Salisbury U3As' News

SIGNPOST

2011-12-31T13:13:00.002Z

Along with more Internet links that can prove useful for Group Leaders and others can be found in the U3A Signpost. Below is extracted one recent item.
All Groups: The web is absolutely stuffed with fascinating educational videos on every subject imaginable. No Internet connection where you meet? No matter - these videos are easily downloaded to a laptop to be played back and projected later onto a screen or a convenient wall.

The software to do this is 'Replay Media Catcher' and in the opinion of this writer every local group should have it as well as the digital projector that turns every home or hall into a private cinema. Both software and hardware are well worth the purchase price.

Spire Christmas Party

2011-12-13T15:06:00.001Z

There is now a picture report of this party. Click HERE to see it.
At the bottom of the screen are 3 controls. The middle one will start the slideshow.

Angels in the Height

2011-11-24T12:53:00.003Z

In the U3A News issue 96 Autumn 2011 on page 66 I noticed that one of our members has had a book published.
Audrey has been a member of Spire U3A for a few years now. But we did not know we had such talent. Congratulations Audrey.
Her book costs only £1.40.
It is a six minute Christmas sketch suitable for boys and girls aged 7 upwards. Eleven speaking parts, nine of which range from 5 to 7 lines. The entire cast are angels and the two main characters have 18 lines of dialogue each. The setting is an angel choir practice immediately before the first Christmas.

2011-11-21T13:38:00.002Z

U3A Videos can now be seen on YouTube.
There are 5 short videos that show how Subjects are dealt with across the UK.
They are well worth watching.

Making Your Own Web Site for FREE.

2011-10-05T16:56:00.000+01:00

I still have spaces on this course and it is not too late to start.
The next session is on the 21st October at 10am until noon.
The next after this is 18th Nov and then every 4 weeks [not month].
Give me a call on 01722 501 218
Peter Read

Sci -Tech programme

2011-10-05T15:20:00.004+01:00

Our programme is now complete. The next talk is on Experimental Aircraft by Alan Goodes.
This is on 31stOct at 10am in the Harnham Memorial Hall.
No need to sign on. Just come.

Cafe Scientifique Talk Tuesday 11th Oct

2011-09-22T17:20:00.001+01:00

Just an early reminder that our next meeting is on Tuesday 11th October. This is because the Stonehenge Enquiry is being held in the Rugby Club.

This will be Prof Chris Rhodes second visit to Salisbury Café Scientifique and he will be asking
"What Happens When we Run Out of Oil?".

Professor Chris Rhodes is Director of Fresh-lands Environmental Actions and is based in Reading.

He has written numerous scientific articles and recently published his first novel (http://universityshambles.com), a black comedy on the disintegration of the British university system. The subject of the talk is of course highly topical and will remain so as cheap oil reserves become relentlessly depleted, changing the face of
the modern world.

Sci -Tech programme

2011-09-05T16:46:00.002+01:00

Our programme is now almost complete.
You can see what is on on the 26th September and other talks by clicking HERE.
Just drop by at Monday 26th at 10am at the Harnham Memorial Hall.
It will cost you just £1 entry.

Wings Over Stonehenge 17 Sept 2011

2011-09-01T14:44:00.000+01:00

Both these events are organised by the National Trust.

From 11am to 1pm there will be walk to commemorate the death of Lt Reginald Cammell. He suffered the first fatal military aeroplane accident. A look at aviation from 1910 to 1914.

In the evening from 4.30pm to 7.30pm there will be a photography walk around the Stonehenge landscape.

Booking essential. Phone 01980 664780

Two New Courses

2011-08-08T16:40:00.003+01:00

I am starting two new groups next month. Anyone can join me from any U3A if they wish.

Digital Imaging from the Start will start on Friday 2nd September 2011 at 10am.
Design Your Own Web Site for FREE starts Friday 23rd September 2011 at 10am.

The venue is 12 Chiselbury Grove and each course will last as long as needed.
Just ring up on 01722 501 218 to secure a place or email me on peterjread@ntlworld.com

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

2011-07-22T13:09:00.003+01:00

The City Council is delighted to bring to Salisbury the nationally and internationally acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition, which showcases the very best in Wildlife Photography from across the globe. It is an international leader in the artistic representation of the natural world and a competition that photographers worldwide aspire to.

The exhibition, which is organised by The Natural History Museum in London, will run from 20 July – 17 August in the stunning setting of the Banqueting Hall within Salisbury Guildhall.

Exhibition highlights include, the much coveted title of Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year awarded to Hungarian photographer Bence Máté for his image A marvel of ants, a simple shot that captures the complexity of the behaviour of leaf-cutter ants in the Costa Rican rainforest. Máté is clearly a master of his craft with an artist’s eye. Fergus Gill from Scotland was crowned Veolia Environnement Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year for the second year in a row. His image of a fieldfare, The frozen moment, was judged to be the most memorable of all the pictures by photographers aged 17 or under.

Claire Burden, said, “This is an amazing exhibition and a real coup for Salisbury, to coincide with the exhibition we are planning a series of events to complement the theme. Check out our website for details of photography workshops in conjunction with Trinity Photography and other organisations. The exhibition will certainly appeal to keen photographers and wildlife lovers alike.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.salisburyguildhall.co.uk
Exhibition information for visitors:
Venue: Salisbury Guildhall
Dates: 20 July – 17 August 2011
Opening times: 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday / 10am – 4pm Sundays
Visitor enquiries: 01722 342862
Admission: Adult £3.50 / Concessions £2.50

SciTech Visit. - Butterfly walk 25th July

2011-07-22T12:36:00.000+01:00

Just to remind members that this is happening on the 25th next Monday.

