To help you decide on the type of group that you may be interested in joining, here is the start of a page dedicated to giving you information about the groups. Contributions from other Group Leaders for this page would be most welcome. To include information for this page please contact E-mail:....
Group's Activities
NEWSFLASH!!!!!! There are now places available for students on some Spanish Classes. Please Contact Jan Newark for details on 96 583 6815
The TV series WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? helps well known people to find where their ancestors came from. With a lot of help from researchers and financial backing from the film company. The U3A GENEALOGY GROUP attempt to do the same thing. This small band met once a month under the guidance of Sue Bradley, who inspired the other members by tracing back seventeen generations of her family. Her French name went right back to the Norman Conquest (Despite hopeful research, a member of a Norfolk family named Nelson has been unable to find a link with the Admiral!) Now Val Osborne has volunteered to lead the group, as Sue has returned to the UK. The first meeting will be at her house on Monday, December 7th from 11am -12noon. Ring 96 583 4970 for details.
We are a self help group and learn to access various records such as census returns, parish records of births, marriages and deaths, copies of wills, military and naval lists etc, using the many web sites such as Ancestry.com on home computers. Interesting facts turn up and history comes alive. A felon on the convict ships to Australia was discovered, another rode a covered wagon into the Wild West of America. A cotton mill worker was involved in the Luddite Riots. Many of our forefathers emigrated to the Dominions. One member found a black ex slave in Jamaica in her family tree.
Most of us have realised that we are probably the products of generations of simple peasants, ploughmen, innkeepers, agricultural workers, millers, fishermen, seamen, miners, soldiers who fought on battlefields throughout the world or commoners deprived of their rights by the Enclosures Act. The fortunes of some families changed, merchants becoming the new middle classes. Some unfortunates found themselves in the workhouses. Even these grim institutions kept careful records which can be accessed. Sometimes we find details of debtors in prison, babies born out of wedlock, suicides, even links with aristocratic landowners, ministers of the church, politicians and statesmen. Old photographs turn up, copies of wills read, war service medals discovered.
If one has an unusual name, research is slightly easier, but the spelling of many names varies over the years with a largely illiterate population. A marriage certificate was discovered where the bride signed with an X. When official Census officials recorded names they put down what the word sounded like in local dialects. Immigrants such as Huguenots, Jews and Poles, often anglicised their names. Foundlings were sometimes named after the church or convent where the child was abandoned. This is the fascination of genealogy. Cross checks have to be done. The name is right but the place is wrong, or the date of birth doesn’t match other details. Researchers coming to a dead end, have to go back to the beginning and follow another branch of the family. Change of name at marriage makes things difficult too. It’s like a personal treasure hunt, and a lot of social history is learnt. One CAN pay a professional researcher to do all this but where’s the fun in that? Back to the Family Records Office web site!
Group Leader, Val Osborne. Telephone No.96 587 4970.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MEDITATION?
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?
MEDITATION
ENABLES THE MIND TO BE QUIET AND TRANQUIL.
ENABLES YOU TO THINK MORE CLEARLY AND POSITIVELY.
ENABLES YOU TO SLEEP MORE SOUNDLY.
ENABLES YOU TO MANAGE STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
IMPROVES CONCENTRATION.
INCREASED SELF CONFIDENCE.
INCREASED MIND AND BODY COORDINATION.
CAN SLOW DOWN AND REVERSE THE AGEING PROCESS
LEARNING TO MEDITATE IS THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF.
MEDITATION BRINGS YEARS TO YOUR LIFE AND LIFE TO YOUR YEARS.
GROUP LEADER – PAT SPENCER 96 583 45 86
WEDNESDAYS from 10.00am until 12noon
YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL SESSIONS.
Please wear comfortable, non-restricting clothes, bring a mat and a small cushion. The floor is very cold, so you may wish to bring a blanket.
Due to the popularity of this group, Krystyna has decided to start a beginners group which will be from 9.30 am - 10.30 am on the same day as the more experienced people.
Tai Chi, based on Ancient Chinese martial art, is a gentle, fluid and graceful exercise form proven to be powerfully effective in relaxing and strengthening both the body and mind.
It is considered suitable for almost anyone regardless of age or physical ability.
