter traffic dodging saw us arriving ahead of time at the Shuttle Terminal at Ashford to the extent that our amiable and resourceful driver and guide, Wayne, was able to secure an earlier passage to Calais. This set us in good stead for the final leg to Valkenburg and the Hotel Riche where most took the opportunity to wash the dust out of their throats before a welcome dinner. By now some were quite happy to retire to bed, others took a few further libations before doing so.
*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our
Valkenburg Christmas trip December 2009
photo: Maastricht Horse in shop
Photographs were taken by
Aid and Glenice Dallow, Ann and Bob Taylor-Herd, Beryl Lewis, Jenny and Doug KingIf the first days quite horrible weather in Wales, through England, into France and Belgium was a foretaste of the conditions we were to expect in Holland we were not disappointed. Europe was truly united, at least in its weather, therefore we went underground - the caves!
Lest you should think "very flat Holland" applies throughout, Valkenburg is built on a hill surmounted by the ruins of a once proud castle the home of various rulers of the Limburg province that appear to have changed hand more often than the Wentwood Inn. Its occupiers, to deny Napoleon and the U3A its position, a long time before we arrived, blew up the fortress.
Below the ruins are long passages carved out of the marlstone by the Romans and throughout time. Many engravings adorn the walls and these highlighted in charcoal, depict the history of the little town, its rulers and their rise, persecution and various demise. Within some of these caves are now situated the Christmas Markets, the headline purpose of our visit.
The men in the party, with a firm grip on their credit cards escorted the ladies with trepidation for there was much to tickle their fancy. Many in our party bought therapeutic vibrating cushions (batteries included). By now we were again ready for our dinner. We were not disappointed in this for the fare was quite excellent throughout our stay.
Two days of sightseeing followed with short excursions to Monschau, an exquisite little village nestling in a deep river valley, Aachen also in Germany and finally Maastricht whose city you will recall saw a major step forward in the early stages of our integration into Europe.
On the Wednesday night there was a delightful Christmas parade held within a few steps from our hotel, led by the cranky Professor Falkenstein, the children dressed in quite enchanting costume, and the rear brought up by Sinta Claus himself.
Another few steps found some in 'Jackthoes', which can only be described as a cross between a piano bar, and a circus. Live music, comedy routines and clowning accompanied the serving of drinks by Alice, amongst others. Who is Alice? You might ask!Friday saw our departure after breakfast with the hotel staff waving a fond farewell shouting such time worn phrases as "bring back the towels! Another good run by our driver enabled us to catch an earlier shuttle. We arrived back in the rain, as we had started but happy, satisfied and contented.
It appears that a good time was had by all however they had chosen to spend their free time. Some certainly let their hair down to reveal rare glimpses of some members that you would not expect to see at the monthly meeting for instance.
Another Special Event thanks to Pam and her able assistant Marion and we look forward to next years Turkey and Tinsel in Scarborough.
Tony Hirst
Caldicot and District U3A Christmas Dinner 2009
Our Christmas dinner was held at The Dewstow Golf Club and what a great time we had, as usual the food was faultless and the music by Ian Towers was varied throughout the afternoon to suit the moment.
Pam Cains our Chairman thanked Ian, the organizers Jim Hill and Marion Guppy, she wished everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our
2009 Christmas Dinner
Photographs were taken by Ron Lapthorn and Frank Deley.
Our 2007 Turkey and Tinsel Holiday
*please click the photograph above to access a photo slideshow of our
2007 Turkey and Tinsel holiday
Our Holiday to Scotland 2007
On Saturday, 4th August, forty ‘brave hearts’ set off for a holiday to Scotland, with good wishes from Rodney who came to see us off. Jean had worked hard making all the arrangements, but so sadly passed away. She had asked Ron Lapthorn to lead the holiday and he took on the responsibility, ably assisted by Val, for which we were all most grateful.
*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our
visit to Morecombe
photo: Group photo at Morecombe Bay
We made our way to Morecombe where we arrived in drizzling rain. The hotel was very comfortable and friendly and the evening entertainment was dancing, a quiz and bingo, the U3A winning three of the bingo prizes and the champagne prize for the quiz! Sunday morning was beautiful and sunny and Morecombe looked so different! After group photographs we boarded the coach and headed for our hotel near Edinburgh.
On Monday we spent the day in Edinburgh which was very busy and exciting as ‘The Fringe’ was in full swing. There were street entertainers everywhere, some strange and bizarre, but everyone performing seemed to be enjoying themselves. Some of the group visited Edinburgh Cathedral and candles were lit in memory of Jean. We made our way back to the Hotel for an early dinner and then set off for the Tattoo.
Edinburgh and the Tattoo:
What an experience! The massed bands, the music and entertainment were incredible. The sheer organisation of it all was marvellous, with one act following another so smoothly. Our hearts were set racing by the young boys and girls from six to sixteen years of age, who made up a motorcycle act and whose precision skills were impressive and the finale was very emotional with the lone piper up on the battlements. All in all a fantastic experience.
*please click on the photograph below to access a slideshow of our visit to the
Stirling Castle:
photo Stirling Castle
Tuesday saw us heading for Stirling Castle which was very impressive and then on to the Falkirk Wheel. This was a unique experience, made all the more enjoyable by our very charming and funny young guide and we learnt that this was her first day doing the commentary.
*please click on the photograph below to access a slideshow of our visit to the
Falkirk Wheel:
photo: Falkirk Wheel
On Wednesday we left the Cairn Hotel and made our way to Wetherby stopping in Durham where again some visited the Cathedral and lit a candle.*please click the image below to access a larger photograph
photo:Cairn Hotel Garden
A card playing group had formed over the holiday and will be known in future as the PG’s (professional gamblers). Not mentioning any name, but one inexperienced card player joined in late on the last evening and swept the board!
*please click on the photograph below to access a slideshow of our visit to the Durham:
photo: Durham Cathedral
Our final day was spent travelling home, stopping at Webb’s Garden Centre for lunch.
*please click on the photograph above to access a slideshow of our visit to the Webbs Garden Centre:
We finally arrived back at Caldicot, again welcomed by Rodney.
During the whole trip our brilliant driver Lynn was so accommodating, negotiating many difficult little roads.
*please click the image below to access a larger photograph
photo: Ron our Leader and photographer playing the part
We all expressed our thanks to him and to Ron and Val for everything they had done to make this a memorable trip and always mindful of the work Jean and Rodney had done. Thank you again.
Joyce (Norfolk)
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