The G A Z E T T E November 2015
Issue No.56
MEG LAIRD “Meg Laird was a very special lady who left her mark on many people’s lives. She will be sadly missed.” “She was a remarkable lady, a wonderful friend to us all.” “She was always so kind and caring, an inspiration to us all.”
26.1.28 – 11.9.15
“She was terrific and Bakewell owes her a great deal. Meg founded the U3A in Bakewell. It has enriched our lives. It has given us so many good memories, so much pleasure and many strong friendships.” “There are many of us in and around Bakewell who will always be grateful to Meg Laird for founding the U3A.” Comments received by Ruth Miles (Meg’s sister)
Joyce O’Brien has written a further Tribute to Meg Laird on page ...
Bakewell Area U3A — Registered Charity No 1111699 YOUR OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE The members of the Committee of the Bakewell Area U3A are ex-officio the Trustees of this Bakewell U3A Trust No 1111699. The Trustees are answerable and accountable for the finances, activities and publications of the Trust, and this being so, have the final say on what is published or not published in this Gazette and on the Bakewell U3A website.
Chairman Anne Peller 01629 813591
Vice-Chairman Malcolm Young
Secretary Glenys Moore 01629 636477
Treasurer Glyn Peat - 01629 650676
Database Coordinator Mary Creswell
[email protected]
Membership Sectary (A - L) Jean Bowler - 01629 814246
Membership Secretary (M- Z) Susan Park - 01629 812047
Committee Members Sam Lewis - 01629 640352 Jill Ormerod - 01298 872339 Ron Williams - 01629 823388
There are vacancies for co-opted members. Please contact the Chairman if you are interested. Groups Coordinator Terry Severn - 01629 810037
Gazette Publisher Ron Williams - 01629 823388
[email protected]
Websites: www.bakewellu3a.org.uk www.u34a.org.uk Bakewell U3A warmly welcomes all new members.
For those who would like to join, Membership Request Forms are held at the Library, The Medway Centre, and the Information Centre.
The Form can also be downloaded from our website.
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CHAIRMAN’S STUFF The last time I wrote we were recovering from an, albeit short lived, heat wave; now we are well into Autumn with plenty of glorious colour still in this part of the country. However, there are tell-tale signs proliferating around us; huge boxes of chocolates and biscuit assortments in supermarkets, glossy magazines full of “gift ideas” (any category from under £5 to £500+). At the garden centre I visited yesterday a “Winterwonderland” of snowy trees and lights was under construction AND my latest effort for the Writing Group has turned into a Christmas ghost story! Yes, I’ve written the word Christmas. It is soon upon us. If you haven’t booked your place for the Hassop Hall Lunch on November 23rd you still have time - just. (See the form in this Gazette). As always this will be a delightful start to Christmas for me, and I hope for you too. The other important notice to appear in this Gazette is your membership renewal form. On behalf of our Membership Secretaries I have been asked to make it quite plain that you can write your cheque NOW and send it to the appropriate Secretary, but that cheque will not be presented at the bank until January. A small thing to ask but one which will make life much easier for Jean and Susan when they come to check renewals against their lists for the New Year. At the recent committee meeting it was apparent that membership continues to decline. Some may have simply moved away or perhaps become too infirm or ill to attend, and we know of some deaths. It helps if groups notify us of these events when a member stops attending. Of course, some will leave because they don’t find us to their taste - perish the thought! It would be good to know that too; maybe changes could and should be made. Another thought to perish - perhaps there are some among us who are just coming to the end of a “free” year of U3A fun having completely neglected to pay? Only you know the answer to that, but please make sure, everybody, that you pay promptly this time. Some of you may wonder that there is no mention of Meg Laird in this item. Elsewhere in this Gazette you will find Joyce O’Brien’s tribute. It is her personal tribute but what she has to say will, I’m sure, resonate with all those who knew Meg and reflect the gratitude we all owe her for founding our U3A. Thank you Joyce for taking on that responsibility. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of Christmas in our capitalist society get to you in the weeks ahead. There will still be plenty of time to “Learn, Laugh and Live”. Anne Peller Chairman
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EDITOR’S NOTES You will see below that we are getting some response for a secretary volunteer and Database Manager, and, I am happy to announce, that things are progressing towards a replacement for an Editor/Publisher for this Gazette. There has to be a gradual hand-over whilst the new incumbent gets to grips with the work entailed in sorting out your contributions and putting them into print. I cannot give more details, but I consider that you will be in “safe hands”. Please take note of the invitation on page 11 to get remaining places for the Hassop Hall Christmas Lunch. It is an occasion not to be missed! Finally, you will of course realise that this edition recognises the valued contribution that Meg Laird made to the Bakewell Area U3A. I only had one brief meeting with Meg but it was enough impress me with her perspicacity and charm. Ron Williams
