Leigh & District

Crime & Punishment

REPORT BACK ON April 2024 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE May 2024 MEETING

At our April 2024 meeting we looked at the case of Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig. This was a case in late 1951/early 1952 when the sentence for murder was capital punishment. It was a watershed case in that the case was deemed to be a joint enterprise between Bentley, who was 19 years old, and Craig who was 16. A police officer was shot and killed by 16 year old Craig who carried a gun. Bentley was actually being restrained by a police officer when his friend discharged the gun. However Bentley was sentenced to death as he was an adult and Craig served 10 years in prison as he could not be hung due to his age.

Many people viewed this as unfair and there was a long campaign to clear Bentley's name which eventually achieved success in the 1990s. There have been many books and a film made of this story and it could be argued that it helped to turn the tide in support of the abolition of the death penalty.

We meet in May on the 13th. The morning meeting will start at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm.

We will be looking at 3 Welsh murder cases. One is still a live issue in Pembrokeshire as a man deemed to have murdered his elderly sister and then committed suicide, may have been the victim of a murder by a third party. The second case, in 1980s Swansea, resulted in a well known miscarriage of justice which was taken up by the BBC 'Rough Justice' programme and resulted in the exoneration of the arrested men but, unfortunately, the case has never been solved. It is a similar case in The Vale of Glamorgan in the 90s when an elderly couple were shot at their remote farm. The police arrested their daughter's boyfriend but he was released on appeal and, again, the real murderer remains at large.

We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, Leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. Dedicated parking is accessed from Cook Street - immediate left through the entrance past Platinum House. No need to book, just turn up.

All members and people who are considering membership are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there.

Barbara Joyce

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REPORT BACK ON MARCH 2024 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE APRIL 2024 MEETING

Another good meeting today (11th March 2024) when the topic was life sentences. Criminal law is quite a complicated subject but hopefully we are all now better informed about life sentences.

Our next meeting, on Monday 8th April, is a presentation called 'Let him have it Chris'. This looks at the Craig and Bentley case.

The morning session is at 10.15am with a repeat at 1pm. We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, Leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. Dedicated parking is accessed from Cook Street - immediate left through the entrance past Platinum House. No need to book, just turn up.

You may be aware of the case of Craig and Bentley. In December 1952 two teenagers attempted to break into a warehouse in Croydon via its roof. They were spotted and the police arrived.

Christopher Craig shot a police officer dead. As a sixteen year old he was too young to be hung. His companion Derek Bentley was nineteen and, despite being under arrest and unarmed, he was hanged the following year. The presentation will examine the post war context of this crime and the issue of retribution and looks at the long term campaign to clear Derek Bentley's name.

We have welcomed quite a few new members recently. Some people will carry on attending each month, some will only come when the subject interests them and others may just come once, as the group may not be the one for them. Please give us a try and if you don't like it there is nothing lost. You will be made welcome and we aim to have a meeting that is informative, interactive and enjoyable.

Barbara Joyce

Archive

REPORT BACK ON FEBRUARY 2024 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE MARCH 2024 MEETING

There was a good attendance both morning and afternoon at our February meeting. We looked at the true story of French family killer Jean Claud Romand. He murdered his family in 1993 and following his arrest a full life of deception came out. He lied about his qualifications, made up a job which he pretended to attend daily and convinced his friends that he was a loyal husband and good father. In order to keep up the pretence he promised to invest money for his family in Swiss bank accounts. Although his family lived in France they were convinced that Jean Claud had a job in Switzerland and hence was legally able to invest money in his own name. Of course he was not and inevitably his life collapsed with dire consequences. An incredible story about a pathological liar.

Our next meeting is on 11th March 2023. We will be looking a life sentences- how judges sentence and the restraints around sentencing, what happens when a life sentence prisoner is released on parole We will also examine whole life orders. We will look at examples of offenders given whole life orders and why they were imposed.

The morning session is at 10.15am with a repeat at 1pm. We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, Leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. Dedicated parking is accessed from Cook Street - immediate left through the entrance past Platinum House.

All members are welcome. You can drop in and out of the group as you wish and if you want to try the group before committing to membership of the u3a you are welcome to do this. Room hire, which goes to the church, is £1.50 per session.

Barbara Joyce

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REPORT BACK ON JANUARY 2024 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE FEBRUARY 2024 MEETING

You are invited to come to the next meeting which is on MONDAY 12th FEBRUARY at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm on the same day.

We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, Leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. Dedicated parking is accessed from Cook Street - immediate left through the entrance past Platinum House.

The topic is a sensational murder in 1993 which took place in France. Initially the authorities believed that a mother and her two children had died in a house fire in a suburb of Geneva, just one mile into France from the Swiss border. The father survived but was injured.

The village where this happened was horrified, however, when it became clear that the family were murdered by the father and that he had set the house on fire to cover his actions. The horror increased when it became known that the man's parents had also been murdered.

Why would an unassuming man do this? He worked for a prestigious organisation, was famous in his own field of medical research, happily married, well off and a doting father and much loved son.

If you would like to learn about and discuss the reasons why this happened please feel free to attend. No need to book and you can dip in and out of the group as you please.

Barbara Joyce

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REPORT BACK ON DECEMBER 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE JANUARY 2024 MEETING

The topic today (December 11th 2023) was the 'Snowden Dunhill Gang'. This was an 18th/19th century family from Yorkshire who were transported in great numbers. The father of the gang wrote an autobiography so there is lots of information to draw upon. It gave a real insight into the way that offenders were dealt with in the past and their lives both here and in Australia. Thanks to our member Kath for all her research and the presentation.

The first meeting in 2024 will take place on MONDAY 8th JANUARY at 10.15 repeated 1pm. We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, Leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. Dedicated parking is accessed from Cook Street - immediate left through the entrance past Platinum House.

We will be looking at 3 women who were murdered and their bodies disposed of in water. One in Buckinghamshire and two in the Lake District. In the case of two of the victims the perpetrator was arrested some time after the event, as the bodies were discovered accidentally. In the third case the murderer was convicted as the result of improved forensics which were utilised as part of a cold case review.

Please join us for either session. No need to book. New members or those intending to join but giving u3a a try out are welcome.

Meanwhile can I wish every member or potential member a happy Christmas - however you celebrate the season - and all the very best for 2024. Your calendar for the coming year is below.

