From the Chair...Newsletter
Newsletter November 2023
We hope to see you all at our next u3a meeting on Wednesday November 8
2.30pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre.
Last month’s speaker new to all of us was Sandra Simmons who gave a fascinating insight into the
life of a married woman in Iran. Freedom of choice, clothes, customs, food, homes, leisure and role
are completely different to life here. Sandra married an Iranian but found life so challenging that
she later managed to return to England and life here. Sandra’s talk was full of interesting
information. I’ve rarely seen an audience so focussed. How lucky we are to live here. We are
inviting Sandra back soon to speak again giving further stories from her past. Don’t miss it.
This month’s speaker is completely different. Keith Partridge, a member of RSPB, will be sharing
his knowledge of New Forest wildlife. Although we may live in the New Forest there are so many
creatures we rarely see and know little about.
We always welcome suggestions for speakers you may know of from other groups and of course
offers of talks from members especially useful when there is a last-minute cancellation as you
know. We now have a short list of back up speakers drawn from our members and Juliet has
prepared a quiz too. Please let Rita Elson, our Speaker’s Secretary, know if you if you can help.
Following the seasonal activities of Hallowe’en, which seems to grow bigger every year,
Remembrance Sunday, Bonfire night and Christmas will soon be here. How things change! I was
asked not to talk about Hallowe’en when I was teaching in Ringwood as there were still witches
there, and in Burley. A similar request was made in a Totton school.
Plans have been made for our December meeting to celebrate Christmas. We had planned for a
local magician, a member of the Magic Circle, to show us some tricks but unfortunately he is
already double booked. An opportunity to sing Christmas carols together seemed popular and we
were lucky enough to persuade Norman Durrant, a local musician many of you may know through
his concerts at Hounsdown School and church, to lead us. Get ready to sing. The music will be
followed by mince pies and Christmas snacks, contributions welcome, and the chance to test your
knowledge in a fun Christmas Quiz kindly compiled by Juliet Tilley.
Jim New is busy working on updating our website kindly supported by John Robinson, past
organiser. If you have any ideas about what you would like included please talk to Jim. We would
also like photos of group activities, even sitting round talking from each group which may
encourage new members to join and show the range of interest groups available. Again if you
would like to start or revive a new group contact Juliet. Revival of Days Out seems to be a popular
choice. Again we need leaders. Can you help?
We are also looking for places and opportunities to publicise our group and encourage new
members. All suggestions welcome. We would welcome all groups who would be willing to talk
about the group and their activities to interest possible new members to join them.
The much-forecasted winds and storms are nearly over. Winter and dark nights are here. We
hope you and your homes were not damaged by the severe weather.
Angela Trend
Chairman