Doncaster U3A. December /January 2015 / Learn Laugh Live. Merry Christmas to all. our readers!

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1 Doncaster U3A December /January 2015 / 2016 Learn Laugh Live Merry Christmas to all our readers!

2 From the Chair I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. As I am sure you are all aware, I have been editing this newsletter for the past two years and I have expressed my intention to stop doing this at the end of this year. In recent months I have appealed for someone to take over from me but so far my appeals have been met with a stunning silence. I am however adamant that I am standing down as newsletter editor after this edition. Diane Harris will be continuing to put the calendar together for the time being and those of you who have paid the postage for the year will continue to receive this as usual. I must say I am disappointed that out of a membership of 280 people not one is willing to come forward to help with this. Depending upon what the committee decides at the next meeting there may be some sort of news sheet that comes around and of course I will continue to send out s as requested by group leaders and members. I would like to thank the few of the members who have contributed regularly and of course the small team of people in the newsletter group. Without them the task would have been even more difficult. The Newsletter is not normally published in January so If you are interested in taking it on the next edition is due in February. Page 2 Chris Woolven

3 1. The song White Christmas was first performed in which 1942 film? 2. Christmas Island is a territory of which country? 3. Which European country was the first to issue a Christmas stamp? 4. What did Santa Claus win in 1964? 5. Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen. On what date does this fall.? 6. Who was the first British monarch to broadcast a Christmas message to the nation? 7. If a person was given all the gifts in the 12 Days of Christmas how many gifts would they receive? 8. Which plant associated with Christmas has the Latin name Viscus Album? 9. Who wrote the book that became the classic film The Snowman? 10. In A Christmas Carol by Dickens who served up figgy pudding? Answers to last month s puzzle 5 Vowels in the alphabet 52 cards in a pack 7 Wonders of the World 64 squares on a chess board 8 Legs on a spider 66 books in the bible 9 plenets in the solar system 70 is the speed limit on the motorway 12 signs of the zodiac 6 trombones in the big parade 13 loaves in a bakers dozen 90 degrees in a right angle 21 dots on a dice 650 seats in the House of Commons Page 3

4 To all members of Doncaster U3A I have been invited, and accepted, a position on the Doncaster Keeping Safe Forum. Although the brief of the forum is to look after the interests of all vulnerable people in Doncaster I will of course be looking after the interests of older adults who may be vulnerable to discrimination or institutional abuse as well as physical, sexual or financial abuse. The first matter to which I would draw your attention is FRAUD. The country as a whole has, in the last 12 months been the subject of frauds totaling 22 billion pounds. 65% of all frauds were against those of pensionable age. Action Fraud is the organisation, run by the police, which deals with such matters. They are the organisation to whom you should report any such matter or suspicion. Top 5 tips to prevent fraud: Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, and or phone number) to organizations or people before verifying their credentials. Many frauds start with an . Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Always question whether an could be bogus. Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and any post with your name and address on. Identity fraudsters don t need much information in order to be able to steal your identity. If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you ve already lost. Visit Action Fraud's website for more information, including advice and information about fraud :- Peter Gospel Page 4

I have had a good response to my suggestion of a new group for tablets and smartphones but there is room for more. Our first meeting is Tuesday 5 January at 1.30 at Prego.

5 I have had a good response to my suggestion of a new group for tablets and smartphones but there is room for more. Our first meeting is Tuesday 5 January at 1.30 at Prego. I am familiar with Apple products, iphone and ipad as I have them myself. I know a bit about Android but would welcome help from another member or members who use Android products and Microsoft phones and tablets on a regular basis and could come and help others. Please contact me by on wendy@wendyhattrell.co.uk Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made his first appearance on December 1st 1939 as a promotional stunt for the Chicago-based department store Montgomery Ward. For years, the store had been giving away Christmas-themed colouring books, so they asked Robert May, a 34-year-old copywriter, to create a holiday story specifically for their customers. May produced Rudolph. The illustrator had to fight for him because the store owners were worried that the red nose might be associated with drunkenness! The story was so appealing that it inspired a hit song written by Johnny Marks, brother in law to May. Gene Autry s recording of it sold 25 million. In 2012 Dutch scientists found reindeers do have red noses, or at least a dense network of blood vessels which help to protect them from freezing and regulate the temperature of the reindeer s brain. These factors are important for flying reindeer pulling a sleigh from the North Pole! Submitted by Diane Harris Page 5

Christmas Lunch Georgian Tea Rooms 29th November at 1pm Prices are :- 16.95 for 2 courses 21.

00 for 3 courses Tea / Coffee included Please contact me to make your choice from the menu, available from 18th to 25th January.

