The Quarterly showcases the rich diversity of our special interest groups. It pays tribute to our magnificent Group Leaders who are the lifeblood of a u3a.

The Torbay u3a has a range of walking groups catering for different abilities and stamina, plus swimming and pickleball groups. This reflects the importance our u3a puts on physical and mental well-being.

The content of The Quarterly is provided by individual members and guest contributors. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Torbay u3a Committee or the Third Age Trust nationally.

Editorial

This is first on-line Quarterly magazine for The Torbay u3a. Our u3a has a wide diversity of Groups, run by members, for members. I’ve thought for some time that members may enjoy seeing and hearing about what other groups are doing - for example, reading a book review from the Book Club, seeing paintings from the Arts Group, reading the words from the Creative Writing Group. Through the Quarterly members can connect to other Groups and foster discussion and sharing across our u3a

Similarly with members’ skills, expertise and knowledge – science, technology, gardening, local affairs… - members can share their experience beyond any specific interest group.

In the same way that we have Guest Speakers, we can invite ‘outside’ contributors to share experiences and stimulate discussion.

Certainly, we’ll have ‘Letters to the Editor’ to get feedback on matters of interest to members. Publication of such letters will follow strict rules regarding language used and references to individuals.

Being an on-line magazine, we have great flexibility in using technology to link directly to other sources of information.

Remember. This is your Quarterly. It will only work if members enjoy reading the various contributions. So, please, give us your feedback. We could share the Quarterly with other u3as and our Torbay community in general. What do you think? Is it a good way to promote the values of u3a and expand our Membership?
Editor

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Contribution from Thursday Knitting Group

Examples of knitting by the Group. In December 2024, the Thursday Knitting Group donated the proceeds from their Christmas sales to the local charity ‘Feed-A-Child Torbay’.

“Feed A-Child Torbay really appreciate your £65 cheque as this helps us to provide meal kits to struggling families across Torbay. We also provide breakfast kits to schools who give them out to children who attend schools without having had any breakfast. We deal with 40 primary schools and preschools across the Bay helping nearly 400 families.” Diane Egan – FACT.

‘Congratulations to Tammy and the Knitting Group – a great way for TheTorbay u3a to support our Community.’
Editor.

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Contributions from the Creative writing Group

Doppelgänger
I have to admit I think there is a strong resemblance between myself and Clark Gable, but oddly no one else does.

I have the same roguish smile, but others say my smile is simply a little lopsided. I then refer them to my eyes, the same devilish glint as his, but others insist mine are by comparison dull and muddy.

I insist I exude the same ideal of masculinity and virility. You will likely be shocked to hear that on the occasions I have put forward this claim I have actually heard people snigger, my wife in particular.

I lay claim to the same voice, an attractive huskiness. Others say mine is more reminiscent of a heavy smoker’s rasp, Now when it comes to my physique the similarity is undeniable, obvious to anyone who has eyes, mine having the same athleticism, but even here others refute it claiming I am rather sticklike by comparison.

In summary they insist I am deluded and full of false pride and arrogant- yes, arrogant! - I simply smile- well, how often do you hear a lesser person portray their better as arrogant. It is merely a defence against their own poor self..
Me arrogant! What absolute nonsense.

Look at me! Surely you can see the similarity for yourself.

Robert Somerville

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A Book Review from the Torbay U3a Wednesday Book Club
Collated from all members individual reviews.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The novel is narrated by Katniss, whose survival instincts, archery skills, and deep love for her family make her a compelling protagonist. Katniss’s relationship with Peeta evolves as they struggle to survive, complicated by the Capitol’s demand that they feign romantic involvement to win public favour. Beneath the action-packed narrative lies a biting critique of societal inequality, voyeuristic entertainment, and government oppression.

