A TRIP BACK IN TIME: Ferndown U3A visit Oxford, Ironbridge and Stratford on Avon

A TRIP BACK IN TIME: Ferndown U3A visit Oxford, Ironbridge and Stratford on Avon

 During a three day coach trip, we were able to appreciate the historic significance of all 3 locations, while having a sociable and enjoyable time.

All 39 members appreciated the ninety minute walking tour of the colleges of Oxford University, led by a knowledgeable American PhD student; his speciality was World War One history, but he was also able to inform and amuse on the history of many of the colleges.

On to Telford, where we were to spend 2 nights in a modern hotel just outside the town, which met all the basic needs even if the cuisine left a bit to be desired!

Day 2 saw us paying a visit to Ironbridge itself, and to see at first hand the handiwork of the pre-Victorian ironmaster Abraham Darby III. The impressive Iron Bridge was opened in 1787 and even today is a marvel of cast iron engineering.

On to Blists Hill, a re-created Victorian village on the site of the ironworks which contributed a great deal to the Industrial Revolution of this country. Many authentic shops and artefacts of the time took us all back in history – among these was a fish and chip shop still cooking in beef dripping and supplying meals in paper cones!

After visiting the Museum of Iron (the clue is in the name) our last visit of the day was to the Coalport China Museum where we were fortunate in having the services of a volunteer guide who explained in detail – and with some humour – the life of the workers and the manufacturing processes. We all now know what a “Saggar Maker’s Bottom Knocker” is – do you?

Our last port of call on the way home was a pleasant sojourn in Stratford on Avon where we were free to choose how we spent our time. Some made a visit to Shakespeare’s house, some to the Butterfly Farm and others took a boat trip on the river.

The whole trip was enhanced by having a coach driver who cheerfully accommodated our needs, even going beyond the call of duty in transporting us to and from the town for restaurant visits, the hotel being some 2 miles distant. We also learned that as an alternative to counting by numbers to check that all are on board the coach, it is simpler to count the empty seats!

 

Global warming or climate change: An appraisal. Friday 1st November

Global warming or climate change: An appraisal. Friday 1st November

this talk  has three sections.

 

  1. How did awareness become alarm?
  2. Are we heading for an uninhabitable earth?
  3. Is it too late or can we save the day?

From the publication in 1962 of Silent Spring by R. Carson to the IPPC Report 2018, the environment has been the subject of growing concern.  Kyoto and the Paris Accord have both highlighted the problems and called for action.

We have solemn warnings that without urgent action the story of our future is an earth which will trigger the sixth mass extinction. By bringing about a massive rise in CO2 we will create the conditions for global warming and for a whole series of related disasters which will bring our civilisation to an inglorious close.

There are still some optimists who believe that we might yet save the day.   Will it be technology, or widespread public action and a fundamental change in the economic system which saves the day? Will the voices of the Greens, the school children and the Extinction rebellion movement convince our political classes that there is very little time left for talking and that action is the priority.?  Action at every level from Governments, firms and from society.  We all have a responsibility for the problem and all must embrace the solutions.

Douglas Lock

Ferndown U3A Open Day

Ferndown U3A Open Day

Dear FU3A Members

This is to send warmest congratulations and thanks to everyone who attended or contributed in any way to our Open Day yesterday.The event was an outstanding success.  We attracted a lot of interest from visitors who were so numerous that when I was hosting the visit of the Mayor of Ferndown, Julie Robinson, we could hardly move!

In particular I want to thank Derek Holden and his team for organising the event, and Ann Williams and her team for the refreshments which were extremely popular. It was also great to see so many of our Group Leaders taking considerable trouble to promote their Groups in imaginative and interesting ways  –  many thanks to them too.If you weren’t at yesterday’s event you missed a good one  –  so make a note now of the date of our Open Day next year  –  Friday May 22nd 2020.

Bob Reeve: FU3A Chairman

Castleman Trailway Sponsored Walk

Castleman Trailway Sponsored Walk

 

The first ever sponsored walk by Ferndown U3A was completed yesterday by almost 50 people – and some family members. Everyone who took part,either as a walker or one of the essential helpers, had a brilliant time – especially those who reached the Star Inn in Ringwood, some 7 hours after leaving Upton Country Park. It was so encouraging to see people stretching themselves to walk much further than they had anticipated – 16 managed the entire 17 miles! This just goes to show that age is no barrier to having a go!

It is not too late show your support for all those who took part by making a donation to our Charity of the Year – The Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance. All contributions should be given in to Gerry at the Open Day on May 17th at the Barrington Centre.

Clare Clayton

Malta Study Group

Malta Study Group

 

 

During the spring term, the group were treated to a range of interesting and informative talks in preparation for our trip to Malta. We discovered how Malta has been occupied by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, the Spanish, the French, the British and (nearly) the Germans. All have left their legacy on the historical landscape of a Mediterranean island smaller than the Isle of Wight.

During our trip we visited towns of Mdina, Mellieha, Sliema, Valetta and the historical temples of Hagar Qim & Mnajdra as well as taking a boat trip around the Grand Harbour.

The entire  trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all and a  selection of pictures can be viewed below.

 

Ups and Downs

Ups and Downs

The visit to the Old Operating Theatre turned out to be more interesting than envisaged; challenges included ascending and descending a very narrow, stone, spiral staircase of 51 steps, a  broken lift and a venue with no public toilets!, (can you believe it)?

Fortunately Ferndown U3A members are not faint-hearted.  All problems were overcome and everyone seemed to have enjoyed the experience even Thelma Poole whose leg was removed and rapidly attached without anaesthetic!

The Postal Museum was only opened in 2017 so is very modern and attractively organised, completely opposite to the 19th century Mail Rail which we visited next.  We went down under the London streets and folded ourselves into the small carriages to see how the post used to travel.  It was a short but unique journey for us all – a worthwhile visit.