Time: 10.30am start
Place: By the Stag Inn, Charlton All Saints on the Downton road.
It has been suggested that public transport is used since the pub car park is not large and the publican may be upset.
The X3 runs twice an hour. From the bus station that is 10 past and 40 mins past the hour.
Returning from the Stag at 07 and 37 mins past the hour.
Leader: Arthur Bryant of Butterfly Conservation.
Distance: Up to 3 miles.
All weather dependent.

U3A Partnership Projects – July 2011

2011-07-13T13:07:00.000+01:00

U3A Partnership Projects – July 2011
(1) Archaeology of Wessex Gallery
Salisbury Museum is planning to redevelop our Early Man and Pitt Rivers galleries – which have been little changed since they were installed in the early 1980s. We have initial funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and are planning to submit a major application to the HLF later in 2011. If we are successful the new gallery will open in 2013. This will tell the story of the Salisbury area, including the Stonehenge World Heritage site, from prehistory to the arrival of the Normans in 1066. The gallery will have the following objectives:

We are a local museum telling an international story – visitors will understand how key events in British and world history are linked with the story of the Salisbury area;

People are central to the story – visitors will be invited into the lives of both ordinary and extraordinary people from Salisbury’s past;

The process of discovery – the gallery will offer not just a story about the past, but also how we understand the past. Visitors will be able to examine archaeological and historical evidence and will be encouraged to come to their own conclusions;

The story of Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury will be placed into the chronological story of the south Wiltshire area.

We would like to develop a ‘shared learning project’ with members from Salisbury’s U3A to work with the curator to select and research artefacts that will go into ‘artefact drawers’ within the gallery. These will be ‘open storage’ displays within the exhibits where we will be able to display many objects that would otherwise be hidden away. There will drawers for most historic periods throughout gallery, from the Palaeolithic through to the early medieval period.
The culmination of this project will be the displays themselves and a series of public lunchtime ‘tea and talk’s’ led by the U3A based on their research.

(2) Gallery Stewards

The new Archaeology of Wessex gallery will also need to be staffed by volunteer guides and stewards. We are also hoping to train volunteers to deliver object handling sessions based on our archaeological collections and take visitors on ‘behind the scenes’ tours.
We would like to start recruiting volunteers to undertake these activities now – as they are already part of what the museum offers to the public. Potential stewards or guides would need to under take research, have training in customer care and have an induction to the museum.

(3) Collection Documentation

Salisbury Museum has a team of volunteers who undertake the cataloguing of the collections. We are always looking for new volunteers to add to this team – particularly people who are computer literate and might have a particular interest/passion in an area of our collections. At the moment we are seeking enthusiastic and committed people to work on our costume and geology collections. The main task will be record descriptions of objects and their physical location in the museum on our Modes database.

ADRIAN GREEN 3 JULY 2011

SciTech Visit. - Butterfly walk 25th July

2011-07-10T10:29:00.001+01:00

Don't forget anyone is welcome to come on our short walk on Monday 25th July starting at 10.00am from the Stag Inn, Charlton All Saints.
I hope to see you there.
Meanwhile from the the 16th to the 31st of July is the big butterfly count.
The big butterfly count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and an impressive 10,000 people took part, counting 210,000 butterflies and day-flying moths across the nation. We hope that many more people will join this year's big butterfly count (16th-31st July 2011).
To take part simply note down the butterflies you see during a 15 minute period and email the result.
See http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/about for more details.

St Francis Hall FIRE

2011-06-13T17:30:00.000+01:00

Dear Members

There has been a serious fire at St Francis Hall on Friday putting it out of action for a year. The roof has collapsed at the rear of the building and there is smoke and water damage throughout the hall, although from the car park you cannot see evidence of damage. 

I'm pleased to report there were no casualties.

The vicar has said we can definitely use the church for our Coffee Morning this coming Wednesday. We may also be able to use the church over the coming months but that decision will come out of a meeting of the church management this weekend.

Keith Blake and I have visited the hall where the fire service allowed us to recover our sound equipment and noticeboard; although they may be smoke damaged.

Tony Munday has kindly volunteered to resurrect his sign directing people to the church for the Coffee Morning.

I will keep you aware of developments.

Regards
Gordon Pardy

SciTech Visit. - Butterfly walk

2011-06-12T23:07:00.000+01:00

Please note that we had the wrong date listed on the web site for this walk. It is on Monday 25th July and not the 29th.
Also note that the time to start has shifted to 10.30am from 10.00am at the request of the leader of the walk Arthur Bryant.
Meet at the Stag Inn, Charlton All Saints. Get there by bus if you can please.

Re Bletchley Park Visit by Sarum U3A 6th June

2011-06-10T12:09:00.000+01:00

A super day was had by all who went. This is a Montage made from photos taken by Peter Read [Spire] and assembled as demonstration at the Digital Imaging class for beginners.

CLA Licence

2011-06-03T12:58:00.000+01:00

Group Leaders may not realise that the U3A has this agreement. But the Copyright laws still apply. So care must still be taken if you wish to copy any image even for educational reasons. Always ask the image owners for permission to copy their work.

History Centre Visit by Sarum U3A

2011-05-10T17:20:00.000+01:00

A photo report of this splendid visit on the 9th May can be seen HERE.

We thank Christine Perry for her hard work in organizing the day.

Recorder Course in France

2011-04-11T17:46:00.002+01:00

Sunday 28th August until Sunday 5th August

At Villdaubon, Normandy

For players of elementary +/intermediate standard

Cost for full board and tuition £430

Travel possibilities: drive or car-share on the ferry from Poole, Portsmouth or Dover

Contact: Lorraine Curtis, 39 Monks Road, Winchester SO237EQ

Email: lorraine.curtis@tiscali.co.uk

Phone 01962 863361

‘CONSTABLE and SALISBURY’ EXHIBITION

2011-04-05T14:11:00.001+01:00

‘CONSTABLE and SALISBURY’ EXHIBITION

Joint Event between our three U3As

Thursday 30 June 2011

Following the success of the joint ‘crafty lunch’ last year, Salisbury & District U3As have arranged to visit Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum (opposite the Cathedral) to see this exhibition of 44 well-known pictures by John Constable. They are of Salisbury, The Close and Weymouth, and are in pen and ink, pencil and oil, and have been assembled from different sources including The Tate.