Crime and Punishment 2023/24
08.01.24 The Lady in the Lake and other similar cases
12.02.24 Jean Claud Romand – famous French Murder Case
08.04.24 Whole life sentences
11.03.24 Craig and Bentley
13.05.24 Wales – 3 unsolved murders
10.06.24 Lone Actors – Terrorists who act alone
08.07.24 George Davis is Innocent – OK
12.08.24 Bad apples – police who commit crimes
09.09.24 Maxwell – The Fall
14.10.24 Timothy Evans and Christie
11.11.24 Art thefts and forgeries
09.12.24 The Portland Spy Ring

Barbara Joyce

ARCHIVE

REPORT BACK ON NOVEMBER 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE DECEMBER 2023 MEETING

On a stormy autumn day (storm Debbie this time) our meeting was well attended for both morning and afternoon sessions. Our car park problems have been sorted and everyone who attends should be able to find a place on the church parking space on Cook Street. The room was warm and so hopefully all our teething problems with the new venue have been sorted.

We looked at Operation Yewtree and the subsequent Operation Midland. The failure to tackle Savile's crimes contrasts with the police commitment post Savile to believe the victims of sexual abuse. However it could be argued that Carl Beech's complaints against leaders of the armed forces, the security services and high ranking politicians should have been treated with more scepticism. Instead it was believed for too long and created untold horror for those wrongly accused and cost the police a great deal in compensation and reputation.

Our next meeting is on MONDAY 11th DECEMBER 2023. One of our members Kath will be giving a presentation on a historical case involving a family in the mid 19th Century who were transported for various misdemeanours. This will be of interest to anybody interested in crime, History or genealogy. All members are welcome.

We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. We meet at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm. The date is the second Monday of each month.

All members are welcome and there is no need to book. Non members can give the group a try with no obligation to join and only £1.50 for room hire.

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REPORT BACK ON OCTOBER 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE NOVEMBER 2023 MEETING

A well attended October meeting where we learnt about psychotic people and particularly those entering non guilty pleas to homicide on the basis of insanity. We also looked at the concept of diminished responsibility. We then looked at psychopaths and how this personality disorder impacts on criminal behaviour.

In November we examine Operation Yewtree and the subsequent police investigations into historical sexual abuse. Hence we look very briefly at Savile and some of the other celebrities who were arrested and made court appearances. We also consider those who were questioned as suspects but not arrested and those arrested but acquitted. We then move on to Operation Midland. The police received information from a man called Carl Beech which implicated politicians, diplomats, army generals and politicians in accusations of serious offences - including murder. It's an example perhaps of institutions attempting to compensate for past mistakes but in the process forgoing some of their basic procedure.

We meet at Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room. This is behind the church on King Street, leigh. Just opposite the Leigh Bus Station. We meet at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm. The date is the second Monday of each month - this month it is 13th November 2023.

All members are welcome and there is no need to book. Non members can give the group a try with no obligation to join and only £1.50 for room hire.

The dates and topics for next year are below.

13.11.23 Operation Yewtree
11.12.23 Snowden Dunhill – Transported
08.01.24 The Lady in the Lake and other similar cases
12.02.24 Jean Claud Romand – famous French Murder Case
11.03.24 Craig and Bentley
08.04.24 Whole life sentences
13.05.24 Wales – 3 unsolved murders
10.06.24 Lone Actors – Terrorists who act alone
08.07.24 George Davis is Innocent – OK
12.08.24 Bad apples – police who commit crimes
09.09.24 Maxwell – The Fall
14.10.24 Timothy Evans and Christie
11.11.24 Art thefts and forgeries
09.12.24 The Portland Spy Ring

Some of the topics may change but the dates will remain fixed

Barbara Joyce

Archive

REPORT BACK ON SEPTEMBER 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE OCTOBER 2023 MEETING

Instead of the advertised presentation about Psychotics and Psychopaths we had to jump forward and look at the topic planned for October 2023. The reason for the swap around was that I tested positive for Covid on the last minute, so instead of cancelling, Brian Joyce - who had had covid recently and was testing negative, jumped in to save the day. Roll on the boosters!

Anyway - today it was the Brides in the Bath Murders which took place in the early 20th Century when a conman, bigamist and murderer called George Smith preyed on women with an eye to depriving them of their incomes. Some of these women also lost their lives.

On MONDAY 9th OCTOBER 2023 we will be looking at Psychopaths and Psychotics. How does the law deal with people who kill but who are suffering from a defined mental illness? We will discuss the insanity laws and the diminished responsibility defence. Whilst any sane person would consider that psychopaths who kill must be 'mad' they are rarely so. In fact they need planning, foresight, forensic awareness and cunning in order to avoid detection. These are not the characteristics of somebody suffering from a serious mental illness.

Join us at the 10.15 or 1pm session at The Community Centre behind Kingsleigh Methodist Church, King Street, Leigh. No need to book. After problems with the car park (Off Cook Street, first left after Platinum House) the gate has been repaired - meaning that only authorised users can enter. Hopefully this will make life a lot easier for our less mobile members.

Barbara Joyce

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REPORT BACK ON AUGUST 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE SEPTEMBER 2023 MEETING

After a weekend of well deserved success for Leigh Leopards we came down to earth with a bang when we discussed the murder of police officers. We looked at 3 cases including the local case of PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes in Hattersley. We also looked at the shooting of PC Sharon Beshenivsky in Bradford and PC Andrew Harper in Berkshire. We often criticise the police in our group - mainly for their poor detective work in past cases. However the bravery of these officers cannot be over estimated.

On SEPTEMBER 11th 2023 we will look at psychotics and psychopaths. How does the law deal with people who kill but who are suffering from a defined mental illness? We will discuss the insanity laws and the diminished responsibility defence. Whilst any sane person would consider that psychopaths who kill must be 'mad' they are rarely so. In fact they need planning, foresight, forensic awareness and cunning in order to avoid detection. These are not the characteristics of somebody suffering from a serious mental illness.

Find out more on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH at 10.15 or at the repeated session at 1pm. The venue is the Community Centre in the grounds of Kingsleigh Methodist Church on King Street, Leigh. All members are welcome and there is no need to book.

Barbara Joyce

Archive

REPORT BACK ON JULY 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE AUGUST 2023 MEETING

Half way through the year already and we had a good attendance on this summer day in spite of the rain!

We looked at the 'Puppet Master' - Robert Freegard, a conman who convinced his victims/survivors that he worked for the British Secret Service. As such he frightened them into succumbing to his control by persuading them that they were in danger from various sources. He conned and manipulated several people from 1992 to date and is currently in a French Prison on remand following an incident where he ran down 2 gendarmes.

