Following the success of September’s Open Day, Crouch End and District U3A now has a record 829 members. We have grown from nothing in just over two years and our dedicated team is continually working to increase the range of our groups and activities. We now need more volunteers to help us continue to provide an excellent service for our growing membership. See below, under Volunteers Needed, for ways in which you may be able to help.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Thursday 14 November 2019
Professor Ian Christie: Rescuing a pioneer: Britain’s forgotten creator of cinema
Not many people realise that what we know as cinema really started in London in 1896, when Robert Paul demonstrated his new projector. Over the next five years, he pioneered multi-scene fiction films, documentary and many other kinds of film. In 1898 he opened Britain’s first studio, in Muswell Hill, and built up a substantial international business. So why is he not better known? Ian will be offering some suggestions, as well as showing a selection of Paul’s surviving films.
Ian Christie is a film and media historian, currently professor at Birkbeck College and visiting professor at Gresham College. He is a Fellow of the British Academy and broadcasts regularly.
Thursday 12 December 2019
Oonagh Gay: The pioneer women MPs
After a long struggle, women over 30 gained the vote in 1918, but little thought had been given to the prospect of women MPs. The first few women who managed to be elected were resourceful and brave. Nancy Astor is well known, but have you heard of Margaret Wintringham or the Duchess of Atholl? In 1929 only 14 women were elected out of a House of over 600 men, and it took until 1957 for Hornsey to get its first woman MP, Muriel Gammans. This talk will bring to life some of these early pioneers who had to navigate a Commons not designed for them.
Oonagh Gay retired from the House of Commons Library in 2015, after 30 years, having researched for MPs on constitutional subjects. She retrained as a tour guide and now leads history walks around London, focusing on women and radical themes. She runs the CEDU3A Shorter Walks Group.
Our monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at the Union Church and Community Centre, Weston Park N8 9PX. They are open to all members (please bring your membership card) and you are welcome to bring a guest: it is possible to join at the meeting. Talks start at 10.45am; tea and coffee are available from 10am – please bring your own cup or mug.
Further details: https://cedu3a.org.uk/monthly-meetings
SCIENCE OF HEALTH SEMINAR
Monday 25 November 2019
Aches and pains: Tendy Togelang BSc (Hons) Psych DO (UK)
Tendy Togelang trained at the British School of Osteopathy. His talk will cover normal aches and pains, what we can reasonably expect to achieve and maintain in the senior years and how to keep healthy.
Further details: https://cedu3a.org.uk/science-of-health
The seminar runs from 11.30am to 1pm at the Union Church and Community Centre, Weston Park N8 9PX. Refreshments are provided.
This is the last seminar in the present series.
SOCIAL EVENTS
50s/60s Dance Night
Friday 22 November, 7.30-10.30pm
Come and Rock Around the Clock at our 50s/60s dance night with The Critique of Pure Rhythm
Venue: British Legion Hall Muswell Hill Road N10, pay bar.
TICKETS (£12) MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE – NO ENTRY ON THE DOOR.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/50s60s-dance-night-tickets-72216711127
We are pleased now to be able to open up the evening up to non-members: members can book up to three guests. There are no concessions or refunds.
Coffee Mornings
These monthly get-togethers, held in people’s homes from 11.00 am to 12.30 pm, are a great way to meet other members. November and December are full (you are welcome to join the waiting list), but there is plenty of space for January.
To book contact Jacki on https://cedu3a.org.uk/coffee-mornings/
We also need hosts from February 2020. If you are interested, or would like further information, contact Jacki, as above. Expenses can be reimbursed.
First Monday Pub Lunches
As the name suggests, our pub lunches are held on the first Monday of every month, at the Mossy Well in Muswell Hill. They provide an opportunity for members to meet and chat in an informal and social atmosphere. Members will of course have to pay for their own food and drinks.
If you would to come along, please email pub@cedu3a.org.uk
Writing Groups’ book of short stories
Following the successful launch of the Writing Groups’ book of short stories Reflections and Echoes, you can now buy a copy at the U3A’s monthly meetings. All funds raised will go to CARIS Haringey, a local charity for homeless families: £5 minimum donation per book.
There are three ways to pay: cash, cheque payable to CARIS Haringey or proof of online payment at https://www.carisharingey.org.uk/ – click on Donate Now.
Christmas Companions
Following last month’s bulletin item, this is a reminder to those members who might want to invite or join other members for a Christmas meal or meet other members for a get-together to contact us at christmascompanions@gmail.com using subject title Christmas Day Reminder.
Our deadline is now extended to November 15.
We’ve received several enquiries – including someone keen to organise a Christmas Day walk – as well as notes of appreciation to our U3A for setting up the initiative – much appreciated, thank you!
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Next month is renewal time for those who joined before September 2019. We will shortly be emailing members asking them, if eligible, to consent to us claiming Gift Aid for their subscriptions. Renewal notices will be sent early next month, when we have registered the Gift Aid responses.
NEW GROUPS
There has been much activity this month, showing the ever-increasing popularity of our groups.
Badminton Group 2
A second group, starting in November for a 3-month trial period and meeting weekly at the same venue – Muswell Hill Sports Centre on Wednesdays from 11am – 1pm, term time only. If interested please apply via the website at https://cedu3a.org.uk/badminton/
Play Reading Group 2
Starting soon. Details to be circulated shortly. If interested please contact the convener of the first Play Reading Group via the website at https://cedu3a.org.uk/play-reading/
French Book Club 2
A second French Book Club is starting in January. This will meet at the same time and dates as the first one but at a different venue. Group members read short, simple novels in French by French authors and follow up with lively discussions in French. A reasonable knowledge of the language to intermediate level is desirable. If you are interested, apply to join on the website – https://cedu3a.org.uk/french-book-club
Crime Fiction Book Club 2
Crime is now said to be the largest single genre in fiction writing. If you enjoy intrigue, well-constructed plots, good prose, credible characters and settings, come and share your interests in a friendly setting. Group members will suggest and choose the monthly book. Refreshments will be provided. The Group will meet on the second Tuesday of the month, 5pm to 6.30pm starting November 12. For information and to apply https://cedu3a.org.uk/crime-fiction-book-club-2
Possible Advanced Italian Conversation Group
A member has offered to convene a new Advanced Italian Conversation Group and we would like to gauge interest in this. Please contact newgroups@cedu3a.org.uk if you would like to join.
Music Theory: request for convener
This is not yet a group, but a request for anyone who would be willing to convene a group on Music Theory. Please email newgroups@cedu3a.org.uk if you are interested.