The itinerary for the day includes a private viewing for members who can choose (subject to numbers being allocated) whether they join the 10.30, the 11.30, or 2.00pm View.

Ayesha Nickol
01722 334547
ayesha.nickol@dsl.pipex.com

Monitor Aoc 24 Inch widescreen 2436Swa

2011-04-04T12:45:00.002+01:00

Still under guarantee until mid September 2011
It is now surplus to our needs.
It is in as NEW condition and is a lovely monitor.
Ideal if you want a full HD screen [1920 x 1080 pixels]
It is in its original box together with all the necessary leads and wires.
It has its stand too.
Also the CD with User Guide, Driver and i-Menu software.
£100 ono.
Contact Peter Read on 01722 501 218 or email peterjread@ntlworld.com

The Institute of Physics local lecture programme

2011-03-22T15:58:00.003Z

This can be seen HERE

SARUM U3A - The 2011 CROQUET

2011-03-11T14:57:00.000Z

The 2011 CROQUET season will take place on Wednesdays from April 6^th to September 28^th inclusive. Please assemble at the croquet ‘lawn’ on the South Wilts Sports ground near Skew Bridge in Wilton Road from 1.30 pm. The cost, payable in cash, is £10 to join for the season and £1 each time you play. We play golf croquet, not association croquet. Coffee, tea and snacks may be purchased from the bar at the Golf Centre and we can use the facilities there.

If you would like to attend as a visitor (once per season), from Sarum, Salisbury or Spire U3As, and see if you want to join, please come and pay £1 on the day.

Any enquiries please to:-

Margaret White

01722 320806 or marannwhite@hotmail.com

Tutorials for computer users - FREE

2011-03-03T15:24:00.000Z

Genuinely free excellent lessons, including excellent video tutorials. Subjects so far include computer programs (eg Facebook, Computer Basics, Powerpoint, Office, Excel etc) Reading and Maths – more to come. (thank you Jim Hales, Australia). http://goo.gl/qKdEz

U3A Sci-Tech Seminar at Abergavenny

2011-02-23T12:31:00.001Z

There is still just time to book into this 3 day Seminar. I have just booked in and am willing to share transport. Peter Read
See their web site HERE for more details.
The Provisional Programme is below

U3A Science, Technology and Society Network Seminar, Abergavenny,15^th-18^th August 2011

PROVISIONAL!

Programme 22 February 2011

Day/Date	Time	Event
MONDAY 15^th Aug	8am	Breakfast for those arriving on Sunday – free morning
	1-2pm	Register for the Seminar
	2pm	Gather in Seminar Room for refreshments
	2.15pm	Seminar opens. Introductions, administration, programme and safety advice
	2.45-3.45pm	*Norman Tapster* *“Travel and Geology* *of Iceland”*
	3.45pm	Refreshments
	4-5pm	*Gerry Machin* *“Look to the Stars”*
	6pm	Dinner
	7.15pm	Social Evening at the Centre

TUESDAY 16^th Aug	8am	Breakfast
	9.15-10.15am	*Geoff Prichard* *“Plastics* *from Charles I to* *Charles III”*
	10.15am	Refreshments
	10.30-11.30	*Chris Woolston* *“Isaac Newton”*
	12 noon	Visit to St Fagin’s Natural History Museum near Cardiff
	4-5pm approx	Return from visit
	6pm	Dinner
	7.15-8.15pm	*David Walter* *“Fractal Art”*

WEDNESDAY 17^th Aug	8am	Breakfast
	9.15-10.15am	*Pete Leigh* *“Semiconductors”*
	10.15am	Refreshments
	10.30-11.30am	*John Marriage* *“The Science* *of Photography”*
	12 noon	Visit to Bristol Science Museum
	4-5pm approx	Return from visit
	6pm	Dinner
	7.15-8.15pm	*Come Fly With Me* Presented by John Livingston
	8.30pm	Continue the aerodynamics over drinks

THURSDAY 18^th Aug	8am	Breakfast
	9.15-10.15am	*?????*
	10.15am	Refreshments
	10.30-11.30am	*Derek Bissell* *“Music and Maths”*
	11.30am	Final comments and farewells
	12 noon	Buffet lunch and depart

VISITS – coach and admission are included in the seminar cost.

Lunches (except Thursday) are not included.

Battle of Roundway Down 1643

2011-02-17T11:26:00.001Z

Alan Carter is organizing a major conference with the Battlefields Trust in Devizes on April 30th 2011.
There are 4 nationally important historians and an archaeologist talking. It is the Devizes Town Hall.

Basic information is attached and
a link to the conference web page is at
http://www.devizesheritage.org.uk/confernece_30_04_2011.html

This information was sent to me today from Alan Carter. Alan came to the Science and Technology group meeting last September.

So for all those frustrated archaeologists here is an opportunity for an exciting weekend on the Sunday 1st May there is a Battlefield Tour.

U3A Science, Technology and Society Network Annual Residential Seminar

2011-01-27T15:48:00.001Z

Monday 15th - Thursday 18th August 2011
Ty'r Morwydd (Mulberry House) Environmental Study Centre, Abergavenny
Open to all U3A members

The seminar format is a mixture of talks, visits and socialising. Talks are at a general interest level so no specialist scientific knowledge is needed - just a general interest in the world around you. The programme starts at 2.00pm on Monday 15th and finishes after a buffet lunch on Thursday 18th August. Tuesday will include visits to the Rhondda Heritage Park and St. Fagins and Wednesday's visit will be to the new science museum at Bristol.

