SPEAKERS MEETING -  THE HISTORY OF READING PRISON Wednesday 7 April, 2021 Mark Stevens, County Archivist at Berkshire Record Office, gave an excellent presentation on the history of the prison from Georgian times when it was the old county gaol, its subsequent rebuilding and ‘modernisation’ in 1844, through the harsh regimes of the Victorian era, to its closure in 2013. Amongst other prisoners and their sentences, he talked about the Gaol's most famous inmate, Oscar Wilde. His talk was grestly enjoyed by all.

NEXT SPEAKERS MEETING -  "MY MAGIC, MAGICIANS AND MORE" Wednesday 5 May 2021 via Zoom Ian Buchan, known as “Magic..Ian…is a retired Civil Servant who has been performing magic and captivating children and adults for almost 35 years. He is also a member and past President of the Edinburgh Magic Circle. Ian will discuss his life as a magician and of other famous magicians such as Houdini, David Nixon, Tommy Cooper and Paul Daniels.  As part of the presentation there will be some entertaining practical demonstrations. To book, contact Mary Brenchley Hole :-  membershipsecretary@woodleyu3a.org.uk

GROUPS UPDATE by Paula Dove   March 2021 I am delighted to report that we now have nearly thirty groups meeting virtually - mainly via Zoom, and the number is increasing all of the time.  Hopefully, in a few weeks’ time, we will be able to meet outside in groups of up to six socially distanced people but this will depend upon government restrictions and u3a guidelines allowing this. I will be keeping group convenors informed. Of those groups, several have space for new members. These include: - Afternoon Film Group - Creative Writing - Maths Topics - On-line Board Games - On-line Bridge - On-line quiz - Photography - Poetry Writing - Virtual Gallery Visits This month, four new groups met for the first time and spaces may still be available if you are interested. - Painting and Drawing - Poetry Appreciation - Bird-watching - Neurodiversity Discussion More information about all of these groups can be accessed via the Groups page on our website by clicking on any group.  Email me or the relevant group contact member to find out more. Groupsco@woodleyu3a.org.uk Zoom Support If you would like help in using Zoom then Chris Mould, our system administrator, is very willing to provide support. Email Chris :  systemadmin@woodleyu3a.org.uk

FROM 8 MARCH 2021

OUTDOORS People allowed to leave home for recreation and exercise with their household or support bubble, or with one person from outside their household.

INDOORS Care home residents allowed one regular visitor.

FROM 29 MARCH 2021

OUTDOORS  Gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will be allowed.

FROM 17 MAY 2021

OUTDOORS  Possible easing of limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances. Will only happen if Covid cases do not rapidly increase. Meetings of over 30 people will remain illegal.

INDOORS  Rule of 6 or 2 households apply - Government will keep under review whether safe to increase this.

FROM 21 JUN 2021

The government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact. This will be dependent on a review of the success of the vaccination and rapid test programmes.

FROM 12 APRIL 2021

All non-essential shops across the categories - including hairdressers, beauty and nail salons can reopen. Individuals or family group only operating social distancing and adhering to mask-wearing rules.

Public buildings, including libraries and community halls/centres can reopen. Individuals or fanily group only operating social distancing and adhering to mask-wearing rules.

People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

FROM 17 MAY 2021

Most other businesses in all but the highest risk sectors can reopen. In all sectors, COVID-Secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits.

FROM 21 JUN 2021

The government hopes to be in a position to remove all restrictions. This will be dependent on a review of the success of the vaccination and rapid test programmes.

FROM 8 MARCH 2021

OUTDOORS   People allowed to leave home for exercise with their household or support bubble, or with one person from outside their household.

FROM 29 MARCH 2021

OUTDOORS   People able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports facilities including:- swimming pools; sports courts; golf courses including mini golf; water sports venues; riding centres; shooting ranges. People can use these facilities in a group of up to 6 people, or two separate households.

FROM 12 APR 2021

INDOORS  Leisure facilities such as gyms (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups)

FROM 17 MAY 2021

INDOORS  Adult group sports and exercise classes allowed based on guidelines and social distancing.

Limited numbers allowed to attend race and other sports meetings and events with numbers gradually extended based on pilot studies.

FROM 21 JUN 2021

The government hopes to be in a position to remove all restrictions. This will be dependent on a review of the success of the vaccination and rapid test programmes, and the pilot studies on large sporting events.

FROM 12 APRIL 2021

OUTDOORS  Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors - table service only. 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will be allowed.

OUTDOORS No need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew.

FROM 17 MAY 2021

INDOORS  Hospitality will reopen - table service only - 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will be allowed.

INDOORS Venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks nor will there be a curfew.

INDOORS People should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household group/group of 6.

FROM 21 JUN 2021

The government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact. Under Review.

FROM 12 APRIL 2021

OUTDOORS  Most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, adventure parks, zoos, theme parks, model villages, funfairs, and drive-in cinemaa can reopen. One household/bubble only permitted.

OUTDOORS/INDOORS  Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen. One household/bubble only permitted.

FROM 17 MAY 2021

INDOORS  Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and theatres; concert halls; casinos, bingo halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, crazy golf, escape rooms, children’s play areaa can reopen.

INDOORS  Indoor attraction venues such as museums and galleries; botanical gardens/biomes; stately or historic homes; castles; other heritage sites.

OUTDOORS/INDOORS  Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets. Rule of 6 or 2 households apply  in a single accommodation.

INDOORS  Hotels and B&Bs can reopen.

TRAVEL ABROAD may be permitted dependent on review and travel corridor lists/rates of infection in holiday destinations. Vaccination passports may become required. All holidays abroad banned until at leasy 30 June with £5000 fine.

FROM 21 JUNE 2021

Nightclubs and Dance Venues permitted to open. This will be dependent on review outcomes of the success of the vaccination and rapid test programmes.

FROM 8 MARCH 2021

Weddings only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Funerals - up to 30 mourners allowed. Close mingling with others outside your household or bubble not permitted.

FROM 29 MARCH 2021

Up to 6 people (including the couple) can attend a wedding ceremony. Funerals - up to 30 mourners allowed.

FROM 12 APR 2021

Up to 15 people will be allowed to attend a wedding ceremony and reception, wakes and other commemorative events but ceremonies can only take place in places of worship, public buildings and in locations that are already permitted to open - with outdoor receptions only. Funerals - mourners up to 30 allowed.

FROM 17 MAY 2021

Up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals. This limit will also apply to other types of significant life events including bar mitzvahs and christenings.

FROM 21 JUN 2021

Restrictions on numbers attending special events are hoped to be lifted. This will be dependent on review outcomes of the success of the vaccination and rapid test programmes.