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"Keeeeeeeep Dancing"

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our Christmas Dinner

While winds up to 100 miles an hour blew round parts of the country Caldicot U3A spent the afternoon in the warm comfortable Dewstow Golf Club where their Christmas Lunch was being held.

After a wonderful lunch many took to the dance floor and skipped the light fantastic round the dance floor to our musician Ian Towers (see photographs), I think our members and guests must have been watching the BBC TV Strictly Come Dancing.

At 4.00pm we all left in our carriages for home. Thank you to all the U3A organisers of the lunch, staff at Dewstow and our members for making it such an enjoyable afternoon to end another successful year. 

Photographs Ron and Rodney Imrie

Caldicot & District U3A Turkey and Tinsel visit to Weymouth November 2011

2011 Turkey and Tinsel trip to Weymouth, it was a wet miserable Monday morning as we waited for the coach to pick us up at various points in Caldicot ( photo shows some of us at Deepweir ). 

On our journey to Weymouth we had a break at a Garden Centre which was beautifully decorated for Christmas, as our photographs show. Then on to our Hotel for Dinner and Entertainment.

*please click both photograph below to access a photo slideshows of our visit to Weymouth

The photo's were taken by Ron Lapthorn and Angela and Tony Hirst.

The next day we did our own thing in Weymouth, shopping for many although we met some walking along the promenade taking in the sea air and sunshine.

On Wednesday we were taken by coach to Dorchester where the market was in full swing, we walked up the high street and explored the shops in the narrow alleyways and found our way to a wonderful museum. 

Thursday we went to Poole and walked along the harbour and saw boats being built one only dreams about, then onto a must, Poole Pottery and for the strong willed onto the shops in town, some went for a lunch in the harbour area, a visit to the museum then we were back to the coach and off to Portland and Portland Bill lighthouse,  on our way back to the hotel we viewed where the Olympic & Paralympic sailing events are to be held in 2012.

Friday we left Weymouth after taking photo's of the glorious sunrise which silhouetted the war memorial on the edge of the beach opposite the hotel (can be seen at the end of our slide show). 

On the way home we had a break at Burnham where the close-up gull photo's were taken.

I forgot to mention the evening entertainment but more photo's in out two slide shows show all this and  more!

Thanks to our driver John, Pam and Marion our Special Events team who organised the trip, we love you! 

Ron Lapthorn

Weymouth is situated in the south of the county of Dorset on the south coast of England. Weymouth Bay is part of the English Channel and was known as "England's Bay of Naples". What we think of as Weymouth today when we think of the seaside or the town centre, is in fact Melcombe Regis. They were once two separate places, their boundary being the harbour, with Weymouth on the south side and Melcombe Regis on the north. There was much feuding between the two and so in 1571, Elizabeth I granted a Royal Charter to unite them as the Borough of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis.

The walkway and road which runs parallel to Weymouth beach is called the Esplanade. Before Georgian times (early 19th century) the town was not known as a seaside resort but with the patronage from King George III there was a major redevelopment of Weymouth. Over 50 years many of the terraces you can still see today were built facing the sea. And it is not surprising to find that many buildings are hotels and guest houses that enjoy the beautiful panorama of Weymouth bay.

Weymouth Harbour as one of the most picturesque harbours in Europe, Weymouth’s 17th Century Waterfront is home to some of Dorset’s finest pubs, restaurants, family attractions and architecture. Come and discover one of England’s truly special places!

The harbourside is steeped in history, with links to the Black Death, Spanish Armada, the Civil War and the D Day landings. Take the heritage trail and discover more of its history or just soak up the atmosphere of a bustling working harbour and watch crabs, lobster and sea fish of all kinds being landed daily. But if you really want to get involved, take a boat trip across the bay, try out the speedboats or join one of the diving trips.

Weymouth Harbour is centrally located on the South Coast of England at the Heart of the Heritage Coast which is a World Natural Heritage site, offering a unique opportunity to view this if visiting the area by sea and making it an ideal place for visiting sailors to stop. Not only are the moorings in the centre of the town a short walk from all facilities, but its geographical position makes it an ideal stop-over for international voyagers.

Situated at the heart of the old town it is the ideal sailing destination for you to moor and explore Weymouth, the Jurassic coastline and the neighbouring countryside, as well as providing a safe haven from the predominantly south westerly winds.