What worked well

1. Captivating Plot: The story’s fast pace and unpredictable twists keep readers engaged throughout.
2. Well-Developed Characters: Katniss is a resilient, multifaceted heroine, and her resourcefulness makes her both relatable and inspirational.
3. Political Commentary: The novel critiques reality television, media manipulation, and authoritarian control, offering layers of depth for older readers.
4. Setting: Collins creates a vivid and terrifyingly plausible world, from the Capitol’s grotesque excess to the districts’ grinding poverty.

What Could Be Improved:

1. Grim Tone: The unrelenting violence and bleak future may not appeal to all readers, especially those looking for lighter fare.
2. Forced Romance: The fabricated romance between Katniss and Peeta feels contrived at times, which might detract from the otherwise raw emotional tone

Overall Impressions:


Despite its dystopian despair, The Hunger Games is a compelling read that blends survival adventure with thought-provoking social commentary. The story is gripping, and its themes of resilience, sacrifice, and defiance resonate powerfully. While its target audience is teenagers, the novel’s layered messages make it appealing to a wider readership.

Collins delivers an unforgettable tale that is as thrilling as it is sobering, leaving readers eager to see how Katniss’s journey unfolds in the rest of the trilogy.

Score: 8/10

We each give a score out of 10 for our rating of the book we read each month. The range for the Hunger Games was from 5 to 9 with the mean being 7.9 and the mode 8.

Pam Hartigan, Group Leader

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Poker Hand rankings from the Poker Group

Can you keep a poker face whatever hand you hold?

Can you read other people? Test your ability in the Poker Group.

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Contributions from the Creative Writing Group

VISIONS LOST
She looked up from the ironing table

“Tom, Tom. There’s a rhinoceros charging across the sky. Look.
”
“Dinnae be sae fanciful, woman. It’s only a dirty big cloud.

Have ye forgotten tae put your specs on again?
”
She bowed her head to the Tuesday chore,

pitying the poor man who once saw fairies in the fire
but now could see no further than the daily news.

Next time she glanced through the window

someone had coloured-washed the sky

and started to paint storm clouds,

heavy black bled into charcoal,

charcoal into clerical grey,

clerical grey into drab putty.

Here and there blobs of cotton wool

dabbed at the peeps of celestial blue.

A fire-breathing dragon drifted by

to be dispersed in its own wisps of smoke.

A proud bald eagle, outlined in shining shimmer
perched with wings outstretched,

a guardian angel warding off the approaching storm.
To no avail. Lightning knifed through the gloom,
thunder cannoned, rain fell in curtains of living water,
obscuring her visions in the Dartmoor heavens.
Betty Harcombe

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Contribution from ‘One Conversation’ Group

‘One Conversation’

Our new group ‘One Conversation’ began at the beginning of the year. We run every Tuesday afternoon from 2 – 3.45, from my house in Seaway Lane in Chelston, Torquay. It runs every week so those who have other monthly groups can come occasionally on their free Tuesdays. So far we’ve had two sessions and 3 then 4 people have joined in; so far only women have actually joined, though a couple of men have expressed interest. At some stage, if there is a demand, perhaps we'll split the sexes.  It’s a group to share, confidentially, and explore the experiences of our ‘third age’. By experiences I mean outer as well as inner ones. The experiences of things that happen to us – illnesses and disabilities, the death of loved ones, things we were familiar with now becoming obsolete, skills we had which are no longer valued – and inner things, which happen inside us – anxieties, disappointments, feelings about what we have achieved and the challenges faced. So far we’ve wondered: does a challenged life makes you stronger and ultimately more fulfilled, are we fated to live our particular lives, is it impossible to really know another and to be known? There isn’t an agenda or a topic, someone drops in a thought and it grows and the conversation flows, people adding in their experiences and thoughts, but only one person talks at a time; you don't have to talk if you don't want to, but everyone listens. And within this space a sense of connection grows. If you're interested and want to know more I'll be delighted to chat about it.
Glynis Greening – Group Leader

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A selection of questions recently asked (& answered) at the Quiz Group

1. The European Union was founded in 1957. Who were the six original members?
2. Name the food brand founded in Ireland in 1851 known for biscuits & cream crackers
3. During Prohibition what name was given to the establishments that illegally sold alcohol?
4. What is the capital of Mozambique?
5. The Nobel Prize is awarded in which six fields?
6. What does a hydrologist study?
7. How many sunrises does the North Pole experience each year?
8. Name the 1964 Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry. She is the only British woman to have received a Nobel Prize in any of the sciences
   Answers on the last page.

