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5410200-37338000Tower Hamlets U3A Newsletter Winter 202008890000Hello all U3A members Well who would have thought a year ago, that we have now got into the routine of having a mask and hand gel with us as we venture out to the supermarket! I hope you are all managing in these exceptional times.Welcome to all new members who have recently joined and I hope that you will enjoy being a member of Tower Hamlets u3a. We now have a total of 114 members. Sadly in August, one of our members, and group leader of Local History, Patty Singleton died. Jil Cove, previous Chair and a friend of Patty’s has written a lovely tribute to her in the newsletter. (See below)Although most groups have not been able to meet, due to Covid restrictions, I am pleased to say that some of our groups have been able to continue via Zoom and we now have 3 new groups started or starting: Classical Music, Social Change in Tower Hamlets & Everyday Science. I extend many thanks to all our group leaders for carrying on in these difficult circumstances.Some good news, at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic, we extended membership for 6 months and now the committee have decided to extend membership an extra 6 months to 31st March 2022. That means members will have a “free” year.After much consideration we have also decided to raise the annual subscription to ?12 per year from March 2022. We have not raised the subscription for over 7 years (April 2013) and our expenditure will be rising by 2022. For example subscription costs to the Third Age Trust are increasing and we now subscribe to the Beacon system, for membership management. Also when we do finally meet again, the Anson room is now too small and not accessible for all our members, to attend the Spring & AGM meetings so we will need to hire a suitable room. Currently St Margaret’s host us for free.A date for your new diaries, the Annual General Meeting will be on Wed 27th January, via Zoom, at 2pm.This was delayed from October, in the hopes that we could meet in person. Unfortunately, this is not to be and since we must have our AGM within 15 months of the last one, we will go ahead with the meeting in January via Zoom.We will be having a guest speaker, Colin Richards (u3a member from Watford), giving a presentation on Code Breaking at Bletchley Park.General meetings are important as they give you a chance to have your say about our u3a.? We have 2 vacancies on the committee this year. Please give becoming a committee member some thought before the AGM. Without members volunteering to take on these roles, our u3a will not be able to continue. The committee meets every 2 months, to keep up to date with our finances and our groups, while looking at other matters that crop up from time to time.Lastly I would like to thank the members of the committee for their help & support during these strange times.Moira McSperrin: mcsperrin@ or Telephone 020 7377 198105334000PATTY SINGLETON In August I had the sad task of asking Angela to let all members know that Patty Singleton had died. Along with another two or three of us, Patty had been one of the founder members of Tower Hamlets U3A back in 2008. Right from the very start she was involved with making sure our U3A set up groups, recruited members and was a viable organisation. She was an active member of the Committee and was Vice-Chair for many years.Patty had arrived in the UK from New Zealand with her sister Colleen, after a six week voyage, and settled in south London, before eventually moving to her flat in Whitechapel. Her working career covered a wide range of roles from ski instructor on the Swiss mountains to occupational therapist at Brixton prison, from where she eventually retired.Members will remember the very popular local history group, led by Patty, where we explored the history of Tower Hamlets through walks, talks, visits to local museums and archive libraries. Because of Patty’s training and experience as a City of London Guide, she was able to tell the history of wherever we were on that day, in a friendly and knowledgeable way. We walked, we talked, we learnt, we laughed; we exchanged stories and had lots of cups of coffee!!After her last visit to New Zealand Patty began to think about the possibility of returning there to live, but despite various attempts to pin her down, so that realistic plans could start to be made, she was adamant that she would not leave the UK until Crossrail was up and running. This project was very important to Patty right from the time of beginning its passage through Parliament. Together with others, she had presented a Petition to committees of both MPs and Lords; her presentation and clear indications of problems that she foresaw resulted in significant improvements to the final Act of Parliament. Because of this very early involvement, Patty became an active member of the Crossrail liaison group and remained active in this and other local groups until quite recently.Sadly, Patty’s health started to deteriorate after a very serious fall some eighteen months ago, where she was concussed, suffered facial injuries and a broken arm. Two weeks in hospital returned her to nearly usual, but she started to lose her short term memory. Colleen was able to fly in from New Zealand to help Patty fully recover physically but she was never quite the same again. However, she did still enjoy making the odd visit to exhibitions and the cinema but especially getting to Covent Garden for opera.In early 2020, Colleen came for her annual monthly visit, but because of the Covid pandemic stayed for well over three months before she was able to return home. Both Colleen and I had noticed a serious deterioration in Patty’s health, both physically and mentally, and I know that Colleen was reluctant to leave her alone. I was classed as vulnerable and had to stay in, which meant we couldn't meet for a catch up over a