Newsletter No 326 July 2024

Chair: Pat Greenhill patty43@btinternet.com
01492 516463

Secretary: Nick Smith nicholasRNsmith@aol.com

Treasurer: Liz McGill treasurerpenu3a.com

 Membership Secretary: Kay McManus penu3amem@gmail.com

Registered Charity No: 1037437

Website:   www.penmaenmawru3a.org.uk

Updates from The Chair.

SUMMER FETE
This year's Summer Fete takes place on THURSDAY 18TH JULY from 2.00 p.m. at the Split Willow in Llanfairfechan. Strawberries, cream and shortbread will be served along with tea/coffee - all for a bargain price of £2.00 and the entertainment will be based on Music Hall style entertainment.
As members we would ask for your support for this event (net proceeds to our current charity) and the main ways of doing so are:
Attending yourself, Selling tickets (plenty available from Pat), Offering to join the group providing Music Hall songs (details of rehearsals under Groups - Drama), Offering a contribution to the entertainment.
Providing raffle prize (standard), Providing raffle prize (bottle), Providing plants for sale, Providing cakes for sale, Providing items for the outdoor/walking stall (see separate plea from Janet Dibble).
Providing shortbread, Booking a slot for Reflexology at £10.00 for 20 minutes (half of fee to the charity), please contact Pat for a place (patty43@btinternet.com or 01492 516463)
Let's make this a bumper year for our charity contribution.

WALKERS’ STALL
We are having a stall at the Summer Fete for any outdoor/walking clothing and/or equipment If anyone has anything they no longer need please contact any of the following people or just bring it along on the day.
Janet Dibble 07733415830, Kay Preston, Jean Dorsett, Eve Webster

OPEN AFTERNOON
This is an advance notice that an Open Afternoon will be held in Penmaenmawr Community Centre on Thursday 19th September when it is hoped that all groups will be represented. The event has a double purpose, to attract more members to Penmaenmawr u3a and at the same time encourage current members to consider attending more of our many and varied groups.

TEA ROTA

Tea Rota for Monthly Meetings 2023 to 2024
July 18th	Summer Fete		September 19th (Open afternoon)	Committee
August 15th	No meeting		October 17th AGM	Bridge

THE LATE DENNIS GANNON
Many members will be aware that Dennis Gannon passed away earlier last month; his funeral took place in Glan Conwy.  Dennis served on the committee for many years, including the role of Vice Chair and he was an enthusiastic member of several groups, including poetry, country dancing, play reading and drama.   He ran the Music Appreciation group with great style and also set up our first website by learning from a book!  His input, knowledge and wisdom will be missed.  We wish his widow Hilary peace at this sad time.

PLEA FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
We could do with one or two more committee members -   we particularly need some assistance with the newsletter and if someone would take on the role of secretary, they would be welcomed with open arms.  Not happy about offering - then how about having a chat with Pat or another committee member.   It is YOUR u3a and needs an efficient committee in order to exist.

ST DAVID'S HOSPICE
Some of our members already volunteer with St David's Hospice and we have been asked to make a plea for more volunteers - in particular for the cafe, which is thriving and needs more 'hands on deck'. They are also looking for volunteers for the till. Either contact Pat or the Hospice direct for an application form.

T'OTHER WALKS PHOTOGRAPHS

Thanks to Allan Brandon who has sent these taken on previous walks.

Photo 6160 "T'other Walks June group at Llyn Dulyn with two fragments of Dakota crash of 1944."

Photo 6167 "T'other Walks June group with view to Llyn Eigiau dam which burst down to Dolgarrog in 1925."

HELP. A message from Peter Dyer.
I have been a volunteer collector for TWAM for many years but must soon stop. Do you know of anyone who can take on this rewarding work? It takes very little time but you must have somewhere to store the many tools and machines that people bring to you. You save the items until the volunteers from Rugby come over with their big van to take everything.
If you think you might be interested in helping this excellent charity, give me a ring on 01492 592891 and I can give you full details. Many thanks for your help. Peter.

A ‘THINKING OF YOU’ CARD
If you know of anyone who is ill, in hospital, bereaved, or celebrating a special anniversary please contact Chris Bryant on 01492 592335 or 07845 181060. She will send them a card on behalf of the u3a.

DEADLINE FOR AUGUST NEWSLETTER
Please send any information for inclusion in the August newsletter to newsletterpenu3a@gmail.com by July 28^th.

FREE TO GOOD HOME!
A freestanding charcoal calor gas BBQ only used once!

Contact Kay Preston - 01492 544558

NEWS FROM THE GROUPS

AWAYDAYS - Pat Greenhill patty43@btinternet.com 01492 516463
A reminder that the Conwy Music Festival runs from Saturday 20th July for a week  -  something musically for everyone and worth supporting.

Thursday 22nd August (no social meeting) going to Hedd Wyn Historic Farmhouse Yr Ysgwrn) near Trawsfynydd for a tour of the farmhouse, museum and grounds where Hedd Wynn lived (the man who won the Bard's chair but was unfortunately killed in WWI).  The cost for the one hour tour of the farmhouse is £8.50; there is a cafe, where if you purchase a cuppa, they are happy for you to eat your own sarnies.  Some walking areas also.  This would be a car sharing exercise and numbers also have to be booked,  so could anyone interested please contact Pat.

