STONE AND DISTRICT U3A
Stone and District U3A ’ s Star Photographer
The leader of the Stone and District U3A Photography Group , Bruce Evans LRPS , worked in his younger days as photographer for a news agency in London ‘ shooting ’ stars such as Bob Dylan , Diana Dors and the Beatles on a daily basis .
As a founding member of the Stone and District U3A , over the years Bruce has built up the photography group into one of the most vibrant of the 50 plus activities on offer .
In recent times the group have been asked to take photographs of St Chad ’ s Church in Stafford , the oldest building in the town in which the photographs now hang in pride of place inside .
On another occasion they were asked by the Assault Glider Trust , which preserves gliders used in the Second World War , to supply them with a number of photographs for use on their website .
The group ’ s current project is to help The Barracks Trust , in Newcastle under Lyme , to create a set of pictures of their historic building . All the photographs will be archived by Newcastle-under- Lyme Museum to be viewed by future generations , having first been exhibited in Newcastle Library and in the Art Gallery .
Due to Bruce ’ s inspired leadership , the group like to think ‘ outside ’ the box . Last year for example , a Scene of Crimes Police Officer visited the group and explained some of the difficulties
of taking photographs at a crime scene and their legal implications . This resulted in a visit earlier this year to the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue HQ to photograph a number of their training exercises . The Fire Service subsequently requested permission to use some of the resulting images for publicity and training purposes .
In the coming months many more interesting activities are planned , including in November , an afternoon ’ s talk by Mike Maloney OBE , Britain ’ s most decorated press photographer and formerly chief photographer for The Mirror Group and the Queen Mother ’ s favourite photographer .
Just like Bruce Evans , Mike Maloney has been lucky enough to photograph many of the worlds most famous people , including Frank Sinatra and Mae West . With such a programme and such a leader , it should be no surprise that the Photography group is extremely popular . New Groups The portfolio of pursuits available has been extended by the formation of the Birdwatching group which had its inaugural outing in mid-June while the recently formed Patchwork and Quilting activity has been a real success so it is great news that a second group will be starting in September aimed at beginners up to intermediate level . More details can be obtained from Gwen Steele on Tel . 01782 372976 or email gwendolinesteele @ aol . com .
Another possibility in the offing is Golf . John Morris has managed to arrange a concessionary fee at Stone GC enabling experienced players who ideally have their own clubs to play 18 holes for just £ 10 . This activity can only go forward if there is sufficient interest ; please contact John for further information on Tel . 01785 812660 or email him at Johnandmuriel _ 7 @ hotmail . com Group Leaders New group leaders are always being sought . These individuals are crucial to the U3A concept as they willingly impart their knowledge and expertise while often being learners and participants in other groups . At present , the committee is seeking someone to take over the popular Exercise group which is currently out of action . If there is anyone out there willing and able to take up the reins and re-start this popular activity then please ring Vice- Chairman , Gwynyth Hart on Tel . 01782 633179 .
The appeal of course is not just limited to Exercise . Anyone recently retired or semi-retired who can help to lead a group , focussing on a subject about which they are passionate , might want to get in touch with Chairman Gareth Jones on Tel . 01782 372349 or email gareth . jones90 @ btopenworld . co m . To see which activities are already on offer check out the website , at www . stoneu3a . btck . co . uk .
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