WTu3a Newsletter – September 2026
Our newsletter for September has now been published. Read all the news here.
On Thursday, 24th September our talk this month is by John Pearson and is entitled, “Blessed are the cheesemakers – with cheese tasting!”
In this talk he describes some amusing anecdotes about encounters with suppliers, impossible customers and will conclude with a short, tutored cheese tasting.
WTu3a OPEN AFTERNOON
The open afternoon held on 22nd September was a great success, 
with many of our groups represented to show visitors what Weston Turville u3a offers.
QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 13th November
Taking place at the Weston Turville Village Hall. Starting at 6.30pm.
Bring your own food and drink. Tables of 6, 7, or 8.
Full details on the flyer.
Image by Terri C from Pixabay
WTu3a CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Friday, 11th December
This year’s Christmas lunch is back at Weston Turville Golf Club. The cost is £38.50 for a three-course lunch, including tea/coffee, service charge and raffle. Tickets will be on sale at the September and October meetings. Full details on the flyer. Contact Rosemary Williams on xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk.
NEW GROUP STARTING!
Blues, Jazz & Rock Appreciation Group
This new group has it’s first meeting on Tuesday, 27th October 2pm to 4pm. The group will listen to tracks from CD’s selected by group members and watch video clips of a concert. Each month will have a different theme. If you would like to join the group or need more details contact David Aylmer at bluesjazzrock@wtu3a.org.uk
WANTED!
The Folk, Blues and Beyond music group is looking for a couple of new members, in particular guitarists to join their monthly sessions on the third Wednesday of the month. Please contact Terry Lewis folk@wtu3a.org.uk.
MORE GROUPS ALWAYS WELCOME!
If you have a hobby or something you think you could share with others, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact either Simon Evers (Chairman) chairman@wtu3a.org.uk or Joy Mantell (Groups Co-ordinator) groups@wtu3a.org.uk for further advice.
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
Thames Valley u3a events
Unless otherwise stated all the events below will be on Zoom. Detailed flyers will be available nearer the time. When available click on the links in the boxes below for the flyer with full details of costs and how to book through TicketSource or Eventbrite.
Questions set by Avis Furness
Closing date: Wednesday, 23rd September
Friday, 25th September at 2.30pm
Autumn Quiz
Teams will be randomly selected on the day.
There is no fee for this event.
To download or view the flyer – Click Autumn 2026 quiz flyer.
The closing date for applications: Wednesday, 23rd September
Friday 4th December at 2.30pm on Zoom
Questions set by Avis
Full details on the flyer tbc.
There is no fee for this event.
Closing date for applications: TBC
‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on the TVN website. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event. PLEASE CHECK THAT YOU ENTER YOUR DETAILS CAREFULLY WHEN YOU BOOK.
News from the Groups
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
HAVE A GO!
Friday, 20th November – Indoor Rock Climbing
Taking place at Big Rock Hub, Kingston, Milton Keynes 3.30pm to 5pm. Cost: £12.60.
To book your place or join the group, contact Karen Newman on haveago@wtu3a.org.uk.
Members of this group volunteer in turn to organise the activities so the workload is shared and the onus is not on one person. If you are interested in joining and bringing your ideas to the group, please contact Karen Newman at haveago@wtu3a.org.uk for more information.
**NEW GROUP STARTING!**
Blues, Jazz & Rock Appreciation Group
The first meeting of this group is on Tuesday 27th October at 2pm at the group leaders house. The group plans to listen to tracks from CD’s selected by group members and watch video clips of a concert. Each month would have a different theme. For more details and to join the group contact David Aylmer at bluesjazzrock@wtu3a.org.uk
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Science & Technology
Please contact John Beer at science@wtu3a.org.uk to book your place on any of the above visits. Also, if you have any thoughts about future visits or talks, contact John Beer at science@wtu3a.org.uk.
Walking Group
The next walk is on Tuesday, 13th October then 11th November
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
WRITING
Tuesday, 6th October then 3rd November
The Writing group is on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Group Leader’s home.
Would you like to write short stories, accounts of your life or many other possible topics? Group members will be welcome to choose their topics – either serious or trivial. Get in touch with Joy Mantell at writing@wtu3a.org.uk if you are interested.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated).
