Penmaenmawr & District u3a
Newsletter No 323 April 2024
Chair: Pat Greenhill patty43@btinternet.com
01492 516463
Secretary: Nick Smith nicholasRNsmith@aol.com
Treasurer: Liz McGill treasurerpenu3a@gmail.com
Membership Secretary: Kay McManus penu3amem@gmail.com
Registered Charity No: 1037437
Website: www.penmaenmawru3a.org.uk
SOCIAL MEETINGS
The next social meeting will be Thursday April 18th, when the Drama Group will be performing a play 'The Beach Army' - an acknowledgement of V E Day. The afternoon will involve singing of some of the old war songs (words to be supplied) and VOLUNTEERS FOR SINGING would be very much appreciated. If you would like to help out please contact Pat on patty43@btinternet.com or 01492 516463 for information about a few rehearsals (shown under Drama in Groups).
It would be wonderful if as many people as possible could dress in “period dress”. Gives a real flavour of the era.
Everyone is welcome at the Social Meeting. The £2 charge will provide 2 raffle tickets, a hot drink with cake and entertainment.
RECORDER GROUP Performing in Colwyn Bay Precinct.
On St David’s Day the recorder group had an opportunity to perform in the shopping centre. A collection for Parkinsons Charity raised £85.95.
FUND RAISING FOR OUR CHARITY
There will be another general sale of clothes, accessories, and unwanted gifts, as well as cakes, jams chutneys etc. from 10.30 a.m. on TUESDAY 23RD APRIL at the home of Pat Greenhill 5 Maes Madog Old Colwyn LL29 8LL.
CELEBRATION OF SPRING LUNCH
Fifty-four members had an enjoyable buffet and also an opportunity for plenty of socialising at Noddfa Retreat Centre surrounded by reminders of Spring. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and contributed to the raffle which raised £60 for our current charity.
TEA ROTA – note revisions
| Tea Rota for Monthly Meetings 2023 to 2024 | ||||
| July 18th | No meeting | |||
| April 18th | Bible Study | August 15th | Summer Fayre | |
| May 16th | Board Games | September 19th (Open afternoon) | Committee | |
| June 20th | Bowls | October 17th AGM | Bridge | |
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 MAY NEWSLETTER
Please send any information for inclusion in the May newsletter to newsletterpenu3a@gmail.com by April 28th.
NEWS FROM THE GROUPS
AWAYDAYS – Pat Greenhill patty43@btinternet.com 01492 516463
Thursday May 9th 6.30pm A few places left for a visit to Llandudno Coastguard Station conducted by Andrew Murgatroyd, our speaker from February meeting, will be our host. This is a free trip but LIMITED TO 12 PLACES - to book yours please e mail patty43@btinternet.com. The Coastguard Station is situated at Unit 3, Cwrt Roger Mostyn, Builder Street, Llandudno LL30 1DS.
BIBLE STUDY – Pat Watson 07788 47850
We meet on varying Monday mornings, 10.20 until 12.
BOARD GAMES – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
Monday 8th April 7.00 p.m. (please note later date due to Easter) at the home of Jim and Angela Toogood 4 Daresbury Close Llandudno LL30 1AU 01492 876901.
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.
We will be meeting in the Gladstone in Dwygyfylchi on April 4th at 2pm. This time the discussion will be based around “The Boy Made of Blocks” by Keith Stuart which explores themes of family, love, and the challenges faced by parents of children with autism.
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 April 2.00 p.m. at the home of Pat Greenhill 5 Maes Madog Old Colwyn LL29 8LL.
All welcome but please notify the hostess as it affects furniture arrangements.
CLOTHES SALE - Wendy Beckett 01492 515596 Pat Greenhill 01492 516463
Tuesday 23rd April 10.30 a.m. at the home of Pat Greenhill 5 Maes Madog Old Colwyn LL29 8LL. Another sale to raise funds for our current charity. This time, as well as the usual clothes, accessories and unwanted gifts we are hoping to receive donations of CAKES, JAMES, CHUTNEYS etc. - in other words a bit like a 'bring and buy sale'. Donations gratefully received (either in advance or on the day) and purchases even more so. Everyone is welcome to come along for a chat, coffee/tea and cake and help to raise a bit more money with this opportunity to socialise. Please feel free to bring along non-members.
