University of the Third Age, Chester

Opportunities for Volunteers/Helpers in Chester U3A

Help is needed in several areas, not necessarily committee positions. Please have a look at this list and contact any committee member if you think you might be able to help.

Popular Science. 27th October - a date for your diary.

The next Popular Science lectures will be held on Wednesday 27th October in the Lecture Theatre at Bishops Blue Coat Church of England High School. From the car park, go to the tower with a cross on top - this door leads directly to the Theatre. Coffee will be available from 09:30. Lectures start at 10:00, finishing at noon.

We aim to entertain and inform you, not to blind you with science!

There will be two talks. Brian Holyoak will speak on "Yellowstone - The Wandering Hotspot" - a look at how Tectonic Plate movement and a Volcanic Hotspot have interacted to form the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park and the Snake River Plain as we see them today, and the implications for the future. June Hargreaves will speak on "Why study birds?" At a time when we are being asked to tighten our belts, what justification is there for spending money on scientific research into birds?

Thursday Strollers lucky with the weather on Hilbre Island!

The Thursday Strollers enjoyed a great day out when they visited Hilbre Island on Thusday 19th August. The weather was perfect! Click here for a few photos, taken by Pam.

Damp conditions on Y Garn for Friday Walkers!

The Friday Walkers aren't put off by a little rain, or even quite a lot of rain, in fact almost continuous rain, wind, mist .......! These were the conditions on 6th August when an intrepid group ascended the 3100ft peak of Y Garn in Snowdonia and completed a short but fairly strenuous circuit with a descent through the steep, rocky Devil's Kitchen to Llyn Idwal. Judging by the bedraggled but curiously happy faces in the summit photo they even quite enjoyed it! Thanks to Stephen (The Rain King) Trumper for leading us safely in difficult conditions.

More accomplished photos from the Photography Group

The Photography Group organised two visits during May and June. The first visit, on 20th May, was to Knutsford and the Birds of Prey Centre. Members found the Birds of Prey Centre so interesting that only one person visited Knutsford! The second visit was to Llangollen on 10th June. A selection of Birds of Prey photos can be found here, and photos of Knutsford and Llangollen here.

The group met at Mollington Village Hall on 8th July to display their photos. The theme for the Mollington meeting was the letter 'D'. A selection of 'letter D' photos can be seen here.

Friday Walking Group walks from Llangynog to Pistyll Rhaeadr

This energetic walk on 2nd July 2010, measuring about 13km with about 650m climbing, was led by Tony and Esme. It started at Llangynog and headed north towards the Berwyns before dropping down to a picnic lunch above the waterfall at Pistyll Rhaeadr. The return route included a steep descent towards the Afon Tanat valley, followed by a leisurely walk into Llangynog, where the local pub provided welcome drinks! Click here for a few photos, taken by Helen Holyoak. An archive of reports and photos of Friday Walking Group's walks can be found here.

Industrial Heritage Group visits Cheddleton and the Caldon Canal

On 16 July the Industrial Heritage Group enjoyed a visit to the Flint Mill at Cheddleton and industrial heritage sites at Froghall and Consall Forge on the beautiful Caldon Canal in Staffordshire. Click here for a report on the visit and a few photos.

New U3A North West Region newsletter now available

Click here to see the eighth NW U3A newsletter. Contents include information on forthcoming events, and a brief report on the interesting (and worrying!) presentations at the Energy Day at Preston on 7th July. The UK's main energy sources are either wearing out, running out or imported, and power cuts on a regular basis are predicted within 5 years or so - not a happy picture! Renewable energy sources (eg wind, tide, wave, solar) will help, but the consensus view at the meeting was unequivocally in favour of nuclear.

Strolling Group's Thurstaston walk on Friday 2nd July

Starting from The Cottage Loaf (Thurstaston, Wirral) the Strolling Group enjoyed fine weather as they repeated a stroll they had made some time ago. Everything looked different of course, especially as the group reversed their previous direction of stroll. Click here for a photo of the group on the beach.

