Reports on Current and Past Events
SCAMS AND HOW TO SPOT THEM
Approximately 50 people attended this event on Friday 25th October at St Andrew’s Centre and were rewarded with some helpful information from H&Du3a member, Andrew Brown. He gave examples and guidance regarding scams and what to look out for in emails, phone calls and text messages. Andrew was also able to chat with individual members about specific cases.
The feedback from the audience was very positive and all went away with something useful to remember.
If in doubt, be SAVVY!
Do not send money
Do not click on links
Beware of red.
Beware of sme11ing pistaKes and rogue uppercase letters
Report scam emails to:
Check the sender’s email address. Is it correct; does it match up? Does it look fishy?
Don’t answer a number you don’t recognise. If it’s important they’ll leave a message.
Check a phone number with Google or other search engines
Block a number if you think it’s a scam
Sadly, it is a sign of our times that we all need to be vigilant.
Useful Links:
email address to forward scam emails
To check phone numbers
https://who-called.co.uk/
Which? Sign up for scam alerts here:
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/the-latest-scam-alerts-from-which-aBRLy2b02WkC
National Cyber Security Centre
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-website
Action Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
A big thank you to Andrew for leading this talk. For those of you who were unable to attend, he has agreed to repeat this event sometime in the spring.
Also thanks to Pat and Sue for organising refreshments, all chair movers and stackers, Val for booking the hall and the Committee for agreeing to offer this as a free event.
Liz Cooper
Vice Chair
Visit to Ightham Mote (NT) Kent, September 25th 2024
Members of ELG5 plus some extras enjoyed a most pleasant visit to this perfectly preserved medieval moated manor house hidden away in a secluded Kent valley.
We were treated to a guided tour of the house, built from Kentish ragstone and Great Wealden oaks, where evidence of all stages of development over its 700 years was pointed out, alongside the work of the National Trust on restoration and conservation.
 The only Grade 1 listed dog kennel in the country, designed for a St Bernard! |
 The beginning of the tour in the main courtyard |
We were then able to investigate the house at our own pace, retracing steps or finding hidden areas to discover. Knowledgeable guides were available to answer our questions and elaborate on particularly interesting artefacts.
The NT café provided suitably warming fare, before a stroll around the grounds and gardens gave a fuller view of the estate, plus the compulsory visit to the gift shop. 😉
 The moat at the Mote! |
 Garden Gunnera... a place to shelter if it rains |
The majestic Great Hall |
 There are many, many chimneys on this building |
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A view from the lake, with duck house! |
Well worth a visit.
Check out their website at Ightham Mote
Liz Cooper
More photos in the GALLERY coming soon.
Day 1: Hertford to Kendal
38 Hertford u3a members set off on a bright sunny morning from Hertford heading for the M1, M6 and the wilds of the north-west, to enjoy a four-night visit, arranged by Avalon Tours, in the Lake District, staying in Kendal.
Unlike the general predictions regarding weather, we had wall-to-wall sunshine and rain jackets were not required until the morning we left.
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A packed itinerary included a lunchtime stop at Salford Quays, where some visited the Lowry Centre, others the IWM (North), with Media City always in view. One of our party was able to meet up with an old friend. |
| Our hotel, an old tannery alongside the river Kent, provided us with comfortable rooms, breakfast and evening meal. Although the refurbishment of the bar was unfinished and therefore out of bounds we still managed to make the most of a pop-up bar in the dining room. Evening walks along the river were enjoyed by many. |  |
Day 2: Boats, Trains and Bluebirds
Our excursions included a relaxing but breezy boat trip on the Swan along Windermere from Ambleside to Lakeside, via Bowness, followed by a delightful steam train ride to Haverthwaite and a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum. Here we found a variety of cars from our past, strange flying machines, all crammed in to a very small space, plus an interesting and moving exhibition devoted to the land and water speed records of Malcolm and Donald Campbell in their Bluebirds.
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Day 3: Poets, Gingerbread and Yards
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| Tuesday took us to Dove Cottage, home of William Wordsworth, where we learned about the history of the Wordsworths and the cottage, before taking a walk through the house and delightful garden, where we met an 18th century ode reader, complete with mobile phone! There is also a comprehensive museum for erudite Wordsworth enthusiasts. | |
A short drive to Grasmere and lunch in a riverside café was followed by a search for the very special gingerbread shop, with a very long queue. Others wisely took a stroll around the village and pretty church, where the Wordsworth graves are prominent
An early return gave us an opportunity to explore Kendal. Walking along the river Kent, we unexpectedly traversed a local council estate to find the exceptionally wide parish church with five aisles, before investigating the high street with its old yards, nooks and crannies, thus requiring some refreshment in a little hostelry, where cocktails were on offer.
 Kendal Parish Church |
 Old Police Yard |
Day 4: Tapestries and Stately Homes
On Wednesday morning we visited the Quaker Tapestry, where we enjoyed a very interesting and informative talk about the history of the tapestries and the variety of different stitching used. The handwork was wonderful and we were very pleased to discover our own Hertford Quaker Meeting House in one of the pieces.