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Word Challenge

How many words of three letters or more can you form using the letters in the table. You may not use the same letter square twice in any word. What is the nine-letter word?

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Thoughts from the Current Affairs group

“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. “Thomas Jefferson 

“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.“ Voltaire

The Current Affairs group of the Torbay u3a has been discussing matters of the day for more than twenty years.  Its venue has been from Livermead to Watcombe and many places in between. 

We do not avoid the subject of politics as people are wont to ask but we haven’t really ever had a discussion about religion. Perhaps we should, as in many cases they are inextricably intertwined.

Of late, we have been relatively civilised in our discussions, but I do remember occasions when tempers have frayed, and arguments have become heated. To my knowledge though, fisticuffs were avoided and nothing was thrown and the verbal combatants were perfectly cordial at the next meeting.

Unlike the present ‘cancel culture, ‘which seems to be prevalent in our universities, we agree with both Jefferson and Voltaire and have been able to  enjoy many social occasions over the years despite holding what may be differing views.

Looking back over the many Current Affairs meetings I have attended over the years I have had to defend a position on occasion that perhaps I thought everyone would agree with. Members senior in age to me (not many now ) would express an opinion that would maybe cause outrage in other circles I frequented. I have certainly learnt to be more tolerant of others and to consider what their different life experiences might be. This of course is not only true of the Current Affairs group but of the u3a as a whole.  

It is a pity for me that such a life lesson should come after retirement but I suspect that many people might be in the same boat. We are all too often in our own little pigeonholes when working and bringing up a family. Our views become restricted and there is little time or energy to explore outside our own box.  Many people have a second ‘job ‘,  becoming  a taxi service for their children,  taking them to swimming, to  gymnastics, to ballet etc.

Inevitably, age takes its toll and our opportunities to grow and develop further again become restricted. However, I would point out that the mind can be active even if the body is not and there might be an opening for a Current Affairs Zoom group, as happened during lockdown.

I hope this article has given you all food for thought but not frightened you off. People have often spent much time in the meeting saying nothing but learning much about a subject heretofore a closed book to them.

Gina  Royle – Group Leader

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Our new Committee – March 2025

Click the Committee members name to send them a messag

Message from Chair: My priorities for the coming year are:

• To grow the membership and increase the diversity of groups
• To extend our u3a’s interaction with the wider Torbay community
• To work more closely with other u3as in the Bay.

In April, the Committee expects to co-opt Glynis Greening to the role of Group Coordinator. It is also looking for members to fill the roles of Secretary, Committee Secretary, Publicity Officer and Events Coordinator. Please contact the Chair or a Committee member to find out more. It’s an exciting time to join our leadership team!

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Special Interest Groups

The Torbay u3a has nearly forty special interest groups run by members for members. Check out the Groups on this our website for details including contact details for the different groups.

Membership is £16pa, and members can join as many groups as they wish. Most groups are free apart from members sharing venue hire fees when appropriate. Many groups meet in members homes at no cost – an important feature of u3as across the country.

The diversity of groups is huge and we’re always looking for members to initiate and lead new groups. Contact the Chair or the Groups Coordinator if you have an idea for a new group.

New to u3a? You can try out a group (or groups) before deciding to join, or come to one of our free monthly ‘speaker meetings’ held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Central Church in Torquay.

Members from other u3as can attend up to two of our group meetings for the nominal fee of £1, but always check with the relevant Group Leader to check availability or ‘last minute’ changes.

