Group News
Sidcup and District U3A
Philosophy • Leader Bernard Catallo
The Philosophy Group is now into its second year; enjoyment and insight remain our prime objectives. The group is not troubled by the standard caricatures of Philosophy - instead the group’s thought processes are offered a gentle and stimulating flow of freshness. Meetings take place twice a month on Monday afternoons and our approach varies. For example, we listen to lectures, watch professional philosophers in dialogue over specific points, and we stage group discussions. The ‘Concept of Fairness’ generates a wide-ranging and intricate discussion. Whereas some professional philosophers may enjoy talking about abstract tables, we share stimulating insights around our real table and a community of interest, as well as real refreshments.
Bernard Catallo
Local History 3 • Leader Pam Kirk
In October, our group visited the Cartoon Museum in Little Russell Street. This museum is dedicated to preserving the best of British cartoons, caricatures, comics and animation.
We were given a 50-minute talk by the Curator who presented each of us with a folder of cartoons and caricatures; this enabled us to follow her talk on the history of cartoons, starting with William Hogarth in the 17th century up to the present day. After the talk, we were free to laugh our way around this fun museum which is self funding and well worth a visit.
Christine Withams
Freedom Pass Explorers • Leader Val Gosden
In October we were again fortunate to have reasonable weather - breezy, but sunny and mild. Our trip out was to Alexandra Palace and Park, and our stop for coffee was at the café in the park itself, overlooking the lake, from which we could watch the many ducks swimming and diving. We also spotted a heron on the island in the lake, and this we later saw flying around, scattering the innumerable pigeons that lined the lake. Following the much needed pause for coffee, we walked round the lake and up to the Palace; this is a vast edifice, and some of it looks very much in need of some TLC (and lots of ££££), but the front has been cleaned up and looks quite impressive. Looking around from this high point, we could see much of north London, and, in the distance, the Post Office Tower, the Shard, Canary Wharf and other tall buildings. We continued walking through the park; some of the trees were losing their leaves, but there was still a great amount of greenery around. After leaving the park, we were lucky enough to find a clean and inexpensive café where we enjoyed refreshments before returning home.
Our November trip out was to Gunnersbury Park, via Acton Town underground station and a clean and friendly café for coffee. We were impressed with the museum in the park with its interesting display of items from the past, including carriages, hansom cab and bath chairs, all of which were attractively arranged. The gardens became famous after the mansion and estate were bought by the Rothschild family in 1835; the hothouses supplied pineapples and orchids, and one person who enjoyed these was Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Some rare trees still survive and their autumn colours gave us pleasure. We had a most satisfactory lunch in the park café, following which we wandered near the pond with its many birds and geese, before we continued through the park to Kew Gardens railway station and home.
On a sunny, though cold, day in December we travelled to Uxbridge - a station at the end of the Metropolitan Line. On leaving the station platform, we paused to admire a really clear large round clock and some stained glass panelling above the station exit. After an early lunch we explored the town a little with its several shopping malls as well as the ‘usual’ High Street shops and stores; it is a well-kept, thriving, place. We decided to walk alongside the Grand Union Canal, if possible, but we found, instead, a river beside which we walked a little way, noticing the many narrowboats moored in the marina. We then returned along a narrow path alongside a branch of the river where we spotted many ducks and a couple of swans. Our train journey home was uneventful until we reached Mottingham, when the emergency alarm was activated (possibly because a set of doors would not open), and we had to leave the train. At this point we separated to go home our own ways - waiting for the next train, catching a bus to Eltham, or even walking home. This was taken in good spirit by our group, but I cannot promise to provide such excitement every time!
Val Gosden
Wine Appreciation • Leader Michael Jordan
WAGS Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner of the Wine Appreciation Group was held at Sophie’s Choice restaurant, Sidcup, on Thursday 24th November 2011. Twenty-six members and partners attended for a splendid evening which started at 7.00 pm with Kir Royale, followed by a wonderful three-course meal accompanied by wines chosen by Brian Edwards - a Pinot Blanc from Alsace and a Côtes du Rhône Villages. It was a memorable evening.
Michael Jordan
Parks & Gardens Appreciation • Leaders Jill Bryant & Barbara Olney
For our October outing a group of us visited Holland Park; this is the largest park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It extends over 54 acres of what used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion hidden in the woods. It was built in the early 17th century by Sir Walter Cope who later became Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James I. It was renamed Holland House after the Earl of Holland’s wife, Lady Rich, inherited the property. Holland House was badly damaged during World War II, but one wing was saved and is used as a youth hostel. A remaining section of the front terrace now serves as a distinct backdrop for the park’s summertime open-air theatre productions and classical concerts.
Upon entering the park, we noticed the many trees in their vibrant autumnal colours - an amazing sight. Further into the park is the Kyoto Japanese Garden which was donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991. This garden is exquisite and tranquil and contains many Japanese Acers and shrubs, a pool with a waterfall, gates, and fences made of bamboo which are an absolute delight to see and are very well maintained.
We all agreed, as we made our way home, that we had had a lovely day and decided that we would come back again next year, possibly in the summer, as there is still so much more to see.
