Reports
NEWSLETTER ‘’January to Easter 23’’
THE WEST CUMBRIA U3A Newsletter January – April 2023 Registered Charity Number: 1079934
Dear Members,
HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. I hope you have had a lovely Christmas although I know many people have been suffering from the very unpleasant cough/cold virus which is doing the rounds.
PLEASE NOTE that the new car park next to the Salvation Army centre now has a cash machine which makes parking much more convenient.
As we are now in a new year we will be starting to collect our annual subscriptions for 2023
We will be keeping the price the same i.e. £7 per year.
There will be another new Interest group for 2023. Michael Cohen is starting a Music Appreciation group.
We will be meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month at Rosehill Theatre from 10-11.30am.
Kevan Baker
Please refer to our website for latest news and calendar updates www.westcumbriau3a.co.uk
Email: u3awestcumbria@gmail.com
Kevan can be contacted on 07851 482822 for any U3A related issues
GENERAL Meetings:
General Meetings will be held at the Salvation Army Centre on alternate Wednesdays.
Doors open at 1.30pm for a talk at 2pm. Refreshments will be available. Meetings finish approx 3.30pm. There is a small charge of £3 on the door to cover costs. Annual membership is £7
Please note: NO PARKING is available at the venue, however, a few spaces for Disabled parking can be arranged - please see Kevan Baker
• 11th January. Mike Fossey “The Sistine Chapel”
Mike is well known to those of us in the Art Appreciation Group. Today he joins us to tell us about The Sistine Chapel. The name is derived from the founder of the chapel, Pope Sixtus IV. The impressive ceiling of this 15th-century Sistine Chapel was painted in the 16th century by Michelangelo. It portrays the story of creation, the great flood and other scenes. The side walls are equally beautiful with paintings of the life of Jesus made by Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Perugino, Pinturicchio and others. The wall behind the altar shows Michelangelo's painting of the ‘Last Judgement’. The Sistine Chapel is mostly known for being the space where the cardinals meet for conclave when electing a new pope.
• 25th January “In search of Robert Burns”.
A new documentary presented by David Hayman will exclusively unveil what Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns, really looked like. The documentary follows revered actor and Burns enthusiast David Hayman as he finds out some amazing new details about the globally renowned Scottish poet. Reconstructed using state-of-the-art forensic technology, Professor Caroline Wilkinson and her team at The University of Dundee, have created a life-size model of Robert Burns’ head. The conclusion of In Search of Robert Burns reveals the newly constructed head of Scotland’s beloved bard at a public event for the very first time.
• 8th February Anthony Payne “1923 events and personalities of 100 years ago”
Anthony needs no introduction, he has spoken to us on many occasions on a variety of subjects. Today he gives his presentation about 1923 events and personalities of 100 years ago, it promises to be an interesting afternoon.
• 22nd February AGM and social event. It is important that as many as possible attend to share ideas.
• 8th March Vivienne Tregidga “Frozen Nostril hairs in the Arctic”
“I moved to Arctic North Norway in 1981 and stayed for 11 years.
My talk is about all the funny things that happened to me during my early life there as a clueless Brit who had no idea about arctic conditions of extreme temperatures and metres of snow. I come wearing a national dress from the Målsev area and bring a Norwegian celebration cake called a Kransekake”
• 22nd March “Wild Ennerdale” Rachel Oakley
On the 15th November 2022 the chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, declared Wild Ennerdale as a new National Nature Reserve (NNR). The NNR is a legacy for future generations committing the management of the valley to have a continued focus on nature restoration and recovery.
• 5th April Jackie Wilkinson Christians Against Poverty
14 million people in the UK are living in poverty
Poverty is so much more than going without. Poverty destroys lives. It robs people of joy, hope, and opportunities. It tears families apart, isolates those most in need of support, and leads many to believe there is no way out. At CAP we believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, live in freedom and have equal opportunities. When we can draw on our differences, each of us feels accepted and able to contribute.
• 19th April Dr Butler “History of Safety in Transport” more details to follow
• 3rd May Natalie Burns will talk to us about her local artworks, there may be prints & cards available for sale.
“As a self-taught Cumbrian artist, based in Whitehaven, I now work full time producing work in a variety of media. My main focus is the landscape of Cumbria particularly my special childhood places. My parents were outdoor lovers so we walked the fells and orienteered through the forests. I also spend a lot of time down at the harbour or along the beaches. Over the past few years I’ve been visiting villages of Cumbria seeking out the special buildings and drawing them in Pen and Wash.”
“I am a regular exhibitor at Eskdale Art Show, Allonby Artex, Gosforth and District Art Show and The Lakes Artist Society Exhibition in Grasmere. I have work for sale in several galleries and shops mainly in North and West Cumbria. I am a regular at Cockermouth URC and Pooley Bridge Craft Fairs. I’m a member of EVAN (West), Gosforth and District Art Society, SAA and a Director of Lowes Court Gallery.”
