News & Group Updates

Third Age Trust have started to organise some virtual live events, the first called “Friends Against Scams” on 12^th May. The second is on Robotics on 15 May. This is advertised on our Events Page but do keep checking the Third Age Trust website for things that might interest you.

What an unusual month, once in a lifetime event and I hope that you are all coping reasonably well. I am kept entertained by a number of musical events on YouTube and playing cards on the computer.
Our editors have been collating information on helpful websites and phone numbers. This will all be in the newsletter. Please keep phoning each other especially people who you know are on their own; a friendly voice is so uplifting. Several members have given me their phone numbers to pass onto anyone who feels they need someone to chat to. If you would like a number, please contact me. I have received a number of calls from members who just wanted a chat; I am so pleased to be able to do this and will welcome any calls from members.
For me, I have never had so much contact from my scattered family around the world, regular emails, phone calls and post. My stepson and fiancé are now recovered, out of quarantine and back at work. My thoughts are with any members who have relatives who are ill at present. I have heard that one of our group leaders is seriously ill, not with the dreaded Covid-19. I would like to wish Mandy Jenkinson all the very best for a quick recovery. I hear she is now out of hospital. I would also like to send our good wishes to David Siddons, who is also seriously ill and last time I heard, in hospital in London but not with the dreaded Covid-19.
I am grateful to our group leaders who are trying to keep in contact with their members while they cannot meet face to face. Many of our members have been sending me information and offering help with internet things. One is Ken Brennan who has offered to help with internet communications and with such things as crossword puzzles on-line, card games etc. I can pass on his contact details.
I am sure you will realise that we will not be able to organise any events until given the all clear by the Government. It may well be the Autumn before we get to meet again but we will keep you all informed of what is happening. If any members would like to know what is happening nationally to U3A, have a look at the Third Age Trust Website. There is lots of information there.
We are posting this newsletter but any in between information will now be sent by email. For those without email addresses, we will endeavour to post the letters. Please make sure we have your up to date email address.
So now, dear friends, please keep well and safe and let us hope it is not too long before we are all back together again.
Maggie Conu

There is some interest in starting a tap dancing group. Would anyone else be interested? We would also need somebody to lead the group who could teach beginners, is there anybody who has experience who would like to do this?

If so please contact the Groups Coordinator, Janet Ropner

The April 2020 TAT Newsletter can be found by HERE

CURRENT GROUPS
1. History of Art – this group is currently in abeyance and the situation will be reassessed in June.
2. The Out for Lunch Group is full.
We are looking for someone to co-ordinate a second group. Advice will be given to anyone who would like to do this.
If you are interested please contact Janet Ropner

NEW GROUPS
1. Latin for Beginners
Would anybody interested in joining this group please contact Janet Ropner
2. Investment Group
We are looking for anyone interested in joining this group.
People with both financial and legal backgrounds would be particularly welcome.
The group would set its own rules for membership but published guidelines are available. If you are interested please contact Janet Ropner

To express interest, or for further details of the following groups, please contact Janet Ropner

 NEW GROUP: THE MAGIC TRIANGLE

This will be a group for anyone interested in practising, discovering and performing magic from beginner to grand master levels.  Anyone wishing to join the group should have at least some rudimentary conjuring skills, perhaps having performed card tricks for grandchildren or something similar…and, of course, experienced magicians are very welcome.

NEW GROUP: FOLK/BLUES/ROOTS BAND

This group is not for beginners but for people who have played or perhaps performed in the past. The group leader is a reasonably competent guitarist who would love to meet people who play a range of instruments – perhaps fiddle, mandolin, cello, banjo, flute, bass (standup or electric), saxophone, clarinet, accordion, percussion etc. It is understood that there are other musical groups already in Cheltenham U3A, but this would be more oriented to folk, blues and roots music rather than pop/rock or jazz/swing.  Please get in touch if you are interested in getting together to see what happens.

NEW GROUP: CROQUET

Croquet is a very enjoyable game that can easily be learnt and played, both socially and competitively, by people of every age.

Cheltenham Croquet Club (CCC) has approved a proposal to host a U3A Croquet Group and will set aside two lawns on two Wednesdays each month during the main croquet season in the morning session (between 10.00 and 12.00). The 2020 season will commence on or about the 22^nd of March and end on the last day of September. The Club will provide the mallets and balls that are needed. In normal croquet play, a lawn may be used for two games of four players each so the maximum capacity will be 16 players on the two lawns.

The CCC Committee have agreed to a reduced fee of £5 per person for the U3A Croquet Group, to be collected at each session. Members of the Group may use the Club tearooms, if they wish, and the charge for tea and coffee will be as for CCC members.

Group members will be helped to play one form of the game, Golf Croquet, which is relatively easy to learn and will be given instruction in the rules of the game, how to hit the ball and what tactics might be used in a given situation.