The movements or ‘shabashi’ are relaxed and harmonious – creating a “self-help therapy” with no side effects.
Diligent practise of Tai Chi will improve mental relaxation and the ability to concentrate. Physical health will also be improved through strengthening all the body’s systems – for example it is recognised as being helpful in diabetic, digestive, hypertensive, cardio-vascular, respiratory and muscular/skeletal disorders including such problems as arthritis, fibromyalgia, stress and heart disease.
Chi Kung is a recognised “warm-up” and practise routine which provides many of the shabashi techniques vital to Tai Chi.
Thus regular practise of Chi Kung followed by Tai Chi will maximise your general well being and natural defences against ill health.
Beginners - Tuesdays 9:30 till 10:30 Calpe Sports Centre
Tuesdays 10:45 for 11:00 till 12:00 Calpe Sports Centre
Group Leader: Krystyna Rogers 965836760 / Mobile 671701624
CHI KUNG
Chi Kung helps to strengthen the health of the individual and thus preventing many diseases and illnesses.
Chi Kung has been practised for more than 3000 years.
There are many Spanish Learning Groups running at all levels. We are in the fortunate position of being able to offer some classes for absolute beginners and more advanced students. To learn more and book into a group, please contact the Spanish Groups Co-ordinator, Jan Newark on 96 583 6815. Don't miss this opportunity to become part of one of these classes.
Please note that due to illness, this group has been cancelled until further notice
Good News!
New Venue ..... Bolero, Fossa Beach Calpe
Our use of the Bolero is on the understanding that we all buy drinks/coffee from the bar. Arrive by 10.30am for coffee before a 10.45am start.
We meet 10 times a year, normally on the 4th Monday of each month. We do not meet in July and August.
The object of the group is to enjoy a couple of hours of appreciation of Classical Music.
It does not matter whether your know nothing about Classical Music or if at the other end of the scale you have a degree in Musicology. All U3A members are most welcome.
You will hear music from the early renaissance period right through to present day composers. Sessions will take one of three different formats.
1.Concert Style- Overture, Concerto, Symphony.
2.Music of individual countries
3.Sessions dedicated to one composer
The group leader will add background information about the composers and the music being played.
The sessions finish at around 12.45pm
A 10€ per head menu is available for those wishing to have lunch.
Total session length 2hrs.
Meeting dates for 2010
Sept 16th
Oct 21st
Nov 18th
Dec 16th
Contact your Group Leader - Nick Green on 96 649 8619
JUGS- Just Us Girls - had a lovely end of season meeting on Monday last with a BBQ provided by Cathy nearly late of Cafe Royal Calpe. This restaurant has looked after us for the last year but now Cathy has given it up to concentrate on her successful outside catering business. br>
The next JUGS will be on Wednesday, September 15th at Jimmy's restaurant, Calpe, and Paul will demonstrate the art of napkin folding. Jean
This new group, Flower Arranging, will use the Bolero Restaurant as a venue.
The use of the Bolero is on the understanding that we all buy drinks/coffee/water etc from the bar.
Arrive 1.45pm for coffee
Start 2pm - 4pm finish
We will meet every other Tuesday, the dates are:- April 27th May 18th & June 1st.
Flower Arranging is a very relaxing hobby. The object for each lesson is to produce a floral design to be enjoyed in your home by you and your family.
It does not matter if you have no knowledge of the subject, that is what I am there for. Both male and female members are most welcome.
Each session will cost 3 euros plus the components for the lesson.
At the end of the session you will be told what to bring for the folling one.
I am a NAFAS qualified tutor, demonstrator and judge and it has been my hobby for the past 35 years.
This is a fun thing to do and it will be a joy to share my knowledge and the use of different plant materials with you, so do come along, I look forward to hearing from you.
On Sunday afternoons, approaching the far end of the Paseo Maritimo past the Esmeralda Hotel, in the shade of eucalyptus trees, you might hear voices using strange expressions.
“Are we the ice cream or the water melon?” “Granada needs one to win.”
“Two for the black and white cow.” “We’re holding, but only just.”
“That one’s dead.” “Go left! Left! LEFT!” “Oh no! Thanks for nothing!”
“I can’t see the jack.” “The magnetic end towards the WOOD, silly!”