The photo's were taken by Adrian and Glenice Dallow

Nothe Fort Located at the entrance to Weymouth Harbour the Fort is a labyrinth of underground passageways and outdoor areas with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Constructed on three levels , which are easily accessed by means of a lift, the Fort is filled with displays, mammoth guns and cinema areas that chart the history of this large and magnificent Victorian structure. Nothe Fort is now one of Weymouth’s major attractions and a venue for a wide range of events.

website link: www.nothefort.org.uk

Greenhill Gardens at the edge of the town centre, sloping up from the beach and promenade, are the Gardens, where you can get some of the best views across Weymouth Bay. The winding paths and brightly coloured flower beds of the Gardens are a true delight to discover but there is also an 18-hole putting green, tennis courts, a bowling green and two cafes to keep you occupied.

Weymouth's Greenhill Gardens has been recognised as one of the best green spaces in the country. The seafront gardens have been awarded Green Flag status based on how safe, clean, accessible, well managed and welcoming they are. The Green Flag Award scheme is the national standard for parks and green spaces across England and Wales; it recognises the value of green spaces in communities and is held by the best parks and gardens in the UK.

One of the unique features of Greenhill Gardens is its floral clock, which was built in 1936 by Ritchie & Sons of Edinburgh. It has an adjacent clock house that holds the original mechanism that keeps the clock ticking. There is also Bennett's Shelter, which was a benevolent donation made by Mayor V H Bennett. The original shelter, which was constructed after 1919, had lower wooden sections that have since been replaced by Portland stone walls. The upper timber structure and tiled roof are essentially in their original form and the structure continues to provide shelter to today's visitors.

The Schneider Trophy weather vane is a memorial to a former Weymouth College student, Lieutenant George Stainforth, who set a world record air speed in a Schneider Supermarine S6B seaplane in 1931. The weather vane has been in Greenhill Gardens since May 1952 and was restored in 1999 by a local marine engineer. In the late 1980s, a 'wishing well' was donated to the Gardens by Melcombe Regis Rotary Club. To this day, any money thrown into the well is collected and presented to a local charity.

London 2012 sailing events in Weymouth & Portland: Weymouth & Portland in Dorset will host the sailing competition for the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.

The Games are the largest sporting spectacle in the world offering a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses and communities in Dorset to get involved and celebrate 'the greatest show on Earth' coming to Dorset.

Staging the London 2012 sailing events is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show the world what Dorset has to offer. The county is a fantastic base for businesses and boasts outstanding countryside, unrivalled culture and heritage and, of course, the stunning coastline that represents England's only natural World Heritage Site.

website link: www.dorsetforyou.com/london2012

 

 

Severn Tunnel 125 Celebration

Sudbrook Saturday 3rd September 2011

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Yesterday saw local people and visitors join together in remembering September 1886 when the Severn Tunnel opened to regular rail traffic.

At 11 a.m. the official opening of Sudbrook History Centre was by John Harvey, great grandson of Thomas Walker, the contractor who built the tunnel.

The local history group headed by Peter Strong and their members were all dressed in the 1880’s style added to the atmosphere of the occasion.

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of
the Severn Tunnel 125 Celebration

Photographs taken by Ron Lapthorn

Caldicot U3A members were amongst a group of people invited to set up their stalls and displays at the event.

On our arrival, a visit to these stalls including our own which featured paintings by one of our members of local scenes including the Ferry which ceased across the River Seven when the bridge at Chepstow came in to operation in 1966.

It was not long before we were being entertained by “The Seven Tunnel Band” and enjoying their music with refreshments from the club house, we were off to visit the displays within the club rooms which included a model railway set up and running with paintings of steam trains by the model operator which were being admired by everyone, a wonderful display.

There were rooms with historical information about the area before the tunnel was planned, history of the building of the tunnel and the life of the workers that built it, there were details of the problems encountered from the underground spring which flooded the tunnel and required the necessity of a pump house which is still needed today although the old steam pumps have long been replaced with electric ones, millions of gallons of spring water are pumped into the River Severn every day. 

Joining the queue for a visit to the pump house we were met and given a tour by one of its engineers whose family have worked there for four generations, thank you for the tour and explanatory displays set up for the occasion.

At 2 p.m. there was a talk by John Harvey: “Thomas Walker – the man who built the tunnel.”  Because there was a full house with many more wanting to hear the talk John agreed to give the talk again after a short break.