 
BOARD GAMES – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
Monday 1st July at 7.00 p.m. at the home of Angela and Jim Toogood 4 Daresbury Close Liddell Park Llandudno  01492 876901
Monday 5th August 7.00 p.m. at the home of Judy Hughes 5 Fairfield Drive Penrhyn Bay 01492 549861
Please let the host know in good time if you are attending, as numbers affect arrangements.

BOOK GROUP – Liz McGill 07891 497562 newsletterpenu3a@gmail.com
Our next meeting is Thursday July 25th 2pm in the Gladstone in Dwygyfylchi. This month we have read "The Offing" by Benjamin Myers. Even if you cannot make it to our meeting, you could give the book a try.

BOWLS – Anthea Barlow 01492 544683
Start the weekend on Friday mornings with an exciting game of Crown Green Bowls at Dwygyfylchi Bowling Green. We commence at 10 a.m. playing until noon. Meet new, friendly and sociable people who enjoy exercise, laughter and fun. Please ring Anthea Barlow, on the number above, for more information and to check the games are on if it is raining.

BRIDGE – Chris Bryant 07845 181060 or chris.b15@outlook.com
Meet at The Split Willow, Penmaenmawr Rd, Llanfairfechan every Wednesday 10a.m. – noon. If you wish to join us please get in touch with Chris.

CANASTA – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 patty43@btinternet.com
Saturday 6th July 2.00 p.m. at the home of Pat Greenhill 5 Maes Madog  Old Colwyn LL29 8LL (01492 516463)
Saturday 3rd August 2.00 p.m. at the home of Judy Hughes 5 Fairfield Drive Penrhyn Bay  (01492 549861)
Everyone welcome but please let the hostess know if you intend to join us - we are a group with varying skills in the game.

CROQUET – Sarah Andrew 07962 234857
If you would be interested in learning and playing this great game next Spring please contact Sarah Andrew on 07962 234857 or llancroquet@gmail.com

DRAMA.- Nick Smith nicholasRNsmith@aol.com
A reminder for the singers that there are rehearsals from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Tuesdays, 2nd, 9th and 16th July.   This is preparation for the entertainment for The Fete on Thursday 18th July.  Look forward to seeing as many as possible!

FILM GROUP – Janet Dibble 07733 415830
The next meeting of The Film Club will be on Thursday 25th July at 12-30 at the Gladstone. We will be discussing what’s on at the Theatre, Cinema and TV. Members can come for coffee or lunch as a few will be staying on for Book Club at 2pm.
Please let me know if you will be attending and/or if you will be having lunch then I can book a table. Contact me via the WhatsApp group or email or mobile phone 07733 415830    Jmdibble@ gmail.com.

FRENCH – Valerie Evans 01492 622009
The French Group dates are 4th July at 2 pm, 25th July, 12.30-1 pm at John's for our summer lunch/ get together. Details available to members. 1st August at 2 pm.
We will then reconvene in September.

HOLIDAYS – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com.
Warners Bodelwyddan four nights from Monday 20th January 2025 (yes, we are wishing the year away) current price £229.00. At the time of writing there were singles available - they go very quickly, otherwise twins and doubles.

JAZZ APPRECIATION - Mike Howard 01248 208914
Every Monday at the Penrhyn Arms, Penrhynside 7.30.p.m. Traditional Jazz one week and Modern Jazz the next. For more details contact Mike.

NATIONAL TRUST VISITS – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
Wednesday 31st July (fifth Wednesday so no walk). The weather was not clement enough for Speke Hall last month, though the roses at Bodnant were a picture. So, another attempt at Speke Hall - meeting at the car park opposite The Plough PH in Old Colwyn at 10.00 a.m. for car sharing. It is IMPORTANT to let Pat know if you intend to join us please.

PICKLE BALL – Eleri Evans 01248 680408 or 07525 652399 eleri.evans@btinternet.com
We meet once a week - every Thursday 10-12 in the Town Hall Llanfairfechan.

POETRY – Linda Rylance 01492 640386
Meet at Penmaenmawr library on 3^rd Monday of the month.

RECORDERS - Alan Collins 01492 660511
Recorder Group meet at Noddfa Retreat Centre every Thursday (except 3rd Thursday of the month). They welcome new players.

SNOOKER – Mike Round 01492 660658
Meeting every Monday 2 p.m. in the Penmaenmawr Community Centre Snooker room. Anyone interested please ring Mike.

SUNDAY LUNCHES – Linda Jackson 01492 548920
Sunday 14th July at Rhos on Sea Golf Club.  MEAL TIME 1pm.
Carvery - 1 course £16.50, 2 courses £21 and 3 courses £25.
Please contact Joy Burgess on 01492 541880.

TAI CHI KUNG – Yvonne Ede 07897 659830
Meet weekly on Tuesday mornings from 11 until 12 in Penmaenmawr Community Centre.