Next month (August 2023) we will meet on the 14th at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm. We meet at the Community Centre on the site of Kingsleigh Methodist Church on King Street in Leigh. It is directly opposite to the bus station.

The topic is the murder of police officers and we will look at a few of these tragic events, including the murder of Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes by Dale Cregan. This offence is relatively rare in this country and we look at why this is the case.

Please feel free to join us and there is no need to book. You will be most welcome.

I have changed the calendar for the remainder of the year to include some interesting topics and the amended version is below

14.08.23 Murder of Police Officers
11.09.23 Mad or Bad? Psychopaths and Psychotics
09.10.23 The Brides in the Bath Murders
13.11.23 Operation Yewtree
11.12.23 Snowden Dunhill – transported

Best wishes

Barbara Joyce

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REPORT BACK ON JUNE 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE JULY 2023 MEETING

A very hot and humid day today although our new(ish) venue was cool and welcoming.

Our topic was nurses who kill and we looked at Charles Cullin in the USA and Beverley Allitt in this country. This enabled us to compare health services, criminal justice systems and how the federal system creates problems when each state is independent. It is very hard to understand what inspires these 'Dark Angels' and how the very place where your life should be safe becomes deeply dangerous.

Our next meeting is on 10th July 2023. It's an examination of a British conman/fantasist/psychopath called Robert Freegard. His behaviour is almost too bizarre to be believed and his victims were deeply damaged by him.

We will look at the way in which he got his victims to go along with his plans, why the victims did so and the impact of his crimes.

The meeting is at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm. Room hire is £1.50 and there is no need to book. All members welcome and if you fancy a 'try before you buy' you can come along prior to committing to join the u3a.

Venue is Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Room on King Street, Leigh. It is directly opposite the Leigh Bus Station. Parking can be a bit challenging in the morning as the car park (off Cook Street just on the left immediately after Platinum House) is also used for the food bank. However it is emptier for the afternoon session.

I look forward to seeing you in July,

Barbara Joyce

REPORT BACK ON MAY 2023 MEETING AND INVITATION TO ATTEND THE JUNE 2023 MEETING

Our topic today (8th May) was another poisoner - Graham Young. He was incarcerated as a 14 year old boy for attempting to poison family members and then - following his supposed 'cure' at Broadmoor - was imprisoned for life for the murders and poisoning of work mates.

There is a book on the topic by Carol Ann Lee called 'The Teacup Poisoner' which is a comprehensive explanation of what happened and why. A 1995 film called 'The Young Poisoners Handbook' is also based on the events.

More poison on 12th June 2023 when we look at Charles Cullen. He was a nurse working in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for 16 years in the 80's, 90's and 2000's. Another story where it is hard to understand why he did what he did and how he get away with it for so long.

We meet at the Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Centre on King Street, Leigh. Free parking is off Cook Street immediately past Platinum House on the left of the one way street. The venue is directly opposite Leigh Bus Station. The morning presentation starts at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm.

No need to book - just arrive and you will be most welcome. Potential members can 'try before you buy' with no obligation to join if it is not for you.

There is also a presentation as part of the Women in History group at the same venue. The date is Monday 22nd May 2023 and the topic is 'Ruth Ellis' - she was the last woman to be hanged and the presentation will look at the events that led to her trial and the way in which her hanging contributed to the capital punishment debate.

Barbara Joyce

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REPORT BACK ON THE APRIL MEETING AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE MAY 2023 MEETING

We met on Easter Monday with a good attendance and a very interesting presentation by Kath. It's worth learning about Dr Bodkin Adams as he is a puzzling character. On the one hand he was a very popular GP both to his NHS patients and to the rich and famous private patients that he cultivated. There is however a strong possibly that he hastened the death of his wealthy patients in order to obtain the money or valuables that many left in their wills.

He was prosecuted in 1957 for the murder of one of his patients but was acquitted. Opinion is divided about how and why the prosecution was unsuccessful and the jury is still out! Thanks to Kath for a well researched presentation that certainly got us all thinking.

More poison next month when we will be looking at 'The Teacup Poisoner'. Graham Young had been obsessed with poison since childhood and nobody was safe in his company. He was operating in the 1960s and 1970s and the case led the way to reforms in the discharge of secure hospital patients and tighter controls on the sale of poisons.

We meet on the bank holiday Monday following the King's coronation - Monday 8th May 2003. The morning meeting starts at 10.15am and is repeated at 1pm. No need to book.

The venue is the Community Centre behind Kingsleigh Methodist Church, Leigh. The church is directly opposite Leigh Bus Station on King Street. The centre has a car park on Cook Street, off Railway Road.

The calendar for the rest of this year is below

Monday 8th May The Teacup Poisoner
Monday 12th June Dark Angels – nurses who kill
Monday 10th July Robert Freegard – conman and fantasist
Monday 14th August Murder of police officers
Monday 11th September Mad or Bad? Psychotics and Psychopaths
Monday 9th October The Cardiff Bay murder – a miscarriage of justice
Monday 13th November Operation Yewtree and its outcome
Monday 11th December Art Thefts and Forgeries

You are welcome to attend as a one off or as and when the topic interests you

Barbara

ARCHIVE

REPORT BACK ON MARCH MEETING AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE APRIL 2023 MEETING

We met on March 13th 2023 for the first time at our new venue - Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Centre in Leigh. We have also changed our meeting day to the 2nd Monday in the month and our attendance in the afternoon indicates that this is a convenient day for many of our members. It was good to see some people who have not attended the group before and I think this may be due to an interest in today's topic - Oscar Wilde.

Oscar Wilde unwisely decided to sue his partner's father for slander. The Marquis of Queensbury was infuriated by his son Douglas's ('Bosie') relationship with Wilde. Of course in order to defend himself against the slander Queensbury went all out to prove that Wilde had had relationships with men. When Queensbury's defence team arranged for several young men to give evidence that they had had relations with Wilde the slander case was dropped. Wilde then became the defendant in a gross indecency case, which resulted in a prison sentence.

The story is well known and still appears to be relevant to this day.

Our next meeting is on MONDAY 10th APRIL 2023. This is Easter Monday but the group will go ahead and is usually well attended on bank holidays. Kath Graham is giving a presentation on the first 'Dr Death' - a man called Bodkin Adams.

All members are welcome and there is no need to book. We meet at 10.15 with a repeat at 1pm. Parking for the centre is on Cook Street immediately left after Platinum House through the double gates.

