Social & Educational Group for Market Rasen & Surrounding Area

West Wolds
University of the 3rd Age

No longer working full time and live in the Mkt Rasen Area?
Want to learn or be creative? Want to stay active & meet new people?
40+ interest groups, visits, low subscription fees.
Monthly meeting with speaker at Mkt Rasen Festival Hall
2nd Thursday of the month doors open 9.30 – Everyone Welcome

POSTS

  • Your Membership Number

    You may have noticed recently that your Membership Number has been included in some of our  communications and wondered why.

    When renewal time comes around in September, our Treasurer Terry would like as many of our members as possible to pay via Bank Transfer because our local Lloyds Bank has closed. In order to recognise your payment we need an identifier and this is where the Membership Number plays its part as you will be asked to enter that as the ‘Reference’.

    Paying by cheque will remain an option for those without online banking, and help and advice will be available to help you set up an online payment if required.  Please make a note of your Membership Number for future reference.

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • May Speaker – Institute of Advanced Motorists

    Our May Speakers are the Institute of Advanced Motorists Lincolnshire presenting DRIVING POST LOCKDOWN

    Getting back behind the wheel with heavier traffic will require a bit more caution not least because the majority of drivers will be out of practice. IAM RoadSmart’s 40 minute presentation will focus on the following key issues.

    • Are you ready for the return to the road?
    • Is your car ready for the return to the road?
    • Are other drivers, cyclists or pedestrians ready for the heavier traffic?
    • Observer, Anticipate and Plan, the key to safe motoring.
    • Hints and Tips

    Here is the link:

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983194464?pwd=SnhtRXRzZEpqTXlYTy9oVkVQWHA1Zz09

    Meeting ID: 829 8319 4464
    Passcode: 728186

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • Computer Assistance Online

    In partnership with the Barclays Digital Eagles team, the National Trust will be delivering programmes to boost u3a members’ confidence online.

    The first sessions for u3a members were completed last week and were well attended with over 200 participants across the five days of workshops. We have now reviewed the feedback with the trainers and identified the workshops that were most popular and beneficial to the membership and arranged further dates as follows:

    Book via the link – https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/online-events/barclays-digital-eagles  or you can click on the sessions in below.

    Internet Basics
    Wednesday 5th May 10:00-11:30 or
    Wednesday 5th May 13:30-15:00 or
    Thursday 13th May 10:00-11:30

    This session has been designed to cover some internet basics: Broadband, browsers and search engines, top tips for searching for something on the internet, setting up an email, connecting to a Zoom call, connecting to the internet (iOS and Android), (we also have content which covers different versions of windows for laptops if required)

     Digital Safety

    Thursday 6th May 10:00 -11:30 or
    Thursday 6th May 13:30-15:00 or
    Friday 14th May 10:00-11:30 or
    Friday 14th May 13:30-15:30

    How to stay safe while using your digital devices. This includes identifying common fraud and scams, making sure your passwords are strong enough, what to look out for and understanding how you can protect yourself.

    Entertainment online

    Friday 7th May 10:00-11:30 or
    Friday 7th May 13:30-15:00 or
    Thursday 13th 13:30-15:00

    An engaging session focusing on how to maximise the potential of using your digital device to keep you entertained. From downloading apps, to virtual tours and social media, finding more ways to bring some entertainment into your home.

    An Introduction to Digital Wings

    Wednesday 12th May 10:00-11:30 or
    Wednesday 12th May 13:30-15:00

    For those who are looking to improve their digital skills further, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced this session will introduce you to our free learning platform Digital Wings. We will give you a tour and show you some ways to get the best from the site so you can continue your learning at the right time and pace to suit you. This session will not cover previous topics but is a session to recap and answer questions for attendees from the previous sessions.

    —

    by

    westwolds
    in ,

  • April Quiz Answers

    Answers to Quiz in April Newsletter

    Here are the answers to the quiz submitted by Paul Ettridge in the April Newsletter, I have repeated the questions in case you have forgotten them. Thanks to Paul for creating the quiz.

    QUIZ

    1. Maximus and Revenge are varieties of what?
    2. What type of plant is a “harts tongue”?
    3. Who was the first British monarch to deliver a Christmas speech on the radio?
    4. Who was the first Prime Minister of Great Britian?
    5. In which year did Heinz beans come on to the market?
    6. What is the most popular colour of toilet paper sold in France?
    7. What is the longest river in Cornwall?
    8. How far is it from John o Groats to Lands End?
    9. In 2001 a 95 mile stretch of coastline became the 1st   Nature World Heritage Site in  the U.K. what is it called?
    10. What is the longest bone in the human body called?
    11. Arthralgia is a pain where?
    12. What navy tradition ended on 31st July 1970?
    13. When was the battle of Trafalgar
    14. The Simpsons is the longest running family cartoon. What did it supersede?
    15. How many James Bond films featured Sean Connery in the lead role?
    16. The bird known as a Merle, Woofell and Bowler Hat is more commonly called a     what?
    17. Liechtenstein is the world’s leading manufacturer of what?
    18. Which Britian has won the largest total of Olympic medals?
    19. In which country are there 6 villages called Silly, 12 called Billy and 2 called Pratt?
    20. Who entered a contest to find his own look-a-like and finished 3rd?