The full programme will be available in May or June

Cost

The half board cost is £200 per person in either single or double rooms including all visits. There will be a limited number of places for day visitors at £100 including all meals and visits

Accommodation

Ty'r Morwydd Environmental Centre (http://www.mulberrycentre.com) is a good quality hostel rather than a hotel and has 30 single and 22 twin bedrooms on two floors. There is no lift. All rooms have washbasins but they are not en-suite. There is a well-equipped shower and toilet room near the bedrooms on each of the first floor (female) and second floors (male) and an additional unisex toilet on each floor. There are also toilets on the ground floor.

The dining and seminar rooms are on the ground floor. Please note that most of the single rooms are on the second floor (male shower room). Those who have particular problems with stairs should state this and ask for a first-floor room but it cannot be guaranteed.

There are a limited number of day places. To arrange alternative accommodation contact Abergavenny Tourist Information on 01873 853254 (Web site www.visitabergavenny.co.uk)
Meals

The meals are very good and mostly 'help yourself to as much as you want'. Our first meal will be an evening meal on Monday 15th. Thereafter the price includes cooked breakfast, evening meal, coffee/tea for the breaks when we are working at the Centre. There will also be a buffet lunch before we depart on Thursday.

Please advise us if you have special dietary requirements.

Sunday 14th August
We have arranged for rooms to be available on Sunday night 14th August at an additional cost of £25 including an excellent breakfast.

Bookings now being taken
Numbers are limited so book early to secure your place. Send a deposit of £100 (resident) or £50 (day) to secure your place. Balance due by 15th June

Queries
Organised by members of the U3A Science, Technology and Society Network:

Jo Livingston (speakers - 01322 440 539),
Elsie Denham (bookings & general admin - 0191 521 2760) and
Reg Thirkettle (visits).

General questions about the seminar can be addressed to either Jo or Elsie. Please address all enquiries to the organisers: The Third Age Trust, the Ty'r Morwydd Centre, and the Abergavenny U3A are all supportive of the Seminar but unable to answer queries.
Full joining details will be sent out in June/July.
Correspondence will be by email but if you want postal acknowledgments, please send an sae.
Web site: https://sites.google.com/site/u3ascienceseminar/
Email: u3ascienceseminar@gmail.com.

Tea Dances

2011-01-19T17:48:00.000Z

Tea Dances
Are held in the Harnham Memorial Hall the 2nd Friday in the month 2.30 - 4.30 pm.
Contact Eileen Forder on 01722 333405

Wiltshire Community Health Services

2011-01-14T19:53:00.001Z

Wiltshire Community Health Services. Here is a document outling how these services are to be transformed. Click HERE to read all about it.

Light Reflections

2011-01-14T19:29:00.000Z

Spire U3A had a talk about Butterflies recently. As a follow up Brian Dicker sent us this information that may shed light on butterflies wings.
Professor Alan Miller will talk about Optoelectonics and how it has become a well established and pervasive technology, combining the basic physics of electrons and photons. These particles have some remarkable properties that can be combined in a plethora of ways to create photonic devices.

How is it possible to create pulses of laser light on the timescale of a few femto seconds and how can these pulses be used to monitor the physics of electrons in semiconductor layers on the dimension of a few nanometers?

This talk will address the physics of the ultrasmall and the ultrafast in the context of nanostructured semiconductors and ultrashort pulse lasers. Research combining these areas of technology will be illustrated by personal observations from a career that has included research in universities on both sides of the Atlantic, as a government scientist, and as a senior manager with responsibility for research and knowledge transfer in two UK research intensive universities.

Coffee available from 19:00, talk starts at 19:30.

Attendance is free but please reserve tickets by emailing salisburyiop@physics.org.

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:30

St John’s suite, Mercure White Hart Hotel, 1 St John Street, Salisbury, SP1 2SD

Butterflies

2011-01-10T17:01:00.000Z

Following the fascinating Butterfly talk on 11th January by Brian Dicker you may like to explore some of the links on the BBC site. If so click HERE

The Sci-Tech Group have arranged to go on a Butterfly walk on 29th July starting from the Stag Inn, Charlton All Saints at 10.00am. 3 miles on the downland. Led by Arthur Bryant.
For more detail see the programme HERE or for those on dial up or if you wish to print the programme HERE

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Calendar 2012 Competition

2011-01-10T15:07:00.000Z

To celebrate The Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts 50^th anniversary we are offering everyone the opportunity to put forward a photo for our 2012 anniversary calendar. The theme is ‘Wild Wiltshire’ and we want your best wildlife and landscape photos to show off our county and its wonderful wildlife throughout the year. The calendar will be sold across the county and online and should be available from the end of May 2011. We invite you to send your photographs to photos@Wiltshirewildlife.org or to Anniversary Calendar 2012 at the Trust. Please include your name, contact number or email, and the location of where the image was taken. Remember all photos must have been taken in Wiltshire and we are unable to return hard copies. Make use of the dark evenings to go through your photo collections or get out there and click your way into our anniversary celebration. Closing date for entries is 11^th February and we will notify winners by the end of February. We look forward to seeing your entries.