The Third Age Trust – the national co-ordinating body u3as – run a number of on-line courses and workshops. You can check these out on the national website: u3a.org.uk.

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Contribution from Cookery for Entertainment Group

“Cooking requires confident guesswork and improvisation- experimentation and substitution, dealing with failure and uncertainty in a creative way.“ Paul Theroux

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a ‘what the hell, attitude’.“ Julia Child.

The ‘Cooking for Entertainment’ group has undergone a metamorphosis over the many years of its existence.

In the beginning we diligently cooked and ate each other’s offerings and occasionally commented in a very mannered way about a dish if it was perhaps not quite a success.

However, that very soon went by the board, and we evolved a system whereby we were in a particular group. Each group then cooked either a starter, a main or a dessert on a rotating system. We were thus spared having to eat nine puddings which had happened on one famous occasion. (My memory is hazy, but I don’t think anyone really objected.) We did feel that it wasn’t very healthy though.

We also gradually moved our meeting time so that we ate over lunch. This led to people being more adventurous as they had time to prepare properly.

For quite a few years we followed a theme. We cooked dishes from every continent and most types of cuisine. We have never gone vegan but have done vegetarian. We have cooked for meals on a budget and blow out Christmas dinners. After Tammy Thomas was nearly set on fire by the flaming Christmas pudding, we thought it would probably be safer to eat out for Christmas in future.

Finally having exhausted all cuisines and countries we cooked round the alphabet. When we had been round twice, we gave up themes altogether and now we cook what we want but we have always stuck to being in three groups.

When we began all those years ago, I think our cooking was very correct and we were frightened of failure. None of us knew what standard of expertise other people had and after all, cooking for people that one doesn’t really know very well was, I think, quite a challenge.

Now, I think we are much more of the Julia Child school of thought. Our ‘what the hell‘ attitude is often much in evidence.

I also believe that we all go along with Paul Theroux. Guesswork and improvisation are integral to many of the dishes cooked. If one doesn’t have an ingredient to hand, ‘let’s see what’s in the cupboard, ‘is the go to attitude for us.

In addition, when a dish hasn’t fulfilled expectations, which believe me can lead to domestics if one isn’t careful, it is stimulating to try and create something more satisfactory from leftovers. There is nothing more disheartening than spending a long time over a dish only to find that in the eating it is only so so.

Our membership has fluctuated over the years, at one time we were twelve but either members have decided it’s not for them or they have been unable to attend. At the moment we are eight or sometimes nine. We have near beginners and people who never produce a dud dish. We have members whose artistry in presentation is wonderful and others, like me, who struggle to present anything with a flourish.
Gina Royle – Group Leader

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Contributions from the Art Group

This is a very easy-going group, very welcoming, for anyone who would like to spend some time drawing or painting, whether beginning or experienced.  I personally love the hush that descends about 10.15 when we are all concentrating.  At coffee time we have the chance to look at what we are all doing, it is all so different and always interesting.’  Member.

More Paintings can be found on the Arts Group page

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Contribution from Pickleball Group

What is Pickleball?

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Contributions from the Creative Writing Group