coffee, so our contact had to be by phone, which was almost daily. Not having been able to get hold of her one day I alerted her friend/neighbour who found her unconscious on the floor. Sadly she never regained consciousness and was in hospital on a ventilator. During Colleen’s twice daily calls the phone was put to Patty’s ear so she could hear her sister’s voice and after a week of no improvement, following a zoom visit by the family, it was agreed that the ventilator should be turned off. Her friend stayed with her until the end.Because of the travel restrictions, Patty’s cremation took place without anyone attending. Her family intend to come to the UK as soon as possible. A memorial at a local church can then be arranged, so that together with all her friends and contacts from various groups, we can celebrate Patty’s life with her family Jil Cove December 20200000ART APPRECIATIONIain's Art Appreciation group is near the end of its journey through art, from the earliest cave paintings through to the late 20th century. It has been an enjoyable and well-attended journey, and the group decided autumn 2019 that when he came to the end of it, he would start over again rather than going into a completely new area. Unfortunately, we are not sure when that will be in 2021 due to Covid 19.We usually meet at 2pm in the Anson Room, on the 1st/3rd Thurs of month.Contact Iain Dickson Gill – on 020 8521 2746 or acsilvester@yahoo.co.uk05143500BOOK GROUPThe Book Group managed two meetings between lockdowns, understandably we didn’t get the full group attending, but the feedback from those that could attend was extremely positive.Our first meeting was outside the café in Museum Gardens, where we were given two tables and additional chairs to ensure social distancing. We had eight people at the meeting, so we left the book list that was chosen in February for when we can meet again with a full complement.The book we chose, using the thoroughly undemocratic process of the first suggestion I received we went with, was Michael Frayns Spies which was hugely enjoyed by all and sparked a lot of memories of our earlier lives. It was also absolutely fantastic just to be out with people other than those of our ‘bubbles’; the conversation flowed and a great time was had by all.Our second meeting was held at the Fugitive Motel on a blistering hot August day, we were given a very large table in a discrete corner of the bar/café where all felt comfortable to sit. The book chosen was Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. An interesting and very different book from our usual, with two very different views of the same relationship, it certainly gave food for thought. The Fugitive Motel may have an odd name but it worked well for us, having the air-con and refreshments on-tap helped a lot. This is a place we may use again as they are very keen to have us back.As to the future, I really have no idea; we will have to see what the situation is when we come out of this lockdown. We usually meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm in the Anson Room at St Margaret’s HouseHopefully we’ll be able to get together in January and I will send out an e-mail to gauge the feelings of all early in the New Year. Until then a very happy Christmas and New Year to you and your families, let’s hope for a better 2021. Colin PluckroseI can be contacted at: myhighestinnings@012954000CLASSICAL MUSICThe new monthly session on Classical Music has been running online since June. We’ve covered music from medieval times to the present day. At each session we explore a different topic. So far we’ve looked at music chronologically through its periods of development. In future we’ll look at a selection of genres, composers, instruments and performers.Each session lasts about 90 minutes and makes use of video and audio recordings, as well as discussion and requests.No prior knowledge or experience is required – merely curiosity about the rich world of music.We meet online on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 14:00 – 15:30 using Zoom.If you’d like to join, we’ll send you some simple instructions to get you started. If you've not used Zoom before, all you need is a tablet or smartphone or computer. If you want to use a computer, ideally it should have a microphone and a camera, but these are not essential. And obviously you get the microphone and camera free with a tablet or phone.Contact Peter Sellars on peter.sellars@ for more information.N.B. Not to be confused with the performance Music Group. See below.0127000CREATIVE WRITINGWe tried our best but did not succeed in having a face-to-face meeting for creative Writing in November We will make another attempt asap in the New Year as a group of 5 or 6, having lost a few members and anticipating several new faces.However, that will be subject to Covid 19 restrictionsWe have finished the "textbook" Word Power – a Guide to Creative Writing we were using, and will be changing facilitator each month, as has been so successfully modelled by TH u3a Poetry Group. We welcome anyone who would like to observe a session before committing themselves to writing a short story a month.In the 5+ years I have been facilitating Creative Writing, I have collected a fat file full of a huge range of stories. I also have many online and could send you a list of titles and a sample if you contact me: jackie.gooding@You are very welcome to join us whether or not you have written “creatively” before. We meet at 2.30 in Anson Room St Margaret’s House every second Monday of the month.762012954000EAT YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD LUNCH GROUPThroughout 2020 not only have we not been able to holiday around the world, as many of the group do, we have also been limited with eating out!Interest in the group was still high, when we canvassed restarting at the end of the summer, and two tables of members enjoyed lunch and a catch up at Cote Brasserie