Diane Hilder
Classical Music 1 • Leader Derick Johnson
John Mercer presented his programme for December on a cheerful note beginning with the overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart played by the German Opera Berlin conducted by Karl Bohm. This was followed by Aria No 9 where Figaro tells of military life in a vocal by Hermann Prey. We then heard Rossini’s String Sonata No 1 in G minor, which was played by the Rossini Ensemble conducted by Andrea Kiss. (Rossini once claimed that if he was given a shopping list he could set it to music - and we could all well believe it!) The next item was Grieg’s Piano Concerto by the BBC Symphony Orchestra accompanied by pianist Stephen Kovacevich and conducted by Colin Davis. The draft of this concerto was shown to Liszt who liked it so much - even though he thought it was badly written - that he played it all through. Grieg became so famous that the Norwegian Government granted him an annuity. During the break we had home made mince pies and heard some impromptu poetry composed and read by Shirley Haynes. The second part started with the famous Weber Clarinet Concerto No 1 by Academy of St. Martin’s in the Fields Chamber Orchestra conducted by Sir Neville Marriner with soloist Yan Pascal Tortelier. The final part began with Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet No 1 in D major played by the St. Lawrence Quartet. Our afternoon’s music concluded with the carol “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” which was sung by the BBC Welsh Choir conducted by Hugh Williamson.
Derick Johnson
The traditional Christmas carol, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” was published by William B. Sandys in 1833; its author is unknown. However, in an earlier publication of the carol on broadsheet dated about 1760, it is described as a “new Christmas carol,” suggesting that its origin is actually in the mid-18th century. It is interesting to note that the word “rest” here denotes “keep” or “make”, and that “ye” was originally written as “you”; this alteration appears to have been deliberate and makes the carol look quaintly archaic.
Editor
Bird Watching • Leader Gay Braybrook
The group met in Regent’s Park for our November outing. We identified 24 ducks/waders, the more unusual ones being the European eider duck, golden eye, Mandarin, pintail, smew, shoveler, red crested pochard, whooper swans (which we watched take off and fly under the bridge - a fantastic sight) and many of the more common ducks. There is also a heronry in the park, and the herons walk among your feet, just like pigeons, so you get a very close view.
For December we went to the Wetland Centre at Barnes. It was not as busy there as it usually is, but there were a great number of cormorants and herons. We did see a lapwing (which is a bit scarce these days), a little grebe, shelduck, shoveler, teal and widgeon, as well as the more common ducks.
Both days were very enjoyable and the weather was kind to us. The next meeting for Bird Watching will be on 7th March when we will be going to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Gay Braybrook & Margaret Scambler
The Philosophy Group is now into its second year; enjoyment and insight remain our prime objectives. The group is not troubled by the standard caricatures of Philosophy - instead the group’s thought processes are offered a gentle and stimulating flow of freshness. Meetings take place twice a month on Monday afternoons and our approach varies. For example, we listen to lectures, watch professional philosophers in dialogue over specific points, and we stage group discussions. The ‘Concept of Fairness’ generates a wide-ranging and intricate discussion. Whereas some professional philosophers may enjoy talking about abstract tables, we share stimulating insights around our real table and a community of interest, as well as real refreshments.
Bernard Catallo
Local History 3 • Leader Pam Kirk
In October, our group visited the Cartoon Museum in Little Russell Street. This museum is dedicated to preserving the best of British cartoons, caricatures, comics and animation.
We were given a 50-minute talk by the Curator who presented each of us with a folder of cartoons and caricatures; this enabled us to follow her talk on the history of cartoons, starting with William Hogarth in the 17th century up to the present day. After the talk, we were free to laugh our way around this fun museum which is self funding and well worth a visit.
Christine Withams
Freedom Pass Explorers • Leader Val Gosden
In October we were again fortunate to have reasonable weather - breezy, but sunny and mild. Our trip out was to Alexandra Palace and Park, and our stop for coffee was at the café in the park itself, overlooking the lake, from which we could watch the many ducks swimming and diving. We also spotted a heron on the island in the lake, and this we later saw flying around, scattering the innumerable pigeons that lined the lake. Following the much needed pause for coffee, we walked round the lake and up to the Palace; this is a vast edifice, and some of it looks very much in need of some TLC (and lots of ££££), but the front has been cleaned up and looks quite impressive. Looking around from this high point, we could see much of north London, and, in the distance, the Post Office Tower, the Shard, Canary Wharf and other tall buildings. We continued walking through the park; some of the trees were losing their leaves, but there was still a great amount of greenery around. After leaving the park, we were lucky enough to find a clean and inexpensive café where we enjoyed refreshments before returning home.
Our November trip out was to Gunnersbury Park, via Acton Town underground station and a clean and friendly café for coffee. We were impressed with the museum in the park with its interesting display of items from the past, including carriages, hansom cab and bath chairs, all of which were attractively arranged. The gardens became famous after the mansion and estate were bought by the Rothschild family in 1835; the hothouses supplied pineapples and orchids, and one person who enjoyed these was Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Some rare trees still survive and their autumn colours gave us pleasure. We had a most satisfactory lunch in the park café, following which we wandered near the pond with its many birds and geese, before we continued through the park to Kew Gardens railway station and home.