Regards

Keely Everson

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has 18,500 members and manages 37 nature reserves in Wiltshire.
The Trust also endeavours to lead by example in the protection of the environment. Visit our
website at www.wiltshirewildlife.org

Friends of the Harnham Water Meadows Trust: Open events during winter and spring, 2011

2010-11-02T12:31:00.000Z

The Friends of Harnham Water Meadows Trust is pleased to announce its programme of open events between January and May 2011. Children are always welcome, but for safety they should be supervised. No dogs please as the meadows are farmland.
Public demonstrations of ‘drowning’. Water meadows are traditionally irrigated (‘drowned’) during the winter and early spring, this brings forward the ‘early bite’ of grass for livestock. The Harnham Water Meadows Trust is proud of its restoration programme that has been funded by the Friends, the former Salisbury District Council and the Environment Agency and assisted by many volunteers. We are now able to drown key areas, all accessible from Town Path.
The demonstrations are planned for:
Saturday 8th January
Saturday 29th January
Saturday 5th February and
Saturday 12th February
On each occasion, meet 10.00am at Rose Cottage, the programme takes about 1hr 30 min. Admission is free, there will be an invitation to make a donation to the Trust at the end, and light refreshments in the cottage from 11.30am. Natural circumstances may cause cancellation at short notice. Teachers are especially welcome, but there will be other opportunities to demonstrate drowning to school parties.
Demonstrations Saturday 26^th February through to Saturday 12^th March. Demonstrations may be arranged by appointment for schools and community groups. We invite a donation to the Trust, based on a minimum of £1 per pupil.
Spring Open Day Saturday 26th March. Come to Rose Cottage between 10.30am and 4.00pm. For the Friends this is the herald of spring. Admission is free, a sale of publications and light refreshments are available. Guided walks at 11.00am and 2.30pm (£2.50 for adults; under 16s free).
Family Environment Event Saturday 7^th May. Rose Cottage is open between 2.00pm and 5.00pm (admission £1, under 16s free). There is a guided walk at 2.30pm (£2.50 for adults; under 16s free). We invite a range of local environmental organisations, there are events for children.
Summer open days and walks on the meadows. These were successful during 2010 and a programme will be announced later.

Hadrian Cook, November 2010

For Sale

2010-10-22T17:48:00.000+01:00

One ‘EPSON perfection 1650’ scanner complete with leads.

Computer mouse, one new and another new one still in unopened pack.

A variety of computer leads.

Collection of above in return for a donation to ‘SALISBURY TRUST FOR THE HOMELESS’.

For further details please contact Phyllis Babb,

phyllis.babb@ntlworld.com

01722 504017

Sci-Tech Meeting on Monday 25th October changed

2010-10-22T17:23:00.000+01:00

Our speaker is unable to be with us on Monday because of a bereavement in his family. So at the last moment we have managed to get another speaker.
So at great expense we shall present Colin Macklin who will give us a talk on the fundamentals of Meteorology or how the weather works.
Ted Mustard's talk is postponed until later in the season. Date not fixed as yet.
See the web page HERE

SciTech Programme now on line

2010-10-04T17:38:00.000+01:00

The programme for this season is now available HERE
You will notice that there are several gaps. These will be filled as soon as we can get speakers to agree to come.
There are now four of us working on the programme. They are Aslaug Abbott, Janet Pangelly and John Wheeler plus me Peter Read. I am very grateful that they volunteered to assist me.

Spire U3A Recorder Group - for Fun and Improvement!

2010-10-01T17:43:00.000+01:00

Between now and the Group Displays/Christmas Party on 13th December at the Memorial Hall, we will be busy trying out some carols. So our Recorder Group display will feature real live music! Meeting dates are as previously advertised except for the November meeting, which has been moved from 24th to 17th. These are all Wednesdays at 2pm and are :- October 20th, November 17th and December 1st.

Starting in January 2011 we will meet on the third Wednesday of each month, same time, same place.

We still have room for a few more players - alto, tenor and bass recorder players would be especially welcome!

Devizes History Web Site

2010-09-28T11:58:00.000+01:00

Photo by Alan Carter [copyright]

If you have any interest in Devizes then the Devizes Heritage web site is the very best place to start.
http://www.devizesheritage.org.uk/

It has been written by a Devizes U3A member Alan Carter who kindly gave us a super talk about the Chemicals Around Us for the Sci-Tech Group.

Of particular interest is the page about the Castle that is sadly very private. But the whole of Devizes town is shaped by the castle as it was.

Short Video on Cholesterol

2010-09-27T14:10:00.002+01:00

Following on from the Sci-Tech talk on Chemicals Around Us here is a clip from the http://healthjournalclub.blogspot.com/search/label/Cholesterol
There are 6 articles on Statins that are worth pursuing. These are accessed by clicking on the Cholesterol link on the left side column.

Click on this link
Short Video on Cholesterol

Sci-Tech Meetings

2010-09-24T17:28:00.001+01:00

The first meeting is next Monday the 27th September.
The topic is
"The Chemicals Around Us"
by
Alan Carter

So come along at 10am to the Harnham Memorial Hall.
You do not have to book in. Just turn.
There is a small fee of £1 to cover running costs.
Peter Read

Crafty Lunch

2010-09-20T14:48:00.000+01:00

Great fun and feasting was to be last week in Alderbury Village Hall when members from all three Salisbury U3A's partook of a Crafty Lunch. Gordon Pardy took the trouble to photograph the event and the results of his labours can be seen HERE

Spire Newsletter Sept 2010

2010-09-11T20:11:00.000+01:00

This is now on line. Click the Link

Eling Mill

2010-09-11T12:40:00.000+01:00

You may like to re-visit the gallery and report on the Village Visits Group visit to Eling Mill. I have added an experimental video of short duration. It is fun if nothing else.
See HERE
I hope John Hawkins will see this.