in St Katherine Dock in September. However our plans for October were thwarted when ‘Tier 2’ came to London. Due to Coronavirus, it will probably be spring before there is any chance of group dining again, but we will be backIf you are interested in joining the group/mailing list please email either: Moira at mcsperrin@ or Sue at suejohnstone@012890500Everyday ScienceHave you ever wondered how electricity reaches your home? Do you think about the number of colours in your grandchildren’s sweeties? Would you like to know how diagnostic techniques such as X-ray, CAT scans and MRI work? The Everyday Science group aims to help you to understand scientific concepts through short talks, experiments you can do with household equipment, visits, field trips, and question and answer sessions. The first four sessions will cover:?Electricity - Its history, production, transport to our homes and businesses, and the possibilities for more sustainable power in the future.?Paper Chromatography: In this session we will look at separation methods and participants will use the technique in their homes to separate the colours used in sweets.?The Clean Way and the Green Way: From the kitchen to the garage, from skin to toilets, we use proprietary cleaners. How do they work and what damage, if any, do they do??The Computer in Your Pocket: It is said that our mobile phones have more computing power than was used to run the Moon landings. How did we get here? How does the system work?Prior to each session, participants will receive an email giving details of equipment, if required, and an opportunity to submit questions.Please note no-one will be required to participate in an experiment; although it is such fun!We will meet once a month, initially online via Zoom and, when the world is well again, at St Margaret’s House on Old Ford Road. Day/Time: 2pm on 4th Tuesday each month – first session 26 January 2021 Contact Annie Dehaney-Steven: annieds@dehaneysteven.co.uk8382012954000iPAINTING Once Covid restrictions are lifted, and if there is sufficient demand, we will reintroduce a monthly session on iPainting: how to use your iPad or Android tablet to create paintings, sketches, doodles or coloured-in drawings.Initially, we will run four 2-hour sessions. You will need your own iPad or tablet. You can paint with your finger or with a stylus if you have one.No art experience will be required. But also no art tuition will be included. The sessions will be about how to make the most of the painting tools on your tablet. We will start by using the app called ArtRage which is available for iPads and Android tablets for about ?5.Venue dates and times to be advised later in the New Year.Contact Peter Sellars on peter.sellars@ for more information.-12954030797500JAZZ APPRECIATION GROUPWe’ve been doing our weekly Jazz session online since May. Some of our regulars decided to have a rest, until we can do it properly, but more than 20 of us are still Zooming each week so it’s well worthwhile.We’ve had a few technical glitches, but then again too few to mention. It’s interesting that technology can help to get us through these difficult times.Each week we watch and discuss a selection of videos of classic jazz performances. YouTube provides a rich archive of old footage.We’d love to have new members - as with all things u3a, it’s never too late to start. We meet online on Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 using Zoom.If you’d like to join, we’ll send you some simple instructions to get you started. If you've not used Zoom before, all you need is a tablet or smartphone or computer. If you want to use a computer, ideally it should have a microphone and a camera, but these are not essential. And obviously you get the microphone and camera free with a tablet or phone.For information contact Peter Sellars on 020 8981 2154 or peter.sellars@06096000MUSIC GROUPThe Music Group, as with other groups in the Tower Hamlets U3A is currently suspended because of Covid 19 and will resume as soon as possible. We usually meet on the first and third Monday of the month, in Create Space which is on Old Ford Road. The sessions run from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. But members can arrive when convenient to them.Well known songs are sung from pre-printed sheets, most play ukulele and we have one guitar player, any instrument is welcome. Tea is usually at 3 p.m. after which we continue the session.New Members are always welcome, so if you enjoy singing and/or playing a musical instrument, this fun and informal group is for you. No previous musical experience is necessary.This group is currently without a group leader. If anyone is interested in becoming the leader please contact Angela Silvester for further information: acsilvester@yahoo.co.uk05143500Oral History Group “The Times They Are a Changing” This group will be sharing experiences of social change in Tower Hamlets. Participation is welcomed from those who have lived in the area for most of their lives, as well as relative newcomers.The first session took place on zoom on 8 December and sessions will continue to be zoomed on the second Tuesday of each month 2-3pm. Covid 19 regulations permitting, it is planned that the group will meet at St. Margaret’s House from early 2021A slide presentation about this new group was sent to all members in November, before the first session took place, but see also below:?-Aim of the course is to examine social changes in Tower Hamlets in the last half century or so and chart participants’ experience of those changes e.g. in Health and Housing, Work and Leisure, and the nature of migration in and out of the area.?-Each session will consist of an introduction followed by participant contributions.?-We will use existing materials of videos and interviews with local people.?-Participants can chart their own experiences and those of family and friends.?