Warwick District

Notices

In Memoriam

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Interested in testing a new board game?

One of our members, Matt Black, has created a board game which is “an interactive Sixties Plus version of Snakes and Ladders, with new elements including various activity cards and fun conversation stimuli”. It’s called “Aches and Bladders”!

If you’d be interested in trying it out and giving honest feedback, please contact Matt

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Summer trip to Historic Ludlow

Tuesday, 9 July

This year’s attractive destination for the Ramblers’ great day out is the charming town of Ludlow, set in the lovely Shropshire countryside. A well-known foodie centre, Ludlow boasts a long and fascinating history, reflected in the variety of its buildings, chief of which is the venerable castle dating back to 1086 and rich with royal connections.
All WDu3a members are most welcome to join us, and either take part in the walk, or enjoy exploring the delights of Ludlow. Friends and partners are also very welcome, but they must be members of a u3a or we are not covered by insurance.

Our walk is about 4.5 miles, through delightful undulating country, with splendid views. Taken at a leisurely pace, the walk will still allow time to explore Ludlow afterwards. NB. Bring plenty of water and a picnic.

The charge is £20 per person; any refreshments or entry charges are not included. Email Jane Boynton at or phone on 01926 740393. She will confirm your place then give details of how to pay. You will need to provide your name, email, phone number and an emergency contact number. Also, whether you will be walking or not.
Start point is Newbold Comyn (free parking). Full joining instructions will be sent out at the

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Are you interested in the impact of advances in Science on our lives?

There is a gap in our u3a for a new Science Group which would explore and discuss scientific issues with non-scientists. For example, every few months the group could look at science items that have appeared in national newspapers. Other meetings could include popular science topics, science history, presentations by medical charities, and so on.

Jen Hemming would like to hear from you if you would be interested in joining such a group, and especially from members with a scientific background who would be able to take leading roles. Some support, including offers of presenting talks, is available. Please contact Jen at wdu3agroups@gmail.com

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A DAY TRIP TO WINDSOR

Monday, 20th May.

Windsor has been on my list of places to visit this year and with the exhibition featuring Queen Mary’s Doll’s House and the work Queen Camilla has initiated to introduce some new literary themed additions plus what I gather was an excellent talk given at the AGM, the time has come.

The plan would be to arrive mid-morning and visit the castle following which there will be free time in Windsor to investigate the town and find some lunch. There is an optional trip to The Savill Garden, a 35 acre garden that is part of Windsor Great Park commissioned by George V and created by Eric Savill. Wander round the garden at leisure and enjoy the seasonal colours. In May the azaleas should be looking their best and possibly the summer gardens will be coming into season. There are options for group tours and I will give more information on those later.

Another possibility is a river cruise. I won’t be committing us to that because it is totally weather dependent but bookings can be made on the day or (slightly cheaper) the day before. Best options seem to be a 40 minute round trip or, going slightly further, a 2 hour trip. The two hour trip leaves at 1.30 which gives plenty of time.

Provisional costs are £47 for the castle and coach. Add another £11.50 for The Savill Garden - this apparently includes a guided tour.

To signup contact Maggie Watts:
maggiewatts.excursions@gmail.com or phone 07890898201.The usual payment arrangements apply: bacs payments to.Unity Trust Bank, Warwick District U3A, 60-83-01, 20412500 are preferred, or cheque payable to Warwick District u3a and posted to Maggie Watts, 21 Ladbroke Hall, Ladbroke, CV47 2DF.

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FRENCH CONVERSATION

As our French Conversation Group is full, we are hoping to start another. Some knowledge of French is required. If you are interested in joining this group or would like more information please contact Jen Hemming.

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LOFT THEATRE GROUP

The next performances are:

Under Milk Wood, by Dylan Thomas

30 March- 6 April, 7.30pm, £16

To mark the 70th anniversary of the first broadcast The Loft will recreate a radio recording studio on stage and read this fantastic play in 1950s costumes as if it were being broadcast to the nation. Unmissable.

No group date is being arranged, as the run is not full-length.

Bouncers (remix), by John Godber — Tuesday, 7 May, 7.30pm, £16

Booking deadline 30 April, ref WDu3a Bouncers party.