I’m pleased to say it seems we may have our new secretary. However, don’t get too comfortable just yet! Our volunteer feels she can take minutes at meetings and write them up but is unsure at the moment if she can do all that would be required in IT terms. Maybe there will be some scope for a job share? PLEASE bear this in mind. More in our February Gazette along with a full list of the job vacancies there will be at our next AGM
Publicity Officer to replace Malcolm Young Database Manager I have finally taken over from Judy as the database coordinator for Bakewell U3A. Please use the email address on page 2 for any database queries and I'll do the best I can to help Mary Creswell
Remember! The last date for the February Gazette is Tuesday 19th January 4
A Tribute to Meg Laird Ruth Miles, Meg’s sister, kindly passed on to me the words on the front page of this magazine. They are taken from the many letters and cards she received. I sincerely endorse all these sentiments and cannot improve upon what has already been written so when considering the content of this tribute, which I have promised to write, I have decided to write about my own personal experience with Meg Laird and how it underlines the many complimentary words already expressed by others. I joined the U3A in 2003 and was wondering which group to try first. Both my daughters had married Frenchmen and were living in France. Although I had obtained a Degree in French Studies in 1955 at Manchester University, I had immediately trained to be a Teacher of the Deaf and now my French was very, very rusty. I ‘phoned Meg to ask her about a group doing French. She said that she had been trying to persuade someone to lead such a group since the start but so far without any luck. She then continued - “But why don’t you start one?” Being a new member I felt very apprehensive at this idea. “But I will help you,” she urged. “Let me come round and talk about it and see what you think.” So a morning meeting was arranged, and, over coffee at my house I found myself agreeing to be a leader - Meg could be very persuasive! She had brought various papers with her on a leader’s role and she herself suggested the very appropriate title “Polish up your French”. She assured me that she was available whenever I needed help and she was, to the extent that only a few months ago, when she was in “Moorlands” care home she listened to me and gave very helpful suggestions about a problem I had with the Group, and the matter was successfully resolved. On leaving my home on that first day, she met my very Irish husband Denis on the drive, and they had a long chat about cars, one of his favourite topics of conversation. Meg was an Advanced Motorist and Denis was most impressed by her. “A very nice lady and a woman with such an interest and knowledge of cars!” Soon she became a very dear friend to both of us. Several years later a new member, another Joyce, was setting up a “Creative Writing Group” as she herself wanted to join one - so it meant setting it up. Meg could be very persuasive, as I said before, So she suggested to me that I might like to join the group with her to give support to a new member. So we shared the journey to and from Darley Dale. More recently, when Denis became very ill, I had to give up the groups to care for him. Crossroads offered me three hours a week respite care on Mondays from 12 – 3 pm. for twelve weeks. Meg insisted on giving me lunch in her beautiful new home on at least three occasions. Continued on page 6
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Meg was so proud and pleased with all she had achieved in the house and garden, the latter mainly by herself. One day coming out of the downstairs toilet, I forgot the step and tripped and fell, I was bruised and shaken but nothing more. Meg could no longer drive as her eyesight had worsened but when it was time for me to leave she insisted on walking with me to the car over the bridge. Then she rang me the next morning to check that all was well. She was always very considerate and very caring. Right to the end Meg was still busy organising others; this time at “Moorlands”. For ten weeks she encouraged individual patients to give a talk to the others about the lives they had led. She was in a wheelchair and registered blind but she still wanted to help others and to try to improve their lives in a care home. As I write this I realise that I have emphasised Meg’s strong will and determination, qualities required when doing things like setting up a new organisation or coping daily with serious illness and managing pain. However, she never appeared to be bossy or domineering. She succeeded in her projects by always being friendly and charming to people, so that they wanted to agree with her and help this very special lady. Joyce O’Brien
Don’t forget these dates for more Meg Laird Talks: 2016 29th January Simon Groom “My time on Blue Peter and the years following”. st 31 March Christine Robinson, Head Housekeeper at Chatsworth House. “My time at Chatsworth and people I have met”. 29th June Christine McAteer, International Speaker on all things Russian. “From Russia with Love.” All talks begin at 2.15 pm and will be at the Medway Centre, Bakewell
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WALKERS’ CHRISTMAS BUFFET LUNCH BAKEWELL GOLF CLUB FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2015 Usual fayre, including vegetarian alternative, £13.95 including coffee/tea. Club opens from 11 am for chat etc. Lunch served around 12.30 to 1 pm Details of the two walks will be e-mailed out to you. Please let me have your bookings & payment. Cheques payable to Bakewell U3A Walking Group to reach me before 30th November. Send to:Mrs P A Topham, Beech House, 11 Eversleigh Rise, Darley Bridge, MATLOCK. DE4 2JW Any queries e-mail