Barbara

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Report back on the February meeting and information about the March 2023 meeting

There was a good attendance for our February meeting when we looked at the kidnap of The Lindbergh baby. Charles Lindbergh was world famous in 1932 due to his non stop Atlantic crossing in 1927. He was the first person to fly from New York to Paris without stopping and it made his rich and famous. However it also led to the kidnap of his baby son from his house in New Jersey in 1932. The perpetrator was eventually tracked down, tried and executed but the baby was likely killed on the same day that he was taken. A sad story but one that gives insight into the growth of police forensics and the enlarged role of the FBI.

The March meeting will be held at a new venue. This is Kingsleigh Methodist Church Community Centre on King Street. We also have a change of day and from March 2023 the meetings will take place on the second Monday of each month. So the March meeting will be on Monday 13th. The topic is 'The Trials of Oscar Wilde'.

The morning meeting will start at 10.15 and the afternoon repeat will be at 1pm. There is a free car park which is accessed via Cook Street - off Railway Road. All members are welcome and there is no need to book.

As the dates of our meetings have changed the revised calendar for the year is below.

13.03.23 The Trials of Oscar Wilde
10.04.23 Dr Bodkin Adams – The First ‘Dr Death’
08.05.23 The Teacup Poisoner
12.06.23 Dark Angels – nurses who kill
10.07.23 Robert Freegard – conman
14.08.23 Murder of Police Officers
11.09.23 Mad or Bad? Psychopaths and Psychotics
09.10.23 The Cardiff Three
13.11.23 Operation Yewtree
11.12.23 Art Thefts and Forgeries

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Please note that the meeting planned for January 3rd 2023 has had to be cancelled as the venue (The Miners) is closed for the day. Back to normal on the 7th February 2023.

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Report back on the December 2022 meeting and information about the February 2023 meeting

We had a quiz today with the topic being
'Crime on television and films'

Some questions were quite hard and some were easy, but it did not matter as it was all a bit of light-hearted fun but we did learn about some of the 'tropes' employed by film and TV directors. These included the brainy detective who has to explain things to his sidekick - Morse, Sherlock Holmes etc. We reminisced about some older television series and puzzled about some recent ones and had lots of recommendations of things to watch on catch up or streaming services over the following weeks.

We next meet on TUESDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2023 at The Miners. The morning meeting is at 10.30 and it is repeated at 1pm.

Please join us and there is no need to book. If you are new to u3a you can try the group before you commit to annual membership and it will only cost you £1.50 room hire.

Meanwhile to those who celebrate it - Happy Christmas and a peaceful 2023 to everybody.

Barbara Joyce

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Report back on our November 2022 meeting and information about December 2022 meeting

We covered a difficult topic for our November meeting. We looked at sadism and how groups of offenders behave when their offence involves sadistic behaviour. In December 1992 a 16 year old Manchester girl called Suzanne Capper was abducted, tortured and killed by a group of 6 young people that she considered to be her friends.

We looked at why this group acted as they did and the way in which they justified their behaviour. It was such a tragic outcome for Suzanne who died of horrendous injuries. She had very little protection from her family or the authorities and fate dictated that she sought out this group for support and friendship and ended up being abused and ultimately killed. I hope that those of you who attended today will give her a minute's thought on 18th December which is the 30th anniversary of her tragic death.

The topic in December is far more upbeat and we will be looking at crime shows on television and films. It is a very popular genre and should generate a lot of memories when we look at some of the old series as well as the more up to date offerings.

All members are welcome to join us on TUESDAY 6th DECEMBER at The Miners Institute. The morning meeting will start at 10.30 with a repeat at 1pm. No need to book - just arrive and you will be most welcome.

Please see below for next year's topics.

03.01.23 Robert Freegard – conman
07.02.23 The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping
07.03.23 Dr Bodkin Adams – The First ‘Doctor Death’
04.04.23 The Trials of Oscar Wilde
02.05.23 The Teacup Poisoner
06.06.23 How did they get away with it for so long?
04.07.23 Snipers
01.08.23 Murder of Police Officers
05.09.23 Manchester Crime Myths?
03.10.23 The Cardiff Five – a miscarriage of justice
07.11.23 Operation Yewtree
05.12.23 Art Thefts and Forgeries

Stay warm if you can.

Barbara Joyce

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October 2022

Our parricide topic was an interesting comparison of 2 cases. One was driven by pure greed and the other by a fantasist son who had been caught out by his parents in his own lies. As always there is a lot of information on the web about both cases - Stephen Seddon and Chandler Halderson. Both are now safely in prison where they cannot get involved in any more damage - hopefully.

Our November meeting will take place on the 1st. We will be looking at a case in Moston, Manchester where a young woman was abducted, held capture and ultimately killed. The case illustrates the way in which group activity influences the behaviour of individuals. Not a pleasant story but it gives a clear example of how groups operate.

We will meet on the 1st November at 10.30 with a repeat at 1pm. No need to book. The meetings will be held at The Miners Welfare on Kirby Road, Leigh. Room hire is £1.50. All members are welcome - new or old.

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September 2022

Harvey Weinstein should have been remembered for producing a number of great theatre shows and films. Instead he will go down in history as a serial sex offender and the man who provoked the growth of the #Me Too Movement. We looked at his personal history, how he was able to abuse women for years without any action being taken and why the police and district attorneys finally decided that there was a case to answer. Of course there are many comparisons to be made with the Savile case in this country. Both were men who were charismatic, dynamic, puzzling, charity givers, friends of the famous and able to escape detection for years.

Things do not get much better next month when our topic is 'parricide'. This is the murder of parents and we will look at 2 cases. One is very close to home in Stockport. The other is in the USA.

Please join us at 10.30 or at the repeated session at 1pm on Tuesday 4th October. We will meet at The Miners on Kirby Road. Room hire is £1.50 and all are welcome with no need to book. If you are not yet a member you are encouraged to 'try before you buy' - i.e. you can attend and then join the Leigh and District u3a (or not if you did not feel it was for you).

Hope to see you soon

Barbara

Archive
August 2022

A very good attendance for the Lord Lucan and murder of Sandra Rivett presentation. It was interesting to note how times have changed and in retrospect the case against Lucan was not really proven. His guilt was totally dependent on his wife's unchallenged evidence. He was not a sympathetic character but should have been entitled (posthumously?) to a better police investigation and a more thorough coroner's trial.

On September 6th 2022 we look at a really unpleasant person - Harvey Weinstein. There is nothing new about the 'casting couch' and this man exploited vulnerable women by withholding work from them unless they agreed to a sexual encounter. Often he inflicted abuse without any agreement and threatened the women in order to prevent any disclosures. His arrest after a long (and long suspected) history of abuse sparked the Me Too movement. He is currently in prison but has further charges to face - including some emanating from this country.

