From the Chairman -  Colin Crumpton

  Nobody really wanted to go to the North West U3A Regional Conference since our large Alsager U3A can be quite independent. But the Chairman of the Third Age Trust and the Company Secretary were to speak, and since the Third Age Trust is the national umbrella of all U3As it could be a chance to find out what they could do for us. So Rita and I, as Chairman and Vice chairman, were deputed to attend. We both learned a lot about the advice, support and help that we can obtain from the National Office.

 We knew already that we have insurance cover for all U3A Members, but we learned that there is a Tour Operators insurance, so that Glennis and her helpers will not be liable for any failure. It was also comforting to learn that our Committee Members are not financially liable in the event of Alsager U3A being unable to pay its debts. Our financial obligation to the Charity Commissioners is covered by the Third Age Trust. A telephone help line is available for insurance, constitutional or charity problems. A legal helpline is also available should it be needed.

 But we discovered that help is given for members. Cheaper software is available and that includes Dell Computers. A considerable resource centre offers free educational support. We heard of one group in England who wanted to learn a new language. Nobody in the group had enough knowledge, but with free material sent regularly from the National Office, they were able to help each other to learn. The only cost was the postage for the return of the teaching tools. That seems to express the essence of U3A. Handbooks are available on subjects like Creative Writing for example. Co-ordinators can offer advice for the setting up of a group for a particular study. They run on-line courses for individuals. For £10 p.a. you can share in as many untutored courses as you like. For a little more you can join a tutored on-line course.

 All this information is available on the website:- U3A.org.uk

 At our own AGM, someone asked why we had to pay an extra £1 per member each year to the Third Age Trust. When you consider that the equivalent of 8 full time staff look after 750 U3As in the UK., with a membership approaching 500,000, you begin to see that the rapid expansion of U3As nation wide needs some capital. The Third Age Trust represents us to the Government, to Universities and to any other national bodies interested in our age group. They provide information on contentious issues. They encourage the founding of new U3As. They run two National Summer schools as well as day study conferences. In addition they make people and outside bodies aware of what U3As do, and of the benefit they can bring to communities.Rita and I came back enthusiastic about this national organisation to which we all belong.

 Ps. Our Cheshire East Council continues to court unpopularity, especially after the Car Park debacle. The part time Council Offices are to close later this year with the Library staff taking over their functions, even though the librarians may know little about Housing Benefit, Bus passes, Council business, Tourism, or the many other matters dealt with in that small office.

 Of particular interest to us is that we have received notice that charges for the use of the Civic Centre are to rise considerably. Although final figures are not yet available it seems likely that our Monday morning use of the Civic Centre will rise by up to £50 per week. What a pity that the bottom line seems to be finance, and not service. Bear it in mind when elections come up.

  Stop Press  -  Colin Crumpton

  It is with considerable sadness that I have learned that both Dave Beasley and Frank Mawman have to give up editing and producing this Alsager U3A Newsletter. It is purely for health reasons. Both have been involved in this work for ten years, almost since the start of U3A in Alsager.

  Because of failing health, Dave Beasley has been unable to attend U3A classes or events, but he has continued to give so much back to our organisation by the regular production of this magazine. We all owe him a considerable debt for the quiet, faithful and hidden service he has given to our members. With our grateful thanks to Dave for all he has done must go our gratitude to Doreen, Dave's wife. Without her continued co-operation and support, Dave would have found it difficult to keep on editing the newsletter. I hope that those of you who know Dave and Doreen will assure them of our most grateful thanks for all that they have done for Alsager U3A since it began. We appreciate it, and wish them both well in the future.

  Fortunately, we continue to see Frank Mawman around. He continues as a Trustee on the committee and is able to enjoy some of our activities including running the Wine Tasting class!  He has been advised to reduce some of his work. After ten years of producing the magazine, this is one area that he has to let go. Our grateful thanks go to Frank for all he continues to contribute to U3A.

Now the Good News! 

Joan Wilkes, who has only recently become a member of Alsager U3A, has volunteered to take over one of the popular Craft Classes. It was likely that this group would have had to finish after the sudden and sad death of Margaret Smith earlier this year, but Joan's willingness to help has saved that group. Thanks are due to her.

  Those of you who like to keep fit will be glad to know that there are vacancies in two of our active classes. A group meets at Intone, by Bands, each Thursday. Because it is a U3A class the fees are much less than being a member of Intone. Interested? Then sign up, or enquire at the Help Desk on a Monday morning.