“You’ve just thrown my ball!” “I don’t believe it!”
“Straight through the middle if you can. Oh, bad luck!”
It’s just the U3A Petanca group in action on the public pitches. They turn up, from 4 to 24 people at a time (there is no set group) Taking a playing card, the aces, twos, threes, etc. form teams. Everyone brings their set of metal balls (on sale everywhere) previously endeavouring to mark their own with nail varnish, paint or bits of sticky paper as the sets all look alike. The coloured plastic sand filled beach sets are acceptable if team mates agree. Competition players have to use a specified size and weight, but U3A’s not in that league.
Two games are usually played, the first of each team to reach 15 points wins. The scores are kept on metal boards on which fridge magnets stick, hence the strange expressions on the top of the earlier list.
It’s a great spectator sport, as many people out for a Sunday stroll stop to watch. Some are known to the players, who go over to the fence for a quick chat until……. “It’s your turn……..are you playing or what?”….. gets them back to the game. This group is not for the easily offended, insults often fly. It’s all good fun, however.
Sometimes the pitches are shared with other nationalities, as they are not pre booked. The French are fairly quiet. It’s a serious game, Boules, as anyone who has witnessed a game in a French village will know. The Spanish are their usual ebullient selves, joyfully bickering over the position of the balls. The Germans
characteristically arrive with clip boards, pre-arranged teams and do a lot of serious measuring with callipers. The Belgians practice a particular violent throw which sends balls off the pitch like missiles. The Dutch just get on methodically and politely.
Eventually, the teams stroll to a local bar, chosen for the variety of their (free) tapas, quality of beer or size of wine glasses, and sometimes whether in the sun or the shade. There is no analysis of the games (as in golf, football or bowls) A great element of luck as well as skill is involved in Petanca. Like British Rail once claimed, there are often leaves on the line.
The object of the game is to throw metal balls (usually underarm with hand on top to generate a back spin if necessary) as close as possible to a smaller wooden ball (jack or cochonnet) The playing surface can be hard earth, gravel, even grass, but not loose sand (only for fun beach games as the balls will not roll) Greeks in 6 BC used stones, coins, stone balls. Roman soldiers brought the game to Provence, using wooden balls with nails in for extra weight. In the Middle Ages, it became known as boules or balls and was played throughout Europe. Henry the 3rd of England banned his archers from playing, the French Kings, Charles the 4th and 5th banned commoners from playing, so glad we didn’t live then.
Originally the pitch was twice as long as the modern one, and players took three steps before throwing, but in 1907 the smaller pitch was introduced with a standing delivery. Apparently a Monsieur Jules Lenoir, a top class player, suffered from rheumatism and couldn’t run! The game in it’s present form originated in Provence, Southern France, the name Petanque from the local dialect “les pied tanco” (feet together) It is played casually by 17 million French, mostly during their summer holidays (somebody obviously counted them and the best of luck) There is a Federacion Francaise de Petanque et Jeu Provencal with 375,000 licensed players, 3,000 of them in England. (Statistics again, sorry.)
A note to end on. If in a French singles game, a player scored 0 points, this was called a Fanny. His penalty was to kiss a buxom French mademoiselle’s bottom. As there aren’t many willing to submit to this, a token “Fanny” was provided by the pitch, made of pottery, metal or wood, which received the loser’s kiss. He then had to buy his winning opponent a drink. You couldn’t make it up!
So come along and join the u3a on a Sunday afternoon and have some fun!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DRAWING CLASS HAS HAD TO BE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO ILL HEALTH
Margaret Cunningham has run very successful art groups for our U3A in the past and is a much accomplished art teacher. She is now beginning an 8 week course of improving your drawing skills. Please bring pencils and a pad. It will commence on: - date to be confirmed
-at the Bolero bar from 12.30 – 2pm.
For further details please contact Margaret on 96 583 6298.
Tennis for beginners is strictly for those who have either never played, or haven't for many years.
We have two sessions, both at Golf Ifach on the Calpe - Moraira coast road, off Pepe La Sal's.
Sessions are Thursday and Friday at 10.00, for about one and a half hours, after which we retire to the bar to replace the sweat!
The Friday session is currently full, and we only have space for a couple more on Thursdays, due to court restrictions.