• 17th May David Cradduck a former miner is our speaker today.
For 20 years I was a miner at Haig Pit Whitehaven, 1964 – 1984, I was a specialist in Mine ventilation, Methane drainage and Dust control, I left mining when the pit shut in 1984 and started as a postman in Whitehaven rising through the ranks to become the Delivery office manager, when I retired I went back to my roots, my hobbies being mining research, with special interest in “The Levels” these being the methods used to drain the mines of water. I also write poetry, my areas of interest being West Cumbrian dialect, Cumbrian folklore and legends. Brythonic (Ancient Britain ) and of course Mining. As a kid growing up in Whitehaven on dark nights we would ask me mam about Whitehaven Ghost stories, she would tell us the story of the Newtown Boggle, a hellish black hound with glowing eyes who was sent to claim the souls of the dying and that if you looked it in the eye you or a close relative would die before dawn, The Grey Lady haunted the infirmary set back off Howgill St and backing on to Newtown”
• 31st May Claire Hines from Copeland Age and Advisory Service (CAAS) will speak to us about the work of her organisation which is “giving our older generation the opportunity to live fulfilled and independent lives through providing personalised advice and support”
Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS) launched in October 2019 and is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise in West Cumbria that provides information, advice, and support to individuals over the age of fifty-five in relation to financial matters, housing issues and enabling people to continue to live safely and independently in their own homes, or wherever they choose in the Copeland area.
• 14th June Gillian Johnston Community Engagement Officer for Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership
The aim of the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership is to share information, discuss concerns and find answers to questions its community has about all aspects of the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) siting process, including what hosting a GDF could mean and how its community could benefit.
• 28th June Ros Downing “Four pioneers in the development of computers and the Internet”
I think we have all heard of Alan Turing in connection with Bletchley Park and computer development but Ros will talk about four other pioneers in the world of computers and the internet who have largely been forgotten.
• 12th July Steve Wilson “The Litvinenko Polonium Poisoning”
INTEREST Groups.
SCIENCE Group: Steve Wilson Tel: 01946 695356 and Alan Banks
This group usually meet on the third Monday of each month at the Chase Hotel, 9.45 for 10.00
• 16th January "The most expensive colour in the world" Steve Wilson. This will be followed by lunch
Google "the most expensive colour in the world" and you’ll get a lot of information about diamonds. For example, a blue diamond that sold for $32 million and those red diamonds are the rarest and most expensive. Google "the most expensive pigment" and you’ll find that Lapis Lazuli is believed to be the most expensive pigment ever created. It was pricier than its weight in gold. Blue was always the most expensive pigment for painters, first, for supernatural beauty, perfection, and glory. The gold like flecks of pyrite crystals in lapis lazuli have often been compared to stars in the sky. During this talk we will look at colour blue during the centuries from Egypt through to the current day. Competitions were held to develop cheaper pigments for painters. Famous pictures using different blue pigments will be displayed and described in the talk. We will finish with YinMn Blue - a brilliant blue that was accidentally discovered 10 years ago - for the weight of six grapes the equivalent cost would be $180
• 20th February "How we see and print Colour" Richard Wilmot
Richard will show how we see and print colours, explain some of the colourful effects we can see in the sky, and have a look at the early methods of colour photography
• 20th March “Why are the Planets different colours?” & “Where did all that water come from?”
both talks via video presentation
• 17th April “Should I throw away my gas boiler?”
• 15th May “James Walker and polymers”
The Summer outing in June will hopefully include a visit to the James Walker manufacturing facility in Cockermouth. More details to follow when confirmed.
ART APPRECIATION: Maureen Monkhouse 07902727209
This group usually meet on the second Monday of the month. All sessions will take place at Hensingham Methodist Church Hall from 10.30 – 12.30.
This term Mike and Joan are unavailable due to illness so we have had to postpone the three sessions on French Art and History before and after the Revolution. We also had to do a bit of date juggling to get around Easter and Coronation Bank Holidays but most of the dates have now been finalised. I have spoken to Neil and he is holding our hire fees until December 2023, therefore our subscriptions for this term will be £8.00 as usual payable in advance to either myself or Lyn.
The topics for the meetings will now be:
• 13th March Anthony Payne “J C Leyendecker and the Golden Age of American magazine illustration”
• 3rd April Aubrey Beardsley artist and illustrator (talk via video)
• May – no meeting due to Bank Holidays
• 12th June Toulouse Lautrec artist and illustrator (talk via video)
We may also be able to arrange further sessions of interest from other providers but this is work in progress and nothing is finalised as yet.
FRENCH Group: Deirdre Alexander
The group meet on the third Tuesday of the month at Rosehill Theatre from 10.00 – 11.30. It will cover French conversation and civilisation. Some knowledge of the language is required.