 The Tuesday Bowls Group is also looking for new members. This popular activity is normally over subscribed, but again there are vacancies, just for Tuesdays. Enquire at the Help Desk..

Finally, we are looking for a new editor for this Newsletter. Someone collects in the material sent in by members and scrutinises it for grammar, spelling mistakes, punctuation etc. Then we need another person, familiar with ‘Publisher; on the computer, to prepare this edited material for the printer. If you can help in either of these two ways please volunteer at the Help Desk.

  From The Retiring Editor (David Beasley)

In leaving the position as Editor of the Alsager U3A’s ‘Newsletter’ I wish to thank those members who, over the years, have made their contributions to its pages. In so doing, they have enabled continuity of publication, and the production of a record of the wide variety of achievements and experiences from the members and leaders of most groups.

  Having made this acknowledgement however, I should add that the most regular contribution to the ‘Newsletter’ has resulted from the creativity and reliability of one member- Len Smith, whose ‘Crossword’ has featured in every issue. Our thanks go to him.

  Although the production of the ‘Newsletter’ has largely been a two-man operation over the past few years, in its early days valuable help to its organisation was given by Viv Arrowsmith and Carys Griffiths: for which I thank them too.

Long standing members will remember that the ‘Newsletter’ was originally a ‘Black and White’ production. My colleague, Frank Mawman, (responsible for format, production and publication) has transformed its modest appearance. Over the years, reflecting his technical expertise in I.T., Frank has introduced a newly designed cover, the use of coloured paper for the body of the work, varied lay out and font use, and the incorporation of photographic illustrations. Fortunately, his templates will be available to help his successor continue the quality of his work,

  Both Frank and I wish our successors well in the continued production of  the ‘Newsletter’.

  Outings and Visits  -  Glennis Roper

By the time you read this we shall be just about to start the programme of summer outings. I hope that we manage to have some good weather on our days out. The full list of outings until the end of September is on our web site, and flyers are available from the Outings Desk on a Monday morning.

It was pity that we had to cancel the outing to the Galleries of Justice in January. However, it can be included in the winter programme next year. In February we managed to visit Moorcroft, where we had a most informative factory tour, and the Wedgwood Museum: full of wonderful exhibits. The tour of the BBC television studios was so popular we are repeating it in May. The Monastery (formerly the Gorton Monastery) was amazing. No-one knew what to expect, but it certainly was an impressive building and the carrot cake was equally impressive!

  I am writing this before the completion of the winter outings, so we have yet to visit Walsall Leather Museum and the always popular Boundary Mill. I hope that there will be some blossom to see on the Blossom trail in April: fingers crossed on that one! After Easter, 42 of us will be sampling the delights of Paris in the Spring. I expect you will hear all about it in a later edition of the Newsletter. September looks a long way off at present, but this will be the last opportunity to remind everyone that when the new term starts over 50 of us should be enjoying Lake Garda, or on our way to Oberammergau (British Airways permitting!). Therefore, the booking date for the autumn outings will be delayed. Hopefully it will be Monday September 13th, , but before we finish for the summer recess I will (again hopefully) have worked out the programme, and details will be on the Outings Board.  Booking forms should be available, but if not, they will be available for collection at the start of the September term. I am sorry to be a bit vague about this, but I am writing this article on the first day of spring and we have not even booked the summer outings yet!

  At the planning stage for later this year, is a short break to one of the European Christmas markets. So, should you be interested, keep an eye on the Outings Board for further details. Also, it has also been proposed that we have a short break in South Wales next spring: based in Cardiff. There should be more details about that in September. Finally, can I remind you that, before we close for the summer, all outings up to the end of September need to be paid for in full. So, please check the boards and note the date for payment. If you are going to be on holiday at that time and please pay before you go. It will make life a lot easier and save time and unnecessary expense.

As always I shall look forward to your company on days out this summer: the Fjords cruise, Castles and Gardens of Kent, and of course Lake Garda and Oberammergau. Hooray for retirement!!!

  On June 19th at Alsager Carnival the Alsager Support group for St Luke’s Hospice will be having their usual Teddy Tombola. Donations of Teddies or other soft toys in a good saleable condition will be gratefully received. These can be brought to the Outings Desk or given to Glennis Roper on a Monday morning. Many thanks for supporting this good local cause.