TABLE TENNIS - Chris Wensley 01248 680637 or cdwensley.u3a@btinternet.com
Fridays 10.00a.m. – noon in the Community Centre, Penmaenmawr.

THEATRE VISITS - Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
For information only (I won't be here) - there's en encore National Theatre showing of Noel Coward's “Present Laughter'' at 7.00 p.m. on Thursday 18th July.

UKELELE - Sue Wensley 01248 680637 or cdwensley.u3a@btinternet.com
Wednesdays 10.15 – noon fortnightly in the Split Willow Llanfairfechan.

WELSH CONVERSATION - Eleri Evans 07525 652399
This group meets on Thursdays, 12.15 to 1.15 p.m. at The Seagrass Restaurant Llanfairfechan.

WALKING GROUPS

Short Walks - Pat Greenhill 01492 516463
Wednesday 10th July 10.30 a.m. meet on the Prom at the West Shore Llandudno, as close as possible to the start of the Haulfre Gardens Walk, along which we shall proceed, eventually to the pier to enjoy some bracing air. Lunch will probably be at the Wildings Hotel (previously the St Tudno) where they have a reasonable selection of snacks (it does mean pre-ordering).   A drink and a snack to consume whilst admiring the wonderful views would be a good idea.  Return to the West Shore can either be by bus (BUS PASS) or retracing steps.
 
Pub Grub Walks
Wednesday 3rd July
Meet at the car park on Station Road, Mochdre, near the school, for a 10 a.m. start.  We will be walking up to and around Colwyn Heights, on lanes & through fields.  It's a steady, steepish climb at first & there are a few stiles too. The walk is about 5 miles & we will be eating at the Afon Conwy after the walk.
Leaders: Janet Dibble – 07733 415830 & Eve Webster – 07751 499817
Wednesday, 7th August
Meet under the flyover, Llandudno Junction at 9.15 a.m. then drive to Gwaenysgor, LL18 6EJ & park in The Eagle & Child's car park (where we will be having lunch).  A circular walk of 4.5 miles, along tracks (part of the Offa's Dyke path) & over fields.  A few stiles.  Panoramic views! May be mud.  Menus at end of the newsletter.  Please let either Jean or I know your choice of menu before 4th August. Leaders Kay Preston 07487827198/01492 544558 & Jean Dorsett 07984610959

Bus/Train Walks
Wednesday, 24th July
Catch 9.45am No 5 bus to Bangor from Llandudno Junction flyover.  Walk new section of coast path to the Spinnies then on to Abergwyngregyn, about 5 miles.  Picnic lunch. Leader Maria Duda 01492 879074.

Medium Walks
Wednesday, 17th July
Meet under the flyover at Llandudno Junction at 9.10 a.m., then drive to Caerwys & park in the Square - Sat Nav: CH7 5AT, GR SJ128729.  The walk is a 6 mile circular, across fields & tracks.  Lots of stiles.  May be mud!  Lovely views. Leaders: Jean Dorsett - 07984610959 & Kay Preston - 01492 544558
Wednesday 21st August
This walk is on Anglesey. Follow the A5025 toward Amlwch. After the village of Cerrig Man take the next turning on the right signposted to Llanelian. After a mile or so there is a sign for a free car park on the right. Meet her to start the walk at 10am.
It’s a 7 mile walk, there are some hills and stiles but also beautiful coastal scenery and spectacular views from Mynydd Eilian (177m). We may be lucky enough to see seals and porpoises near the lighthouse at Point Lynas. Please bring picnic lunch, snacks and drinks. Walk leader is Mike Howard Mobile 07881591415 Landline 01248 208914.


T’other Walks
Please note, we need more leaders for these walks. Contact Allan on 07902 429773
Wednesday 10th July
Ceunant Cynfal gorge circular
An easy to moderate 8 km (5 miles) walk to the First Century Roman Fort of Tomen y Mur with an opportunity to see around its extensive remains. Amazing views dropping down to the stupendous N waterfalls and Huw Llwyd's “Pulpit Rock”. Height gain c. 160 m.
Meet at a small layby parking spot along a country lane [SH712408] off the A470, about 2 km SE of Llan Ffestiniog, at 10.15 for a 10.30 start. Car sharing advised because the layby is small. Please note that this is a 52 mins, 30-mile drive from Conwy requiring a 9.15 start for car sharing. Bring a packed lunch, snacks and
drinks.
This walk will be weather dependent. Phone the leader, Allan Brandon 07902 429773 the night before should the walk have to be cancelled.

Wednesday 14th August
Lynn Anafon circuit from Aber
Meet Abergwyngregyn free parking area just off A55 (GR 65672) at 09.30. From Upper parking area, the walk takes the track to Llyn Anafon. Short climb north to ridge which is gently undulating and followed over Pen Bryn-du, Foel-ganol and Foel Dduarth. Descend to North Wales Path and the return to parking area. Bring a packed lunch. Approx 6 miles with 400m of ascent.
Please phone Derek Weaver (07760452028) the evening before if you wish to come along.