Phone Roger on 96 574 8827 or 660 184 401 for more information. Some equipment is available, but good trainers are essential.
Federer, eat your heart out!
For more information, contact Group Leader, Roger Milsom on 96 50 58 303
Angelika Volkenandt is starting a patchwork group. She is a very accomplished teacher of many years. The first meeting will be an initial ‘getting to know you’ event to discuss whats involved and what materials you will need. This will take place at Club La Fustera on 16th April at 11am. Times and venue of the group is up for discussion but perhaps Fridays will be a good day to begin the lessons. Please contact Angelika on 96 583 6043
Mens Dining Group is up and running, having had several successful evenings with up to 15 attendees.
The next scheduled meet is 11th June at an Indian Restaurant by the Bed centre, Calpe - Moraira coast road.
Interested members should contact Roger Milsom, 96 574 8827.
Please note, Art Group will recommence on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2.00 - 4.00pm
The classes will be held at Suzannes apartment,New Venue, please call for directions.
I am writing to introduce myself as the new Art Class Leader.
Sandy said that there was a need for a retired teacher volunteer to take an overview – so here I am!!
After many holidays at our apartment in Calpe, we are now out here permanently except for Christmas, July and August.
I was a general Art teacher (teaching textiles as well as Art) in an 11-16 secondary school, so my own level of skill and expertise is appropriate to that, although I taught quite gifted children as well as those with modest ability. With that background, I hope I can contribute to your thriving group.
I look forward to meeting you in the near future, hopefully at the next U3A meeting.
Join our happy but determined little group of (slightly) overweight ladies. We meet every Monday for an hour just off the Moraira/Calpe coast road, beginning at 3pm. Cost is just two Euros per session, plus one piece of fruit.
Please Note The Wednesday Group has now been cancelled, however there are still two groups on Mondays the times are now - Monday 10.00 - 12 noon morning or Monday afternoon 2.30 - 4.30 pm
Unfortunately, due to Jo's ill health, there have not been many sessions of the Mosaics group during the Autumn "term". However, both Jo and Tom were back in Spain in time to host their usual Christmas get together of members of the group. The weather was not as warm as we would like to have here in Spain so it was an indoors "do". We were all treated to a performance by two members of the Calpe steel band group called "Poco Loco". Paula Martin who is in the band is also a member of the Mosaics Group so we were very fortunate to have such talent from one of our members.
The mosaic groups have been running for almost five years now and one or two of the U3A members who first joined are still coming along every week and producing wonderful pieces of Mosaic Art.
Monday Morning Beginners Group
Monday Afternoon Group
We meet on Monday and Wednesdays in the garden of my home in La Cometa during the U3A “term” and through the summer recess Gill Moorcroft continues to hold a weekly group at her home in Benimarco.
Wednesday Morning Group
The groups are very informal, we drink coffee, tea and there is wine or beer for those who want it, eat wicked biscuits and generally put the world to rights!! However I have been known to “ wield the whip “ when there is a U3A Exhibition coming along. as there will be next year.
I have a fairly wide selection of Mosaic Art books for inspiration plus some materials from The Craft Centre in Javea. For new members of the groups I provide tools and some materials for the first piece of work so that its possible to try the craft out before incurring any expense. My husband Tom will do the practical things like drilling, screwing and wiring plates and tiles so they can be displayed.
The two existing groups are made up of members of all abilities, from very experienced to the not so experienced and we all help, advise and encourage each other.
Here are some examples of the work which you will be able to produce.
By Jo Archer
By Jo Archer
By Gill Moorcroft
By Gill Moorcroft
For more information, please contact: Jo Archer on 96 583 6746, 666892406
The fishing group has been running for some time now with great success. Keith Cherry leads the group and organises the venues for the best fishing. So for a relaxing day, out in the fresh air and a bit of male bonding come along and join the group.
As you can see from the photos the fishing in the reservoir Beniarres is good. Five of us went on this particular Thursday, catching on average about twenty fish weighing up to five and a half pounds. This is a popular venue with the group as we have never failed to catch.
The first picture is of Alan, on his first outing with the fishing group.
That's a biggun, Keith!!
Did you catch that all by yourself, Dell??