CROQUET – Sarah Andrew 07962 234857
The dates and times in April will all be on a Tuesday:
10-12 on 2nd April
10-12 on 9th April
10-12 on 16th April
10-12 on 23rd April
10-12 on 30th April
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
Our latest production is a play 'The Beach Army' to be performed at the social meeting on Thursday 18th April We are looking for people happy to sing along to some of the old war songs - can you help us please? Rehearsals as follows: TUESDAYS 2nd, 9th and 16th April 2.00 - 3.00 for cast 3.00 - 4.00 for singing SATURDAYS 6th and 13th April 10.00 - 11.00 for cast 11.00 - 12.00 for singing (the latter subject to discussion) THURSDAY 18th April 12.30 to 1.30 (prior to the meeting) for everyone.
FILM GROUP – Janet Dibble 07733 415830
The Film Club will be having its first meeting at The Gladstone on Thursday April 4th at 12-30. We will be discussing about how the club will be run and how we will be organising things. We can decide how often we will be meeting and about how we will be communicating with a WhatsApp group and/or by email. Members can just come for a coffee or have some lunch as a few of us will be staying on for Book Club at 2pm. Please let me know if you will be attending and if you will be having lunch then I can book a table at The Gladstone.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.
FRENCH – Valerie Evans 01492 622009
French dates in April are 11th and 25th.
HOLIDAYS – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com.
Sunday 28th April four-night break staying at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells on a D B & B basis at a cost of £62.00 per person per night SHARING. Two levels of walking will be offered but the area warrants a visit even if you are not a walker. and you would be very welcome to join us. Own transport.
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.
MOBILE PHONE and COMPUTER WORKSHOPS
Fridays 3 until 4.30 p.m. in Penmaenmawr Library
Self-help sessions to address your queries on how to better use your phone / tablet / computer. We are not experts but are happy to support members who would like to be able to use their devices more efficiently and effectively. Bring your own device along, details can vary depending on the type of phone/tablet etc. a notebook and your passwords too so that you can access software. The cost is £1.50 per session. If you are interested get in touch with Nick Smith 07714 353511 or Brian Bollington 01248 351813 who will send you the full details.
NATIONAL TRUST VISITS – Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
Friday 19th April meet car park of Plas Newydd, Ynys Mon at 11.00 a.m. to see what their gardens have to offer and take another look in the house, which is always worthwhile. Please be in touch to arrange car sharing and a suitable meeting place.
NATURAL HISTORY WALKS – Allan Brandon 07902 429773
Nothing planned for this month. Check May’s newsletter for any future walks.
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
Poetry group will be meeting on Monday 15th April in Penmaenmawr Library 10 a.m. The subject is “Poets with the surname P, Q and R”. Bring your own drinks if needed.
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 April at The Harp Inn, Market Street, Abergele, LL22 7AF. Parking could be at the library or Tesco. MEAL TIME 1pm. Roasts £13.50 each (Two for £23) plus a menu. Please contact Pat Greenhill on 01492 576463.
Sunday 12th May at Maenan Abbey, Llanrwst. MEAL TIME 1pm. Three courses including coffee £21.50. Please contact Val and Dave on 01492 478668.
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. Restarting April 12th after the holiday.
THEATRE VISITS - Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
Tuesday 23rd April 7.00 p.m. Theatr Colwyn. National Theatre Live 'Nye' Michael Sheen in play covering life of Nye Bevan. Tickets max. £15.00
Friday 28th June 7.30 p.m. at Theatr Colwyn the Budapest Cafe Orchestra 'refreshingly unconventional' - please see the theatre website for more information. Tickets £20.00.
UKELELE - Sue Wensley 01248 680637 or cdwensley.u3a@btinternet.com.
Wednesdays, 10.15 – noon fortnightly, in the Split Willow Llanfairfechan. Restarting April 10th after the holiday.
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 17th April 10.20 a.m.
Meet at Llandudno Junction Railway Station at approx. 10.20 a.m. for the train to Betws y Coed and a walk along by the river on the flat for about two miles in total. This is the December walk which was aborted due to a problem with the train. Probably eat at The Stables, though they won't take a booking.
Pub Grub Walks
Wednesday, 3rd April 10 a.m.
Meet at 9 a.m. under the Flyover, Llandudno Junction, for car sharing then drive to Penrhos Coastal Park, Valley, Anglesey - Sat Nav: LL65 2JE for a 3.5-mile circular walk. Exit the A55 at Junction 3 towards Valley. Proceed through the traffic lights on the A5, over the embankment next to the sea. At the end of the embankment, turn sharp right to enter the Penrhos Coastal Park car park. The walk includes beaches, woodlands, headlands, 2 ponds, a bird hide & some historic ruins & follies. No stiles. Flat walk but may be muddy. Mike advises walkers to wear stout boots or wellies. Lunch will be at The Bull Hotel, Valley, on the crossroads - Sat Nav: LL65 3DP. Your choice of menu should now be with the Leader Mike Howard - 01248 208910
Wednesday, 1st May
Meet at 9 a.m. under the Flyover, Llandudno Junction for car sharing. Proceed to drive towards Brynsiencyn, Anglesey - Sat Nav: LL61 6TU. Lunch will be at Y Groeslon Pub. Menu attached. The staff at the Pub are very kindly opening especially for us that day, so PLEASE join us, even just book the lunch with us! We need your choice of menu by Friday 26th April please. Menu is on page 8 of the newsletter. Park as near to the pub as you can. We will be meeting on the opposite side of the road in a small car park. The walk will be approx. 5.5 miles. Flat with 2 stone stiles. Probably muddy!