Wednesday, 11th November – 2.30pm – ““The Mousetrap”. Price £31.50 (Circle).
Sunday, 22nd November – 7.30pm. Boyzlife. Price £43.77
Tuesday, 24th November – 7.30pm. “The Archers Live at 75″. Price £43.77 (second circle).
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Discussion
Friday, 2nd October then 6th November
We meet on the 1st Friday of the month at the Five Bells at 10.30am.
Topics are chosen each month by the group. Please contact Terry Jones at discussion@wtu3a.org.uk for more information and to be added to his list.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
TRIPS
NOW FULLY BOOKED
Thursday, 3rd December – Bath Christmas Market
Cost to be confirmed, likely to be a maximum of £21 per person
Image by Thingfinder from Pixabay
Pickleball
The Pickleball group meets every Thursday at Halton Tennis centre. There are two sessions – 11am to 12pm and then 12pm to 1pm. Cost is £3 per person.
It couldn’t be easier to have a go at Pickleball and discover for yourself just how much fun it is!
Please contact Peter Allen at pickleball@wtu3a.org.uk to register your interest and to be added to his WhatsApp group for weekly attendees..
Gardening
Monday, 26th October
Unless there has been an arranged visit, the group normally meets at 2pm in Weston Turville Chapel Hall and meets on the fourth Monday of the month. Cost £3. Don’t forget the ‘Swaps Table’.
For more information or to add your name to the list of group member’s, contact Jenny Hunt or Rosemary Williams at gardening@wtu3a.org.u
Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay
Card Making
Thursday, 8th October then 12th November
Takes place at 10am on the second Thursday of each month in Weston Turville Chapel Hall. The initial charge is £2 per person.
The group leader can provide supplies and various equipment to experiment with which may have an additional cost of £1-£1.50. You can bring your own supplies and equipment as well.
If you are interested in joining this new group please contact Lindsey Beer on cardmaking@wtu3a.org.uk . 13th
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
Mahjong – NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Thursday, 8th October then 12th November
Quiz Afternoon
Friday, 23rd October then 27th November
Start time is 2.30pm at the Chapel Hall, Weston Turville.
Individuals and couples welcome. No need to get a team together. Questions are suitable for all levels of knowledge.
For more information contact Joy Mantell at quizzing@wtu3a.org.uk. Cost £2 and includes tea/coffee and biscuits.
Image by Okan AKGÜL from Pixabay
Scrabble
Every Wednesday at 9.30am
Takes place at 9.30 for a 9.45 am start on the every Wednesday in The Five Bells, Weston Turville where we draw partners to start play.
If you are interested in joining this new group please contact Wendy Bailey at scrabble@wtu3a.org.uk.
Image by José David Castillo Arias from Pixabay
LATIN BEGINNERS-GROUP NOW FULL
CHESS
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
The Chess Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at Chandos Arms, Weston Turville. We meet for any combination of chess, chat, lunch and/or a convivial glass on Fridays. The next meeting is on Friday, 25th September then, 9th and 23rd October.
We welcome newcomers of any (or no!) ability. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, either email Geoffrey Howell at chess@wtu3a.org.uk or phone him on 07916 328202
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
Coffee Morning
Thursday, 15th October then 20th November
The group (in conjunction with Aston Clinton u3a) meets for tea, coffee or a drink and a chat at The Five Bells, Weston Turville, at 10.30am on the third Thursday of the month.
Contact Marie Jones for more information on coffee@wtu3a.org.uk.
Pétanque (weather permitting)
Details for pétanque group sessions:
- They will be every Monday afternoon.
- Timing 2pm to 4pm (Winter start time 1.50pm)
- Venue is the new terrain behind Weston Turville village hall
- Parking is available
If you need more information, contact Ken Shaw at petanque@wtu3a.org.uk.
Handbell Ringers (Beginners)
The group meets on a Friday morning at 10am at the group leader’s home. New and prospective member welcome. For more details and further dates of meetings, contact John Beer at handbells@wtu3a.org.uk
Image by Jan Kosmowski from Pixabay
SUSPENDED – MEMBERS REQUIRED
SCRAPBOOK AND MEMORY BOOK GROUP
Weston Turville Newsletter – August 2026
Our newsletter for August has now been published. Read all the news here.
