Newsletter 
Newsletter
| Looking at a very full calendar the other
day with members of my family, one of them remarked: "I thought you
were retired!" Life certainly seems a bit hectic at times but I
sometimes wonder if those of our age group don't occasionally
overstretch ourselves. Whilst it is good for us to keep active in mind and body it is also important that we do not so overload ourselves that we promise more than we can achieve. This may be the case with regard to participation in U3A groups as some group leaders complain about members putting down their names but not turning up to meetings. There may well be a legitimate reason for not being able to attend but it is courteous to let group leaders know if at all possible. Your group leader may have prepared material, booked a hall and so on. If some group members then don't turn up, booking a hall etc may not have been necessary, but it still has to be paid for by somebody. So, can I ask that we all check our diaries before we commit ourselves, and that we let group leaders know when we are unable to attend. I hope that everyone is enjoying a great summer and including some time for the necessary quiet moment or two. Anne Gould, Chairman. |
| COUP FOR HEALTH CARE GROUP |
|
Due to illness, the presentation by hospital senior personnel about developments in patient communication has been put off until the Group's meeting at 2.0 p.m. on Monday, September 6th at Harnham Memorial Hall. Non-Group members are welcome, particularly as the speakers seek feedback. It is an opportunity to make your views known. But please let Eric Gould (Salisbury 339868) know if you wish to come so that we can estimate the numbers to be catered for. The Group has obtained something of a coup in obtaining the agreement of the Chief Executives of the local Primary Care Trust and the local hospital's NHS Health Care Trust to give us a joint presentation about the future of our local health services at the Group's meeting on Friday, November 5th at 2.0 p.m. at Harnham Memorial Hall. Please note this in your diary now as it will be a fascinating occasion and we need as many people as possible to come. |
|
NEWS
FROM THE GROUPS
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| Historic Houses Group |
| Despite our leader living it up in the New World, we all met at Bowood House near Chippenham on June 7th. The weather was perfect and we strolled round the magnificent lake and grounds after first visiting the house. There were not a lot of rooms to see but we were able to photograph in the house, which was unusual these days. Below are some of the group in the Library. We can recommend a visit to you if you have not been there. It is also Grandchildren friendly with a playground and lots of open spaces to exercise high spirits, as evidenced by a Granny in our group who is a frequent visitor. |
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| Competition Group |
|
Am I pleased I joined Pat Crossland's Competition Group. With
her
encouragement I have entered scores of competitions, most only costing
an envelope and a 2nd class stamp. Since my first very friendly “Get Together” at
Pat's house in November, last year, I have won five prizes including a
Microwave; tickets for the London Air Show and the piece de
resistance this week, a brand new Fiat Punto, value £7,000.
So I am over the moon and would say if you want a very pleasant couple of hours, come along to Pat's and lets continue to Win! Win! Win! Elizabeth Wardell |
| Spire U3A LOCAL HISTORY GROUP |
How lucky we
were to have Geoff Young come along to our recent Local
History Group when we were presenting "Heroes of "World War 2". He has
excellent recall, and was able to relate some of his experiences as a
driver/stretcher bearer with the 4th Battalion of the Wiltshire
Regiment, following the Normandy landings in June 1944.
We bombarded him with questions and he in turn both thrilled and saddened us with some of his experiences. It was hard to imagine how he and his fellow soldiers could have survived with such good humour and faith from their ordeal. He has been persuaded to write his personal account in a book "Private Young's War" which is available through The Wardrobe, 58 The Close, Salisbury. Maureen Hughes |
| Historic House Visits and Local History Groups |
Organised by Davida Bull both groups visited Longford Castle in June for a rare treat. I had no idea how full of treasures this historic house is, and virtually on our doorstep too. The guided tour was very comprehensive and it is always interesting to see a historic house so obviously lived in all year round. We were told that members of the large extended family are frequent visitors throughout the year and all felt at home there. Certainly one could see it was lovingly cared for. The weather did us no favours that day but despite the wind and rain we were able to look round the gardens near the house and admire the view of the River Avon, which runs along side the formal garden. The Editor. |
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| Archaeological Group |
| A very good
meeting took place on the 29th June,
with 30 people
attending. Archaeologist Bill Moffat gave an interesting talk about
Sorviodumum (Roman Salisbury), answering many questions and telling us
how we could help to extend our knowledge of the town. Further meetings, with some amendments: July 27 th Visit to Rockbourne Arrive for 10.30am. August 10th Visit to Silchester Arrive for 10.15am in th car park. September 28th Talk by Nick Griffiths on some aspects of Roman Life. Meeting at Harnham Memorial Hall at 10am as usual. Members are asked to share transport on outings, with passengers contributing to the cost. Anne Boutell See also the web page  |
| Notices from the U3A National H Q. 'Bits and Bobs' |
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| Articles for issue 36 please, by September 3rd 2004 |
|
Sheila Read. 12 Chiselbury Grove,
Salisbury, SP2 8EP
|
