Ramsey and District U3A

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE NEWSLETTER

The chairman (Sheila Gilbert-Hill) welcomed all to the General Meeting on Tuesday 18th September, delayed from the second Tuesday because of the WW1 Battlefields trip and hoped that everyone had a good summer. Usual safety notices were read out. Members were reminded that there is a table set up in the foyer for less able members to sit and have their tea and coffee.

One of our committee has had to stand down due to family commitments, the committee can continue for the moment with eight members, but we need volunteers so that our U3A may continue in the future, two further committee members will be standing down next year. Thanks to those who supported our stall at the Ramsey Carnival, helping to raise £357 towards the cost of the hand chimes.

The November meeting will have a special WW1 theme, so we need all attending to be seated by 1.45pm. The doors will close at 2.00pm prompt and latecomers will not be admitted.

Twenty-three members visited Belgium and France as part of our U3A WW1 battlefields trip, Sheila, Terry and Mike laid a wreath at the Menin Gate ceremony on Wednesday 12th September on behalf of Ramsey and District U3A.

Jane Cusworth welcomed back group leaders and members, she read out the Group News. The Cycling Group and the Table Tennis Group are looking for more members, a sign-up sheet for the Chess Group is on display, beginners or Chess Masters are welcome! Just one new sign-up will enable the chess group to start playing.

Each month in the foyer, groups will be able to display their wares and have the chance to talk to members about their activities. It will be first come first served, so group leaders, get your groups working on your presentations. The display this month was hosted by the Petanque Group.

The trip on 12th October will be to the National Arboretum. We need 25 or more to sign up so that we can keep travel costs below £30.

The Knit and Natter group are helping in the Ramsey library with WW1 decorations, poppies etc., and if you feel you can help then get in contact with Gill Dower.

A big thank you to all Group Leaders for keeping their web pages and calendars up to date. To all members, please keep looking at our website, Aspire and the notice boards.

The chairman then introduced Fay Woods, the speaker for this afternoon from Woodgreen Animal Sanctuary, she was pleased to receive a quantity of quilts for the Animal charity. A special thanks to Fran for producing them.

The charity started in Wood Green London in 1924 by Miss Louisa Snow, who was concerned about the large number of abandoned and injured animals on the streets of London following WW1. In 1935, Dr Margaret Young expanded the charity to rehome, rehabilitate and treat pets, but the original property had become too small and new premises had to be found. Heydon opened in 1954 and Godmanchester in 1987. This centre is now the charity’s headquarters and has become one of the largest animal rehoming centres in Europe.

The charity cares for and rehomes over 5,000 animals, since 2008 it includes ex-caged hens. 2008 saw the introduction of the Charity’s ‘Hands On’ project, which aims to teach responsible pet ownership and to support pet owners in the community.

In June 2011 the Charity changed its name from Wood Green Animals Shelters to Wood Green, The Animals Charity, to reflect its progressive, modern nature. A new logo, brand identity and website were launched. In 2012 major building works were completed at Godmanchester, these provide new veterinary surgery and kennel blocks.

The Charity maintained its ‘green’ credentials by installing a 102-metre-high wind turbine, which supplies all the power required by the site, a small percentage is sold back to the grid. Wood Green works with other organisations with similar aims. With Cats Protection a joint neutering scheme has been set up in London and Cambridgeshire called ‘Snip and Chip’.

Their vision is “A world where all pets are well cared for in loving homes for life” and their mission is “To take in unwanted and lost animals, provide shelter and care, find secure and loving homes, provide advice, support and guidance for pet owners and increase the public’s awareness of its responsibility towards animals in society.” Fay then concluded her talk with a question and answer session.

The Chairman then thanked Fay for a most interesting talk and we broke for tea and biscuits.

Our next General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 9th October 2018 at the Community Centre, when we will have a talk on The National Arboretum.

U3A National Website

The email address to receive information about the national newsletter is:

https://u3a.org.uk/about/newsletter

 Other U3A News

Huntingdon U3A will be hosting 2 events in October.

 

 5th October     Annual Anglia U3A Network Quiz.  This will be held at the Queen Elizabeth School in Godmanchester.

 

 24th October    Anglia Network Meeting at which the Speaker will be Jeff Carter, our Regional Trustee.  This meeting will be held at the Methodist Church in Huntingdon.

 

 And Finally

 

Car Parking – Please remember to park your car considerately and use car sharing, if you are able.

JOKES

My friend told me he had the body of a Greek god. I had to explain that Buddha is not Greek!

My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot. It got so bad, finally I had to take his bike away!

Editor: Mike Lewis