  Walking from the Happy Valley.     -    A. Walker

Bollington – Oakenbank – Rainowlow – Lamaload – Tower Hill – Kerridge Hill – White Nancy - Bollington

The day-long walking group brought their winter programme to a close with an old favourite – a 9-mile walk from Happy Valley taking in the ridge of Kerridge and the famous landmark of White Nancy.

  The 21-strong group (13M/8F) made their way to the National Trust’s Middlewood Way car park in Bollington where parking was at a premium as another party of walkers were assembling for a Ranger–led walk.

  Once everyone was booted up, leader Maureen called her flock to her before leading them across the road through the Gnat Hole recreation ground, under the Macclesfield canal and down Palmerston Street through the centre of Bollington.

  Further confusion arose as a similar sized party was just leaving the Bridgend Centre (formerly the Drop Inn Centre) as our gallant band passed by, and for the next half-mile or so forty walkers were intermingled and pleasantries exchanged as they walked up the hill together.

  The two groups entered Church Street where Maureen upped the pace a little to leave the Bollington group behind, and fortunately no walkers were lost from either party as they went their separate ways. It was from Church Street that the group had their first glimpse of White Nancy high on the skyline.

  The renovated Higher Mills millpond, now a feature of a recent housing development, was passed as the party made their way along Clough Road into Mill Lane and Ingersley Vale, a valley full of industrial history. Bollington’s river, the Dean (not the Bollin as many think, the Bollin belongs to Macclesfield) flows through this valley and has powered three mills there over the last two centuries or more.

  Although some industrial units remain to provide employment, much of what remains is in a ruinous state. Tullis Russell’s bowling green appeared a little incongruous in its wasteland setting, but it brought back happy memories to one of the crown greeners in the group.

  Of particular interest further up the valley was the large wheelhouse of Ingersley Clough Mill on the right of the track. Most of the walkers failed to spot the aqueduct high above their heads which once carried a cast iron water pipe. This provided water to what was the England’s second largest waterwheel, only the Loxey Wheel on the Isle of Man being larger.

  The route now led through the back of the old works onto footpath 37 from which a brief view of Savio House could be glimpsed through the trees. This old hall is now a Catholic retreat for young people, having been renamed in the 1950s from its original name - Ingersley Hall.  

In the C19^th this was the home of the Gaskell family. Elizabeth Gaskell of Cranford fame was a member of this family and, although she never lived at the Hall, it is believed that her regular visits to the area gave her an insight into the politics and working conditions of Bollington’s mills, providing necessary background to her novels North and South and Mary Barton.

  A short length of tarmac had to be taken at Ginclough up Smith Lane before picking up the footpath behind Hazeltrees Farm which dropped down to a stream passing Clews Head and onto the water treatment plant in the shadow of the impressive Lamaload dam. Lamaload reservoir, the setting of an Alan Garner play televised by the BBC in the early 1980s, provides Macclesfield with its drinking water.

  Skirting round the waterworks there followed one of the day’s stiffest climbs, a steep unremitting 300 metres slope which seemed much longer to many of the walkers. As the path levelled out a small wood was entered to the relief of some. Once the trees were cleared, the group headed for a marker post on the near horizon. Time was taken at the post to recuperate and to appreciate the 360° view, with evidence of the winter snows still evident in the lee of many of the drystone walls.

Fully rested the party moved off southwest for the small community of Valeroyal where, once the electronically-controlled farm gates had been successfully negotiated, the party sat down for lunch.

Suitably refreshed the walkers moved off west, contouring above Gulshaw Hollow with the path, then striking north through the attractively modernised community at Hordern Farm (original date stone 1817) to finally emerge on the southern outskirts of Rainow at Tower Hill. From here the Gritstone Trail was followed, initially through a little industrial archaeology - the remains of Cow Lane Mill, a C18^th cotton mill, before the day’s second big climb to reach the ridge of Kerridge.

  The long sloping path up the side of Kerridge Hill, the day’s stiffest climb, required a number of sightseeing stops for the slowest members of the group as they paused to take in the comprehensive views (and gasps of air) making their efforts worthwhile. Once the ridge was successfully reached there was half a mile of level walking to reach the highlight of the day – White Nancy.

