October – ‘proper autumn’! September’s been spectacular this year, with so much fruit and all the bushes richly hung with berries, while many gardens are still bright with flowers. Let’s hope that we can enjoy the colours of the world around us, without being overwhelmed by the garish decorations of Halloween! Did you know that 25 million pumpkins are bought in the UK over this month, and most of them will end up in the bin? Apparently, only 59% of the British public realise that pumpkins are edible; amazing, isn’t it? When I was little, it was swedes we used to carve for our Halloween lanterns – bringing the benefits of aching hands, cut fingers and swede for dinner… I’m sure it must have been good for our souls.

The Drop-in for October will be on the first Thursday, as usual; Thursday October 2^nd, from 10.00am until 11.30am.   The following day, Friday 3^rd, is the date for our inaugural Disco Night, from 6.00pm. until 9.00pm at the Community Hall – bring your own refreshments and enjoy your old favourites from the sixties and seventies. (That’s the music, as well as the company!). A splendid time is guaranteed for all, whether you want to strut your stuff on the dancefloor or just enjoy the ambience.   

We also have our second Games Afternoon, from 2.00pm until 4.00pm on Saturday, 25^th October –the first was very popular, and it should be a warm and friendly way to spend the afternoon. There will be a range of board and card games to join in.  No charge to attend, though a voluntary contribution for future events would be appreciated, and feel free to bring a friend.

I now have the u3a 2026 diaries which some of you had requested, and I bought a few extra in case anyone else hadn’t got round to asking. I’ll bring them to the Drop-in on Thursday, but if you can’t be there, please let me know and we can arrange delivery or collection. They’re £5.00 each. If you didn’t pre-order, it’s first come first served!

We were delighted to have a positive response to last month’s appeal for a new Treasurer, and are very happy to welcome Richard Antcliffe in the post.  Thanks to all those people who expressed an interest; we hope you will join us on the committee at a future date. To keep our u3a moving, we constantly need cheerful volunteers who will share a little of their time to help and support our branch.

Thanks also to all those who responded to the appeal for old and unwanted spectacles – 68 pairs were brought to the last Drop-in, which was brilliant. They will all go to be used in Africa. Lynn is hoping to make it 100 pairs, so have a rummage in the back of your cupboards and see if there are any you’ve forgotten about: the collection box will be out at the Drop-in on Thursday.  

The new Science Group holds its inaugural meeting tomorrow, Friday 3^rd, from 2.00pm unntil 4.00pm in Allerthorpe Village Hall, and will be looking at the shape of raindrops. It’s not too late to sign up – drop Neil an email at neil.barrett@btinternet.com if you’re interested.

Pub Lunch Group 5 is looking for new members. The group meets every third Wednesday in the month at midday, usually at a pub within 30 minutes' drive of Pocklington but we welcome suggestions for any favourite hostelries. An invitation is circulated by email to all members at the end of the preceding month together with a note of the menu, and interested members are asked to nominate their preferred selections so that the Leader can submit a pre-order to the pub. It may be possible to arrange lifts for those without transport and, similarly, anyone not on email may be invited by phone. Each lunch is usually attended by 20-25 people, including both singles and couples, and we like to think that we are quite welcoming especially to new members. For further information, please contact Gerry Hutchinson at hutch03bag@yahoo.co.uk or 0742 9258209

Many of the ‘Awareness Days’ this month seem to be for warming and comforting foods – hot chocolate, porridge, apples, honey and roast pheasant all get a commemoration. The 24^th is Champagne Day, presumably to take away the taste of World Tripe Day with which it coincides. (no cross messages from tripe fans, please!)

The second’s National Poetry Day,

Is that one for the u3a?

Its usefulness we may discern

To help us live, and laugh, and learn.

For rhymes can be a leading light

To keep us happy, cheerful, bright,

(And many another adjective),

While we learn, and laugh, and live.

So though this rhyme may make you groan,

With u3a you’re not alone:

We’ll stay true to our epigraph -

We’ll always live and learn and laugh.

Take care, and have a happy month.

Rosemary Waugh - (Vice Chair)