BRISTOL u3a – Start your own group
ONCE you’re a member of u3a, you’re free to join as many interest groups as you like – there are around 40 locally and almost 200 across Bristol.
Not only that, it’s very easy to get a new interest group started.
A recent survey of local members identified that people wanted more things to do in the evening. One suggestion was that we should have a pub quiz team (or teams), so that is being trialled informally.
Another suggestion was for meet-ups to enjoy live music gigs in our area, and this has quickly formalised into a new local interest group.
A third idea was for a new daytime group, looking at the folklore of the British Isles. Having advertised the suggestion to all local members, the next step is for everyone to get together and discuss how they want the group to operate.
We’ll feature the group in this column once the group is established.
Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves. There’s no lower age limit, but most of our members are retired or semi-retired. We have no staff and no paid ‘teachers’ – everything we do is by members, for members.
If you’d like to find out more about u3a, you can write to me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk or come along to an informal social – you don’t have to be a member to attend.
This month you’ll find us at the Market Café and Lounge in Kingswood (which has stairs) on May 13 from 2.30pm, the White Lion in Frenchay (with a ramp to the rear entrance) on May 19 from 2.30pm and at the Crafty Egg in Fishponds (ramp access) on May 21 from 2.30pm.
Lindsay Gough
Kingswood History Society
Attendees commented how interesting they found Philip’s talk. Several new facts and unknown stories. Initially a distinction was made between Pirates and Privateers as the characters often switched between the two.
It was said that the anchorage off Portishead (The Kings Road) was more important than the Bristol Docks. Apart from the docks Minehead, Bridgwater were well-known and indeed there were plans for Martello Towers along the channel, although none built.
Lundy Island was quite prominent as being a navigational crossroads in the channel. You could hide your ship to one side of the island with a lookout on land and hence intercept. The months around St James fair in Bristol were particularly lucrative.
There was an interesting period in the 17th century when, after training provided by English sailors in the Mediterranean, Algerine pirates returned to the channel to capture many surprised home dwellers into slavery. Conversion to Islam lead to the phrase “Turning Turk”.
In the war with America in 1812, an American privateer targeted ships in the Channel which lead to a reprisal of the burning of the White House in Washington.
To finish, do you know why they are called pirates? Because they RRRR!
• Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday May 6, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Visitors £4 incl tea/coffee and biscuits.
Presentation by Jeff Lucas; From Brycgstow to Bristol in 45 bridges
• Full schedule of presentations is at www.kingswoodhistorysociety.org