Leaders: Kay Preston - 01492 544558 & Jean Dorsett 07984 610959
Bus/Train Walks
Wednesday, 24th April
Meet under the flyover, Llandudno Junction at 9.15am to catch 9.25am No 5 bus to Bangor and get off near Dickies Boatyard (after Bangor Cemetery). Walk 6 miles along part of 'The Slate Trail' to Bethesda. Flat walk, no stiles. We aim to catch the bus back from Bethesda at 2.20pm or 2.55pm, thereafter bus back from Bangor.
Picnic lunch. Leaders Jean Dorsett 07984610959 and Kay Preston 01492 544558.
Medium Walks
Wednesday 17th April
A 10km (6.5 mile) circular walk on footpaths and forest tracks with lovely views. Height gain 200 metres.
Park at Cae’n-y-Coed picnic area (SH762576) on the south side of the A5. 1km East of the Ugly House, Betws-y-Coed.
Meet at 9-45a.m. for a 10am start. We will be passing Sarn Helen and Rhiwddolian.
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and drinks.
Leader Allan Brandon 07902 429773
T’other Walks – Allan Brandon 07902 429773
Wednesday 10th April.
Lakes Dulyn and Melynllyn circular above Dolgarrog. A moderate 9 km (6 miles) circular walk to two cirque glacial lakes, offering a remote, mountainous experience. Walking along tracks and footpaths overlooked by the brooding munro of Foel Grach (976 m OD). Walking height gain only 300 m as the initial 355 m is done by car!
Meet at 9.45 am at the free car park [SH731663] along the road leading to Llyn Eigiau. The tarmac road on the way up is bendy and steep so car sharing is advisable. Leave the Dolgarrog road at Tal y Bont just south of Y Bedol Inn where car sharing could be sorted out. The leader can take four passengers.
Please bring a picnic 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 8th May
Sarn Helen and the Lledr Valley
Moderate walk of 6 miles with just one steep ascent of 180m.
Circuit from Dolwyddelan following Sarn Helen south before climbing to a col and the minor summit of Pen y Benar. Descends open hillside northwest to Roman Bridge Station with extensive views of Moel Siabod and the Snowdon range. Continues on bridleway via Dolwyddelan Castle back to the starting point.
Meet 09.45 opposite Dolwyddelan Church (SH 735 522) on the lane leading to Dolwyddelan station. Car sharing recommended. Bring a picnic lunch.
Please phone Derek Weaver 07760 452028 the evening before if you wish to come along.
MENU
Y GROESLON, BRYNSEINCYN
LIGHT BITES
Toasties & Sandwiches Jacket Potatoes
All served with side salad All served with a choice of-
Cheese & Ham £6.50 Cheese £6.50
Tuna &Sweetcorn £6.50 Baked Beans £6.50
Cheese & Onion £5.50 Tuna Mayo £7.50
Cheese & Tomato £5.50 Prawn Mayo £7.50
Ham &Tomato £5.50 Extra Portion £1.00
BAR MENU
Veggie Burger Served with Side Salad, Jacket Potato or Chips £11.00
Beef or Lamb Burger with Chips, Side Salad & Coleslaw £11.50
Gammon, Chips, Peas with Tomato, Egg or Pineapple £11.50
Chicken Fillet in breadcrumbs served with Side Salad, Jacket Pot or Chips £9.50
Sweet Potato & Spinach Curry with Rice or Chips £11.00
Chilli con Carne served with Rice or Chips £11.00
Chicken Korma served with Rice or Chips £11.00
Fish &Chips with Mushy Peas & Tartare Sauce £11.00
Scampi served with Chips, Peas & Tartare Sauce £10.50
Ham & Egg with Jacket Potato or Chips £9.50
3 x Sausages & Chips with Beans or Egg £9.50
Cheese & Chips £4.50
Chips or Fries £3.50
Side Salad £3.50
Extra Portion £1.50
NB Prices may have increased slightly by May