On Thursday, 24th September our talk this month is by John Pearson and is entitled, “Blessed are the cheesemakers – with cheese tasting!”
In this talk he describes some amusing anecdotes about encounters with suppliers, impossible customers and will conclude with a short, tutored cheese tasting.
Tuesday, 22nd September – 1pm-5pm
WTu3a OPEN AFTERNOON
As part of national ‘u3a week’ we are holding an open afternoon in the Village Hall where many of our groups will be represented.
We hope to encourage anyone thinking of joining a u3a, but not knowing what we do, to come and see what we can offer.
We hope our members will tell your friends and neighbours about us. Full details on the flyer.
QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 13th November
Taking place at the Weston Turville Village Hall. Starting at 6.30pm.
Bring your own food and drink. Tables of 6, 7, or 8.
Full details on the flyer.
Image by Terri C from Pixabay
WTu3a CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Friday, 11th December
This year’s Christmas lunch is back at Weston Turville Golf Club. The cost is £38.50 for a three-course lunch, including tea/coffee, service charge and raffle. Tickets will be on sale at the September and October meetings. Full details on the flyer. Contact Rosemary Williams on xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk.
PROSPECTIVE NEW GROUP!
Blues, Jazz & Rock Appreciation Group
David Aylmer would like to start this group with the aim of meeting once a month for 2.5 hours to listen to tracks from CD’s selected by group members and watch video clips of a concert. Each month would have a different theme. Hopefully starting in October. For more details and to join the group contact David at music@wtu3a.org.uk.
WANTED!
The Folk, Blues and Beyond music group is looking for a couple of new members, in particular guitarists to join their monthly sessions on the third Wednesday of the month. Please contact Terry Lewis folk@wtu3a.org.uk.
MORE GROUPS ALWAYS WELCOME!
If you have a hobby or something you think you could share with others, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact either Simon Evers (Chairman) chairman@wtu3a.org.uk or Joy Mantell (Groups Co-ordinator) groups@wtu3a.org.uk for further advice.
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – July 2026
Our newsletter for July has now been published. Read all the news here.
We now have a change to our programme for August.
On Thursday, 27th August we have our AGM + Special Visit of Laura Kyrke-Smith, our MP
Laura has kindly agreed to come to a Question and Answer session on this date. She will do this after our AGM. The meeting will start at 2.30pm as usual at the Rugby Club and all members are very welcome.
We would be grateful for questions to put to her in advance. These should be sent to Simon Evers at chairman@wtu3a.org.uk.
(The speaker originally booked for 27th August – John Pearson – has kindly agreed to postpone his talk on cheese-making until the following month.)
Tuesday, 22nd September – 1pm-5pm
WTu3a OPEN AFTERNOON
As part of national ‘u3a week’ we are holding an open afternoon in the Village Hall where many of our groups will be represented.
We hope to encourage anyone thinking of joining a u3a, but not knowing what we do, to come and see what we can offer.
We hope our members will tell your friends and neighbours about us. Full details on the flyer.
WTu3a CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Friday, 11th December
This year’s Christmas lunch is back at Weston Turville Golf Club. The cost is £38.50 for a three-course lunch, including tea/coffee, service charge and raffle. Tickets will be on sale at the September and October meetings. Full details on the flyer. Contact Rosemary Williams on xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk.
NEW GROUPS ALWAYS WELCOME!
We have had several new groups starting recently, but it would be good to see more! So if you have a hobby or something you think you could share with others, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact either Simon Evers (Chairman) chairman@wtu3a.org.uk or Joy Mantell (Groups Co-ordinator) groups@wtu3a.org.uk for further advice.
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – June 2026
Our newsletter for June has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next meeting on 23rd July is our Summer lunch. Details below but we now have a change to our programme.
On Thursday, 27th August we have our AGM + Special Visit of Laura Kyrke-Smith, our MP
Laura has kindly agreed to come to a Question and Answer session on this date. She will do this after our AGM. The meeting will start at 2.30pm as usual at the Rugby Club and all members are very welcome.
We would be grateful for questions to put to her in advance. These should be sent to Simon Evers at chairman@wtu3a.org.uk. Alternatively, you can give your question to me at the summer lunch on 23rd July.
