You are invited to take part in a virtual Christmas spectacular
For more details, please click on the link below:
History Group
The History Group always welcomes all U3A members. Our indoor meetings are held at Central Methodist Church on the 3rd Wednesday of the month commencing at 2.00 pm. At present I am not sure when indoor meetings will restart – but – watch this space! I decided to re- schedule the visits due in 2020 to 2021 which means Richard lll is set for March 17th, 2021 – and remember money already paid for the trip is safe in the U3A bank. Please cross fingers, toes and anything else you can – that the visits will go ahead. Doddington Hall will be on 16th June. I am still waiting for Sharpes Pottery to reply. I look forward to seeing everyone but in the meantime please take care and stay safe.
While I am thinking ahead would you like me to re-book the speakers from last year for 2021?
It is fairly recently that academics have considered the history of ordinary people and families worthwhile and have discovered how important this can be especially when they are researching more recent times. This is often called ‘living history’ which can date back 150 years or more. I noticed that the main U3A have suggested a few things to consider we do during the wait for a vaccine and one of them is to write about your own history. Have you tried? I have written what I remember up to being a teenager so far. If you have a piece of paper nearby you can jot down a word or two as reminders, when you think of them, as you wash up, cook meals or watch TV. Then write up a better record a little later. If there are memories from your parents or grandparents to include that is even better.
Something else which has come to mind when a friend in Forest Town U3A gave me a nudge is a new book/leaflet for Hucknall. They have done an A – Z book. Could this be an idea for an A – Z for Hucknall? Your thoughts would be very welcome. Any suggestions/ideas for a letter would be great and you would not have to be a member of the History Group.
No-one came forward last time with any news about ‘Hucknall’ bottles they own. I will bring those I have to the first indoor meeting.
Shall I say ‘Ask Me Another?’ If you have any questions I am happy to try helping by searching my own archive of memorabilia, photographs or records of Hucknall.
T.T.F.N. Maureen
To contact Maureen, the group leader, please use the form below:-
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u3a Zoom Cinema
Wed October 28th: ‘The Good Die Young’
25 members enjoyed time out in our virtual cinema watching a classic British crime thriller about a robbery that went wrong. It was an interesting look back at post war UK in the mid 50’s.
Our next attraction an American Crime Film Noir starring a young Humphrey Bogart
Dead End (1937 film)
Dead End is a 1937 crime drama film directed by William Wyler. It is an adaptation of the Sidney Kingsley 1935 Broadway play of the same name. It stars Joel McCrea, Sylvia Sidney, and Humphrey Bogart. It was the first film appearance of the Dead End Kids. It was nominated for 4 Oscars.
A Film Critics Review: It’s a dead end street in New York that ends at the river. It’s here that a wide assortment of characters from different walks of life come together in a pressure cooker setting. Rich, poor, kind-hearted and hardhearted all come together. In Dead End, a young woman and her teenage brother struggle to survive. An architect works for a better life. A gangster comes home to visit his mother. A well kept woman chooses between love and wealth. The rich and the poor get glimpses of one another’s lives at the water’s edge.
This movie draws us into a unique place and time. It gives us intimate portraits into people’s lives. It makes contrasts and it shows similarities between people. It’s one of a kind and director William Wyler has given us something special here. Sylvia Sidney, Humphrey Bogart, Marjorie Main, Allen Jenkins, the Dead End Kids and Ward Bond give standout performances. The 1930’s atmosphere is palpable. I rate this film 91/100. It’s unique and absorbing.
Showing on the Silver Screen on Wednesday 25th November at 1.30pm
Entry from 1.20pm
There will be a Christmas Film in December date TBA
Reading Group
This month we discussed which were our favourite books we read when we were young and these included anything by Enid Blyton, Louisa M. Alcott, H.G. Wells, Robert Louis Steven-son, amongst others.
Our set book was “Those Who Are Loved” by Victoria Hislop, which had mixed reviews. Most of us have read her other books and in the main really enjoyed them. A favourite was The Thread which also includes political division in families. Those Who Are Loved covers the time from the 1930s – The political changes. The story follows a family through this time, the division, the brutality, the fear of various political regimes including the Nazi invasion. Two of the family left home to fight for Greek freedom from oppression, which follows are harrowing stories. We thought much of the first half was a list of misery and ill treatment. It is more a book to inform, not enjoy.
Our set book for this month is “Com-monwealth” by Ann Pratchett which we will review in the next newsletter.
Just for fun, what was the strangest book you were ever given or ever read? Please contact Sandra, the group leader, using the form below:-
National Trust Group
When Sue and myself offered to take over the group after Sue Spolton decided to leave the position, little did we know that a year later we would still not have been on any visits!!
We do not want to dwell on the negatives from the past months but rather look forward to hopefully better times in 2021.
I am sure most members will have received email updates from the National Trust and be aware of the present limited access which is available to their properties. You will probably be aware that Belton House are running their Light Show but with very limited pre-booked places available. Although not a National Trust property, Wollaton Hall are operating a similar display. Although while writing this piece it looks like Ashfield is going to go into Tier 3 so limiting travel and visits even further.
When we do see some progress with Covid-19 and we get permission from the U3A, and Government rules allow, we will be visiting Fountain’s Abbey and then we have four more visits, one each to Yorkshire and Derbyshire and two to Warwickshire all planned.
We hope everyone in the group is staying safe and healthy.
Sue and Barrie Saunders,