  After the compulsory group photograph the party made their way down the steps set in the steep hill to arrive in Lord Street. Turning down High Street at the Red Lion the party soon reached the traffic lights at the end of Water Street, from where it was just a few hundred yards, through the recreation ground crossed at the start of the day, back to the cars.

  What is White Nancy . . .? The Gaskell family, of Ingersley Hall, built the well-known landmark as a summerhouse in about 1815 and it is thought that it may have been built to commemorate the battle of Waterloo. It is stone built with external rendering and regularly painted white in order to maintain its visibility. Internally there is seating all round the wall with a large table in the centre. The table is circular, cut from a single piece of stone. The doorway was blocked up some years ago owing to vandalism.

  Why Happy Valley? In the c19^th mill owner Samuel Greg Jr. having acquired Lowerhouse Mill, followed his social pioneering father of the same name (and Styal Mill fame) by creating a model industrial community that was known as Goldenthal or Happy Valley. Consequently many Bollington’s inhabitants know their community by that name to this very day.

Bollington’s Civic Society maintain an excellent website www.happy-valley.org.uk - give it a visit.

Unfortunately such is the popularity of the day-long walking group at present that a waiting list is in place for new members. If you are interested in joining the group please contact leader Maureen Webb via the Help Desk on a Monday morning for advice.  

LOCAL HISTORY - KATH NIXON

Thanks for coming on Monday mornings, which does prove to be a good way to start the week.   One of the speakers, who spoke on the pleasures and pitfalls of a guest speaker, made some very good observations on the task of providing speakers and on the problems of being a speaker. During the course of this talk she mentioned that at one time she donated her fee to the Fawcett Society. I must admit I hadn't heard of it, but lost the chance to ask what it was. The next day I was listening to Shirley Williams on the radio (nearly said wireless!) and she mentioned the same society. It's always the same. Hear it once and you are bound to hear it twice. Obviously I had to do some research.

  The Society has been in existence since 1866, and is based on the work done by Dame Millicent Fawcett (née Garrett) (1847-1929), who was a suffragette and an educational reformer. She was not a militant like the Pankhursts, but campaigned for women's suffrage and higher education for women. She founded Newnham College, Cambridge in 1871, and was president of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (1897-1919). Her husband, Henry Fawcett (1833-84), was a political economist and reformer (blinded in a shooting acident in 1858), and elected Liberal MP in 1865.

Millicent's sister was Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (1836-1917), who was the first English woman doctor, She was appointed a visiting physician to the East London Hospital, and in 1908 was elected mayor of Aldeburgh: ­the first woman mayor in England.

  What a family! Able to overcome the many obstacles which were thrown in their path. One can understand them being the basis for a Society that aims to close the inequality gap that still exists today.

The Fawcett Society is in Berry Street, London and if you want to know more you can locate it at www.FawcettSociety.org.UK At the present time they are concentrating on the Election. Women make up less than 20% of MPs.

Photo Editing Course January 2010  -  Ann Halden

 I have been a keen amateur (very amateur!) photographer since I was a girl, starting with a box Brownie camera. I must take after my father – the holiday slide shows came out whenever there was a family gathering.  Now that digital photography has arrived, there's no stopping me snapping away!                       I had tried photo manipulation (self-taught) at a very basic level, but wanted to learn more.  I joined the 10 weeks course in January and have been amazed at the results that can be achieved by anyone willing to learn.  Leaders Davie and John (with help from Geoff) have the expertise to sort out everyone's problems (and yes, we all had problems along the way).                                                Each week new skills were demonstrated, building on previously gained techniques and then, in the second half of the session, we put them into practise (with varying degrees of success).  Bringing dull old photos to life, putting smiles on grumpy faces, opening blinking eyes, turning grey skies to blue, putting missing people into photos, removing unwanted people (or objects), making photos look like paintings: all this and more.  After a few lessons we were making quite sophisticated changes. We all had copies of the video tutorials so, when I got home, I couldn't wait to try out what we had just learnt on my own photographs.                                                                                           

This is an excellent course and if you are interested in photography I would definitely recommend giving it a try on the next course starting in September – you'll thoroughly enjoy it, learn a lot and meet new people in a friendly atmosphere. It adds a whole new dimension to photography.