6 Christmas Lunch Georgian Tea Rooms 29th November at 1pm Prices are : for 2 courses for 3 Courses Coffee / Tea / Mince Pie included Meet in restaurant as usual before pm Danum Hotel 31st January 2016 at 1 pm Prices are : for 2 courses for 3 courses Tea / Coffee included Please contact me to make your choice from the menu, available from 18th to 25th January. Let me know if you are unable to attend this lunch Eileen Dickson Our popular Singing for Pleasure Group is looking for a pianist to take over in the new year. Please contact the groups co ordinator if you can help. If nobody comes forward the group will cease at the end of this year. Page 6

7 We are trying to revitalise and reenergise Doncaster U3A Two ladies approached members of the Committee during the last General Meeting but did not stay. Their intention had been to join Doncaster U3A but as one said I came here to live! Just visualise the scene that confronted the ladies referred to above. A room with nearly 150 people in it, sitting in rows, with their backs to the door. The speaker was talking in monotones and no one was talking to each other, there was no laughter. What a dull sight that must have been. We are all at the wrong end of the rainbow of life that is the main criteria of U3A. We are all in the Third Age Why don t we make positive efforts to squeeze our brains; learn something new, share our time and skills with others, stretch of muscles and sinews? Get involved with the U3A family. Don t just sit quietly and rest on the laurels that you have earned through life. Make the best of what is left. Your committee is open to suggestions as to how we can best improve the service that we give to you. Remember Not all good ideas come from the top I suggest that we look at different ways to conduct the General Meetings and intend to put them to the committee. It is from there that we can make a start to Learn, laugh and live to our potential. Peter Gospel Page 7

One of my favourites this time of the year is a side dish of brussels sprouts, chestnuts and bacon. If you want the vegetarian version then simply substitute an onion for the bacon!

8 One of my favourites this time of the year is a side dish of brussels sprouts, chestnuts and bacon. If you want the vegetarian version then simply substitute an onion for the bacon! The trouble is that it takes quite a bit of preparation so if you are going to make it as part of your Christmas Dinner then I would advise you to get someone to help with the chestnuts. Preferably someone with asbestos fingers! So here we go! For 4 6 people You need about sprouts and perhaps 15 chestnuts, though you can vary this according to your taste! Also 4 rashers back bacon or 1 medium onion 1 tbs worcester sauce A splash of sherry (optional whatever alcohol you are drinking is probably ok! ) 1 tsp mixed herbs 2 garlic cloves salt and pepper a knob of butter splash of vegetable oil Prepare the sprouts and parboil for about 4 5 mins. Chop in halves! Roast, peel and chop the chestnuts. (Easier said than done!) Cut the bacon into small pieces I use a wok but a frying pan is fine. Put the butter and oil in the pan (start with high heat but turn down to medium after a minute or two!), cook the bacon / onion until just turning crispy / golden. Then add the chestnuts, herbs and garlic. Stir for 3-4 mins then add the sherry and worcester sauce. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly before adding the sprouts. Stir the sprouts around a bit with salt and pepper to taste. Serve while hot or put to one side for microwaving before serving Luvly! Chris Woolven Page 8

After living in Spain for some years, and having lessons, I am reluctant to lose the Spanish I have, so thought it would be good to revise and learn more with other students.

I have all 8 discs, the advanced and also language builders. This system was used by the U3A on the Costa Blanca Spain. In the first instance I aim to use the Prego café on a Tuesday afternoon at 13.

9 After living in Spain for some years, and having lessons, I am reluctant to lose the Spanish I have, so thought it would be good to revise and learn more with other students. I will be using a system of discs which goes straight into speaking Spanish with no writing, or homework etc, one only speaks in Spanish when prompted by the disc. I have all 8 discs, the advanced and also language builders. This system was used by the U3A on the Costa Blanca Spain. In the first instance I aim to use the Prego café on a Tuesday afternoon at The next lesson is on Tuesday 24th of November. I am at the back of the room at the general meeting, helping with tea and coffee, if anyone wants to speak to me, about it. Helen Lloyd An elderly man was stopped by the police around 2 a.m. and was asked where he was going at that time of night. The man replied, "I'm on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late." The officer then asked, "Really? Who's giving that lecture at this time of night?" The man replied, "That would be my wife." Page 9

As a group leader working predominantly in a classroom environment I have a position vacant for a volunteer to teach me how to put together a Power Point presentation.

10 As a group leader working predominantly in a classroom environment I have a position vacant for a volunteer to teach me how to put together a Power Point presentation. This will allow my group to focus on things other than my monotonous droning on. At present this function is being done for me by my willing, very competent, 15 year old grandson. When I have asked how he does it he:- Presumes prior knowledge and ability which I do not have. He rushes through his instructions at 900mph making it difficult for me to comprehend. He mumbles. (I am not fluent in mumbling ) and therefore do not understand. If there is anyone out there with a day to spare to take me through the procedure of how to put together a PowerPoint presentation please contact me on or petergospel@sky.com I have my own computer and a laptop. Both are loaded with Windows 10 (I think) Please help an old man in desperate trouble! Peter Gospel The teacher spots one of the boys in her class pulling a funny face. Billy, the teacher tells him, when I was little I was told that if I pulled a funny face, the wind would change and my face would get stuck like that. Well, says Billy, you can t say you weren t warned. Page 10