 Quaker Meeting Hall, Kendal |
 Holker Hall, Grange-over-Sands |
The afternoon was spent at Holker Hall, family home of Lucy Cavendish and her husband, Tor McLaren. This is a very interesting house to walk around, with evidence of the comfortable family home it has always been: rocking horse, doll’s pram, see-saws and other toys,1980s books and earlier. The gardens are delightful to stroll around, with fountains, a cascade, elephant topiary and even statues of Roman gods lurking in the undergrowth, amongst some interesting trees from across the world, whilst RAF jets flew overhead disturbing the peace but not our enjoyment. A quick visit to the shop for some goodies, we assembled back at the coach for some Buck’s Fizz to celebrate the end of a successful tour.
Day 5: Coventry and home
On Thursday morning it rained, but not for long!
After an early breakfast, we were all packed and ready for our journey homeward, via Coventry. Lisa had arranged a Blue Badge Tour guide, to show us the city centre. The modern cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Michael, designed by Sir Basil Spence with its extraordinary interior dominated by Sir Graham Sutherland’s huge tapestry, sits next to the old one, also St Michael’s, destroyed by incendiary bombs in 1940, now just a shell. It is a symbol of war-time destruction and barbarity, but also of peace and reconciliation. There is much to see and consider in the new cathedral, but I found the old one more moving. They are both very peaceful.
 From the new to the old |
 Doom painting |
Our guide, Roger, took us to the main square where Lady Godiva sits resplendent on her horse.
We then visited the site of the first cathedral in Coventry, found the market cross and were treated to Holy Trinity Church, with its Doom Painting, discovered in 1831, but following conservation and restoration in the 1990s, was revealed in 2004. The church is beautiful with some glorious stained glass.
It was here we said farewell to Lisa, who was returning to Northampton before setting off on another tour with another group. Dean drove us safely back to Hertford in good time, all present and correct…and no rain!
I have to thank Lisa at Avalon Tours and Dean, our driver, for taking care of us throughout our stay and making sure everyone had a jolly good time… which we did.
Liz Cooper
Photos are in the GALLERY .
Return to the theatre - BEAM - 12th August 2024
The Glorious 12th August: Buzzing at BEAM It was wonderful to see so many members at our ‘test event’ monthly meeting at BEAM. The Barbers Shop quintet performed in honour of Gwen Crosse followed by an amusing and interesting talk from Deborah Moggach (she who wrote The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel). The café was kept busy; jolly conversations, laughter and general bonhomie abounded and we even survived an ‘incident’ drill! Thank you everyone for sailing through all the tests presented to you and to our blue-sash helpers who supported this event with lists, clipboards and big smiles. This took much organising and a big thank you to Pam Beale, our secretary, who not only liaised with the theatre about our requirements but also sent out all those emails as well as fielding the issues with the BEAM ticketing link. (It worked for some but not for others.) Looking forward to seeing you all again on Monday 2nd September. Liz Cooper
Hertford & District u3a was the first organisation to use the splendid new BEAM theatre and facilities on the opening day Quintessential quality singing from our home-grown Barbers Shop quintet as the warming-up act for the keynote speaker at the monthly meeting. Author Deborah Moggach entertained one and all with wonderful anecdotes of her life and literature.
Our Hertford u3a Christmas Social that was held at Sele Farm Community Centre on 4th December was a delightful festive affair enjoyed by all. With around 90 members in attendance, the event was buzzing with Christmas spirit, laughter, and friendly conversations.
To add to the festive ambiance, warm mulled wine, spiced apple juice, and mince pies were on hand, ensuring everyone felt the holiday warmth.
Kicking off the merriment was the Sock Game—a toe-tapping start that set the tone for the afternoon. The Christmas Movie Picture Quiz had members scratching their heads and laughing in equal measure, followed by brain-busting challenges like Christmas Anagrams and the Christmas
Quiz. All this was rounded off with Don’t Forget the Lyrics and a Guess the number of sweets competition, with lots of prizes being won by teams and individuals.
Last, but not least, a very big thank you to all the wonderful team of helpers. The event ran very smoothly thanks to the work of our ‘elves’ who helped set up, took care of the refreshments and assisted with the activities.
More pictures from the event can be seen in the Gallery page.
Day 1: Hertford to Sunderland via Lincoln
With Lisa from Avalon Travel and Dean our trusty driver, plus our 43 travellers assembling in good time at Hertford East station we were able to set off earlier than the planned 8:00 departure, and, despite the Sunday closure of the A602, we soon reached the A1 via Digswell and headed northwards. A pit stop at Peterborough Services for a quick coffee and necessary loo visit enabled us to reach our lunchtime destination, Lincoln, where the sun was shining.
As it was Sunday, we were unable to visit the cathedral until after 11:30, so several Hertfordians took advantage of an open top bus tour of the city. Our living guide (none of this pre-recorded business for us!) was very interesting and ‘knew his stuff’. There is much to see in Lincoln and the city and its environs are steeped in history. Then followed a visit to the cathedral, where I always marvel at how these beautiful buildings are built. For me I was intent on finding the RAF Bomber Command chapel and its memorial to my father’s friends who never returned from WWII.
