Welling

Newsletter 106 February 2024

Our speaker for January was Paul Holloway who talked about his life as the mayoral chauffeur. Paul has spoken to us before, last January, when he had the whole room laughing so much that we asked him to return to speak to us again. He is very entertaining, relating various encounters he has had and connecting very well with the audience He told us about funny incidents he has been involved in working with various mayors. Paul suffers from Asperger syndrome which makes him very considered before acting as he could do the wrong thing. This makes his tales very funny as he turns it into a positive. Paul related his funny tales with many dignitaries, even the late queen. He is such a character that the talk seemed over too quickly. What a nice man, he even helped clearing the hall.

Entrance to St Michael’s Hall
Doors to the hall will open at 1.45 unless the set-up is ready earlier.
We are asking you to show your BLUE membership card at the door. Should you have forgotten it (and we all do at times) then you will be asked to have your name checked off on the membership list by Jill Thomas. You can use either the main entrance or the entrance door at the rear. This rear door has a level entrance, especially useful if you are having difficulty with the front step to the Hall. Any of the “Meet and Greet Team” can direct you. Please make use of this entrance if it is useful. Just ask.

Membership renewal:
Please pick up your envelope with details of Membership renewal for 2024 -25. These will be on a table alongside the one for new members. If you are able, please also pick up envelopes for friends and/or neighbours who may not be present.
Renewals and new card issue will take place at the March meeting. If you are unlikely to attend can you arrange for a friend to pick up your new card please? You will be able to pay by cash, cheque, card or BACS. Fees are not changing - £20 single, £37 couple or £17 if a member of another u3a. Information is detailed on your renewal letter.

GROUP NEWS

We are planning to hold a “Groups” display to encourage the startup of more groups at the March Membership renewal meeting. There will also be an Easter raffle!

TLC (Tea, Latte and Chat) Group – open to all - at Brewers Fayre, in Bexleyheath, on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 10.30am. The next dates will be 27th February and 26th March. Just turn up and make new friends.

Thursday Lunch Club – open to all - Thursday 7th March at Da Peppino, Welling at 12.30.
If you are interested please contact Marlene Harmer (See below).

VISITS and EVENTS

Notes from the Visits Team:
Please report any accidents whilst on a trip to the visit leader, no matter how small, in case of later insurance issues.
If a free place is given to the organizer of any visit or trip it is not used by them but the saving is spread across the whole group through the cost of the visit, so everyone benefits.

IMPORTANT
If you are unable to turn up for any visit, especially on the day, please contact one of the Visits Team to ensure they are not waiting for you:
• Marisa Miller
• Pauline Reed
• Irene Thorley
• Pauline Williams

Please Note:
Bank of England Museum visit: Tues 13th Feb.
It was very disappointing that out of the 20 people who signed up for this visit, only 13 actually turned up and only two members had genuine reasons for missing the trip.
When there are free trips on offer, we are asking people to think seriously about whether they definitely want to go on the trip before signing up and to be fully committed.

PLANNED VISITS

Thursday, 7th March - Metropolitan Police Museum, Marlowe House, Sidcup. CANCELLED

Wednesday 10th April - Petworth House (National Trust) Sussex. Max 33 - Cost £19 plus £17.50 if not a National Trust member. Non-members pay entry on the day.
This 17th-century house displays one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust, including work by Van Dyke, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough. The collection highlights a journey through 900 years of history, such as the earliest English globe in existence (1592) and carvings by Grinling Gibbons. The Servants’ Quarters and historic kitchens show a glimpse into the life of the people who worked here. The Pleasure Garden features formal borders, woodland walks, and architectural features, such as the Ionic Rotunda. The 700-acre Deer Park was transformed in the 1750 by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
Accessibility: although some areas are not easily accessible i.e. parts of the house and gardens there are still plenty that are.
Welcome leaflet includes a garden map highlighting the main path, path surfaces, benches, slopes, steps, mobility buggy collection points and toilet locations. House and Servants' Quarters map highlights steps, available ramps, toilets and room locations.
Names and money will be taken at the February and March meetings.

Monday 13th May - Tour of The Royal Mews: Max 20 - Cost £16.00.
The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace is responsible for all road travel arrangements for The King and members of the Royal Family, from horse-and-carriage to car. Real working stables, including the iconic 260-year-old Gold State Coach, used at State occasions
Accessibility: The Royal Mews is fully accessible with an accessible toilet and seating. There is no cafe but they are available nearby
Names and money will be taken at the March meeting.
Due to limited numbers on this visit, only two tickets may be bought by any one person in March. For any extra tickets required, names will be added to a reserve list and considered when everyone present on the day have had a chance to complete their purchases.

Friday, 17th May - Metropolitan Police Museum, Marlowe House, Sidcup, Max 10 Free entry.
Tour booked for 2.00 pm FULL

Thursday, 30th May - Metropolitan Police Museum, Marlowe House, Sidcup, Max 10 Free entry. Tour booked for 2.00 pm FULL
Names have to be given to the museum at time of booking, for both of these visit, so no changes will be allowed once the final list is confirmed. ID will be required on the day. As far as we know a Freedom Pass will be sufficient, if you do not have one you will need a passport or driving licence. Exact requirements will be notified nearer the time.

Thursday 6th June - Tour of The Charterhouse, London:, Max 20 - Cost £12.
More information nearer the time.

Wednesday 3rd July - Day trip to Brighton by coach: Max 52 - Cost £16.
Names and money will be taken at the April and May meetings.

NON u3a EVENTS

Afternoon teas and entertainment at Barton Close
• Thursday 7th March - entertainment followed by tea and cake 1.15pm. The cost is £5 per head.

• Tuesday 19th March - entertainment followed by tea and cake, 2.15pm. The cost is £5 per head.

Please give Phil Hinton a call if you are interested.

Members Meetings and Speakers

28th February 2024 - Richard Winstone – Wildlife Photography
27th March 2024 - Membership renewal meeting and groups displays
24th April 2024 - Sue Sauter – The British hospital for mothers and babies
22nd May 2024 - Delia Taylor – Pre-Raphaelites, their lives, lovers and legacy
26th June 2024 - Melanie Gibson Barton - Eva Braun
24th July 2024 - Summer Social – entertainers The Rockin’ Eddies. Ticket only.
28th August 2024 - Chris Davis - London talks - Insight into Islington
25th September 2024 - Marie Curie Nurses
23rd October 2024 - - The Mercy Ships
27th November 2024 - Tony Harris - Henry V111 in costume
18th December 2024 - Christmas Social - Entertainer Annie Gee Ticket only

If you know of anyone that is poorly, is in hospital, has sadly passed away or has a special birthday, please let Janis Rudland know and she will send a card from the u3a.