Birdwatching Group sees Puffins at South Stack!

On Friday 18th June Birdwatching 1 set off for the RSPB reserve at South Stack cliffs on the tip of Anglesey with hopes of seeing Puffins and Choughs. Low and behold the sun shone and after seeing hundreds of guillemots, some ten Puffins were seen outside their burrows followed by a group of three Choughs. A short stop at RSPB Valley Wetlands (across the road from the RAF station) produced more birds along with some amazing orchids in the damp grassland before the 100 mile trip back to Chester. Click here for a few photos of the birds (taken by Jenny and Andrew).

More excellent photos from the Photography Group!

On May 13th the U3A Photography Group met at Mollington Village Hall to display and discuss the photos taken by a few members at Anderton and Marbury during April, although the group seems to have concentrated on Anderton for their inspiration. Click here for a selection of photos.

The theme for the Mollington meeting was the letter 'N' which resulted in some very interesting and imaginative photos. Click here for a selection.

Interesting talk about Guide Dogs at Thursday meeting

On Thursday 10 June Frances Langman, a volunteer with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, spoke about the history of the Association and described the breeding and training programmes for guide dogs. She introduced two puppy walkers with their dogs under training and one working dog with her owner.

Industrial Heritage Group visits Llangynog

The Group visited Llangynog (Montgomeryshire) to investigate some heritage sites from the lead mining industry in the area. The visit, in wonderful sunny weather and in a beautiful and spectacular mountain landscape not previously visited by most of us, was led by Peter Griffin.

Craft Group would appreciate unused necklaces!

The Craft Group is requesting donations of broken or unused necklaces. One of the group's members is about to "do" a project and would appreciate your unloved or unused necklaces. If you have any items that would help, please hand them either to Myra Bowyer, the Craft Group's Co-ordinator, or to any member of the craft group. Many thanks!

Friday Walkers off to Shropshire!

Friday Walkers walk on 7th May climbed from Carding Mill Valley (near Church Stretton) to the top of the Long Mynd, before dropping down, along the Post Way and the Shropshire Way, to the tiny village of Ratlinghope. The return trip headed back to the top of the Long Mynd, then took the scenic route, via waterfall and reservoir, down to the Carding Mill Café where tea and cakes provided a welcome finish to the day. Total distance was about 10 miles, with about 1700 feet ascent.

Geology Group discusses the 'Properties and Identification of Minerals'

The Geology Group met at Mollington Village Hall on 27th April 2010 for a discussion about minerals. Using samples, Bob discussed various aspects of mineral identification through lustre, shape, colour, streak and specific gravity (density) which were then highlighted by a practical demonstration. Bob was followed by Barbara who discussed mineral 'hardness' with the group. The meeting ended with 'hands-on' identification of samples. Click here for a few photos of the meeting.

Two writing competitions for Chester U3A members

The Chester U3A Committee has decided to hold a biennial creative writing competition in memory of Roy Wilson, one of the founder members of Chester U3A. The closing date for entries to the first competition is 31st August 2010. More information here.
A further writing competition, this time for travel writing with the theme 'My journey of a lifetime' has been announced by the Third Age Trust. The closing date is 20th August 2010, and more information can be found here.

Friday Walkers off to Snowdonia

A little bit and rain and snow can't stop the Friday Walkers! On the 2nd of April, we defied the elements - and the over enthusiastic weather forecast - to enjoy a nine mile walk around the hills, lakes and ruins of former leadworks to the west of Llanrwst in the Snowdonia National Park. The rain almost held off, and when it came it was far gentler than forecast. Thanks to Pat Bucknell for devising and leading what was a very enjoyable walk.