While all this was going on the Lave net fishermen were just along the footpath from Sudbrook entertaining visitors at Black Rock.

We did not stay for the Barbecue and evening entertainment, I think we older U3A members have a slight problem with staying power.

Thank you Sudbrook the organisers and helpers for such a memorable and smooth running occasion.

5 star facilities:  Special arrangements were made for handicapped parking and FREE parking for everyone else plus Free Admission, now I bet you wish you had come!

Ron Lapthorn

*Please click here to find out more information on our website:

The Severn Tunnel - The Story

Visit to Tyntesfield House and Garden, organised by Pam Caines in August 2011.

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our visit to Tyntesfield

The photo slideshow photographs taken by Glenice & Adrian Dallow

photo: Tyntesfield south view

Tyntesfield the wraps are off! Unveiled for 2011, this extraordinary Victorian estate is ready to explore all year round. Come and see the progress we've made on our groundbreaking conservation project. Tyntesfield's house, chapel, gardens and woodland make for an inspiring day of fresh air and discovery. This year Tyntesfield's new Home Farm visitor centre is open for the first time too – with a restaurant, shop and exhibition space, free to visit every day.

Brief history of Tyntesfield, this remarkable Victorian country house and estate is situated on a ridge overlooking the beautiful Vale of Nailsea, only seven miles from Bristol. William Gibbs bought Tyntes Place - the original, Regency-Gothic house on the site - in 1843. But it was not until 1863 that he began to rebuild it into a full-blooded Gothic-Revival extravaganza, richly decorated with naturalistic stone carving.

Inside discover a family home lived in by four generations of the Gibbs family, all making their mark and never throwing anything away. Follow the family’s rise and decline, and find out why the National Trust saved Tyntesfield in 2002 and how they are bringing it back to life.

Be inspired by a garden full of character and variety. Explore the formal garden with its sweeping lawns and flower filled terraces. Discover the romantic Rose Garden with its maze-like beds and enchanting gazebos. Or, pick up ideas for growing-your-own and take home mouth-watering produce in the Kitchen Garden.

Expand your horizons and get out and about on Tyntesfield’s historic estate. Walk into wild woodland landscapes and let the views take your breath away. Go exploring and seek out the estate buildings, from stables to summerhouses our places are full of history and intrigue.

Website link: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

PEAK PERFORMANCE

With yet another Special Events Extravaganza before us we boarded our Northbound Edwards luxury coach at a respectable hour on Monday 7 February.  Our destination the Peak District National Park, our base Chesterfield - an inspired choice as Adrian put it.

Jenny, our resident  meteorologist had predicted mixed if not inclement weather, this supported by computer generated print outs.  I could not argue as my seaweed felt a little damp that morning. 

As it happens the heavens brightened above Birmingham and to the delight of all this lasted throughout our stay.

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of
Chesterfield and then our hotel in Chesterfield

photo: Chesterfield market

Monday 7th Feb
Our party of forty seven (that’s four and seven) consisted of all the usual suspects plus a novice or two and, on arrival we took possession of the Chesterfield Hotel with ample time for a brief exploration of the immediate town centre with its crooked spire before the “happy hour” beckoned. 

Our hotel, formerly the Station Hotel, built in 1877, was comfortable and clean, if a little timeworn.  The management and staff were quite  apparently locals and maintained a cheerful disposition despite their one Victorian lift being constantly overloaded.

The evening meal provided a varied choice and entertainment followed.  Our Bingo caller, one of the bar staff with a broad accent that you could cut with a blunt black pudding carried in the necessary equipment, distributed the cards and rattled his balls. 

Several false starts ensued mainly due to the audience not knowing the difference between a line, a house or indeed three in a row.  This clarified, and the volume increased, a result was achieved .   Chocolates and bottles of wine were distributed and we went on to the quiz.  Modesty forbids my revealing the winning team.

Tuesday 8 Feb
The breakfast was as good as anywhere and this done we boarded our coach to Bakewell.  Tarts in abundance, puddings in profusion we continued to Matlock, returning to our hotel not to miss the "happy hour". 

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our visit to Bakewell.

Matlock, the county town of Derbyshire, is a former spa town situated at a sharp bend in the River Derwent, where it turns south to carve its way through the ridge of limestone which bars its route towards Derby. Just downriver of the main town lies Matlock Bath, which is enclosed by the limestone cliffs of the gorge and contains the main tourist attractions of the locality.

