Newport, Shropshire

AGM and Talk by Ian Atkinson

MEMBERS ONLY

Ian is a Newport U3a member who has spent many years working with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). He will talk to us about his involvement with the RSPB, his many hours spent birdwatching and give us an insight into how we can get more involved with nature and some of the great local places we can visit to engage with the natural world.

Aquabox

Ranald Macdonald

Ranald Macdonald is a volunteer with Aquabox. He is a member of the Community Liaison Group promoting Aquabox and raising donations. As with many Aquabox volunteers, he has ended up continuing the work he did in his professional life as a university academic before retirement, providing professional development support!
Aquabox: Clean Water In A Crisis. Aquabox provides safe drinking water and humanitarian aid to people affected by natural disasters, extreme weather and conflicts. Millions of people around the world don’t have access to clean water for drinking, cooking or washing. A single Aquabox family filter can convert up to half a million litres of polluted water into safe, clean water – and give some of those desperate people the hope of a better life.

Lucy Beardmore

Newlife Charity

Every day, Newlife is changing the lives of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK, as the largest charitable provider of specialist equipment for disabled children
They offer a lifeline for families, providing life-changing and life-saving specialist equipment when and where it’s needed. Childhood cancers, birth defects, accidents, diseases and infections can all cause disability and through child & family support, their equipment grants service, emergency equipment loans and the provision of play therapy pods Newlife support families wherever they can.

THERE IS NO MEETING THIS MONTH

HISTORY OF NEWPORT

Judith Everard

Judith is a research associate of the Victoria County History Shropshire, whose aims include promoting an appreciation and awareness of the history and heritage of Shropshire. Judith has worked on a number of books including a history of Wem and is currently delving deep into Newport’s history, with a working title of “Burgesses and Business: Life in Medieval Newport”

For 10 years she was a Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, teaching Medieval History and was a member of their governing body.

THE BEAUMARIS SINGERS

Beaumaris Singers are a chamber choir of around 20 voices whose aim is to delight audiences with excellent performances of the choral repertoire. We perform both a cappella and accompanied music from a repertoire spanning five centuries. The choir has broadcast on radio on three occasions, and has performed with Russell Watson in Manchester and Birmingham and also took part in the BBC’s Songs of Praise from Cound Church. The choir is equally at home with lighter repertoire, providing high quality entertainment at social and charity events.

PEGGY'S DIARY

Peter Dunhill

Peter Dunhill, now in his 70s and originally from Surrey, has lived in Shrewsbury for over 40 years. He has a career background in primary school drama teaching, voluntary sector management, community work, heritage projects and concluded his employed life as a footpaths officer.

Now retired, he gives illustrated talks to, and leads guided walks for, clubs and societies, WIs, volunteering groups and U3As around Shropshire.

Peggy’s Diary – these are the experiences of Peter’s great aunt who was a volunteer nurse in the Great War. Peggy became a VAD nurse in 1915, she died of pneumonia in 1916 and is buried in Le Treport. Her lively diary, which she would have regarded as unremarkable, along with many contemporary photographs gives an insight into the lives of women who ‘did their bit’

He aims to mix information, education and entertainment in equal measure and encourages audience participation.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND QUIZ

Come along and test your knowledge in our annual quiz, with the added bonus of a festive buffet to tantalise your tastebuds and fortify those brain cells!