[email protected] Phone 01629 733718
Mob 07798773284
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CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT HASSOP HALL Monday, 23rd November A very popular social occasion and is a chance to start your Christmas celebrations early! Book now to avoid disappointment! Please use the form on Page 6 RECEPTION, COFFEE, BAR AND BLUE ROOM: available from 11.30 a.m. Hassop has agreed to serve coffee and drinks from 11.30, as last year. However, coffee will not be served after 11.55. Please do not go into the dining room at 11.30. There is plenty of car parking at Hassop Hall and everyone is welcome to walk round the garden. Disabled toilet facilities are available. LUNCH SERVICE: MENU:
12.30p.m. prompt Roast Local RearedTurkey with Fresh Cranberry and Cointreau Sauce Chipolata Sausage Sage and Onion Stuffing or Goats Cheese and Sun Dried Tomato Roulade Parsley and Chateau Potatoes Fresh Seasonal Vegetables DESSERT: Traditional Christmas Pudding with Rum Sauce and Brandy Butter or Creme Brulee with Fruits and Stem Ginger Shortbread
Freshly Filtered Coffee Chocolate Mints Fruit Basket
COST: £23.75 per person [excluding staff gratuities]. CHEQUES and CHOICES: By MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16th
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£23.75 pp
Creme Brûlée
Closing Date Monday 16th November
There is just time to book a place at the Christmas lunch. All members of Bakewell U3A are very welcome 11
U3A Group Visits One of the many delights of U3 A membership is the variety of activities in which one can participate and where one can relax and enjoy one’s own interests knowing that it has been arranged by someone who shares your enthusiasm. With that in mind two varied events are on the calendar next year that I hope will whet your appetite and you will share, with your friends, the delights on offer. Local History – East Yorkshire and York This two night trip will visit places of interest and will include some of the outstanding churches for which the area is well known such as Beverley and York. Depending on the interests of those wishing to join there will be visits to a Saxon Church in North Lincolnshire, two wonderful examples in Beverley i.e. the Minster and St Mary’s. Beverley is, of course, an attractive small Market Town and a tour of the town will be included. Other places of interest which could be included are Great Driffield and Burton Agnes Hall. York itself is full of interest as those who went on the day visit a couple of years ago will know, as varied as The Chocolate Experience, the Roman Bath House, the Museum with its famous recreated early 19c street to say nothing of its stunning Minster church and much more. Choices can be made on which will figure in the itinerary. The event will include full coach transport to each destination, two night’s stay at the Beverley Arms (18c. Coaching inn, suitably modernised) and guided tours where needed. The proposed date is in March or possibly early April next year and will provide an insight to this little known, but interesting, area not too far away to make travelling a chore. The Hills are Alive! - The Austrian Tyrol The area chosen for this event is in the little known Stubai Valley just south of Innsbruck. This attractive valley offers dramatic mountain views, walks varying from easy to moderately demanding, good hotels, and cable cars so that the initial 2000 feet of ascent is made easy! Despite its attractions it is not very well known and not overcrowded like the popular ski resorts. It provides a splendid walking environment for all abilities with excellent refreshment facilities on the mountains – known as ‘Alms’. continued on page 13
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It is proposed to have a seven night stay travelling by air from Manchester for which coach travel will be arranged. Half Board accommodation will be provided. It is usual to have a free day when one can visit Innsbruck (approximately 30 minutes by train or bus), a popular choice, or revel in the delights of the neighbouring villages one of which includes a very up to date sports centre with swimming pool. We will have a knowledgeable guide for the activities of the week which is likely to be in late June or early July before the main holiday prices kick in. Meetings will be held to decide on the exact programme for each of these events. Each provides an opportunity to enjoy a sociable interesting interlude. Please contact Frank Galbraith to show your interest: Tel 01433 631367 or e-mail:
[email protected]
Due to lack of response we sadly had to cancel the Quiz Night. However, we will try again maybe in the Spring of next year. Time and venue etc., as yet to be decided. Terry Severn