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our visit to Matlock.

photo: Matlock church at Matlock Town

After another excellent dinner a skilled but rather inappropriate piano recital gave us an excuse for a relatively early night.  We toddled off to our four posters, those that had them!

Wednesday 9 Feb
Buxton was our first call this day and we had more than enough time to explore before continuing to our rearranged venue "Hopton Hall". 

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our visit to Buxton

photo: View looking over St Ann's Well and Buxton Crescent, Buxton

Good choice - although out of season in general the layout of the gardens both formal in the shape of the walled rose gardens, and informal in the open woodland with an abundance of snowdrops and aconites in full bloom, was impressive.  Out came the cameras - watch this space! 

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our visit to Hopton Hall

The current Hall can trace its roots back to the 1400's when it boasted an estate of 3,700 acres, some of which now stands under the Carsington Reservoir. Since 1996, Spencer has gradually cleared and restored the woodland and its walks. This has produced wonderful displays of Snowdrops and Aconites. The more we clear, so more of them appear.

photo above: Hopton Hall

A little cafe in the main house provided hot soup and sandwiches, most welcomed.  With an opportunity to buy mature plants from the nursery the day was complete, or almost.

That evening saw an additional unscheduled diversion in the form of a visit to the local Theatre, the "Pomegranate" situated just behind our hotel. 

Whilst one or two of our number had expressed an interest it was Diane who co-ordinated a group booking and, after an early dinner some thirty six of our number availed themselves of the opportunity to see a light comedy "The Kingfisher", and those returning to the hotel for a small libation before bed had the impromptu opportunity to chat with the female lead Clare Welch who, it transpired, was also a resident.

Thursday 10 Feb
We departed after breakfast clutching our snowdrops, aconites and puddings to visit the National War Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas just north of Birmingham. 

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our
visit to the National War Memorial Arboretum

There we attended the 11 o'clock daily remembrance in the chapel before visiting some of the individual memorials within the grounds.  The Arboretum was initiated in 1997 and we did not really have time to do it justice with our busy schedule.  Another time perhaps.

On then in the capable hands of our driver Gareth, new to us, who had regaled us with local information and humour throughout our visits.  Our last stop was at Webbs Garden Centre which was another bonus, especially to the gardeners.

We arrived back in Wales in the rain having had the best of weather up North.  My impression is that most, if not all, had an excellent time, with much variety over the four days.

It is thanks to our Pam for setting the whole excursion in motion and who unfortunately felt that she should stand down on this occasion given her own and Mel's recently completed extensive travels. 

This said, Marion filled the breach admirably and our special thanks to both of them.  A little bird told me that  Pam is already planning the next treat - tell us Pam.

Tony Hirst

Photographers:-

Angela Hurst, Ann Taylor-Heard, Glenice & Adrian Dallow, Jenny King, Mo Baker and Ron Lapthorn. 

 

 

U3A Christmas Party 2010

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our
Christmas Party

Our U3A Christmas party was the last main meeting of the year where our Music Appreciation organised the music which included a break for a quiz then refreshments including goodies which everyone brought, thanks must not only go to our Music Appreciation group but to our regular team who laid out the food and made the tea and coffee and did the washing up, “thanks team” this was followed by more dancing before Jim Hill our Vice Chairman thanked everyone for their part in making the afternoon a successful one.

 Christmas Greetings go to our Chairman Pam and family who are on the other side of the world this Christmas.

Christmas Dinner At Dewstow Golf Club, December 2010

*please click the photograph below to access a photo slideshow of our
Christmas Dinner

This year it was held at the Dewstow Golf Club.  Arriving in very cold weather but fortunately no snow to be seen except on the hill tops. Everyone sat down to a wonderful meal while being entertained to beautiful background music being played by our friend Ian. The meal was followed by dancing until 4pm.

Chairman Pam took time out to announce that we were a thriving, happy U3A and were welcoming more and more new members into our groups, she went on to congratulate everyone for doing their part in helping us in achieving our success. 

After thanking the staff of Dewstow she wished everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Photos taken by your editor except for the one of him at the end of the afternoon when he was photographed with two of our ladies, this photo was taken by our PRs husband David Buckly  

 

Happy 70th Birthday Beryl

*please click the photograph below to access a larger photo

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 King

If 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

Our 2007 Turkey and Tinsel Holiday

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