University of the Third Age Holds Monthly Meeting

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Hear a talk by magician Ian Keable on a fascinating 18th century mystery

The University of the Third Age, or U3A holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at St Mary’s Church Hall, on the corner of Edith Road and Hammersmith Road from 10.30 am till 12.30am.

The next monthly meeting, on Tuesday 14 March will feature a talk by Ian Keable, the well known comedy magician and mind reader, will talk about The Vanishing Maidservant: an 18th century mystery told through Contemporary Prints.

In 1753 maidservant Elizabeth Canning claimed she was kidnapped by a gypsy, Mary Squires and held in captivity for 28 days with barely any food or water.

Three famous men of the day, including Henry Fielding the author of Tom Jones, became embroiled in the controversy, resulting in acrimonious disputes in journals, the destruction of reputations and two court room battles.

Elizabeth's story was widely reported both at the time and many years afterwards; but the question still remains as to whether she was the perpetrator of a hoax that might result in the hanging of an innocent woman; or the blameless victim of a diabolical crime?

The focal point of this talk is a print owned by the speaker, called The Conjurers, 1753, which graphically depicts the conundrum at the heart of this intriguing case.

There is a charge of £2.50 per visitor and new visitors can expect a warm welcome. For those who would like to join, the annual fee is £20.

The University of the Third Age was founded in 1982 and is a self-help organisation. Its groups come together, to develop new skills and interests, on a primarily social basis.

If you are retired or semi-retired, you can take part in educational, creative and leisure activities in the company of others. No qualifications are needed and none are given. All activities are run by volunteers.

Hammersmith and Fulham U3A began in 2004 and has over 150 members. The open meeting
open meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, starts at 10.30am with news from the Chair and Group Leaders. The coffee break at 11am is normally followed by a speaker at 11.30 and the meeting finishes about 12.45pm.

March 10, 2017