An incredibly well-written, hilarious 1977 comedy, updated to the nightclub scene of today, with giggly girls, lads on the make, a smooth-talking DJ against the flashing lights and pulsating heat of a local club.

The Government Inspector Tuesday, by Nikolai Gogol — 11 June, £16

Booking deadline 4 June, ref WDu3a Inspector party. The corrupt officials of a small Russian town, headed by the equally suspect Mayor, react with despair to the news that an incognito Government Inspector will soon be arriving to investigate them. Panicking, they attempt to cover up their considerable misdeeds, interrupted by the news that a suspicious person arrived two weeks previously from Saint Petersburg and is staying at the local inn. Is this the dreaded Inspector? Originally published in 1836, the play is a comedy of errors, satirizing human greed, stupidity, and the extensive political corruption of Imperial Russia. Imaginative and with beautifully realised characters and sparkling dialogue, this new version is not to be missed.

For your diary: Lovesong, Tuesday, 16 July.

Booking: To book as part of the WDu3a group, email Sue Hamilton at The Loft, at boxoffice@lofttheatrecompany.com, giving the reference and your phone number. The Loft will then ring you for payment. If you don't use email, call Sue Sheen or Ros Heron, who will contact Sue Hamilton for you.

For more information, and to be added to the email reminder list, contact Sue Sheen (suesheen0@gmail.com or 259923) or Ros Heron on 730712.

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GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GROUP

The Global news group is being re-launched as an International and global news group. In this group we raise our eyes to issues and concerns, places and trends beyond the local national horizon. We want to take the opportunity to exercise our interest and deepen our understanding of both what we find easily drawing our attention in the media from 'out there' and less well-covered locations and happenings.

The group will probably meet monthly, on a day yet to be agreed and in a location or locations not yet settled. If you might be interested to try this group out, please contact Maurice Herson preferably by email to mherson@runbox.com (or text to 07767 667890)

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Tennis players or anyone who fancies a similar but less challenging indoor game will likely enjoy Pickleball

What is it? The indoor game uses a badminton court and “paddles” like oversized table tennis bats. The ball is a slightly smaller than a tennis ball, a lot lighter, less bouncy and loses speed quickly. The game has been designed to be quick to learn and good exercise, with rules that tend to favour rallies, like underarm serves.

Where is it? Heathcote Community Centre, Cressida Cl, Heathcote CV34 6DZ, which has a sports hall with two courts about a mile South of Leamington. There is a free carpark and a
good bus service (U1).

When is it? Starting, 5 th January 2024, every Friday 2 – 3 pm.

How much will it cost? To join you will need to set up a monthly £11 Standing Order to pay into to a special U3A account. We have a few loan paddles for your first session but you will need to buy a Pickleball paddle.

What else do I need to know? You will need to wear non-marking shoes which are not worn outside. You Tube has many videos showing how to play. To ensure consistency, a rule set for the English indoor game will be provided. Please do not just turn up at the venue, as this group has a limited membership and may well be oversubscribed. At this stage it will be first come first served.
If you are interested, please contact John Gilbert. 07367456268

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IT Training

WDu3a is planning to change the way it communicates with members to be predominantly by an online newsletter each month. While provision will be made for those members without online access, some members may want to take this opportunity to learn or to update IT skills. The Gap Computer Café is proposing a short course for beginners and less confident users beginning on Monday mornings in January. If you are interested and would like more details, please email John or Jean Morgan at morganwdu3a@gmail.com or ring them on 01926 881876.

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Warwickshire Gardens Trust

Let’s celebrate Warwickshire’s glorious garden heritage together!
Join us in a series of guided visits and on-line talks by expert speakers.
Full details of our 2024 programme are on our web page

www.warwickshiregardenstrust.org.uk
or email us at info@warwickshiregardenstrust.org.uk

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Found Arts and Crafts

I do artwork from surplus and discarded materials and odds and ends found on beaches. I also make jewellery and mosaics from found items and seaglass. If you are an artist, crafter or just interested in a new group to meet, discuss ideas and materials with a view to making stuff please contact: Joy Burdall jburdall@mail.com

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Scottish Country Dancing Classes

Scottish dancing is one of those things where you don’t realise what fun it can be until you have tried it for yourself. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society operates under the motto “Fun, fitness and friendship” and is welcoming to beginners. The Leamington Spa branch meets regularly on a Thursday night in Weston under Wetherly village hall and would gladly include you in the dance line-up. You don’t need to bring a partner and you don’t need special clothing or shoes. A cardigan you can take off and low-heeled shoes or trainers are fine.