11 The E.U.K. Culture Club + will hold its first two meetings on Thursdays, January 7th and 14th 2pm 3pm at Prego. More members are welcome. The topics are Celebrating Christmas and Counting Continental Further details will be given at the General Meetings Harry Santiuste Please note that entry to the December meeting will be Includes a mince pie and professional entertainer. Page 11

12 Our venue for the Xmas Lunch this year is the Danum Hotel which has had a makeover and is now one of the Mercure chain. The date is Wednesday 9 th December noon for 1.00 pm and the cost will be per head. (this includes gratuity). The Hotel requires a 5.00 none refundable deposit and as we have to pre-order I will need final numbers and choice of menu (see opposite page) by 14 th November. For those who will be travelling by car if you use the civic quarter car park the hotel can arrange a discount on the parking fee. Derrick Franks (Social Sec.) Friendship is a golden chain; the links are friends so dear. And like a rare and precious jewel its treasured more each year. It s clasped together firmly, with a love that s deep and true. It s rich in happy memories and fond reflections too Time can t destroy its beauty, for, as long as memory lives, you can t erase the pleasure, which the joy of friendship gives. For friendship is a priceless gift, that can t be bought or sold, But to have an understanding friend, is worth its weight in gold. The Golden chain of friendship, is a strong and blessed tie, Binding kindred hearts together, as the years go passing by. Submitted by David Allen Page 12

13 Christmas Fayre Lunch Anthony s Restaurant & Bar To Start Roast apple and Parsnip Soup Crusty Roll Chicken Liver Parfait Crusty Bread and Red Onion Relish Trio of Melon With Raspberry Coulis To Follow Traditional Roast Turkey Cranberry and onion stuffing, chipolata sausage and Yorkshire Pudding Herb Crumbed Salmon In a white wine sauce, served on crushed baby potatoes Spinach and Mushroom Tart Creamy mushrooms and spinach finished with truffle oil All served with seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes To Finish Traditional Christmas Pudding Brandy Sauce Vanilla Cheesecake Red berry compote Cheeseboard ( 2.00 supplement) Selection of cheese served with crusty bread, chutneys, grapes and celery.. Page 13

14 ROUND & ABOUT/TRAVEL & THEATRE Outings are open to all U3A members on a first come first served basis. Booking desk available at all General and Travel & Theatre meetings. Telephone and bookings will also be accepted. Payment to be posted to Mr D Franks. 74 West Park, Darrington, Pontefract. WF8 3HY. Tel Cheques payable to U3A Round & About derrick7633@outlook.com (If a receipt required please enclose stamped addressed envelope) Friday 20 th November Stratford, London & Windsor 3 days Twin pp Single Depart Doncaster Interchange C5/ am PAYMENT NOW DUE Monday 30 th November Chatsworth at Christmas Tour Noon Depart Doncaster Interchange C5/ am PAYMENT NOW DUE Friday 4 th December Lincoln Christmas Market Depart Doncaster Interchange C 5/ am PAYMENT NOW DUE Wednesday 9 th December Xmas Lunch Danum Hotel, Doncaster noon for 1.00pm non refundable deposit required final payment by 21 st November. All Gratuities are included in tariffs for all these outings. Any problems on Tour days my mobile number is Derrick. Page 14

15 There were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was a job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about it, because it was Everybody s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldn t do it. In the end Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done Submitted by David Allen After several years of organising Easy French, Mike Scragg is standing down from this role. Groups are self governing and can be organised in several different ways. It shouldn't just be a teacher and pupil type relationship. I'm sure someone in the existing group can keep the register, contact details and organise the room bookings. Mike will correct me if I'm wrong but I think what is needed is someone with a reasonable grasp of French to help when people get stuck. I know Mike did more than this but we can't always replace like with like. Anyone with suggestions should contact me by on wendy@wendyhattrell.co.uk SUPPER CLUB Our next outing will be on Thursday 3 rd December 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm start at The Stables, High Melton, Doncaster. If you are interested in joining us and have not contacted us before my details are on the Round & About page. Derrick Franks

We always welcome new ideas for groups! If there's anything you always wanted to try please contact us to see if we can help! Chairman Chris Woolven 07729435168 c.j.woolven@gmail.

net We would like to thank our friends at the Prego Cafe for their help over the past year.

16 We always welcome new ideas for groups! If there's anything you always wanted to try please contact us to see if we can help! Chairman Chris Woolven Secretary Diane Harris Treasurer George Kirk Membership Jill Laming We would like to thank our friends at the Prego Cafe for their help over the past year. Not only is the tea, coffee and food excellent, but the free use of the upstairs room for meetings has been a great help to many of our groups. If you haven't been there yet give it a try! 35 Hall Gate Doncaster We are grateful to Monks the Printers for their help in printing this newsletter. Doncaster U3A Website: Edited by Chris Woolven

Rodings Primary School Newsletter for on-line payments

Rodings Primary School Newsletter www.scopay.com/rodingspri.essex for on-line payments 07/12/2018 Dear Parents & Carers Christmas started with a bang last Friday when we held the annual Christmas Craft