The u3a movement was conceived as a co-operative one.  It was set up so that retired people could share their interests and their life skills in a relaxed setting.   Teachers became learners and learners became teachers.  For a u3a to thrive all members need to contribute to the best of their ability.  Although several members have come forward to lead new interest groups this year our committee has shrunk to a worryingly low level and this limiting what we can offer.  We would really welcome more volunteers, particularly some of our newer members, to join our friendly team in order to bring a fresh approach and to ensure the future of our u3a.   Committee work involves sharing your ideas, making joint decisions and offering to do only as much as you are able to undertake.  We meet ten times a year, currently on the second Tuesday of the month.  If you can use email we would love you to join us.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR INTEREST GROUPS please use the Groups page. To contact the group leader please use the blue Group email link at the top of the specific group's own page. For the dates of upcoming Group meetings please see the Groups Calendar

Jennifer's Jigsaw Library
Members can borrow a selection of jigsaws which can be found in Jennifer's porch for anyone to borrow. The porch is unlocked during daylight hours so please just go in and help yourself. 59 Wesley Close, South Cave. Tel. 01430 423519 or email: jigsawjennifer@gmail.com

A CHRISTMAS TALE WRITTEN BY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS

Do you remember the Christmas's of our childhood? As the day approached we tried so hard to be good.t was a magical time and we counted the days, the atmosphere was wonderful in so many ways. Homemade decorations were put up late December, you never saw them in November. The Christmas tree and toys were homemade with care, no electric lights, just candles flickering there. Our stockings were hung in anticipation and hope, " please come Santa and don't just leave us soap" We left a drink, mince pie and carrot for Santa's snack, " please get down that chimney with your sack" Bed beckoned early on Christmas Eve, we couldn't wait to get there, in Santa we really did believe.

As dawn broke we felt our stockings with care, " He's been, he's been " and the food was not there. Just an empty glass and crumbs on a plate, " please let us open our stockings, don't make us wait' There was usually an orange wrapped in tissue paper, " save the wrapping we'll put it in the toilet later." There were a few nuts and some sweets, no nut cracker, so to crack the nuts was quite a feat. We got an annual, often " Rupert " or " Dandy", sometimes hankies or socks, they are always handy. There was one big present the highlight of the wait, no wonder we were all in a state.! It might be a train, tank or soldier for the boys, the girls might have got a doll or pram for their toys.

We had our chicken dinner and listened to the King's speech, home made crackers were pulled if you could reach. Then came the pudding, it had been steaming for quite a while, we were so full we could hardly smile. We played charades and other games, parents slept whilst we made up names. Then it was teatime with sandwiches and pork pie, sherry trifle and mince pies, my oh my !!!

That was the end of a perfect day, " thank you, Santa " in our prayers we would say. We've lost the Christmas magic in our world today , it doesn't need expensive gifts to show the way. Our modern life is stressful and passes in a wink, but a little girl with a baby on a donkey should make us think. Let us remember the reason for the Season,

AN ENTRY FOR OUR SPRINGTIME WRITING COMPETITION

Ah! "Springtime" What a happy sound. At long last the days are getting longer and warmer, and consequently the nights become shorter. In the garden the grass is growing and bulbs are sprouting. Amongst this, birds are getting busy with their nest building and we humans can look forward to nice sunny days and maybe holidays in which to relax.

But it's not always like this because I remember one Easter in Northumberland when we had a foot of snow, and in Argyll we had snow in May one year. However, amongst the sailing fraternity the advent of spring means that covers come off the boats that have been wrapped up for the winter, and thoughts turn to adventures afloat during the coming summer. But once the covers are off the preparations begin.
Now the interior has to be fully aired. paint and varnish to be applied and antifouling renewed below the waterline. But before all this is done the onerous task of sanding, filling and more sanding, must be done, invariably to areas requiring repair will be found. All this adds time to any project and before we know it, the proposed launch date is rushing nearer. Those lucky enough to have done all major work through the winter will with any luck miss the mad scramble to meet the launch deadline. Then of course springtime does not always arrange nice calm sunny days to coincide with time off from work. It is not so bad if one is retired and therefore time is more flexible, but for those tied to an office or workplace regime, then time around the boatyard is at a premium. One could always have arranged for the boatyard professionals to do the work, especially if they have a covered workshop in which to move the boat. However, to do this, the owner will obviously have to pay the going rate and the bills will mount up.

For the majority of leisure sailors’ part of the fun (and economics) of owning one's own boat is to do the maintenance oneself and possibly with the assistance of friends who are regular crew during the sailing season. So here we are dodging showers and wind (possibly sleet and snow as well) and with any luck everything that had been planned has been done and all is ready for the launch. This too can have it's problems. Is launching to be done at the site of where winter storage has been done, or like me, is your boat on a trailer reasonably near home and then taken to a far-flung place for launching?

I managed to winterise near home in East Yorkshire, but enjoyed sailing on the west coast of Scotland, so it was a 350-mile haul north each spring (and the reverse each autumn). But whatever the situation we all looked forward to springtime because we were able to look forward to the better weather that lay ahead and dream of the nice sunny and warm days to come. So, Springtime - a period of budding new life and looking forwards in anticipation.

FURTHER ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY THE THIRD AGE TRUST

u3a Newsletters – National and Local
You can sign up to receive these newsletters, delivered to your email inbox. You can also read them online. For events in the Yorkshire and Humber region it's https://yahru3a.uk For national events it's https://www.u3a.org.uk/events

u3a Online Learning Events

Do you know about the national u3a Online Learning Events? There is a huge range of talks on a wide range of interesting topics such as: Yoga; Art; Recipes; History of Bletchley Park; Chemistry; History; Cryptic Crosswords…..we could go on!
Take a look by going to the Events section of the Third Age Trust website. Click here https://www.u3a.org.uk/events
They are free and you can watch on a computer, tablet or smartphone from the comfort of your own home. Most last for an hour or more and there is usually the opportunity for questions. If you go onto their mailing list - you'll regularly be sent the month's topics. It is very simple to book a place, which will be acknowledged by Eventbrite. Then you get sent a reminder 2 hours before and another just before the start to click onto to log in. If you are unsure about technology and would like some advice/support, please contact a member of our committee.

Interest Groups Online

It's what it says on the tin. Some of our members belong to Cercle francais, Spanish, Exercise and Wine Appreciation. All groups meet on Zoom so you can take part without leaving home. There is an separate annual membership fee of £15 payable for any or all of these groups. Help can be given to set you up on Zoom if you're not familiar with the app.

INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEW TO THE AREA

BROUGH & SOUTH CAVE SURGERIES
For news of Brough and South Cave Surgeries look at the The Ridings Medical Group News Appointments must be booked in advance:
Brough: 01482 668668 South Cave: 01430 424764 Prescriptions can be requested through the online system or by email – phone lines are
often busy: broughdispensary@nhs.net southcavedispensary@nhs.net

Please see our Contact page for more Contact numbers