On a sunny, though cold, day in December we travelled to Uxbridge - a station at the end of the Metropolitan Line. On leaving the station platform, we paused to admire a really clear large round clock and some stained glass panelling above the station exit. After an early lunch we explored the town a little with its several shopping malls as well as the ‘usual’ High Street shops and stores; it is a well-kept, thriving, place. We decided to walk alongside the Grand Union Canal, if possible, but we found, instead, a river beside which we walked a little way, noticing the many narrowboats moored in the marina. We then returned along a narrow path alongside a branch of the river where we spotted many ducks and a couple of swans. Our train journey home was uneventful until we reached Mottingham, when the emergency alarm was activated (possibly because a set of doors would not open), and we had to leave the train. At this point we separated to go home our own ways - waiting for the next train, catching a bus to Eltham, or even walking home. This was taken in good spirit by our group, but I cannot promise to provide such excitement every time!
Val Gosden
Wine Appreciation • Leader Michael Jordan
WAGS Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner of the Wine Appreciation Group was held at Sophie’s Choice restaurant, Sidcup, on Thursday 24th November 2011. Twenty-six members and partners attended for a splendid evening which started at 7.00 pm with Kir Royale, followed by a wonderful three-course meal accompanied by wines chosen by Brian Edwards - a Pinot Blanc from Alsace and a Côtes du Rhône Villages. It was a memorable evening.
Michael Jordan
Parks & Gardens Appreciation • Leaders Jill Bryant & Barbara Olney
For our October outing a group of us visited Holland Park; this is the largest park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It extends over 54 acres of what used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion hidden in the woods. It was built in the early 17th century by Sir Walter Cope who later became Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James I. It was renamed Holland House after the Earl of Holland’s wife, Lady Rich, inherited the property. Holland House was badly damaged during World War II, but one wing was saved and is used as a youth hostel. A remaining section of the front terrace now serves as a distinct backdrop for the park’s summertime open-air theatre productions and classical concerts.
Upon entering the park, we noticed the many trees in their vibrant autumnal colours - an amazing sight. Further into the park is the Kyoto Japanese Garden which was donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991. This garden is exquisite and tranquil and contains many Japanese Acers and shrubs, a pool with a waterfall, gates, and fences made of bamboo which are an absolute delight to see and are very well maintained.
We all agreed, as we made our way home, that we had had a lovely day and decided that we would come back again next year, possibly in the summer, as there is still so much more to see.
Diane Hilder
Classical Music 1 • Leader Derick Johnson
John Mercer presented his programme for December on a cheerful note beginning with the overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart played by the German Opera Berlin conducted by Karl Bohm. This was followed by Aria No 9 where Figaro tells of military life in a vocal by Hermann Prey. We then heard Rossini’s String Sonata No 1 in G minor, which was played by the Rossini Ensemble conducted by Andrea Kiss. (Rossini once claimed that if he was given a shopping list he could set it to music - and we could all well believe it!) The next item was Grieg’s Piano Concerto by the BBC Symphony Orchestra accompanied by pianist Stephen Kovacevich and conducted by Colin Davis. The draft of this concerto was shown to Liszt who liked it so much - even though he thought it was badly written - that he played it all through. Grieg became so famous that the Norwegian Government granted him an annuity. During the break we had home made mince pies and heard some impromptu poetry composed and read by Shirley Haynes. The second part started with the famous Weber Clarinet Concerto No 1 by Academy of St. Martin’s in the Fields Chamber Orchestra conducted by Sir Neville Marriner with soloist Yan Pascal Tortelier. The final part began with Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet No 1 in D major played by the St. Lawrence Quartet. Our afternoon’s music concluded with the carol “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” which was sung by the BBC Welsh Choir conducted by Hugh Williamson.
Derick Johnson
The traditional Christmas carol, “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” was published by William B. Sandys in 1833; its author is unknown. However, in an earlier publication of the carol on broadsheet dated about 1760, it is described as a “new Christmas carol,” suggesting that its origin is actually in the mid-18th century. It is interesting to note that the word “rest” here denotes “keep” or “make”, and that “ye” was originally written as “you”; this alteration appears to have been deliberate and makes the carol look quaintly archaic.
Editor
Bird Watching • Leader Gay Braybrook
The group met in Regent’s Park for our November outing. We identified 24 ducks/waders, the more unusual ones being the European eider duck, golden eye, Mandarin, pintail, smew, shoveler, red crested pochard, whooper swans (which we watched take off and fly under the bridge - a fantastic sight) and many of the more common ducks. There is also a heronry in the park, and the herons walk among your feet, just like pigeons, so you get a very close view.
For December we went to the Wetland Centre at Barnes. It was not as busy there as it usually is, but there were a great number of cormorants and herons. We did see a lapwing (which is a bit scarce these days), a little grebe, shelduck, shoveler, teal and widgeon, as well as the more common ducks.
Both days were very enjoyable and the weather was kind to us. The next meeting for Bird Watching will be on 7th March when we will be going to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Gay Braybrook & Margaret Scambler