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Picking up a sandwich, we made our way back to the coach for the long journey to Sunderland, with a brief comfort stop in Yorkshire, arriving at our hotel, The Grand, shortly before 5:00. Everyone was delighted to be welcomed by the wonderful Colin and a cup of tea, before locating our enormous rooms with, for many, a view of the fabulous beach and the North Sea.
Happy Hour (!) between 5.00 and 7.00 prior to dinner was a treat, and Colin was there with his team to serve our meals… and our first introduction to the bullet carrots! We also had surprise entertainment from Dean, our driver, playing the piano in the restaurant!
A post prandial drink in the bar was a good opportunity to chat to our companions new and old, before retiring for the night ready for a 9:00 start on Monday morning.
Read more: Hertford u3a Summer Tour to the North East, (where the sun shone all the time).
(See photos in the GALLERY)
An early start with Golden Boy enabled us to make good progress around the M25 and on to the M3, arriving in Salisbury just before 11.00. Most of us made our way to the Cathedral café for restorative coffee and perhaps a smidgen of cake, plus the essential loos.
The Cathedral is stunning! As ever, I wonder at how these magnificent buildings are built. No hard hats, health and safety, risk assessments etc. incredible arches, stunning pillars and columns, beautiful windows, intricate woodwork, exquisitely painted ceilings and walls.
We were able to join a guided group tour, which is always a good idea as far as I am concerned.
The fourteenth Century Medieval Clock is probably the most ancient piece of real machinery in existence in original condition and still working. Unfortunately, we just missed the 11.00 chime!
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The very modern font is like a mirror… but do not put your camera down on it, because it isn’t! |
| There is an enormous Cope Chest, still used to store copes. The lid is so heavy it takes three people to lift it. |  |
The cathedral’s foundations are not very deep, but there is a huge amount of gravel keeping it steady. We were shown how a dip stick to check the level of water underneath the Cathedral, in case of flooding.
Without our guide we would probably have missed some of the pieces of artwork placed around the cathedral, in a variety of nooks and crannies. I was particularly taken with the Antony Gormley figure titled GRIP (Net), carefully watching over the chapel from high up.
A glorious Shakespearean romp
A delightful way to spend a Monday afternoon, the Executive Committee is to be congratulated on bringing something different to the Monthly meeting. As members departed the improvised theatre, there were mutterings of: “We want more meetings like this.” Ian Nash
Twelfth Night is one of the most engaging of Shakespeare’s romantic comedies and the Festival Players International excelled in lifting our spirits and making us laugh throughout their performance to a capacity crowd at the Hertford & District u3a June monthly meeting. The delightfully silly plot ain’t simple in its focus on a convoluted love triangle. Duke Orsino is in love with Olivia. However, mourning for her brother, she has rejected all his advances. Meanwhile, brother and sister, Sebastian and Viola, have survived a shipwreck, though each believes the other is dead. Viola disguises herself as a youth (Cesario) to serve in court. Orsino sends Cesario with love letters to woo Olivia for him. Unfortunately for the Duke, Olivia is taken in by Cesario’s disguise and falls in love with him. This comedy of disguise and deception was all the more hilarious for being performed by an all-male cast, exactly as the Bard intended for 17th century audiences. It creates the ultimate conceit in theatre. Viola is a boy playing a girl playing a boy. (S)he is indistinguishable from a boy playing a boy – her brother Sebastian. Amidst this we have boys playing Olivia and Maria, the maid. Brother and sister are finally reunited and the love triangle is resolved into two couples: Sebastian loves Olivia, and Viola loves Orsino. Getting there is a delight for the audience as the plot abounds with rich characters including Olivia’s disreputable drunken uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Olivia’s irksome servant Malvolio and her other servants, Maria, Feste and Fabia. So many moments in the Festival Players’ performance brought the house down included Feste the clown’s minstrel renditions on guitar, Malvolio’s efforts to keep smiling while sucking up to Olivia and the antics of Andrew Aguecheek’s performance as an upper-class idiot worthy of Monty Python.
On the sunny but breezy afternoon of Tuesday, 30 August a group of 40 u3a members brought their folding chairs, hats, paints and brushes to a corner of Hartham Common for an outdoor watercolour painting session. For those who didn’t possess their own paints and brushes they were provided along with a firm lap board to lean on with paper and water pots which sat on the grass. Novices who didn’t want to paint the view could choose from supplied pictures.
Members settled down, some in the sparse shaded spots and others in the brilliant sunshine, having taped down their paper as the breeze was strong enough to keep blowing over the u3a banner signalling the meeting point. It was a convivial afternoon which gave members the opportunity to meet others they had not met before and chat whilst having fun in the sun.
Casual walkers on the common wandered over and chatted with the painters and were intrigued. I must admit I had been worried about how the afternoon would pan out but two hours later we began to pack up and I was overwhelmed by the number of members who dropped by to say how much they had enjoyed the experience and the subsequent emails I have been receiving. I am Group Leader for the Watercolour for Beginners group and we have grown our numbers since the event.
Thank you to members who came to the event, especially those of you who took a leap of faith to do something new!
Rita Andrews