Join us at our morning session at 10.30 or afternoon at 1pm. All members welcome - or if you are not yet a member you can 'try before you buy'. £1.50 room hire payable. No need to book - just turn up and in spite of the topic I hope the session will be enjoyable and instructive.

Future meetings below

06.09.22 Weinstein
04.10.22 Parricide: murder of parents
01.11.22 Group behaviour in serious crime
06.12.22 Crime as portrayed on television and film

Barbara Joyce

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July 2022

Our presentation on Oscar Slater was really interesting. The case against Slater was unconvincing to say the least, and there appeared to be members of the victim's family with far greater motive and opportunity for murder. The police investigation was poor (this was 1909 but even then it should have been better) and the court appeared to discriminate against Slater due to his being a German Jew. Conan Doyle worked tirelessly to assist Slater but the two men fell out following a successful appeal. Thanks to Kath for a well researched and informative presentation.

On August 2nd at 10.30 repeated 1pm we will look at the murder of Sandra Rivett. She was the nanny working for Lord and Lady Lucan and was likely murdered by Lucan, as he had mistaken her for his wife. We will look at the reasons why Lucan may have wanted to murder his wife, and alternative theories as to what actually happened. It remains a mystery as only the Countess (Veronica Lucan) knew the true story and the police never looked for any other suspects. All members welcome - new or long established.

Barbara Joyce

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June 2022

Following on from a celebratory holiday we came down to earth with a presentation about Trevor Hardy 'The Beast of Manchester'. We had a good crowd - although still not quite at pre Covid levels, but building. Not a pleasant topic and it is a shame we could not have presented more information about the 3 (or possibly 4) young female victims, as they tend to get 'side-lined' in favour of learning about the perpetrator.

More light hearted next month when one of our members, Kath, will present a real life case where Conan Doyle (author of Sherlock Holmes) got involved on behalf of the alleged offender.

The meeting is on TUESDAY 5TH JULY 2022. It will be held at 10.30 am with a repeat on the same day at 1pm. Meetings take place at The Miners on Kirby Road, Leigh. All members and those who are thinking of joining are welcome. Room hire is £1.50. It would be good to welcome you to our group. In spite of the subject matter we do have an enjoyable and informative meeting with lots of discussion.

Barbara Joyce

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May 2022

We welcomed quite a few new members this month and some who were testing us out. I hope that those who were in 'try before you buy' mode decide to join us on a regular basis.

I thought that the sessions this month went well and as the topic was 'unsolved crimes' there was quite a lot of discussion regarding 'who done it'.

Our June meeting is on Tuesday 7th and we will meet at 10.30 with a repeat at 1pm.

The topic is a serial killer called Trevor Hardy and the press dubbed him 'The Beast of Manchester'. He murdered 3 young women in North Manchester in the early 70s. He died in prison having been sentenced to a whole life tariff but there is still a suspicion that he may have been responsible for another local murder.

Please feel free to join us and learn about this little known dark episode in the history of Manchester.

Barbara

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April 2022

Two well attended sessions this month and many thanks to our member Brian for a very informative and interesting presentation on crime during the Second World War. One of the crimes that Brian looked at was that of 'The Blackout Killer'. This was a man from the RAF who attempted to murder 6 women in the space of one week. He probably merited an entire session as it was such an horrendous crime, but also once again illustrated the mad/bad or psychopath/psychotic debate. Watch this space for our 2023 calendar!

We will meet next on Tuesday 3rd May 2022 - the day following the early May holiday. As always there will be a morning meeting at 10.30 with a repeat in the afternoon at 1pm. All members are invited and if you are not yet a member you can attend prior to committing yourself to annual membership. Room hire contribution to the Miners Social Club is £1.50 per session.

The topic will be 'unsolved crimes'. We will be looking at two crimes. One is a 'hit man' shooting in Nairn. This happened in November 2004 and remains a complete mystery to this day. The other case is that of the 'Hammersmith Nude Murders' also known as the 'Jack the Stripper' murders. This series of murders of females took place in the late 50s and early 60s in London before suddenly ceasing. There have been several books and crime programmes suggesting possible suspects although the police service was never able to find enough evidence to arrest anybody.

Please join us if you are interested and you will be made most welcome

Barbara Joyce

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MARCH 2022

Our topic this month was prison escapes. We looked at the Maze/Long Kesh escape by the IRA from the H Blocks. Part of the intention was to humiliate the Westminster Government as the prison had been built in 1976 to hold paramilitary prisoners and was said to be the most secure in Europe. We then touched briefly on two of the Great Train Robbers. Charlie Wilson escaped (with much outside help) from Birmingham and was followed less than a year later by Ronnie Biggs who escaped from Wandsworth. One thing we learnt is that escapes from secure prisons are rare and hence newsworthy when they do happen.

The April meeting will take place on the first Tuesday of the month which is the 5th. The presentation by Brian Joyce will look at 'Crime in Wartime'. Brian will concentrate on the Second World War and reasons why crime was high. Brian's presentations are always popular and this will be of interest to those who like military history as well as criminology. The meetings will be at 10.30 and repeated at 1pm. No need to book and new members are always welcome.

Future topics for this year are below. All meetings are at 10.30 repeated 1.30 and are at The Miners.

05.04.22 Crime in Wartime
03.05.22 Unsolved Crimes
07.06.22 Trevor Hardy: The Beast of Manchester
05.07.22 Conan Doyle for the Defence: The Case of Oscar Slater
02.08.22 Lord Lucan and the murder of Sandra Rivett
06.09.22 Weinstein and Epstein
04.10.22 Parricide: murder of parents
01.11.22 Group behaviour in serious crime
06.12.22 Crime as portrayed on television and film

February 2022

Well I never! One week after our presentation about Robert Durst he died in the hospital of the 'correctional facility'. He escaped justice regarding the alleged murder in 1982 of his first wife - perhaps that was inevitable.

It was a more light hearted topic this month and a well attended meeting. Brian Joyce did a presentation about celebrities who have been in trouble with the law and how this impacted on their career. The subjects ranged from Fatty Arbuckle to Hugh Grant and it could be said that Arbuckle's career was wrecked even though he was acquitted of his alleged offence of rape. Hugh Grant handled his well known episode with Divine Brown in Hollywood with disarming honesty and aplomb and it did his career no harm at all - if anything it enabled him to go from strength to strength.