If interested please contact me, Keith Cherry, 96 583 7286, Mobile 637 010 617
We meet every Wednesday at 10am at Cala Calalga car park at the far end of the Levante beach.
This programme can change if circumstances so dictate. All walkers should wear either walking boots or shoes. Bring plenty of water and a picnic. Sometimes there are walks with optional lunch, see programme. Walk Leaders’ decisions are final.
Any queries, offers of walks etc. phone Lee 965837944. Thanks to all walk leaders.
Long Walks.
These range from 3.5 to 5.0 hours in duration.
Distance is from 8 to 14 kms.
Ascent could be up to 600 metres.
Majority of the walks are on good tracks or mozarabic trails.
Short Walks.
These range from 2.0 to 3.5 hours in duration.
Distance is from 3 to 5 kms.
Ascent will be minor and will generally be a steady climb.
Walks will be on good tracks.
Strolls.
These range up to 2.0 hours in duration at a leisurely pace.
Distance can be up to 3 kms.
Minimal ascent as walks are generally coastal and flat.
Walks are on good paths with possible coffee stops.
We still need more leaders for short walks and strollees, if we haven't got leaders we cannot run the walks.
Any queries or offers of walks, please contact Lee, Tel. 96 583 7944
DATE
LEADER
PHONE NO.
CLASSIFICATION
DESCRIPTION AND OTHER INFO
No more walks until the new programme in October 2010
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-
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If you require further details, please contact Lee on 965837944
Group meets, Fridays 2 - 4 pm, Group Leader, Gillian Kennard, 96 583 8698
Let’s have a peal!
When Gillian Kennard came to live in Calpe with her husband Peter, two years ago, she brought a set of handbells. Winning a competition, she used the prize money to buy them. In her native Buckinghamshire, she’d belonged to a handbell ringing team, and joining the Anglican Chaplaincy at La Merced Church, started up a small team there. Beginners (they all were) have one or two bells and play easy pieces until they gain confidence. They learn how to hold the bells, wearing white cotton gloves to protect them, how to read the music (which consists of numbers) how to keep in time, put the music stands up and down, find their place when they miss a note and not drop the music folders! No musical knowledge is required. As one lady said “I can’t sing or play an instrument but with the bells I can make music!” In a uniform of white tops, black trousers and a blue scarf bearing the badge of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain, their first public appearance was at Songs of Praise in the Church, which included visiting choirs. The congregation obviously enjoyed this new group, in fact broke into humming when “Men of Harlech” was played. A Welsh battle song is not really in the category of songs of praise, but the group’s repertoire at this early stage was rather limited.
Having practised more tunes and carols, they were asked to appear at a concert in aid of Emaus, Carol Concerts in the Perlamar building and in the Calpe Christian Fellowship, the Salon Blau and the 600seat theatre in the Casa de Cultura. One member said “I only joined to learn something new and enjoy myself, I didn’t know we were going to do all these gigs!” Stage fright disappeared when footlights thankfully prevented the ringers from seeing the audience (who will insist in joining in the familiar tunes!) At the “Mini Glyndebourne” at La Fustera Church the stage was smaller but the audience as appreciative, and the picnic was enjoyed too.
It was agreed that outdoor performances were not a good idea when a gust of wind nearly took several sheets of music into the swimming pool when the group played at a fund raising garden party. No-one dropped their bells, and recovering their wits, continued playing. A couple of guests, obviously old Boy Scouts, were heard to sing quietly the words of the alternative camp fire song to the tune of Men of Harlech, something about “Tramp up Snowdon with your woad on, never mind if you get rained or snowed on……..go it, Ancient Brits!”