For myself, I dance with 3 branches of the RSCDS and I have also started a Scottish dancing group in the Sutton Coldfield U3A. I’m happy to introduce you to the Leamington team, but equally if there is sufficient interest I’m prepared to set up a dedicated U3A group for your benefit. Just email me if you are interested either way.

Peter Harris

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Volunteers Needed: The Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa

Why volunteer with us?
If you enjoy meeting people, being part of a team, learning new skills or using your existing skills in a new way and have an interest in theatre The Loft is the place for you.
We are principally a volunteer led theatre. We celebrated our centenary last year. We put on nine shows a year and to do this we need volunteers in every area of the theatre. At the moment we are particularly in need of Front of House and bar volunteers but help in all areas, including backstage, is always welcome. Many volunteers work in more than one area. However, if you only have time for one evening, every few months, that too is very welcome.
If any of this appeals to you or you are simply curious to find out more please email gm@thelofttheatre.com. We look forward to meeting you.

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Volunteers needed!

Welcome Here Leamington and Warwick was set up in 2017, initially to support Syrian refugee families resettling in Warwick District, although now they support both Syrian and Afghan refugees plus asylum seekers housed in local hotels. They are currently working with approximately 25 families. You can find more information about the charity at www.welcomehereleamingtonandwarwick.org

The charity wishes to recruit more Trustees for the charity, so if you can help, please click on the link above or contact Kate Morrison on 07538 724279.

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Evergreen School Community Café
This school (on Brittain Lane, off Myton Road in Warwick) is for pupils from four to 19 with Special Educational Needs. It has set up a Community Book Café, which allows it to offer training to some of their older students.
The café is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 09.30-12.00 during term time. Books can be read while there, borrowed, or exchanged for one of your own.
If you fancy a cuppa and would like to support this initiative, please just turn up during the above hours.

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Music in the Region

Music To Your Ears (MTYE) needs some volunteers to help keep the service running. Please see MTYE volunteer information for details.
If you are interested in folk music, you may like to look at the CV Folk website

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The Royal Naval Association – Warwick Branch

Open to all RN, WRNS, RNR, QARNNS, RFA & RNXS. Serving or Veteran. Do you miss your friends, the comradeship, banter and dits? If so why not join our friendly branch?

Families of those who served, or are serving, are welcome as associate members as are veterans and those currently serving in other military services.

For further information please contact Lesley on 01926 400505 or RNASec@talktalk.net.

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GROUP NEWS

The following groups in particular will welcome new members - if you're interested, please see their entries and contact the appropriate group leader.
Italian Stage 4 - Advanced
Racketball

Active Listening to Music

Do you enjoy listening to classical music? We have 2 vacancies in our group which meets on the first Wednesday afternoon of the month in member’s homes. We take turns to present a programme of music and enjoy being introduced to music we have not heard before. Our discussions are not technical-our main aim is pleasure in listening. If you are interested, contact Sharon on 01926 612860

Pétanque
The pétanque group has had to move to a new venue, while the Castle Farm Leisure Centre is redeveloped. Thanks to the help of Nomades Club de Pétanque and Warwick District Council, a playing area has been developed in the car park at the rear of Kenilworth Sporting in Gypsy Lane, Kenilworth. The area is much smaller than that at the Leisure Centre and consequently we can only take on new members when a current one leaves, until we're back at Castle Farm in 2024. Playing times remain the same.
Ken Smith, Group Leader

Have you thought about playing Bowls – Indoor or Outdoor?
Why not come along and try this challenging and enjoyable game. We are a friendly group and you would be made very welcome. The main aim is to enjoy the social get-together with similar people and learn the game in a non-competitive environment. Please contact Chris & Ron Walton (indoor) or Tom Head (outdoor) for more information and arrange a tester session to see if it’s the game for you. See Info for their contact details.