New location and time for Chester U3A's Photography Group (update)

Another successful visit to Caerlaverock by 'Bird Watching 1' Group

Chester U3A's 'Bird Watching 1' Group has been visiting Caerlaverock Wetland Centre on the north shore of the Solway Firth for many years. This years visit was as enjoyable as ever - see Tim Carley's report to find out what they did and saw.

Bromborough U3A's Badminton Group is open to members of the Network

One of the aims of the Deeside and Wirral U3A Network is to 'Share and promote minority interest groups'. To this end Bromborough U3A has opened its Badminton Group to members of the Network. The group meets at the Oval Bebington at 2:00pm, beginners sessions on Tuesdays and competitive games on Thursdays. Please contact Roy Miles (0151-327-6259) if you are interested.

Chester U3A's Photography Group visits Portmeirion

The Photography Group makes regular visits to suitable locations for photography. The Group's most recent outing on 11th February 2010 was to Portmeirion, an 'Italianate' resort village in Gwynedd, on the coast of Snowdonia. They had a glorious sunny day and a sample of their excellent photos can be seen here.

Have you thought of using a different browser?

You may have read recently of the German and French governments' advice to their citizens not to use Internet Explorer for browsing the web because of security flaws. Since then Google has announced that it will stop supporting Internet Explorer 6 (IE6), notwithstanding Microsoft's stated intention to continue to support IE6 until 2014. The 50 visitors who use IE6 each month to visit this site should consider using another browser. Microsoft tells us that the security flaws in IE7 and IE8 have been fixed, so these browsers could be used, but they don't support all the coding elements on this website. If you want to see this site in all its glory you might like to try Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your browser. Click here for more information about different browsers.

Science, Technology & Society Network Seminar - 9th to 12th August 2010

Presentations are being requested for this year's Science, Technology & Society Network Seminar at Abergavenny from Monday 9th to Thursday 12th August. More information here. Firm bookings can't be accepted until the end of March, but, thereafter, prompt booking is advised as the seminar will be limited to 50 participants.

Inspirational talk by Swasie Turner at Monthly Meeting on 2nd February!

A 'full house' at the Monthly Meeting on 2nd February was treated to an inspirational talk by Swasie Turner, a former policeman who was injured and lost a leg during active duty and now raises funds for charitable causes. Swasie described some of his remarkable feats of strength and stamina en route to raising almost £1,000,000 for his chosen charities. His trusty NHS wheelchair was his constant companion during all his exploits, including his ascents of Blackpool Tower and several lighthouses. You can read more about his fundraising 'missions' on his website. His talk to us was in aid of the Clatterbridge Cancer Research Appeal, and raised donations amounting to £280. Further donations, payable to Clatterbridge Cancer Research, should be sent to Clatterbridge Cancer Research, JK Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Bebington, Wirral CH63 4JY. Please send a note with, or on the back of, your cheque, telling Clatterbridge that your donation relates to Swasie's talk to Chester U3A.

Tuesday Walkers' first walk of the year, 19th January 2010

For the first walk, we did a circular route from the Cock O'Barton (on the A534 near Broxton), taking in some of the six parish millenium walk. We were ably led by Harry Corner, but as you can see from the picture, high stiles, mud and short legs don't make an easy combination. Those who visited the Gents at the Cock O'Barton were faced with one of the walk's biggest challenges - we don't unfortunately have a photograph, but you could always give the pub a visit ..... !

Chester U3A's Christmas Lunch at Rossett Hall

Yet again, thanks to Carol and Ann's organisation, 95 of our members enjoyed a late Christmas lunch at Rossett Hall on 12th January. As you can see from Myra Bowyer's excellent photos there was much laughter and banter among our guests. The lunch was so good that it was unanimously agreed that we do it all again next year, and Carol, although she had resigned from organising the event, was persuaded to carry on. What better recommendation than that!