Ginger Piggery

2010-09-10T18:08:00.002+01:00

There is now a photo report on this Sarum Outing on a very wet evening.
To find this follow this link

Wings over Stonehenge - 1910

2010-09-05T16:12:00.001+01:00

Wings over Stonehenge - 1910 "Autumn Manoeuvres" Centenary Walks

Description:

Walk in the slipstream of pioneer aviators Captain Bertram Dickson, the actor Robbie Loraine and Lieutenant Lancelot Gibbs. See where their Bristol Boxkites and Bleriot were based when they flew the first "aerial scouting" sorties for the Army's Autumn Manoeuvres on Salisbury Plain in 1910. The results from these sorties galvanised the Army into ordering its first aeroplanes and led to the foundation of the Royal Flying Corps and hence the Royal Air Force. These walks will cover how aviation developed on Larkhill from 1908 to 1914 and how military aviation "took-off" around Stonehenge from 1914 to 1918. These walks are brought to life with contemporary photographs and maps, and include viewing the early hangars and crash sites.

Meet: by Woodhenge at 11:00 on Saturday 25 September and Sunday 26 September 2010.

Duration: About 3 hours.

Cost: £3 for NT members and £5 for non-members.

Bring: Refreshments/picnic; Walking Shoes or Boots, and Rainware if the forecast is inclement."

Places on these walks must be pre-booked either with me at my e-mail address (or 01722 782380) or at stonehenge@nationaltrust.org.uk

Regards, Ted Mustard

NOTE

Ted will be one of our speakers for the Sci-Tech Group on 25th October 2010. His talk concerns Aviation History.

Joint Groups

2010-08-27T15:07:00.000+01:00

The Joint Groups page has been modified to show other activities that have been only accessible in a rather obscure way. Now timetables can be seen by Digital Imagers and Web Site Makers. Check HERE

Science & Technology Group Help

2010-08-26T19:30:00.000+01:00

This group will cease to exist in the coming season unless someone volunteers to assist me. I need help with ideas for subjects and lecturers. I need help in contacting such lecturers. The first talk should be on the 27th September so there is not a lot of time.
If you wish for this group to continue then contact me immediately.
Tel: 01722 501 218
E mail: peterjread@ntlworld.com
Thank you.
Peter Read

Sarum August Meeting Report

2010-08-23T12:03:00.000+01:00

This has now been posted on our web site HERE
All about North Americans Indians and their way of life.

Spire Recorder Playing Group

2010-08-14T21:01:00.000+01:00

The next meetings are as follows:-
August 25th., September 29th., October 20th., November 24th. and December 1st.
These dates are all Wednesdays, 2 for 2.30.
The last two are close together to allow extra practice for carols which we may perform (informally) at the Christmas Party/Group Displays on December 13th.
All this information is also on the website on the Groups page for Spire U3A and click on the Timetable.
See it here http://www.salisburyu3a.org.uk/SPIRE/spirerecorder.html

Spire U3A Tea Dance Group

2010-08-13T13:47:00.000+01:00

This group will start on Friday 10th Sept 2010 from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.
They will be held in the Harnham Memorial Hall.
They will be held every 2nd Friday in the month.
This is FREE.

My Last Song

2010-07-16T17:11:00.001+01:00

Dear Peter,

I am writing to groups of the University of the Third Age to bring to your members’ attention the newly launched website, My Last Song.

Its purpose is encourage people to address the issues they and their loved ones will face in the latter years of their lives in a positive and supportive way.

It also provides an online Vault in which people can store the information that will be required by their close family and executors. They can also store their individual details, life stories, photographs, scrapbook pages, achievements and activities so that future generations have an accurate insight of their unique lives and times.

I would be grateful if you could forward this email or bring it to your members’ attention in an appropriate manner.

Best wishes,

Paul Hensby
Executive Director

www.mylastsong.com
phensby@mylastsong.com

020 8670 5060
077 8534 2667

Making Your Own Website

2010-06-20T20:43:00.003+01:00

Everyone who has an email address can also roam the Internet. But are you aware that you are also paying for web space? This can be used to good effect by designing your own web page or site to show the world your ideas.
So why not use this 'free' resource?
Or perhaps you do already and would like to go further.
To this end I hope to run a class called 'Making Your Own Website'
I hope to show you how easy this is. All you need to do to make a web site is plain English.
Also we could explore other avenues to get things on the Internet such as Blogger and Flickr.
Let me know if you are interested.
I would run this on a Friday morning for 2 hours. Start on 24th September 2010.
Contact me Peter Read on 01722 501218
or by

BURSLEDON BRICKWORKS visit Thursday 1st July 2010

2010-06-08T15:05:00.000+01:00

Sci-Tech Visit to the Brickworks is all set to go on the 1st of July. Please note this is a Thursday not a Monday.
We should meet at 10am when we shall get some refreshments after paying the extra entry cost. This should be £3 for most of you [some have already confused me by paying the £5].
Then an introduction before a guided tour and brickmaking demo – probably need to split the group into 2 or 3.
Bring sandwiches for lunch. There are picnic tables. There is also a cafe on site. Additionally there is a pub not far away. By this there is the River Hamble. Here there is a lovely walk you may like to take after lunch if you wish.
The nearby Windmill is sadly not open on a Thursday.

Those of you who have not given me your £2 deposit yet I shall be grateful to receive it soon.
It will be a great day out.
Peter

Changes to Newsletter and Membership Cards

2010-05-23T19:01:00.002+01:00

S P I R E U 3 A
N O T I C E S

Please note:

Your Vice Chairman, Andy Poole’s phone number is 07767 623 957

The following amendments need to be made to the groups offered:-

Mondays Science & Technology is lead by Peter Read 01722 501 218; Christopher Penfold 01722 325 220; Laurie Irons 01722 325 307

Tuesdays There is no longer the archaeology group

Wednesdays Please add

History of Music to be led by Stella Tobi at 17 Churchfield Road from 2.30 – 4.30pm starting in September held monthly on the fourth Wednesday until May 2011

Thursdays Mobile Phones led by Aslaug Abbott tel:- 01722 7126 995 is going to be held in members homes.