NEW CLASSES FOR SEPTEMBER - TRY PILATES... (Edith Bowers)

Benefits of Pilates for U3A Members:

Why not give Pilates a try - Lynne is a fully qualified Fitness Pilates Instructor with many years experience. Working at your own levels of fitness within the group, the session starts with full body mobility and stretches, along with mat based exercises. These are ideal for strengthening abdominal muscles and weak backs, leaving you fully rejuvenated and ready to face the day ahead. "If you don't use it, you lose it!" as the saying goes! You will find you are more flexible and supple than ever before! Pilates is highly appropriate for senior fitness, and it is quickly gaining popularity among the 50+ age groups. The ability to modify exercises to meet differing needs, along with the many benefits of the Pilates method, such as increased levels of strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone, stamina, and well being, make Pilates an inviting exercise program for seniors. After all, Joseph Pilates practised his method well into his eighties!!

Lynne also runs classes at Alsager Library every Thursday at 11.30 a.m.

Names are now being taken for either a Monday or Thursday afternoon session here in Alsager. Kindly add your name to the list if interested.

Table Tennis                  (Bob Somerville Roberts)

There are three table tennis groups, with playing sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays.  All three are held at the Rode Heath Village Hall, and each has a different leader. Kay leads on Tuesdays, Gwyneth on Wednesdays and myself, Bob, on Fridays.  Between all the groups we have about 50 members.  Some attend two of the groups and some even attend three.

The three leaders attend all three sessions. This brings a surprising advantage, as each leader holds the nets, bats and balls required for a game.  We all always carry these items in our cars so if, for any unforeseen reason, one is held up and cannot make the Village Hall in time, there will almost certainly be two others there with the necessary equipment.  Having said that, it has never actually happened yet!

We have three tables, two in the main hall and one in a smaller side room.  There is usually time to sit out in between playing, so this is both a very social event as well as a very active one.  Those sitting out and having a rest do almost as much laughing and chattering as those who are meant to playing table tennis!  The playing standard varies from the ‘almost quite good’ to “what am I doing here today?” Most of us fluctuate between those two extremes – one game quite good and the next – well let’s not dwell on that too much!

The Rode Heath Village Hall is a super venue, and it suits table tennis very well.  There is plenty of space and it is always clean and in very good condition.  There is adequate car parking, and a nice kitchen for our tea and coffee break.  There are plenty of chairs on witch to rest our weary legs between games.

My intention in writing these few lines is to attempt to show that the three groups are great fun.  Yes, we do play table tennis, but we also all enjoy each others’ company, friendship and support.  We all just love our get-togethers. The Tuesday (Kay 01270 872679) and Friday (Bob 01782 516504) groups do have some spaces available; so if you feel like joining just call one of us.  You will be made very welcome.

The Value of the First Aid Course.  _  Rita Crumpton

A small group of us have been meeting under the detailed instruction of Alex McNee. We have been taught how to deal with accidents and heart attacks, and how to put someone in the recovery position. (This alone can save a life in some circumstances). We have been taught many skills which we trust we would remember if needed. (although hoping that we will never have to put them into practice).

After one meeting, one of our group went to the Post-Office in Alsager. She looked across the road towards the Co-op and saw a man lying on the ground. What should she do? Her mind was still full of all she'd been hearing that morning. What a dilemma’ Should she cross the road to see if she could help? Did she have the courage to intervene? What should she do? Should she put into practice the morning’s lessons?.

  As she hesitated, she noticed two of the staff from the store were there with the man on the ground. A few moments later, a police car drew up and officers took charge of the situation. It was then that she realised that the probable reason the man was on the floor was that he was being ‘sat on’!  He had been suspected of stealing from the Co-op. Whew, what a relief!

BOARD GAMES - June Ozanne

We are pleased to report that two new members have joined our group and we hope they will be happy to play with us (various Board Games such as Scrabble, Rummikub and Cribbage). Maybe there are some gentlemen out there who would like to join us ladies?

We still meet most Friday afternoons in the main lounge of Dennis Round Court from 2.0 p.m. till about 4-15 p.m. We look forward to meeting you. Lila (878110), June (873498) or Kath (882331).

Omission from the last Issue  -  Rita Crumpton

An apology, that for some reason the letter of thanks I submitted did not get included. So, belatedly, a big THANKYOU to all those who generously responded to my request for a tape recording machine. I was overwhelmed by all the kind offers, and am now once again in touch by tape with my blind friend.

Many thanks to you all.