DEAD MAN’S CHEST

John Sparrow’s life was not very exciting, even he would admit that, but in his own way, he was content enough. John worked on the local ferry, and out of season he would work on the trawlers or on the fish quay. He was a solitary man with just a few mates, with whom, he enjoyed a pint… or two. He did have a girlfriend of sorts, an on-off relationship that wasn’t going anywhere but neither of them had enough interest to actually finish it. He had no family apart from his old Uncle Joe, who he hadn’t seen since he was a boy. He knew very little about him because Joe had spent most of his years at sea. John hadn’t given him a thought in years. But that changed when he received a phone call from a firm of investigators in London. At first, he thought it was one of his mates winding him up. They said they had been instructed by a Plymouth solicitor to try and locate him, as he was the late Joseph Sparrow’s only relative… Joe’s sole beneficiary. If John could prove his identity, they would pass on the details and the solicitors would be in touch. Which they duly did, a couple of weeks’ later. They offered their condolences for his loss, their faked sincerity only matched by their indifference, admitting that the small amount of money that Joe had left, would be swallowed up by their fees and the funeral costs. However, whilst Joe had lived in rented accommodation and there appeared to be nothing of value, there were a few personal items, including an old trunk. The rent was paid until the end of the month and if John wished to remove the contents, he would need to act quickly before the landlord disposed of them. It didn’t sound promising. Joe rarely strayed far from home. His only visit to Plymouth had given him a nosebleed. But having established that the contents would fit into a small van, Joe persuaded one of his pals, Davey, to drive him there on his day off. The solicitors had been correct. There were a few boxes, which at first glance, appeared to be personal papers, and some old clothes, but little else… apart from the trunk. It was more like a chest, really, wooden but heavily bound in iron, maybe even brass, but because of its age, it was hard to say. But it was sturdy and fitted with large padlocks. Without the keys, John couldn’t look inside, and they didn’t have any tools to prise it open. ‘Let’s just sling it in the back of the van with the other stuff. You can sort it out when you get home’, his mate suggested, eager to get away. That proved easier said than done. They struggled to get it into the street and even needed the reluctant help of the landlord to wrestle it into the van. ‘What’s he got in there, a body?’ moaned Davey, as he slumped into the driving seat. It wasn’t any easier at the end of their journey, but they managed to drag the chest into Joe’s kitchen. ‘I’ll leave it there for now’ puffed Joe,’ lets go to the pub and I’ll buy you a pint.’ That evening, on his own again, and after borrowing a crowbar from his mate, he worked on the chest until it reluctantly yielded its secrets. And what secrets they were. Doubloons, pieces of eight, reals, jewellery, silver and gold plate, candlesticks and goblets… but how? Why? ‘Cor, bugger,’ gasped John, ‘must be worth a fortune.’ He got himself another beer, wondered what to do next. ‘I’ll sort through the box of papers, see what’s there’, he muttered to himself. Having demolished his third beer, he discovered an old, faded envelope, with an even older, fragile piece of paper inside. Whilst it didn’t explain how the chest and its contents had survived the best part of 500 years, it did identify the original owner. Well, maybe not the legal owner, exactly. The note was written by Jack Sparrow, that infamous pirate who had roamed the Caribbean, and had been immortalised on screen, by the equally infamous Johnny Depp. By now John had brain fog. Was he the legal owner? Should he report it? Who to? It was all too much, so John had another beer and went to bed to dream about his swashbuckling ancestor wreaking havoc on the Spanish Main. The following day, he didn’t tell anyone of his inheritance, explaining it was just junk really… a bit of fishing gear, some old papers and trinkets. What to do… what to do, agonised John. He wasn’t a computer geek, but he had mastered some of the mysteries of his smart phone, so over the next few days, he googled as much information on treasure trove as he could find, and how the law interpreted it. His brain was in meltdown again. It hurt trying to absorb all the information. But the bad news, so far as he could understand it, was that treasure belonged to the state, and he may not get anything for it. That didn’t seem fair to John, especially as he had had to lug that bloody chest all the way from Plymouth. For some weeks, he continued to agonise over his next move. Finally, Uncle Joe’s estate was settled and the residue of his money proved just enough for John to treat his mates down the pub. Then trawling through the internet again, he found an article that said that all treasure trove must be reported within one month, otherwise the finder was liable to a fine and imprisonment. ‘Bugger me, I’m a criminal, now,’ he muttered. He gave it more thought, had another beer… or two. How could he unload it without being found out… and of equal importance, make some money out of it? There may have been a fence in Brixham. Someone to handle his bounty without too many questions asked, but at a price, but he didn’t know one, and it didn’t seem like the sort of question you could ask people. The weeks drifted by and then he had a lightbulb moment… a brainwave. I know, he thought, I’ll auction the stuff on e-Bay, a bit at a time, so as not to cause suspicion. So that’s what he did. It took 5 years to unload it all and by the end, he didn’t really know what the true value was, but he didn’t mind, because he had some serious dosh for the first time in his life. John no longer works on the ferry, but he has bought himself a marvellous, second-hand, sea-going yacht which he offers out to charter. This year he is taking it to the West Indies. Captain Jack Sparrow would be so proud of him…
Bryan Hill