Exploring the Countryside led by Colin Seago tel:- 01722 510 630 is held monthly, the group is full, but it is worth phoning, as there may be the odd space.

Recording Playing for fun and Improvement meets monthly at 20 St Clair Rd.
Led by Stuart Robson tel:-01722 334 310,

Fridays Water Colour Painting held on Fridays in led by Sally Jermy 01722 333 613

Next Science and Technology talk is on the 26th April at Harnham Memorial Hall 10am

2010-04-06T17:00:00.000+01:00

Anthrax
"Plagues in past millenia; biowarfare in the past century; letters, drums and heroin in the present century; redevelopment sites and heavy metal bands; mice, cows, elephants and (of course) humans.

Dr Peter Turnbull

ANTHRAX – a kaleidoscopic zoonosis

On Being a Subject Network Co-ordinator

2010-03-28T15:10:00.000+01:00

I have been a Subject Network Co-ordinator for about 8 years now and have found the experience very pleasant. The job of the SNC is to help other members of U3As anywhere in the country either to set up a local group or give ideas and help for existing groups.

For U3As wishing to set up a group the first contact is usually head office. Here they hold Start Up leaflets on most topics. These they will send for free.

The second thing to do is to contact the relevant SNC directly and to this end the contact details are printed in every issue of the U3A News. They will have other helpful material such as Newsletters with content gleaned from other people in the Subject Network. In my case I have not written Newsletters since my subject of Photography does not easily lend itself to this except for stories and perhaps images from network members. Instead I have attached a web site of my own to the main U3A site. This contains everything you need to run a group. There is content from members of my network here with links to their sites or pages directly on my site.

Some SNCs organise Study Days where members gather to discuss ideas and learn new methods for teaching their own U3A group. Look out for these in the U3A News.

There are other SNCs who organise conferences or seminars that can last several days. Such a one is the Science and Technology network who for the past 8 years have had an annual gathering in Abergavenny. Talks on a wide range of topics are given by members of the U3A. Also included in the 4 day conference are trips to sites of interest. Having been to this conference a few times I have now also been to see the SS Great Britain, the Big Pit, Cardiff Art Gallery, the Mappa Mundi in Hereford cathedral, St Fagans Museum of Welsh Rural Life and the underside of the new Severn Bridge.

Thus each SNC runs their Network as they wish. The minimum requirement is to produce a Start Up leaflet. I have written a Start Up Leaflet for Photography but as I said earlier I amplified this idea with my web site. This system has the advantage that I can rapidly add or modify the site. Because Sheila and I run local Digital Imaging classes we are always producing new techniques for our students and these ideas are added.

So the message is that if you need a group locally and it does not exist or is full you can start one yourself. If you have no idea how to go about setting one up then contact head office and the relevant SNC.

Help is also available from the U3A Resources Centre and from Sources magazine.

Remember that expertise in your subject is not needed in most topics. No qualifications are required - just your enthusiasm. Members will be very grateful.

Peter Read

Spire Family History Course

2010-03-18T21:14:00.000Z

Another 8 week course for Family History for Beginners will start on Monday 6th Sept 2010 at 2:00-4:00pm
and subsequently every two weeks until Christmas.

Also this year we will run a follow-up session once a month for those who would like some help &/or support. This group will meet every second Monday 2:00-4:00pm.

For details ring Mike Kirby 01722 330123
or Les Hankinson 01722 321283
or see me at the monthly meetings

Sci-Tech page now with added changing articles

2010-03-05T17:07:00.001Z

If you check on the Sci-Tech Programme you will find on the right of each event a box that has a upward rolling set of apt stories.
See HERE

BBC2 Documentary Series

2010-02-22T15:28:00.004Z

BBC television is making a documentary series about attitudes to money and would like to speak to people about the role money plays in their lives. For an informal chat please contact Tara Nolan on 020 7557 2364 or email her at tara.nolan@bbc.co.uk

ITV General Knowledge Quiz Series – The Chase

2010-02-22T15:27:00.000Z

If general knowledge is your forte and you would like to be considered for the show, please email thechase@itv.com.

Bookbite Project

2010-02-22T15:24:00.002Z

This is a new project led by the reading charity Booktrust which aims to inspire older people to discover or re-discover reading and creative writing. There will be a magazine containing information on books, stories, book clubs etc and a website with other useful resources www.bookbite.org.uk

WHAT THIRD AGE LEARNERS WILL BE ASKING THE POLITICIANS

2010-02-19T17:26:00.002Z

Britain’s 743 U3As, and their 229,871 members are to be asked to quiz political candidates on their views about adult education, third age education and informal adult learning.

“The U3A is resolutely non-political, but it does want to see legislators who understand the benefits of adult education, and are willing to work for a better life for those in their third age” says U3A national chairman Ian Searle.

“We will never advise our members how to vote. But the answers to these questions may inform their voting behaviour.”

Mr Searle will circulate the questions to all 743 U3As in the UK, suggesting that they should be put to candidates for the local authority elections in May and those who will be standing for Parliament in next year’s general election.

He will tell them that candidates should be asked:

Do you intend to continue with the policies outlined in The Learning Revolution, especially those requiring close co-operation between local authorities and voluntary organisations?

Will inter-departmental consultation be continued so that health, pensions and education continue to work together for the benefit of older citizens?

Do you recognise the financial benefits and savings as well as the health benefits that accrue from encouraging informal adult learning ?

Do you appreciate that the allocation of funds is heavily weighted towards the young, as pointed out in Learning Through Life, and that this is not only unfair, but socially divisive?