The presentation in March (Tuesday 1st March at 10.30 repeated at 1pm) will be on 'prison escapes'. In particular we will look at the IRA escape from the Maze prison and the escapes of Charlie Wilson and Ronnie Biggs - two of the train robbers. Escapes from secure facilities are rare and it is interesting to work out who assisted these men, as inside and outside help is essential.

Please join us if this topic appeals to you. No need to book and new members will be made most welcome.

Barbara Joyce

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January 2022

Happy New Year

The new year saw our numbers slightly depleted due to concerns about the omicron strain of the virus. In spite of this quite a few people attended and with windows open and face coverings worn it felt safe.

The topic was the trial of Robert Durst. It is hard to decide why this man behaves as he does. At the age of 79 he is serving a life sentence for murdering a close friend and has just been charged with the murder of his wife in 1982. He has also served a sentence in the past for the dismemberment and disposal of the body of a man who he shot in 'self defence'. The case came to the attention of the British public following the release of a documentary entitled 'The Jinx' by HBO in America which is available on NOW television

Our February meeting will be a bit more light-hearted and looks at celebrities who have been in trouble with the law. There are many of them and the impact on their career is not always negative.

Please feel free to join us on Tuesday 1st February at 10.30 repeated in the same day at 1pm. No need to book and non members can attend to 'give it a try' before committing themselves to joining the u3a.

Future topics below

01.02.22 Celebrities Incarcerated
01.03.22 Prison Escapes
05.04.22 Crime in Wartime
03.05.22 Unsolved Crimes
07.06.22 Trevor Hardy: The Beast of Manchester
05.07.22 Conan Doyle for the Defence: The Case of Oscar Slater
02.08.22 Lord Lucan and the murder of Sandra Rivett
06.09.22 Weinstein and Epstein
04.10.22 Parricide: murder of parents
01.11.22 Group behaviour in serious crime
06.12.22 Crime as portrayed on television and film

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December 2021

The new concern about the COVID omicron variation, combined with a storm, kept our numbers down this month. However in spite of reduced attendance we enjoyed a good meeting looking at high jacking. We discussed two cases and why the incidence has reduced dramatically since the terrorist attacks in the US on 11th September 2001.

Our next meeting will take place in January 2022 when the topic will be the trial of Robert Durst. Durst is a member of a wealthy real estate family in New York. However he was the black sheep of this illustrious family and his behaviour leaves us gasping! It is a story that is stranger than fiction. In spite of the grief that Durst caused there are some funny moments in the narrative and it will make you wonder what made him tick.

All members are welcome to join us on Tuesday 4th January at 10.30 and repeated at 1pm. No need to book. Look forward to seeing you then. Meanwhile a happy Christmas to all members and we look forward to more crime and punishment discoveries in 2022.

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November 2021 - next meeting Tuesday 7th December 2021

As autumn draws in we had two well attended meetings in spite of the bad weather. Our topic was the hostage taking and murder of 4 members of the same extended family in 1977. The murders were perpetrated in rural Derbyshire by an escaped prisoner called Billy Hughes. He was eventually shot dead by armed police. The only surviving family member saw her mother, father, husband and young daughter killed in addition to being taken hostage and having her life threated by Hughes.

It is hard to know how this woman survived this ordeal and it was good to know that she is still with us and living a peaceful life in Ireland. There appears to be only one book written on the murders which is by Carol Ann Lee and Peter Howse. It's a tough read but is well researched and begs a lot of questions about the crime.

The December meeting will be a bit more light-hearted and will look at 2 cases of hijacking. This was a common event in the 60s and 70s and is an example of how the change of procedures can tackle certain crimes.

We will meet on TUESDAY 7th DECEMBER and you are welcome to attend at either 10.30 or 1pm when the session is repeated. No need to book, just come to the Miners where you will me made most welcome.

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October 2021

Members seem to be feeling more confident about venturing out and todays two meetings were well attended. The afternoon meeting particularly so. Kath Graham presented an interesting presentation on the 1949 Cameo Cinema murders and the miscarriage of justice which resulted in one innocent man being hanged and another being imprisoned. The real murderer has never been apprehended. It was only in 2001 that the case against these men was quashed. The police investigation was clearly very poor and some things have certainly improved since the late 40s.

Our NOVEMBER meetings are on 2nd November and will look at a hostage taking in 1977. This happened in Derbyshire and had tragic consequences. The meetings will take place at 10.30 and repeated the same afternoon at 1pm. All welcome and no need to book. The calendar for the remainder of this year and next year is below. Subject to change of course if any member would like to give their own presentation.

02.11.21 Pottery Cottage hostage taking
07.12.21 Hijacking

04.01.22 Robert Durst: Guilty or Innocent?
01.02.22 Celebrities Incarcerated
01.03.22 Prison Escapes
05.04.22 Crime in Wartime
03.05.22 Unsolved Crimes
07.06.22 Trevor Hardy: The Beast of Manchester
05.07.22 Conan Doyle for the Defence: The Case of Oscar Slater
02.08.22 Lord Lucan and the murder of Sandra Rivett
06.09.22 Weinstein and Epstein
04.10.22 Parricide: murder of parents
01.11.22 Group behaviour in serious crime
06.12.22 Crime as portrayed on television and film

September 2021

Second post COVID meeting - with all the windows open and some social distancing. The presentation, on Levi Bellfield, revealed a thoroughly unpleasant man. He has no moral core and is a narcissist and a cruel controlling bully. He is serving two whole life sentences so will die in prison. This is the only way to protect society from people like him.

Next month on Tuesday 5th October Kath Graham will give a talk on the Cameo murders. This was a robbery gone wrong in Liverpool with many repercussions. The meeting will take place at 10.30 repeated at 1pm. All members are welcome and there is no need to book. Kath has done presentations for the group before and this one promises (like the others) to be good.

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August 2021

Our first post COVID meetings took place this week - the first Tuesday of the month. Under our new timetable we had one meeting at 10.30 repeated at 1pm. The topic was The Horizon IT system which was full of bugs and glitches but nonetheless was used by the Post Office prosecutors as the sole evidence to prosecute 700 plus sub postmasters. After 19 years the scandal has finally been exposed and a Judicial Review is currently being established. Prosecutions have already been quashed, compensation amounting to millions or even billions will be due to the postmasters who were prosecuted and also those who were erroneously sacked.