     

    ANSWERS

    1. Brussel sprouts.
    2. Fern
    3. George V (in 1932).
    4. Robert Walpole.
    5. 1869
    6. Pink
    7. Tamar (61 miles).
    8. 874 miles.
    9. The Jurassic Coast.
    10. The Femure (thigh bone).
    11. In the joints.
    12. Issuing the daily rum tot.
    13. 1805
    14. The Flintstones.
    15. 7
    16. The Blackbird.
    17. False teeth.
    18. Sir Bradley Wiggins.
    19. France
    20. Charlie Chaplin.

    —

    by

    Terry Francis
    in

  • April 22nd 10.45am Morcambe & Wise

    Alford u3a have kindly invited us to watch their Speaker on Thursday but you need to register TODAY with   Janet Groome on 07397175346 or janet2280@googlemail.com  

    Curtain up 10.45am  Talk starts at 11am
    Speaker Steve Short

    Britain’s Most Loved Double Act – Morecambe and Wise

    Using photographs and video clips Steve Short will bring to life the story of how these two great comedians met to become Britain’s most loved double act. First appearing in 1954 with rather poor reviews they returned two years later and appeared in a series of massively popular television shows over the next twenty years.

    By 1976 they were awarded OBEs, with their partnership lasting until 1984 when Eric Morecambe sadly died.

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!

    We are arranging to have a stall at the Gardeners Market in July and need bunting to decorate it.

    Do you have the skills to make some? It can be traditional fabric, pom-poms, knitted or crocheted, anything you like and we will provide the materials in the specific colours.

    Please let me know if you can help. Thank You.

    secretary@westwoldsu3a.org

    u3a – by the members, for the members.

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • SCUNTHORPE’S SPEAKER- THE TOWER OF LONDON

    Scunthorpe continue to invite us to their Speaker sessions. Their next event is on Friday 23rd April at 1.30pm and features Keith Hanson who we had in 2019. Keith gives various talks on the subject of the Tower of London.

    The Zoom invitation link is below:

    Time: Apr 23, 2021 01:30pm
    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87028262046?pwd=emgrYnFKbGplZXp6czhOcW9KYnFFQT09

    Meeting ID: 870 2826 2046
    Passcode: 175829

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • April Newsletter

    The April newsletter is here…

    You can access the newsletter from this post or from the email the majority of our members will receive on 14th April 2021.

    If you haven’t told us your email address or if it has changed… to avoid missing out send your updated email details to membership@westwoldsu3a.org.

    If you would like to make comment on this newsletter or submit an article for the next issue then please send details to newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org by Friday 7th May 2021.

    We would really like to hear from you during this lockdown period.

    —

    by

    westwolds
    in

  • BARCLAYS DIGITAL EAGLES

    Barclays Digital Eagles

    The u3a has teamed up with Barclays Digital Eagles to provide a week of online training for members, beginning on 19 April.

    See  below for the title and dates of each session and click the link for more detail and to register.

    https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/online-events/barclays-digital-eagles

    u3a Internet Basics
    Monday 19 April, 10am – 11.30.

    u3a Digital Safety 
    Tuesday 20 April, 10am-11.30 or Tuesday 20 April, 1.30pm-3

    u3a Online Entertainment
    Wednesday 21 April 20, 10am-11.30

    u3a Alternative Ways to Bank  
    Thursday 22 April 10:00-11.30 or Thursday 22 April 1.30pm-3

    An Introduction to Digital Wings
    Friday, 23 April 10:00-11.30

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • April Online Speaker

    great panjandrum testing in devon | Epic Fireworks | FlickrOur April Online Speaker is on Thursday 8th at 10.30am and entitled ‘Mad, Bad & Dangerous’:

    This talk is about military ideas, inventions and operations that in one way or another, failed to make the grade. Incompetence, haste and wishful thinking have all played their part, in some of the most scandalous failures in military history. Broad in scope, ‘Mad, Bad & Dangerous’, by Tim Barney, discusses a variety of blunders and breakdowns on land, at sea and in the air. Talk length – 37 minutes.

    Please find below the registration link. Once you have registered, Mirthy will send the invitation to use on the day.

     http://www.mirthy.co.uk/u3a-westwolds

    If you have any queries, please email me at speakerfinder@westwoldsu3a.org

    Thank you, Sharon Rupp

    —

    by

    westwolds
    in ,

  • ‘AGEING BETTER WITHOUT CHILDREN’ INITIATIVE

    Talk, Eat, Drink (TED) in East Lindsey is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund under its Ageing Better programme. The TED Programme tries to identify the good provisions that are delivered through existing groups and facilities and helps to develop and promote them. This is achieved through the involvement of over 50s and local organisations.

    They are currently working with a member of the community to raise awareness and provide support to people who are ‘Ageing Without Children’ and are holding an online event to Launch their work and the new virtual support group that will start on the 20th of April. In addition they have also created an information page on our TED Ageing Better website, with information and a link to a radio interview that we did on Radio Lincolnshire recently.