Internet Video Capture for FREE

2010-02-01T13:15:00.000Z

All Subject Groups: Have you spotted a video(s) on YOUTUBE that you could use for a talk, and need to record it? Applian Technologies 'Replay Media Capture' is completely free and will cleverly convert a YOUTUBE clip to a file you can keep on your laptop or memory-stick. See http://www.applian.com/replay-media-catcher/demo.php

French Study Groups/Art History Groups:

2010-02-01T13:13:00.000Z

French Study Groups/Art History Groups:

Le CED à http://www.canal-educatif.fr/ est un projet collaboratif visant à constituer le premier patrimoine gratuit de vidéos éducatives pour les jeunes et leurs parents à domicile. Enseignants, étudiant ou expert vous pouvez y participer et jouer les passeurs de culture.

Ferndown U3A Holidays

2010-01-29T12:50:00.011Z

Ferndown U3A is organising a holiday to Northern Ireland in September and South Africa in October/November.
Full details from Gina Pointing- 01202 880362 email

Two Science Events organised by the U3A

2010-01-29T12:49:00.000Z

A flyer advertising the 2010 Dana Event which will take place on 24th March 2010 at the Royal Society in London. Until last week it looked as though problems with the DANA organisation in America were such that it would not be possible to hold an event for U3A members at all this year. However, thanks to an enormous effort by Sylvie Hammerson of EDAB, it will be taking place and as you will see from the flyer, it looks excellent. I should be grateful if you would let your members know as soon as possible, as we have already had a lot of enquiries about it. Details will also be available in the mailings section of our website.
2. Full programme details for ‘U3A Explores Science at the Ri’ which is on 30th March. Tickets are going quickly so please encourage your members to book.

USING YOUR CAMERA

2010-01-29T12:43:00.002Z

USING YOUR CAMERA
We plan to run another class beginning on 26th March 2010. and every 4 weeks through the summer. This will be a longer time then last year and so it will give you more time to get really aquainted with your camera and how to get the best from it.

Here we will try to show you how to control your camera for the optimum results. We ask that you bring your camera with fully charged batteries and the Instruction Book.

You can see the further dates by looking at out timetable on this link.

Salisbury Freecycle

2010-01-13T11:12:00.000Z

I have put a link to the Salisbury Freecycle group on the front page. This is a friendly and easy way of giving unwanted items to folk who need them. This is better than dumping things in the dustbin or the landfill. It costs nothing.

South East Forum Summer School

2009-11-30T17:36:00.002Z

Click on the link below to see some details of this summer school.
There will be Painting, Modern Novels, Vienna, Drama, Psychology and visits to three local places involving walking up to 5 miles. And many other interesting topics.
South East Forum Summer School – Tuesday 6th to 9th July in Chichester.

Great Opportunity for all U3As with a Family History Study Group

2009-11-30T17:29:00.000Z

We are taking a stand at ‘Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2010’ event which is taking place at Olympia between 26-28th February. It is the country’s biggest and most comprehensive family history event and it would be great to have input from U3A family history groups. So, if there have been interesting discoveries made in your family history groups it would be marvellous to receive a short report from you, ideally as an email attachment and if there happens to be a relevant photograph, that would be great. We will then try to incorporate as many of these as possible into our exhibition.
We also need volunteers for the stand and would appreciate hearing from anybody who could offer some time.

SARUM Group Course Information

2009-11-26T16:21:00.001Z

Linda has now updated this page. So if you wish to know what groups or courses are available click on Groups from the main Sarum page. Or more easily click HERE

U3A Survey

2009-10-03T14:13:00.000+01:00

A survey of U3A Members was carried out in 2009. There is a great deal of fascinating information that was gathered. These include the distribution of gender viz. 74% female to 26% male - much as one would expect until you see the number who live alone i.e 40%.
The amount of members who now access the internet is surprisingly high at 73% and 47% access the web most days. Contact by email is also high with only 23% never accessible.
Also in the report are results of the length of time members have belonged. So 50% belonged for 1 to 5 years and 25% for 6 to 10 years. 12% belong to more than one U3A. 30% go to 1 or 2 events per month, 28% go to 3 or 4 per month, 23% go to 5 to 9 events per month. 16% attend 10 or more events per month! What about you?

Mobile Phones

2009-09-25T12:20:00.001+01:00

These sessions are suspended until further notice.

Aslaug Abbott

Science and Technology Group Programme

2009-09-16T18:25:00.000+01:00

The programme for the forthcoming season is now almost complete.

Everyone is welcome. There is no need to join the group. Talks are aimed so that eveyone can follow and understand. We meet on the last Monday of the month in the Harnham Memorial Hall starting at 10am. Cost £1 only.

To see the programme click HERE.

We look to welcoming you.

Computer Hardware

2009-09-04T15:09:00.000+01:00

The Third Age Trust has arranged special deals for U3A members who want to buy computer equipment.

DELL COMPUTERS offer a better-than-usual deal including increased warranty. Contact Linda Kavanagh on 0844 444 5254.

When you make contact with any of these companies please say you are a U3A member. Please Contact Us at The National Office to let us know how you get on as this will help us secure even better deals in the future.

Dogs and Children on U3A outings

2009-09-04T14:49:00.000+01:00

The U3A has published information on what we should do if we wish to take a child or a dog on a walk or other outing.
To see this click on this link http://www.u3a.org.uk/dmdocuments/dogs_and_children_notice.pdf

News Section

2009-09-03T16:44:00.001+01:00

This a new idea to give you easy access to U3A News as we receive it.

This section can also be used by you.

This means that any Group Leader can upload changes to their classes or the Secretary can post information about their U3A.

If you want to sell or give away any item this can be posted as well.

All you have to do is let the Webmaster/ Guru know your email address. He can then invite you to register. After this you log on and add in a new item. New items can also be posted directly by email.

Just let me know what you want please.