Bells in various forms have been used for centuries for marking solemn occasions, celebrating, mourning, signalling, warning, giving information and music. At weddings, funerals, baptisms and Mass in churches and cathedrals. In Celtic rites, Buddhist temples and monasteries. Public clocks and bells in schools and factories marked the time before wristwatches, some bells increased in speed until time for work, and then stopped. They were used during exorcism, proclaimed executions, called out for the plague victims and warned of the threat of invasion. Bells heralded in New Year, Spring, Winter and Summer solstice, Christmas. Town Criers used a bell to bring news to the local people, ships’ bells rang to mark the watches (1 to 8) Bell buoys warned ships of danger and in Lloyds of London the Lutine bell was rung when an insured ship sank. In Bingley, the church bell rang at 11am on Shrove Tuesday to tell housewives to start making the pancake batter! Alarm clocks, burglar alarms and doorbells are still used but the bells of fire engines, police cars and ambulances have changed to sirens, unfortunately. Even Morris dancers, budgies, cats and Santa’s reindeer have bells. The modern telephones beep, but we still say “I’ll ring you” or “give me a bell”
Hand bells were once used to accompany string and wind instruments in church. With the development of the “King of Instruments” the massive organ, they fell out of use except to practice indoors the big bell changes (instead of in the draughty church towers!) Now they and chime bars have become the fastest growing medium for music education in schools. In 1967 the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain Society was formed. Highly skilled ringers can play two in each hand, or have bells laid out on a table to pick up in rapid sequence. La Merced Handbell Ringers haven’t reached that stage yet! Usually ringers work as one body, all reading from the same score, instilling teamwork and a spirit of fellowship. They do have that!
Gillian has offered to run a handbell ringing group for U3A on Friday afternoons. There must be at least six people, for there are twelve bells, so if you’re interested in making music this way (it’s easier than those piano scales you may have tried to learn (and failed) as a 9 year old) give her a ring (see?) on 96 583 86 98.
From beginners to the more advanced, these computer lessons should cover all levels. Starting with the basics of how computers work and how to use them for word processing and creating folders etc. You can also be set up with an Internet Service Provider and be taught how to explore the internet plus sending and receiving e-mails.
For the more advanced, you can be taught how to use additional programmes such as Microsoft Publisher for creating greetings cards, flyers and small publications. Excel and Access for producing tables and databases, Powerpoint for presentations and Photo Imaging using a variety of programmes.
I teach 2 to 3 people at a time at my house for 1 or 1.1/2 hour periods. I am also willing to visit members at their homes, but I then request that they pick me up if they live outside of Calpe or in hard to find locations.
For more information, please contact - Ian Coleman, Tel. 96 583 4388.
The choir had two very successful performances of the Christmas Concert at the Salon Blau at the Casa de Cultura on 17th and 18th December. Whilst the adverse weather conditions kept some people away for the first night, the second night was over subscribed which made it a really good atmosphere.
Please note that due to the popularity of the choir and the increase in numbers, it has become necessary to move the group to the Casa de Cultura. The new time for the choir is Tuesday Evenings 6.00 - 8.00pm in the Salon Blau in the Casa de Cultura.
The choir will be performing at the U3A Meeting in June and are also planning a concert on Saturday 2nd October.
Group Leader and Musical Director, Mary Anderton 96 583 2081.
The Digital Camera group is not only about taking photo's, but printing and sharing photo's with like minded people, with the aim of improving our interest, skill and pride in our photographs.
The group meets first Thursday of the month at 12.00 at "Manola's Bar" note - new venue which is situated on the Calpe Moraira road and discusses the merits of the photos taken in the proceeding two weeks. This also gives the opportunity to seek assistance from those within the group in ways of improving techniques.
Usually the group is given a different project each fortnight, it might be "My town" and produce such photos as Albert Hancy's view of the Ifach, or "The fallas" such as the serving of the Sardines. Where a day trip is organized such as the trip to see the Warriors of Xian and the boat trip to Valencia they will be asked to take photos of that event.
If members are unaware or unable to obtain a photo incorporating the project subject, then they are still encouraged to produce a photo for the group meeting and this can be on any subject they choose, such as the photo of the cat by Jill Flux.
At a recent meeting, the group was asked to produce macro photos of plants such as Bunty Stallion's flower photo.
It was also decided by the group that they shall put on a display of their photos a the U3A June meeting.
As well as meeting fortnightly and being given projects, the group is also intending to take day field trips to selected locations for photo opportunities and it is hoped that a trip to Xativa will be arranged soon.
To view the following photographs full size, please click on the thumbnails below.
For any further information contact Ian Coleman on 96 583 4388
This group is held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 12 noon at Manola's Bar
IMPORTANT NOTICE The new Group Leaders are Ernie Ritchie, 96 583 3066 and Alan Steed, 96 583 2153. All enquiries for this group and new members, should now be directed at Ernie and Alan above.