There is now a lot of information about the case but in my view the best source is a journalist called Nick Wallis. In addition to a blog, articles and other written sources he has also produced a BBC Sounds podcast which you can listen to via your PC or tablet at BBC Sounds.

Our September meetings will take place on Tuesday 7th at 10.30 repeated at 1pm. The room hire fee is £1.50. No need to book. The topic is LEVI BELLFIELD. He is best known for the abduction and murder of Amanda (Milly) Dowler. However his hatred of females resulted in other deaths, attempted murders and sexual offences. He is currently where he belongs - in prison for the remainder of his life.

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July 2021

Well, unless we hear anything to the contrary between now and Tuesday 3rd August, we will be restarting our group. The meetings are now either 10.30am or repeated at 1pm on the same day - the first Tuesday in the month.

I know that many of us will be wary about indoor meetings and I can well understand that some may wish to see what happens to the infection rates and vaccine take up before venturing out. However if you choose to join us on the 3rd you will be most welcome. No need to book and you can come to either session. Please note that you will not be able to get a drink at The Miners but are welcome to bring your own.

It's a good topic - the Post Office Horizon IT scandal. I first prepared this presentation in November 2019 and a great deal has happened since then which has attracted national attention - and the story is nowhere near over.

Barbara

Archive
March 2021

The roadmap indicates that we may be getting some kind of resolution - hopefully by Late June? The topics will need to be updated by then as the Post Office scandal is still very active as is the fate of Sharmima Begum - the only remaining Bethnal Green schoolgirl - who is in a Kurdish run camp in Syria but is declared to not be a British citizen. Meanwhile please stay safe

Barbara Joyce

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February 2021

As the vaccines get underway perhaps there is some light at the end of the tunnel! The lockdown started a few days into the new year so the calendar for topics this year is undated and I will put some dates on when we are able to re start. Meanwhile if any member would like to deliver a presentation please let me know and I can add you to the undated calendar.

2021 Crime and Punishment topics

Levi Bellfield. The serial killer who was responsible for the death of Amanda (Milly) Dowler, Amelia Delagrange and Marsha McDonnell in addition to savage attacks on other young women. Currently serving a whole life sentence.

Crime in the Second World War – In the early years of the war crime decreased due to the conscription of those who would ordinarily be perpetrating offences. Some crime related directly to the conditions imposed in war time such as the blackout and rationing. Some crime was committed by American and Canadian soldiers stationed in the UK. At a later stage in the war guns were commonplace with a consequent rise in armed robberies.

Celebrities incarcerated – famous people who have seen the inside of a prison cell. This will include Hugh Grant and Phil Spector.

The Liverpool Cameo Murders – historic murder case in Liverpool.

Unsolved cases – some you may be familiar with such as Lord Lucan but some are less well known and include a series of murders in London in the 1960s where the perpetrator became known as ‘Jack the Stripper’ due to him leaving the bodies of his victims naked. There was also an ‘execution’ type killing in Nairn where a man called Alistair Wilson was shot on his own doorstep.

Prison escapes – rarer these days but this presentation looks at some famous ones including the IRA escape from the H Blocks in 1983. Charlie Wilson and Ronnie Biggs, convicted Great Train robbers, who escaped from their respective incarceration in 1964 and 1965 and Alfie Hinds, serial escapee, in the 1950s.

Murder of Parents, which will include the US case of the Menendez Brothers and the case on Jersey involving the Newell Brothers.

Scandal at the Post Office – the scandal of the sub post masters who were wrongly accused of fraud. The struggle of these wronged men and women for justice against a huge and well defended organisation. This is ongoing and may have been fully resolved by the time we re- start.

3 school girls from Bethnal Green – the 3 young girls who joined ISIS. Two of the school girls are dead and the other is awaiting a decision regarding a possible return to the UK from a camp in Syria.

Trevor Hardy – The Beast of Manchester – 1970s serial killer. Little known case which involved a violent psychopath. 3 teenagers were killed in North Manchester by this man who died in prison whilst serving a whole life sentence

The very strange case of Robert Durst – American murderer. Part of a wealthy real estate family in New York who is currently awaiting trial for the murder of his friend.

D B Cooper – the story of the USAs only unsolved plane hijacking. A fascinating story which is made more interesting by the fact that the perpetrator remains a mystery.

The Pottery Cottage murders – a shocking siege/ murder/abduction in the Peak District by an escaped prisoner in 1977

Operation Yewtree and beyond. Yewtree was established in order to investigate sexual offending by Jimmy Savile primarily but it was also linked to other perpetrators in the public eye.

Meanwhile I sent out some information on TV crime shows which reveals our endearing fascination with this genre. If anybody has a favourite TV detective show please feel free to send your reasons why you love this series and I can send them out to members who have access to e mail.

Soon be spring! Barbara

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January 2021

The start of a new year which in spite of being in tier 4 does hold out some hope for a return to u3a meetings once the vaccination has been rolled out.

I sent out a calendar of crime in 2020 to members, which made for depressing reading. Hopefully something a bit more cheery next time! Meanwhile I wish all our crime enthusiasts a happy new year and hope to meet face to face before too long.

Barbara

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At the end of each year we usually look at topics for the following year and draw up a calendar. The 2021 list of topics is undated as I am not sure when we can re-start. Please if anybody would like to do a presentation just contact me and I can add you to the list.

2021 Crime and Punishment topics

Levi Bellfield. The serial killer who was responsible for the death of Amanda (Milly) Dowler and other young women.

Crime in the Second World War

Celebrities incarcerated – famous people who have seen the inside of a prison cell

The Liverpool Cameo Murders – historic murder case in Liverpool

Unsolved cases – some you may be familiar with such as Lord Lucan but some are less well known and include a series of murders in London in the 1960s where the perpetrator became known as ‘Jack the Stripper’ due to him leaving the bodies of his victims naked.

Prison escapes – rarer these days but this presentation looks at some famous ones including the IRA escape from the H Blocks in 1983, Charlie Wilson and Ronnie Biggs, convicted Great Train robbers in 1964 and 1965 and Alfie Hinds in the 1950s.

Murder of Parents, which will include the US case of the Menendez Brothers and the case on Jersey involving the Newell Brothers.

Scandal at the Post Office – the scandal of the sub post masters who were wrongly accused of fraud. The struggle of these wronged men and women for justice against a huge and well defended organisation

3 school girls from Bethnal Green – the 3 girls who joined ISIS. Two of the school girls are dead and the other is awaiting a decision regarding a possible return to the UK from a camp in Syria.

Trevor Hardy – The Beast of Manchester – 1970s serial killer. Little known case which involved a violent psychopath.