GOOD READING Group: This group is now being led by Deirdre Alexander.
Meetings are held monthly usually on the second Tuesday of the month at 10.00am in Whitehaven Library. Please speak to Deirdre for further details.
LET'S TALK DISCUSSION Group: John Fisher 01946 69218. This group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays 2.00 – 4.00 in John’s home to discuss a variety of topics including current affairs. Please contact John or Kevan if you are interested in joining in some interesting debate.
The starting date for 2023 is 17th January
Next dates are 31st January, 14th February, 21st February, 7th March, 21st March 4th April 18th April
WINE APPRECIATION Group: For further information please contact Michael Cohen:
Tel: 01946 817485
The next wine tasting will take place on Friday 27th January at Westminster Cafe from 5.00 – 7.00pm.
Tickets cost £10 and should be bought in advance in order to organise catering.
Please see Lyn Baker at the next meeting.
Friday 27th January. “Wines from Tanners”
Friday 28th April. “Wines of Australia”
WINE TASTING HOLIDAYS
“A week in Alsace” has been arranged for 11-18th May 2023
This is now fully subscribed.
QUILTING Group: Jennifer Hocking 01946 695682. Every Wednesday morning in Embleton 9.30 – 12.30
MAHJONG: Jennifer Hocking 01946 695682. This takes place in a member’s home in Whitehaven, alternate Wednesday to the U3A meeting. 2.00 – 4.30
Mah Jong is a game that originated in China, commonly played by four players, it is a game of skill, strategy and calculation involving a certain degree of chance.
VISTS Group: Jennifer Hocking 01946 695682. Further information as events are organised.
BRIDGE FOR BEGINNERS: Group Leader - Michael Cohen.
Come and learn to play Social Bridge. No previous experience is necessary.
Michael, who is an experienced player and teacher, invites you to join our new group.
We meet at his house every Friday afternoon from 2-3.30pm
6th, 13th, 20th and 27th January
If you are interested or require further information please see Michael at one of our General meetings.
Otherwise please contact us via mobile or our email address.
MUSIC APPRECIATION Group: Mike Cohen. The group will meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month at Rosehill Theatre from 10.00 – 11.30 The first meeting will be Tuesday 24th January.
Part 1 will be the Haydn string quartet Opus 20 No 4 in D major. The next meeting on Feb 28th we will be looking at Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This group will provide an opportunity for members to enjoy listening to and understanding some major classical music works. We will be focusing this term on the String Quartet in the tradition of the Viennese School of the 18th and 19th centuries.
First some thoughts about how to listen to music. Many of us will listen to music in the background as we do other tasks. This is fine and often assists with mood enhancement, however for these sessions, I would like us to listen in a focused and concentrated way. Before listening, it is a good idea to empty our heads/brains of all other thought. We can do this through relaxation or breathing exercises, or in any other way which suits.
I am neither a musician nor music teacher, just someone for whom classical music has been a central feature of my life since childhood. This is my attempt to share an interest with fellow U3A members.
SUNDAY LUNCH Group: Judith Jordan 01946 693493
Date Venue Time
29th January Whitehaven Golf Club 12.00 for 12.30
26th February Chase Hotel Whitehaven 12.00 for 12.30
26th March Galloping Horse Harrington 12.00 for 12.30
30th April Seascale Golf Club 12.00 for 12.30
21st May Seacote Hotel St Bees 12.00 for 12.30
25th June Hunday Manor Hotel (reopened) 12.00 for 12.30
Summer Lunch: Wednesday 21st June at Hundith Hill 12.00 for 12.30. Please book and give menu choices to Judith Jordan. Payment will be required in advance. Cost £26.50 including tip.
There are some other groups which are not actually U3A, but members are welcome to attend, these include:
• West Cumbria Active Zone Wednesday 10.00 – 12.00 (Speak to Judith Jordan)
• Coffee morning: Dixon’s Rooftop Cafe Friday 10.00
West Cumbria U3A Committee Members (as at January 2023. These may change after the AGM in February) You are encouraged to give committee membership some thought and can come along as an observer to see if this is something you would like to do. Succession planning is important if we want to keep our group going.
Kevan Baker Chair & Speakers
Lyn Baker Treasurer, Speakers, Art Appreciation
Jennifer Hocking Secretary, Group Leader: Quilting, Mahjong, Visits
Maureen Monkhouse Newsletters, Speakers, Group Leader: Art Appreciation
Donna Graham Membership, Reports
Cath Blinco Membership
Mike Cohen Group Leader: Wine Appreciation, Music Appreciation, Bridge for Beginners
Patricia Hindson
Douglas Gilmour
Ann Bailey
NB:If you have any suggestions or comments please note them down and pass them to our Chairman