(The speaker originally booked for 27th August – John Pearson – has kindly agreed to postpone his talk on cheese-making until the following month.)
*TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE*
Summer Lunch – 23rd July
This year’s Summer lunch on Thursday 23rd July costs £5, and tickets are available from Sarah Gunn at summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk. Further details on the flyer here.
22nd September – Our first WTu3a OPEN DAY!
As part of national ‘u3a week’ we are holding an open afternoon in the Village Hall where many groups will be represented. Bring any of your friends and neighbours that may be thinking of joining us to come along and see what we offer.
NEW GROUPS ALWAYS WELCOME!
We have had several new groups starting recently, but it would be good to see more! So if you have a hobby or something you think you could share with others, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact either Simon Evers (Chairman) chairman@wtu3a.org.uk or Joy Mantell (Groups Co-ordinator) groups@wtu3a.org.uk for further advice.
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – May 2026
Our newsletter for May has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 18th June at 2.30pm. Our talk is entitled “Andrew Carnegie – The World’s Richest Man – Rags to riches to giving it all away“ by Jeremy Holmes. This talk illustrates his rise, his motivations and his unique personal story.
Summer Lunch – 23rd July
This year’s Summer lunch on 23rd July costs £5, and tickets are available from Sarah Gunn at the June meeting or at SummerLunch Poster-July26v3 summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk. Further details on the flyer here.
NEW GROUPS ALWAYS WELCOME!
We have had several new groups starting recently, but it would be good to see more! So if you have a hobby or something you think you could share with others, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact either Simon Evers (Chairman) or Joy Mantell (Groups Co-ordinator) for further advice.
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – April 2026
Our newsletter for April has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 28th May at 2.30pm. Our talk is entitled “Royal Jubilees-George III, Victoria, George V and Elizabeth II “ by Sarah Slater. A talk about the origins of celebrating the Royal Jubilee, the pomp and pageantry but also the role that Hampton Court Palace played within the celebrations of the four monarchs.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME!
You will now have heard from Lindsey Beer, our membership secretary, to ask you for your subscription payment of £17 (or £34 for joint members), which is now due for 2026-2027. BACS payment is preferred, although a cheque can be given to Lindsey at the general meeting. Lindsey can be contacted at membership@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any queries.
NEW GROUPS ALWAYS WELCOME!
We have had several new groups starting recently, but it would be good to see more! So if you have a hobby or something you think you could share with others, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact either Simon Evers (Chairman) or Joy Mantell (Groups Co-ordinator) for further advice.
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – March 2026
Our newsletter for March has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 26th March at 2.30pm. Our talk is “Wildlife on your doorstep” by Tom Way. A return visit for this superb wild life photographer.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
PLEASE NOTE – due to our usual venue not being available on the 4th Thursday in June, the General Meeting has been moved to 18th June (from 25th). This is still at the Rugby Club. Please make a note of the change in your diary/calendar.
- The Barn Dance originally planned on 20th March has now been CANCELLED
- Quiz Night -Friday, 13th November
- Christmas Lunch – Friday, 11th December
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement. To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
u3a Matters magazine (shortened versions online)
You can now view shortened version’s of back copies of the u3a matters magazine on on-line. Click here.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – February 2026
Our newsletter for February 2026 has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 26th February at 2.30pm. Our talk is about Tea, Coffee and Chocolate: How the British first fell in love with Caffeine by Melanie King
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
PLEASE NOTE – due to our usual venue not being available on the 4th Thursday in June, the General Meeting has been moved to 18th June (from 25th). This is still at the Rugby Club. Please make a note of the change in your diary/calendar.
- The Barn Dance originally planned on 20th March has now been CANCELLED
- Quiz Night -Friday, 13th November
- Christmas Lunch – Friday, 11th December
INTEREST GROUPS ONLINE (IGO)
For the less mobile WTu3a members who aren’t able to join our own Interest Groups, the u3a has something for you – Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home.
In the same way as an ordinary u3a, the activities are run by members and are a great way to meet people from all across the u3a movement.
To join a group, you must first be a paid member of Interest Groups Online. Annual membership is £12, covering the period from 1st April to 31st March. If you join after 1st October, the fee is reduced to £6. Click here to join.
FUTURE SPEAKERS
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
