MODERN JIVE DANCING
Joan and Colin Seamer gave lessons in modern jive fortnightly
throughout the winter months at La Gamba Restaurant, Torre de
La Horadada.  The teaching method was aimed at people who
have never danced before or who have two left feet. You do not
need a partner as the teaching method ensures everyone will
have a chance to dance. A fun way to meet people and get fit at
the same time.  Lessons re-starting in October.
PILATES
Pilates called his method Contrology, which refers to the way the
method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.  
The program focuses on the core postural muscles that help
keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for
the spine.  In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of
breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso
muscles, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back
pain.  The simple exercises can be adapted to suit almost
everyone even for those who are chairbound.  
Maureen Moffatt

“If at the age of 30 you are stiff and out of shape, you are old.  If at
60 you are supple and strong then you are young”
Joseph Hubertus Pilates

Pilates helps to:

  • Increase & create a balance between strength & flexibility
  • Create an awareness of & strengthen dynamic stability
  • Improve Co-ordination
  • Release stress
  • Improve posture
HOLISTIC HEALTH
Holistic meaning whole, as in the treatment of the whole person,
body, mind, emotions and the spiritual.  Holistic therapies work
on the theory that energy systems within the body become
blocked due to stress, poor lifestyles, disease etc. and take in
such treatments as Indian head massage, acupuncture,
reflexology, shiatsu and many others – some of which we have
discussed in our group.  Alergies & Nutrition, Vitamins & Tissue
Salts, Relaxation and Meditation, Spiritual Healing and we are
fortunate to have within the group a Reiki Master.
Reiki – is a Japanese form of healing which can ease stress,
clear the mind and restore clarity.  Universal energy is transferred
through the hands, the practioner being a medium for this energy
.
At our last meeting of the year Jean Wilson, who runs the
Psychology and Philosophy group, spoke on how her subject is
linked to Holistic Health.   
 Jacquie Collyer
SALZILLO EXHIBITION
Salzillo a Spanish Sculptor born in Murcia 1707 died 1783 – a
sculptor in wood of religious figures.  Special exhibition in the
Salzillo Museum in Murcia 2 March – 31 July 2007
Exhibition free – C/Doctor Quesada   Very near Bus Station.
Telephone to book day / time of visit.
Tel: 902929034  or  902101070
www.salzillo2007.es      Chris Johansson
COMPUTER GROUP
Three courses of lessons have taken place since February –
Introduction to Word, Introduction to Windows, Desktop
Publishing.
 Each course consisted of 4  one hour lessons at the
Mail Room, Playa Flamenca. The cost of each course was 32
euros. We had an excellent  tutor  Crystal East Tel: 655036231
who also provided a set of very clear notes for reference, after
each lesson. Crystal will give private tuition if required.  It is hoped
more courses will be arranged for next season - we can repeat
the subjects or new areas can be covered.   
 Graham Feltham   
LITERATURE GROUP
As we come to the end of the first year of the U3A in Torrevieja, we
in the Literature group look back with enjoyment at the books and
the company that we have shared so far.
At our inaugural meeting we set out our aims for the group and
agreed that as well as the group being a social gathering to
discuss books we wanted, in line with U3A aims, we would learn
from what we read and hopefully develop our tastes.   We hoped
to do this by selecting titles that perhaps we might not normally
choose but would try, due to suggestions by other members of
the group.

As I am involved in running a similar group for my local U3A in
England, I was able to explain how that was organized so that the
group here could decide whether we should follow the same
route.

It was decided that we would choose books from several genres
so that we could cover a broad spectrum of literature.  
Consequently, we opted for a children’s book, an historical novel,
a travel book, a mystery title, a classic and some modern novels
as well as an autobiography/biography.  With all members of the
group making suggestions, we came up with a suitable list which
we felt broadened our horizons.
‘The Cult’           Anita Burgh  (novel)

‘Knots & Crosses’  Ian Rankin (mystery)

‘A Tale of Two Cities’   Charles Dickens

‘Strange Places, Questionable People’
John Simpson (travel)

‘Act of Treachery’  Ann Widdicombe
        (novel)

‘The Kite Runner’  Khaled Hosseini
             (novel)

‘The Philosopher’s Stone’  Harry Potter
J.K. Rowling (children’s)

‘A Long Walk to Freedom’  
Nelson Mandela  (autobiography)

‘The Founding’  Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
(novel)

‘The Men and the Boys’
Joanna Trollope  (novel)
We have a month in which to read a book and then meet at a
member’s home to discuss it.  As I, personally, am in England
more than in Spain, I email my comments to Lynda Kiss and she
takes them to the group meeting.  A report of the meeting is
emailed back to me.  So you don’t have to be in the Country to
take part!
Now come to the summer holidays but there is no let-up.  We
have the last four books on the list to keep us busy over the
summer months.   At our meeting on June 1st we will be
selecting our books for the coming year, hopefully they will be as
enjoyable as the ones that we have already shared.
Jean Reeves
Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge Photo
Click to Enlarge Photo
PAINTING
We have found an excellent tutor for this activity group, who is   
Maria Moreschi   (profile on U3A website).  Classes will start in
October.   At the moment there are just one or two of us who are
very keen to take up our paint brushes again.  We are not
experienced artists but want to extend our painting knowledge  
and explore new mediums. I am sure we all know, amongst our
acquaintances, people who have only taken up painting in
retirement and found great success and pleasure in a previously  
unknown ability – you could be such a person – come and join
us!    
Lynda Kiss
LUNCHEON CLUB
Our first lunch was at the Olympia  Restaurant in January, we
have had a lunch date every month since then in different
restaurants recommended by members – Casa Nicholas, The
Banana Tree, Budapest and our last meal was at the Jean Luc in
Torrevieja.   Jean Luc Philitas is the owner/chef from Guadeloupe
in the French West Indies.  A chance for 25 members to
experience so me Caribbean cooking.  A good time was had by
all and we called the chef to the tables for a round of applause in
appreciation.   The very nature of the Luncheon Club gives people
time to sit and chat, meet new faces and relax in friendly
surroundings.   An opportunity to improve the social aspect of the
U3A and is a compliment to our monthly meetings.  
Jean Law
BUDAPEST RESTAURANT 25.4.07
Torrevieja