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Challenge from Chess Group

Since its start in 2018 the Chess Group has been a staple feature of our u3a.  There are a number of regulars who have been playing since the Group started.  We also have beginners, both members and non-members, joining us on a regular basis to have a go/find out more.

If you would like to have a go here is an easy chess puzzle for you to solve:- White just moved their bishop to b4. How can you take advantage of this mistake?

Group Leader: Henry Francis Naudi

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Thoughts from Current Affairs Group

At our meeting of the Group in November 2024 we debated the likelihood of Donald Trump being elected President of the USA. Now, in March 2025, we’re finding out the implications day-by-day. Below are a sample of observations by group members. By the time you read these, much will have changed. Come and join the Group. Have your say!

“The pandering to Trump must end — it only encourages his tyranny Never again can we allow the bully in the White House to isolate one of our friends as he did Ukraine.

Wake up, Keir. Smell the coffee, Emmanuel. Pay attention, Friedrich. Watch the press conference in the Oval Office again and again until you grasp what is unfolding before your eyes. America is trashing its most precious values (not to mention its allies) under the cultlike leadership of its president, and the Republican Party, tech bros and other useful idiots are slavishly enabling it.

I hate to sound apocalyptic, but if that ten-minute exchange wasn’t a moment of clarity, I don’t know what is. As Donald Trump and his bearded lackey JD Vance bullied Volodymyr Zelensky — speaking in a foreign language and trying desperately to advocate for a nation under pitiless assault — I felt sick to the stomach….”

Extract from speech by Claude Malhuret to the French Senate.

“President, Mr. Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen Ministers, My dear colleagues,
Europe is at a critical turning point in its history. The American shield is crumbling, Ukraine risks being abandoned, Russia strengthened.

Washington has become the court of Nero, a fiery emperor, submissive courtiers and a ketamine-fueled jester in charge of purging the civil service.

This is a tragedy for the free world, but it is first and foremost a tragedy for the United States. Trump’s message is that there is no point in being his ally since he will not defend you, he will impose more customs duties on you than on his enemies and will threaten to seize your territories while supporting the dictatorships that invade you….”

“ On 24 Feb 2023 the United Nations General Assembly voted to condemned Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, calling for Moscow’s immediate withdrawal and an end to the fighting.

93 countries backed the resolution calling for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine. 65 countries abstained from voting, while 18 countries, including Russia and the USA, voted against.”

“Removing funding for UN Aid, The World Health Organisation… President Trump seems determined to remove support for any international agency that might constrain the USA. The USA has always considered itself outside the jurisdiction of international Criminal Courts.

Yes, the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank, The World Health Organisation are in need of urgent reform. One of our members has co-authored many books on international space safety – a field where international cooperation and standards are urgently needed.

Hopefully, the nations of the world can reimagine structures that work for all nations with fairness, justice and long-term sustainability.”

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This is the first Torbay u3a Quarterly.

It is intended to share information and ideas from Groups more widely with our U3A members – to promote discussion across our U3A. It can also be a Forum for members to share their ideas with other members. It is vital that you give us feedback. Do you support this initiative? What should be included?

Email The Quarterly putting ‘Letters to the Editor’ in the subject line.

Letters will be published in the next Quarterly – at the discretion of the Quarterly editorial team.

The Quarterly may also be used to promote our u3a across the Torbay community. As such, it would be fantastic, to get letters describing what you get from our u3a. Think of it as giving your u3a a ‘review’.

We, the Editorial Team, look forward to hearing from you.
John Hough (editor), Kate Parsons, Glynis Greening