NEWS ITEMS AND COMMENTS ON EVENTS
Christmas Quiz and Buffet 2025
Stourbridge Glass Museum
The Art Appreciation Group recently visited Stourbridge Glass Museum where there were 2 exhibits to see.
Below is a run down of their day by Mary, the group leader.
There were two exhibitions available at the Stourbridge Glass Museum, 'Strike a Match', an exhibition of glass blowers Elliot Walker and Bethany Wood and 'Greener Glass' an exhibition of Environmentally Sustainable Glass.
Before we looked at the exhibitions we went over to the Red Cone Museum opposite in search of a coffee (we have to get our priorities right). Amongst the craft workshops and shops on the Red Cone Museum site was Blowfish Glass where Elliot Walker was blowing glass, 20 bird of paradise flowers to be precise, a commission from Jenny Pickford, a contemporary artist blacksmith who designs and makes botanical sculptures and water features from her Herefordshire forge. The video shows one of the flowers being completed, with help, whilst three of the photographs show Elliot Walker's work on show in the 'Strike a Match' exhibition.
Also on display was a copy of the Portland Vase originally held in the British Museum but destroyed. The original vase was made in the Roman period and is an example of cameo glass. A copy of the vase was made in Stourbridge over 140 years ago and took 3 years to produce. The example on display was made in Stourbridge by Terri Colledge who was very happy to talk us through the extremely lengthy process: in her case it took her six months to produce. It was fascinating.
Newport Civic Service
Two representatives from our u3a were invited as a Community Group in Newport to attend The Mayor's Civic Service at St Nicholas Church on the 23rd June. A parade took place followed by a service with civic dignitaries, past mayors, organisations and groups represented.
Visit to Shrewsbury Flaxmill and Maltings
Wednesday 10th April 2024
Watching a video following a fascinating insight into the history and architecture of the Flaxmill at our February monthly meeting in Cosy Hall, our speaker Richard Bonella kindly offered us the opportunity to visit the Flaxmill and ascend the newly opened Jubilee Tower. So, on a wet and slightly windy Wednesday a group of twelve brave and intrepid U3a adventurers set off to Shrewsbury.
We were met by Richard in the excellent Turned Wood Café from where we set off with umbrellas and coats to watch a short but informative film outlining the history of the impressive buildings and their construction, before Richard took us outside for a guided stroll around the site, showing us the features of the exterior of the buildings which make this such a fascinating piece of history.
We were then split into two groups before the first group ascended from the impressive atrium of the kiln, viewing the various floors which demonstrated clearly the cast iron construction of the building, reaching the summit and emerging out above the rooftops on the viewing platform of the Jubilee Tower. Despite a little rain and cloud the view was still spectacular and gave an excellent vista of the Flaxmill site, Shrewsbury and beyond. We descended a little later and retired to the café for a well-earned cuppa and slice of cake, with the second group heading off to their encounter with the Tower.
The visit to the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings is a terrific way to spend a few hours and our thanks again to Richard for looking after us so well and for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge so readily. Outside the Mill
More information about the Flaxmill can be found on their website https://www.shrewsburyflaxmillmaltings.org.uk/visit/behind-the-scenes-guided-tour/ and I can heartily recommend booking a visit, but perhaps choosing a day with more clement weather!
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Newport u3a has been running for 10 years this year (2023). Our inaugural meeting was May 2013 in the Baptist Church where Anniversary Cake volunteers offered there services for interest groups and our first committee was formed. Many of those groups are still running alongside some new ones. At Septembers' monthly meeting a celebration cake was made and we all enjoyed a piece.
PRIDE IN OUR HIGH STREET
On Our Stall Saturday 1st July we attended the Pride in Newport event.
A lively day in town and excellent opportunity for chatting to passers by and making the u3a known to those who knew nothing about us.
Thank you to all members who came by.
u3a Visit to Harper Adams University, May 10th 2023
In the Labs Thirteen of our membership were treated to a very interesting and informative talk and tour around Harper Adams in Edgmond, which was arranged with Rachel Brookes, part of the outreach and widening participation team at the University.
Following a cup of tea, Rachel gave us an insight into the work she does with schools and other organisations to encourage people from all walks of life to study at Harper Adams, including some of the interactive activities she uses to engage her audience, which culminated with our group sampling some very tasty edible insects!
Rachel then took us on a pleasant stroll around the campus looking in at the Food Academy and its sensory evaluation room, before completing our tour at the Agricultural Engineering Innovation Centre. Here Ag-Tech Engineer Mike Gutteridge showed us around their research labs and we looked at the work they do on the use of drones, computer controlled agricultural vehicles and autonomous systems.
KING CHARLES III ORCHARD
The u3a was invited by Newport Town Council to plant a tree in The King Charles III Community Orchard in Victoria Park as part of the Coronation celebrations. Despite the rain it was a lively, good spirited and well attended event. A tree was chosen and duly planted. The event coincides with Newport u3a having been in existence ten years this year.
Our tree one year later, in bloom. (May 2024)
Four Seasons Walking Group
The weather was kind to us and we walked in Apley Woods and crossed into part of Dothill Nature Reserve. A gentle 3.5 mile walk, lots to see and good chat along the way.
Members of the Four Seasons Walking Group on a beautifully carved tree trunk seat in Apley Woods.
RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER U3A'S
We have managed to secure reciprocal arrangements with another U3A group. This being Market Drayton. This means you are allowed to join 1 of their groups without actually becoming a member of that particular U3A. This is only if there is space in the group and one of their own members does not miss out.