-On first attending, participants will be asked to bring a brief biography to share with others and say what they wish to get from the course.?-The topic of the next session to be agreed at the end of each sessionA group evaluation is planned after the first few sessions, and it is hoped that in time a short report/leaflet can be produced comprising group contributions.Contact co-ordinator Stephen Jacobs if you’d like to join sessions: jacobsstephen65@06096000PING PONG GROUPThe Ping Pong group usually meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month in the Chapel behind St Margaret's House at 11am.In good weather we sometimes use the tables in the grounds of the Children's MuseumWe have not been able to meet recently, due to Covid 19 restrictions, but hopefully these sessions will be able to resume spring 2021As well as being sociable and fun, playing Ping Pong can help to improve your balance and agility, as well as the scoring keeping you on your toes mentally!!So if you are a seasoned player, or a beginner, and would like to join this informal and friendly group, please contact either:Barbara Brett at: b.brett17239@ Tel: 0207 790 1019 orRene Richardson Irene.mabel44@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 0207 790 864805778500POETRY GROUPThe poetry group has continued to meet despite all the changes of 2020 – ZOOM meetings were instigated by Jane Miller and Elizabeth Whitbread and are now hosted by Alex Josephy, who has re-joined the group after being ‘stranded’ in the UK due to coronavirus. Members participating average 10 people including new members.As usual, a wide variety of poets and topics have been featured e.g. Margaret Attwood, Christine Webb, Eavan Boland, also the theme of Black Lives Matter and now at the end of the year the TS Eliot Prize shortlist. Unfortunately we will not be able to enjoy our annual outing to the Royal Festival Hall this coming January.We do not write poetry, we only read and discuss – this is usually thought provoking so we come away with more insight and understanding. Members of the group have commented on how they enjoy taking part in the discussions where everyone’s opinion is welcome.Individual members continue to take the lead for different sessions but there is no pressure to do this.Meetings are monthly on a Friday 2.30 –4pm but are not set to a particular week in the month.If you are interested in joining please contact: suejohnstone@07620000Reminiscence Cinema Hackney Picture HouseThese are regular movie outings for anyone who enjoys a bit of cinematic nostalgia.We are frequently joined by members of the Hackney U3A and are also fortunate to have an informal introduction and discussion session afterwards with a film expert.Price ?5 including complimentary tea/coffee, 2nd Thursday of the month, 1pm. (It’s best to arrive at least 15 mins early to give time to get ticket, coffee etc.)However, these screenings are currently suspended due to Covid 19 restrictionsA monthly email will be circulated to all Members about any upcoming screenings.05969000SOCIAL WALKING GROUPIn the last newsletter I was giving you a preview of a walk along the River Moselle (in Haringey) which I was planning to include on the July – December programme.As things turned out we were unable to complete the January – June programme, let alone start another.When restrictions eased and we were allowed to meet outdoors in groups of up to six people, consideration was given to resuming our walks.However, with over forty members registering an interest in the group (although in practice only between twelve and fourteen people attend each walk) it would have been impossible to decide which five members could participate. I also felt that members may not be comfortable with using public transport to get to and from a walk.So, having learnt from my River Moselle experience, I am making no predictions for 2021, other than to say that we won’t be seeing any snowdrops!! (I spotted some in flower in Chris’s Wood in Mile End Park in November)We aim to walk on the first and third Tuesday morning of each month and if you would like to join us you can request a programme from: lesarm@Tai Chi GroupThe U3A Tai Chi class started up again in the Glade in Victoria Park at the end of June and continued until we had to pause at the beginning of November. Only two or three times did we disturb courting couples or personal trainers who also like the tucked away space of the Glade. Oops.The Glade's large open space, combined with the nature of tai chi, meant social distancing was easy. The park space allowed us to introduce both advanced and beginners’ instruction with the help of new U3A member Alby's assistance. St Margaret's offered the Anson Room during this time, where we could meet as a group of six, but we were lucky time and again with the weather and rain only stopped play once.The first photo shows the class in wu chi - a practice where we consciously do nothing, emptying the body and mind. The other photo shows us doing chi Kung exercises. It is wonderful practising tai chi, including the soft, slow, flowing form, surrounded by nature.Lau Tsu, whose philosophy underpins tai chi, said 'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.' and so it will be with tai chi as part of your life.When the current restrictions are eased, we hope to carry on in the park when the weather permits, or follow guidance regarding indoor activities with a rota if necessary. During the time we cannot meet as a group, members have been given written guides to the forms and some of our exercises, as well as a list of suggested films to help do tai chi at home.The film list includes some stunning Shaolin tai chi - just to keep us on our toes!Lau Tsu also said: 'A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.'Meetings are usually Monday from 12-1.00 in the Anson Room at St Margaret’s House. Contact Carolyn Clark on 07773 784 517 for details. ................
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