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Visit to Southwell Minster and Southwell Workhouse Visit organiser John Robinson August 11th 2015 This is usually described as a Minster although it became a Cathedral in 1884, initially the bishopric of Nottingham and Derby and, from 1927, of Nottingham only. As it is situated off the beaten track, it is not well known to visitors so the sight of its massive structure is awe-inspiring indeed. The area was popular with the Romans and the remains of several of their villas are still being found, including mosaic flooring within the Minster itself. A Saxon church was erected in the 10th century on a site close to the present Minster and material from it was used in its construction. Its design was similar to that of the Saxon church of Stow “Minster”, near Lincoln, which we visited in 2014. Our guide for the visit was David Turner who was well versed in the history and architecture of the building. The outstanding feature is the cohesion of the architecture. Apart from the initial construction in the 12th century, only two major modifications were undertaken during its entire history, unlike many other churches where Oliver Cromwell and the Victorians did their worst. Sadly, the Bishop’s Palace did not escape Thomas Cromwell and more than half of it is in ruins. The most memorable features are, in the nave, the round Norman pillars and arches at ground and triforium level which altogether give a feeling of solidity. This extends to the West end of the Minster with its twin towers and large Norman window. Regrettably, there is little mediaeval stained glass except some from France which was donated to the Minster and fitted rather skilfully into the existing East window. Being a Minster, its Chapter House, completed around 1300 is “one of the most beautiful building in the country”, famous for its “Decorated” windows and exquisite carvings, with faces of animals, leaves and foliage, and faces, including an elaborate “Green Man”. We completed our visit with lunch in the Refectory with its remarkable wide range of gourmet food, before moving on to the Workhouse. Continued on page 15
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Wa Southwell Workhouse – (National Trust) This large building was built in 1824 to accommodate 160 paupers. The Poor Law, passed in 1834, set up hundreds of such buildings all over the country. The regime was strict, catering not only for the unemployed but destitutes, elderly without work, savings or pensions; children without parents;,deserted wives; unmarried mothers with their children; those with mental illness & physical disabilities. The regimen was strict, rising at 6.00am, basic meals, hard physical work and continuing segregation of men, women and children. The administration was handled by a Master and Matron with a small paid staff. In the present building we were able to see the Spartan conditions in which the paupers lived and worked.
Play Reading Group
This summer the play reading group, led by George Mabon, had its first PUBLIC PERFORMANCE! (apart from occasional readings at the U3A Theatre Group). We took part in the Bakewell Literary Festival which held an evening called ‘Time to Read’ at the Old House Museum. Local writers read their stories – pretty impressive! – a local poet read his poems – ditto – and we performed a reading of ‘The Good Lady Ducayne’. This was based on a somewhat gothic melodramatic story by Victorian novelist E. M. Braddon, dramatised by local art historian and writer Michael Howard. We needed Michael’s permission to use his work and he came to a rehearsal and also to the evening performance. He was delighted with our efforts and seems keen to be involved if we should do anything similar again. Planning and rehearsing for the evening was enjoyable, especially as we had ‘borrowed’ two delightful young people to provide young voices: this rounded up the performance. Meanwhile we continue with our monthly readings at the Friends’ Meeting House every 3rd Friday in the month. Plays range from Greek tragedy (ancient, not the current variety . . . .) to Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward and assorted others. However, we foresee a problem. We have lost several members, due to illness, and, as we were only a smallish group to begin with, we do need new recruits. It’s confusing to have to read more than one part especially when you find your two characters talking to each other! The possibility of having to wind up the group is looming. So please can you come to our rescue? We currently have a couple of ex Peacock Players but the rest of us are complete amateurs so there’s nothing to be nervous about. It’s interesting and it’s fun. If you’d like to give it a go please contact George Mabon on 01629 581739. THANK YOU
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COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF AIR AMBULANCE MONDAY, 25th JANUARY Our annual Coffee Morning will be held in Baslow Village Hall on Monday, 25th January 2016 between 10a.m. and 12noon. There will be a bring and buy stall and a raffle. The hall will be open from 9.45a.m. to receive your gifts. We would like good quality items to sell such as books, unwanted gifts, home produce etc. There is a car park beside the hall. This time the proceeds of the Coffee Morning will go to Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. We have a special interest in the Air Ambulance as we used the service when one of our walking group was taken ill while walking on Monsal Head towards the end of last year. It costs an enormous amount to run the service, which is supported entirely through voluntary donations. The helicopter is based at East Midlands Airport and serves a population of 1.4 million. On average it embarks on 4 missions every day and has a crew consisting of a pilot, senior doctor and paramedic. Please come and do your bit to keep the service running! Who knows when one of us might have to make use of it? Printed by Greenaway Workshop for the Disabled, Greenaway Lane, Hackney Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2QB Tel: 01629 734089
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