CHESS with U3A
Did you know there is a U3A on-line chess club?
Are you interested in playing this wonderful game?
Are you a beginner wanting to learn more?
From beginner to expert, there is something for you
Want to find out more?
Contact John Grant

History of Art
Please note this group meets in person at St Mark’s Church. If you are not on the list to be notified of events, please email Margot and she will put you on the list. If you don’t have email, please feel free to phone Margot (07766 797133) for details.

Easy German now has room for a couple more members. It would be necessary for those joining at this stage to have some very basic knowledge of the language (rusty school German from decades ago or holiday phrase book stuff). Contact Sybil Gilbert if you’re interested.

Reading Group
Friendly group meets monthly to discuss the books we have read. We see ourselves as a social as well as a literary group. Members take turns to talk for a few minutes about any genre of book that appeals, including non-fiction. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 10 am. Meetings are in each other's homes, which currently are all in Leamington. We have lost members since the lockdown, and would welcome new ones, from anywhere in our district. Please contact Jeff Boswell on 337344

Local Walkers 1 Judy and David Hirst
We have a couple of vacancies. Please telephone 422591.

Wider Horizons Zoom Book Club Judy and David Hirst
We would welcome two more members. Please contact us by email.

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IndiGoe Plus Bus Service
If you are having problems travelling to the Gap Community Centre or other wdu3a venues in Warwick and live in (or can easily get to) the West Warwick, Hatton, and West Kenilworth area covered by the new IndiGoe Plus bus service, you can book a ride directly to the Gap or other Warwick venues through their mobile app or dedicated call centre. Several members are now using the service and are finding it most convenient. More information on IndiGoe Plus and the catchment area covered by the service can be found here:
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/public-transport/indiego/3

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Appeal for volunteers
Jackie Tudor at Homewood (on Kenilworth Road, Leamington) is the activities coordinator in this charity-run residential home in Leamington Spa. In the past she has had volunteers go there to play Scrabble and bridge etc.
Jackie is now asking whether anyone would like to volunteer to do some gardening for Homewood as and when they would like to.
Alternatively, helping with some activities at the weekend would be very welcome.
Please call Homewood on 423519 and ask for Jackie.

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Warwickshire Gardens Trust You may be interested in joining this organisation. Click for further details.

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Volunteering Opportunity for confident/experienced computer (especially iPad) users

The Gap Computer Café needs more computer mentors (especially iPad users). You will be asked to support members of our local community with various IT problems. It is a very rewarding and worthwhile experience; you will need good humour and (occasionally) patience. Our clients requirements are nearly always well within the capacity of any experienced user and range from getting users started on new devices to assisting setting up accounts, such as Patient Access.

The Computer Café operates from 10:30 to 11:30 on most Monday mornings (we generally arrange meetings in 10 to 12 week blocks corresponding to school terms).

If this is something you would like to do, please contact John or Jean Morgan or on 881876.

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Zoom licences
Please be aware that both our Zoom licences will be retained until January 2024, when we renew just one of them.

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Members of other u3as
In case you’re not aware of this, paid-up members from other u3as may attend WDu3a group meetings without charge, as long as their presence doesn’t prevent one of our members from attending.

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Receiving Info
Did you know that you can receive Info via email? Over 300 of you already do so, but others are not aware of this option. You can have the email and the paper version if you like. One advantage of the former is that you’ll get it a week or so earlier than the printed version.
If you’re happy with what you receive at the moment, there’s no need to take any action.

If you’d like to receive this, please send an email to Ann Bailey (Membership), stating “Info email only”, “Info paper only” or “Info both” as appropriate.

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Music to Your Ears has a new programme - please click on the link to see their diary.

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Risk assessment for walking groups

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Leamington Arts Society
The lectures take place at the Spa Centre at 11 am and 2 pm.
Visitors are welcome and please report to the welcome desk. Further details can be found on Leamington Arts Society