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • Latest Talk from Scunthorpe u3a

    Scunthorpe u3a have added us to their online Speaker invitation list, the next one being on Friday 26th March at 1.45pm .  The link is below the photo.

    This time Brian Fernley from the South West Aviation Heritage Trust will tell us about the adventures of “Jumping Joe Byerle” (the only US serviceman to fight with both the American & Soviet armies).

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84743096092?pwd=dGc4RGNUSnhlV1RZMFR0b3ZoejNldz09

    Meeting ID: 847 4309 6092
    Passcode: 816806

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

  • March Newsletter

    The March newsletter is here…

    You can access the newsletter from this post or from the email the majority of our members will receive on 17th March 2021.

    If you haven’t told us your email address or if it has changed… to avoid missing out send your updated email details to membership@westwoldsu3a.org.

    If you would like to make comment on this newsletter or submit an article for the next issue then please send details to newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org by Friday 9th April 2021.

    We would really like to hear from you during this lockdown period.

    —

    by

    westwolds
    in

  • The life of a Lighterman review

    I have to admit that I had no idea what a lighterman was before this talk although on reflection, there were times in my youth when I witnessed them in operation on the Thames without any thought for their occupation. For those of you who were unable to see David Lewis’s presentation, a lighterman is a worker who operates a flat bottomed barge or ‘lighter’ which transports products up and down the river to and from quays, docks, wharves and riverside factories. Originally, a ‘lighter’ was created because it could load and unload products from a vessel which was too large or unable to moor at a dock or key side; the name is believed to have come from the now very old fashioned and underused phrase ‘to alight’ meaning to exit, leave or depart.
     
    David’s exposition set the historical background and interspersed it with an audio testimony from 96 year old Laurie Dews who personally made the challenging return journey along the river Ouse from Selby’s seed mills to Hull docks in the 1930s up until the late 1980s. Laurie’s vivid memories gave us a first hand insight into the work involved in the job which he learned from his father before him. For hundreds of years, generations of families have worked as lightermen along our rivers and, not only were they highly skilled, tough and resourceful, but they required an intimate knowledge of the river’s shifting currents and tides to minimise delays and find the fastest course as well as a lot of muscle power to operate the paddles or oars which steered the unpowered craft to prevent it running aground or hitting a bridge support.
     
    The role of the lighterman has remained essentially unchanged over the years however, their numbers have seriously depleted as changes in shipping technology rendered them largely obsolete along some river routes. Between them, David and Laurie explained the intricacies and risks involved in unloading seed from a chute or heavy sacks and bags from a board via a crane or derrick straight into the lighter’s  hold. Every lighter had a lighterman who rowed or punted and a ‘boy’ to assist him however, the introduction of powered tug boats enabled the lighters to be towed in multiples of four or in a single convoy depending on the width of the river.
     
    Manoeuvering a ‘lighter’ is no easy task and can be dangerous as the lighterman has to walk up and down the perilously narrow ledges along the sides carrying enormous ropes and pulleys to attach and reattach
     them so the tug can pull them in different directions to achieve the desired position. There is very little margin for error and, at 100ft long and 17ft wide, a 200 ton loaded lighter is only six inches above the water level so dexterity in handling boats is a prerequisite of being a lighterman. 
    By the 1980s, it was cheaper and quicker to use lorries to transport products rather than sail lighters up and down the river Ouse between Selby and Hull. As a consequence, the use of lighters eventually stopped altogether on this route leaving the many once bustling  wharves and jetties to fall into disuse and disrepair. All in all, this was an enlightening presentation about the role of a lighterman and the essential but almost unrecognised job he performed under extremely difficult conditions. 

    —

    by

    Nadia Dawson
    in

  • MORE TALKS WITH SCUNTHORPE U3A

    Scunthorpe U3A have kindly invited West Wolds Members to join them for their next 3 online Speakers, details below. Put the date in your diary and look out for the invitation link nearer the date to join.

    March 26th will be Brian Fernly who hails from Exeter. Brian is involved with the South West Aviation Heritage group and will tell us a story about a famous US serviceman.

    Growing up during the great depression Joe Byerle (pronounced buy early) might have been a renown international athlete had the war not have intervened. He joined the famous 101st Airborne and flew from Exeter to France on D-Day. He’d been there before on a secret mission, making him the first US paratrooper to set foot in occupied Europe. Unfortunately, his campaign didn’t last long before he was captured by the Germans. That’s when the story really starts, with escapes from prison camps, interrogation by the Gestapo and eventually fighting with a Russian tank group. Joe’s story is uplifting and shows what a human being is capable of with the will and determination to survive.

    April  23rd  Keith Hanson who will give us an illustrated presentation of the Tower of London.

    Our speaker for May 28th  will be John Hope. His talk is called “Extra Time”

    A personal story of how John & his wife survived the Tsunami of 2004 whilst in Sri Lanka. including the escape and what happened next. The latter includes a return to the country, providing employment but also to encourage overseas investment in order to help local people. It also explains how they overcame problems in operating in the country but then faced further challenges.

    —

    by

    Sharon Rupp
    in

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