New times of the Bowls will be from 6 - 8 pm starting from July 2010. Please arrive 15 mins before start of play
The U3A green Bowls group has been in operation for 4 years.
Most members who had not played before have become accomplished bowlers and are good enough to join any Bowls club. One such member is June Merrett who after only a few months joined a local club.
The U3A group is very friendly, it is held at the Paraiso Mar Bowls Green (which is a public green) on the Levante Beach.
The sessions are on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Cost is €5.00 per session. Coaching will be given to beginners if required. This gives members the opportunity to try Bowls without any obligation.
Members of the U3A are most welcome, so come along and join the fun.
Flat soled shoes are essential; dress is casual and comfortable – not necessarily white, although the experienced players seem to choose to wear white.
Bowls are supplied. Unfortunately there is now a shortage of small size bowls which makes it rather difficult for people with small hands, especially the lady members.
If any members hear of any Bowls that are no longer in use, please contact Ernie Ritchie, 96 583 3066 or Alan Steed 96 583 2153.
During the hot summer there were evening sessions played under floodlight, which was rather fun.
The group meets on Monday evenings at 7-30, in the Hotel Galatemar (note new venue, from Monday 12th April 2010), We started a new session in September, for complete beginners. I’m happy to say that we had 6 people join up. Beginners who have now become Improvers!
Any enquiries in the meantime, please contact Joy Lally on 96-649-8681.
I started the first At Home Dining Group for U3A in November 2004. I wanted to carry on a tradition we had in England where a dozen or so of us would get together for a meal where we each brought a food and drink contribution, and we all then enjoyed a wonderful three course meal. As we were friends of long standing there was much laughter, conversation and ´putting the world to rights´.
Sandy helped me out by putting one of her ´sign-up´ sheets out at a General meeting, and it was with a bit of trepidation that I took the sheet home with a list of names, all people I did not know. (We had only joined u3A two months before). I thought we would start off with an easy meal, Italian, and phoned the people on the list to agree a date and time for this meal. This duly done, then there was another round of phone calls to ascertain what each couple would bring.
For the first meeting I made some name labels for us all to wear, and set the table for twelve. Everyone prepared their dish at home and brought the finished products to our house. The food looked and smelt delightful, and I had printed off the evening’s menu so that we could pace ourselves for what was ahead.
We changed places after each course, so that by the end of the evening we had all had a chance to chat to each other.
Before we parted we planned the next At Home dinner, and since then have had several, taking it in turns to be host. Our last meal was a Paella Pool Party, and our next meal has a Greek theme.
A second At Home Dining group started a month or so ago, and these people have already planned their next three dinners!
I keep a record of the meals we have had, and refer to it when looking for inspiration. It is not a competition or Cordon Bleu. We do not exchange recipes. We HAVE made some really good friends along the way, and most of all we laugh and have fun. Perhaps the lovely Spanish wine has something to do with it.
For more information, please contact the Group Leader, Diane Putnam, Tel: 96 583 7286
Please Note - New Group Leader/s required for this Group
U3A Calpe – Spanish History Group
Although we have been searching for a new leader for this group, this has been unsuccessful at the present time. Jaqui Johnson is holding the collection of Spanish History Books which this group acquired and will be prepared to loan them out to members, so please contact her on 96 583 8892
U3A Spanish History Group Library
Ref.
Title
Author
4
The Spanish Ulcer
David Gates
6
Rough Guide - History of Spain
-
8
Concise History of Spanish Civil War - OUT
Paul Preston
10
Moorish Spain
Richard Fletcher
14
Spain - A History
Raymond Carr
16
Inquisition
Ed Burman
18
Spain in the Reigns of Isabella & Ferdinand
Geoff Woodward
20
Segóbriga
-
22
The Life & Times of Manual Cervantes "No Ordinary Man"
For more information please contact:
Any of the Group Leaders or Sandy Bianco - Groups Co-ordinator
Telephone 96 574 4850
Or for the Spanish Groups, Janet Newark
Telephone 96 583 6815
Group meets, Fridays 2 - 4 pm, Group Leader, Gillian Kennard, 96 583 8698
