Weekly Update 8 March 2021

Lockdown Quiz

The latest quiz from Julie Clarke (number 48) has been loaded to the website as well as the answers to number 47. Go to the quiz page where you’ll also find this week’s music quiz (number 47) and the answers to music quiz number 46. Our quiz page lists all the quizzes that have been set previously.

Group News

As you can imagine the impact the pandemic has had on our groups has been on Committee meeting agendas for over twelve months. At next weeks’ meeting we will be discussing how the current roadmap will impact on Sandbach & District u3a over the next few months. If you have any thoughts on the subject do get in touch.

Getting to know you: the Sandbach & District u3a Committee

This week Sue Jones our other new trustee tells you a little bit about herself and her role:

Sue Jones, Secretary to the Committee

I have lived in Haslington for the last 20 years, where I met my partner, Rob, who conveniently was my next door neighbour.  Two years ago I retired from my job as secretary in the Physics Dept in the Cancer Centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, and before that I worked for Clarks Shoes in Altrincham for 20 years.

In my younger days, I worked for North West Arts. I also joined a video company and was lucky enough to help produce a film promoting The Cipriani Hotel in Venice, (a highlight of my career.)

I was apprehensive about retirement so when I heard about the U3A, I decided to join, as many of the activities offered really appealed to me.  I have since enjoyed the history lectures, art appreciation and yoga.  During the pandemic restrictions I have enjoyed all these events via zoom.

Last year a note came out from U3A saying that more committee members were needed and after speaking to the new chair, Stuart, I offered my services as secretary.  I felt this was a way in which I could make a contribution to a society I am a big fan of.  My main role is taking the minutes for each month’s committee meeting and addressing any admin issues.

On a personal note, I have a son who lives with his family in a small village near Bristol. I have two lovely granddaughters, Ava (11) and Faith (9) so always have someone to help me with technology.

I enjoy gardening and reading and am trying to fulfil a lifetime ambition to learn the piano, which I am finding very challenging.

Virtual Groups
Winsford u3a has joined the list of local u3a’s opening up it’s meetings to members of other u3a’s in our local cluster. On offer are:

      • Art Appreciation
      • Science &Technology (Almost full)
      • Poetic Licence ( Poetry App)
      • Photography
      • Film Chat
      • Writing
      • Quiz

If interested contact turtipunk@btinternet.com

Local News

Vaccination Update from Sandbach GPS

Eligibility for coronavirus vaccination has changed. You are now eligible if:

      • you are aged 56 or over
      • you are at high risk from coronavirus(clinically extremely vulnerable)
      • you are an eligible frontline health or social care worker
      • you have a condition that puts you at higher risk (clinically vulnerable)
      • you have a learning disability
      • you are a main carer for someone at high risk from coronavirus

See https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ for details

Sandbach Walking Festival (SWF)

SWF write – Since we are expected to be out of any Covid-19 restrictions by 21 June, we have taken the decision to go ahead with SWF 2021, albeit with a reduced programme.

SWF 2021 will run from Saturday 26 June until Sunday 4th July. Nine days of walking events, with something for everyone.  We still hope to have many of our favourite walks included and some new events.

https://www.facebook.com/Sandbachwalkingfest/

On a Lighter Note

On hobbies …

    • karate is enjoyable and people get a kick out of it
    • jogging is beneficial in the long run
    • the cost of owning a glider is soaring
    • the art of magic is fast disappearing
    • hiking clubs attract people from all walks of life
    • some board games look a bit dicey to me
    • the best campsites in England are found near Stoke-on-Tent
    • speakers at hiking meetings tend to ramble on a bit
    • books about pliers are not exactly gripping reading
    • since our local scrabble club closed, we are lost for words.
    • cheat at dominoes and you will be spotted.
    • a heavy picnic basket will hamper your enjoyment,
    • too many nights under canvas can lead to a tents situation,
    • there is always a long queue outside popular snooker clubs.

Courtesy of David Willcocks, Congleton u3a and author ‘David’s book of Nonsense’

© Sandbach U3A 2024