Ramsey and District U3A  Newsletter

News for all members

Our December Christmas Party

The chairman welcomed the members to the meeting, and read out notices, starting with the location of emergency exits, the location of the defibrillator and asking members to make sure that their mobile phones were switched off. Raffle prizes were available on the way out.

Whittlesey U3A has invited Ramsey members to join them on three trips, “Bletchley Park,” “NEC,” and “Riverdance”.

John then introduced the star attraction, “Double Take”, a Barber Shop Harmony Quartet they were to perform singalong songs with a Christmas theme. “Double Take” have been singing together for over two years, and have performed in Cambs, Beds and Herts. Their musical programme started with ‘Muskrat Ramble’ and continued with ‘Chances Are’, ‘I don’t know why’, ‘Taking a chance on love’, and then to the 1960’s for ‘Under the boardwalk’. The Chairman was then invited to join the group to sing the next few numbers, which included ‘Hello Mary Lou’, ‘My cup runneth over’ and ‘All alone with you’.

Next, it was quiz time, introduced by Nina, who asked questions on a Christmas theme, the winner was Leslie Barker with 19 points out of a possible 20. We then broke for food and the raffle draw.

After enjoying an excellent buffet, with wine and soft drinks, we returned to listen to and singalong with the harmony group. Songs included ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Coventry Carol’, ‘Frosty the Snowman’ and we all joined in ‘A partridge in a pear tree’, table by table. “Double take,” then finished their programme with ‘Oh come all ye faithful’, ‘Hark the Herald Angels sing’ and  finally ‘Orange Coloured Sky’.  The chairman then gave a vote of thanks to the group, the committee and helpers and wished the membership a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The next letter for the competition is “E.”

National Office Events

U3A Summer Schools 2016

This year, there are two schools, they take place at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, GL7 6JS. School 1 runs from 8-11 August and School 2 from 15-18 August. Courses at School 1 include “1491: The Americas Before Columbus.” and “Architecture Explored.” School 2 “Cryptic Crosswords for Beginners,” and “Garden Design,”

There are many other courses available, please contact U3A events on events@u3a.org.uk

Please look at the U3A Website for up to the minute details of courses/events.

Free legal advice from the Third Age Trust and First Assist more details on U3A website.

Future Open Meetings

Our first Open Meeting of 2016 will take place on Tuesday 12th January at the Community Centre, starting at 2.00pm. The scheduled talk as advertised previously online and in the “Aspire,” has had to be changed, the speaker will now be Debbie Land and her subject will be ‘The Shuttleworth Trust’.

Other U3A News

TRIPS GROUP NEWS – Unfortunately, the Anglesey Abbey trip has been cancelled because of insufficient numbers

Trips Group

 Whittlesey U3A have places on offer for the following trips which any of our members are most welcome to attend. If anybody is interested, they should contact our Theatre & Day Trips leader without delay.

1) River Dance at Corn Exchange, Cambridge on Thurs 5th May – cost £55 (deluxe seating!!)

2) Gardeners’ World at NEC Birmingham on Fri 17th June – cost £33.

Meet and Greet for New members

A meet and greet for new U3A members will take place at the Ramsey Library, Great Whyte on 21st January 2016, starting at 10.00am.

Head Office courses/events include:

The Third Age Trust website for more information on courses etc.

http://www.u3a.org.

U3A events organised by the National Office can now be booked online.

 WEA Upwood Spring Day Schools

Thursday 11th February 2016 – ‘THE FRIENDLY INVASION’ with Ian MacLachlan – the effects on local communities of the US Airforce presence in East Anglia during WW2.

Thursday 3rd March 2016 – ‘POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE’ with Chloe Cockerill – investigating the ceremonies and traditions associated with Great Britain.

Both Day Schools will run 10 am – 4 pm at Upwood Village Hall and the fee for each will be £18.00.  Please bring your own lunch; tea/coffee & biscuits/cake provided.

If you are interested, please contact WEA Upwood and they will keep your name on file and contact you in January with further details.

And Finally

The Chairman, Committee and Officers would like to wish all members the Season’s greetings and best wishes for 2016.

Car Parking – Please remember to park your car considerately and use the car park adjacent to the Co-op store if you are able.

Jokes/Puns:

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly. But when they lit a fire in the craft, it sank, proving once and for all that you can’t have your kayak and heat it.

Cracker joke: Who is Santa’s favourite singer? Elf-is Presley!

Editor: Mike Lewis