The very strange case of Robert Durst – American murderer. Part of a wealthy real estate family in New York who is currently awaiting trial for the murder of his wife.

D B Cooper – the story of the USAs only unsolved plane hijacking.

Meanwhile Happy Christmas (in spite of it being much more low key this year) and fingers crossed that 2021 is an improvement on 2020.

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Update November 2020

Lockdown becomes (we think) Tier 3 this week and in spite of the positive vaccination news it will be a while before normal service is resumed. This month was to have been about gun law in the US and how this links to mass shootings. I did send some data out to members of the group which was pretty frightening but I doubt that there is about to be any amendment change - even with a new Democrat President.

In 'normal' years we do not meet in December due to the Miners shut down during the day from Christmas to New Year. The other thing that is normally a task in November is to create the calendar for next year. I will be giving out topics without dates and will place them here as soon as I can.

Lets hope the vaccinations can get out to us as soon as possible and that once the figures for hospitalisation have fallen we are allowed to meet again.

Barbara

Update September 2020

And another month passes! The meeting for October was going to look at the murder of parents. I had not included the Jeremy Bamber case where he shot his parents, sister and two nephews, as there was a really good drama covering the case on television earlier this year. However there is a book by Carol Ann Lee called 'The Murders at Whitehouse Farm' which is a very thorough and readable account of what happened. Recommended.

The case of the Menendez Brothers in the US is well known but there is a case with a similar motivation from Jersey involving the Newall family. In both cases the reason was the greed of the sons (as in the Bamber case). I have not yet researched cases with different motivation but will do this before we visit the topic post Covid.

One to be looked at when we get back to normal.

Barbara

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Update August 2020

As every day there appears to be reports in the papers of illegal raves I suspect that is the only way we will get to meet. No news yet from The Miners and it does not look hopeful what with the local enhanced regulations and worries about a 'spike' etc.

September was to have been 'Illegal to Legal' - legislation making previously illegal activities legal. This topic probably lends itself to some e mail communication so I will send out some of the research I have already undertaken to members and look forward to sharing some views.

Meanwhile I hope that you are keeping busy and not becoming too despondent. A vaccine may be just around the corner!

Update July 2020

Like a cracked record the message is the same again this month. The additional restrictions for Greater Manchester came into force today (31.07.20) so sadly it does not look like things will ease up for a while.

August was to be 'Prison Escape' month. Very apt considering we have all been incarcerated since mid March. The focus would have been on the Maze Prison escape in 1983, Ronnie Biggs and Charlie Wilson (Great Train robbers) and Alfie Hinds - prison escapee extraordinaire. It is ready and waiting for when we are free to meet again.

Watch this space for updates and meanwhile I hope everybody is well and coping as well as can be expected.

Barbara
Archive

Update June 2020

Still closed and restricted to our social bubble so it will not be possible for us to meet for a while yet.

The topic for July was to have been unsolved cases. The cases to be looked at were Lord Lucan, which most of us will know something about. Less well known but fascinating is the 'hit man' type murder in Nairn, Scotland of Alistair Wilson. There is no real motive for the murder and it remains a mystery. Finally there was a spate of murders in London in the early 60s which became known as the Jack the Stripper murders. Again these were never solved and still attract interest and attempts to identify suspects.

Another one for the back burner!

Hope everybody is keeping well and lets hope there is some good news soon which means we can meet up again.

26th May 2020

Still socially isolated and being alert.

Today's and yesterday's topic would have been 'Celebrities Incarcerated'. We'll put it on hold until we get out of our incarceration. I hope all group members and potential group members are as well as can be expected.

Will June be a goer for our group? If it is the topic will be The Liverpool Cameo Cinema Murders but if the Miners is still closed and we are unable to meet we will put that one on ice for the future.

See you soon I hope

Barbara
8th May 2020

It looks like we will be closed for a while and when we return to normal service we will have a lot of topics prepared.

I have been sending out a few quizzes to those members of the group who are on line. It is important to keep in touch. There are many 'true crime' books, magazines and TV programmes. There are also courses on Future Learn (free) and lectures on the Gresham College website.

See you soon

Barbara
March 21st 2020

As you will be aware the pandemic has necessitated closure of the U3A groups. We have no clear idea when we will be able to be up and running again but meanwhile I hope people are keeping busy and I have a few suggestions that have come from the group members on how to keep busy. I will update this as we progress with our isolation.

There were some great recommendations regarding what to watch/do during our coronavirus incarceration.
• Gardening – our gardens will be weed free and fit for purpose when this is all over.
• Fence painting – get those fences done – you know you hate doing it but no excuses now
• Ditto shed painting – who knows that shed may have to double as an isolation block pretty soon!!
• Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. From wardrobe tops (really Shirley?) to cupboards that have not seen the light of day for a while.
• Talking of which one tidy up of a food cupboard revealed a food sell by date of 2011 – shame on you M – you know who you are!! Anyone beat this?
• Good idea to look out old craft projects that you had abandoned –find the embroidery thrown at the back of a cupboard.
• You Tube – for new craft ideas. You Tube is a good free resource. I personally put ‘You Tube UK’ in Google and then just use the search facility at the op. Head phones on and I am entertained for a long time. I also like the way that the system anticipates other things that you may be interested in based on previous searches.
• The Rise –found on Netflix. Sounds good. Netflix recommendations are great as (like Prime) there is so much to choose from that a lot of the best stuff is hard to find.
• ’14 Days in May’ – found on I Player BBC 4 – also sounds good and thought provoking.
• If you are into Genealogy and have Ancestry or Find My Past there is a scheme whereby you can assist in discovering the history of female convicts sent to Tasmania. If you are interested I can send the details to you.
• Also a good time to do some more work on your own family tree.
• Decorating – you may be able to use the excuse that you can’t risk going to B and Q but if the materials are already bought you are obliged to get stuck in
• DIY hairdressing!! If hairdressers close this will be essential but one of our members is already training for cut and colours!
• The Twelfth Man – another Netflix gem
• 24th March on Channel 5 - a programme about April Jones the young girl who was abducted and murdered in mid Wales.

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Our March 2020 meetings will be held on Monday 23rd and repeated on Tuesday 24th - both meetings will start at 1pm

We will be looking at the criminal career of LEVI BELLFIELD. You will likely have heard of him as the man who abducted and murdered school girl Amanda 'Milly' Dowler. But he went on to kill two more women in West London and to seriously injure another. In addition he abused his partners and was a thoroughly nasty and viciou