Geology Group visits Clore Natural History Centre

The Geology Group visited the Clore Natural History Centre at the Liverpool World Museum on 13th October 2009 for a 'Rock & Mineral Identification Workshop'. The Workshop was run by senior staff of the Geology Section, who gave an introduction on their work. A presentation on the identification of rocks by Thin Section Microscopy was followed by a hands-on session on identification of rocks and minerals using a checklist approach, developed by the staff. This was not as straightforward as some members of the Group were expecting! It was, however, informative, educational, challenging and enjoyable, and we all look forward to using the approach in the field!

Thursday Meeting Quiz, 10th December 2009

We had a quiz, nine teams of five (or six), being quizzed by a singing quizmaster. There were prizes for the winners and for those who came second. Most teams scored between 34 and 39, Kingfishers being the highest, but one team only scored 26! Prizes were awarded and collected and (almost) everyone went home happy. Then the losers checked their score, and discovered that their markers couldn't add up. The losers had actually come joint first, but, by that time, the prize winners and their prizes had left the building! Apologies all round - at least everyone enjoyed the quiz, if not the final outcome! Next time perhaps we should bring in independent auditors!

Strolling Group's walk on 4th December

Chester U3A's Strolling Group took advantage of the good weather to have an enjoyable walk near Saughall. This photo was taken by Howard Sherman.

Damp walk for Tuesday Walkers around the Ceiriog Valley

On Tuesday 17th November, Tuesday Walkers did a short walk from Chirk around the Ceiriog Valley. The weather was a mixture of sun, drizzle and real rain, but as you can see from the picture it didn't dampen their spirits! They finished with an excellent and warming lunch at The Poacher's Pocket.

Well attended meeting on Thursday 12th November

A record number of members attended the Thursday meeting on 12th September, the big attraction being the numerous displays that had been set up to give new and existing members a better appreciation of many of the group activities taking place under the umbrella of Chester U3A. Click here for a few photos.

Group Co-ordinators Meeting, 10 October 2009

Chester U3A's Group Co-ordinators meeting for 2009 was held in Burley Hall, Waverton on 10 October 2009. The main theme of the meeting was to encourage more members to consider using the resources provided by U3A's National Office. These resources are accessible to U3A members via a Members Login, and include both physical resouces (eg slides, videos, cassettes, dvds and cds) and a wealth of publications, notices, message boards etc - well worth having a look at.

Bird watching on Hilbre Island

Birdwatching 1 and guests went to Hilbre Island in gale force winds on Friday 28th August. Not exactly summer conditions, but most enjoyable!

Online learning with the Open University

All of you will be familiar with the Open University, but how many are aware of Open2.net and OpenLearn? Open2.net is the online learning portal from The Open University and the BBC. Apart from containing useful information about TV and radio programmes, the site also provides interactive learning modules that contain the sort of subject material you could be studying at the Open University. The OpenLearn website gives free access to course materials from The Open University, and offers a huge number of free courses on almost any topic you might think of! Well worth looking at both web sites.

Bishops' Blue Coat High School redesignated a Specialist Science College

Many of you will be aware that Chester U3A is one of Bishops' High School's community partners, and, as a result of this partnership, holds its Popular Science Lectures at the college. We were very pleased to hear during summer 2008 that the School has been redesignated as a Specialist Science College for a further three years. This is a result of a successful OfSTED inspection, followed by scrutiny of the School's work over the last four years and the School's plans for the future. Extra Specialist School funding will continue to be available to improve and enrich the School's work, both internally and with the School's community partners. More information in the September 2008 Issue of Grapevine, the Bishop's High School's newsletter.

U3A's National Website

How many of you routinely log on to the Members' Area of U3A's National Website? Are you aware of the U3A Resource Centre, from which U3A groups can borrow slides, videos, cassettes, DVDs and CDs for free? Did you know that there are about forty Subject Networks through which ideas and materials can be shared, or that U3A provides an on-line notice board facility that individuals and groups can use. Interested? All you need to do is to create a login to the members' area. It's all explained on U3A's National Website. What are you waiting for!