WTu3a Newsletter – August 2025
Our newsletter for August has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 25th September at 2pm. Our talk is “How rainforests work” by David Jones.
Two of our very popular events are back again this year. Firstly, our Quiz Night which is on Friday, 24th October.
Please book your place(s) with Polly Wilkinson at quiznight@wtu3a.org.uk Details on the flyer here.
Then, our Christmas Lunch at Weston Turville Golf Club is on Friday, 12th December. Details and menu on the flyer here.
Tickets for sale at the September and November meetings. Contact: Rosemary Williams at xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk
2026 diaries available now!
With a planner on the left, and a ruled page for notes on the right, the layout blends the freedom of a notebook with a traditional diary. Cost: £7.70 + £3.00 shipping. Order directly from the u3a Brand Shop. 
u3a Matters Magazine
If you aren’t subscribed to the u3a Matters magazine, you can get a taster of the content now by reading the digital version on the u3a website.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
Thames Valley Network u3a – coming 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.
Closing date: Wednesday, 17th September
by David Baskerville (TVAA volunteer)
Closing date: Tuesday, 23rd September
The Wonder of the Galapagos Islands –
landscape, wildlife and history
Closing date: Sunday, 5th October
Thursday, 6th November
10.30am on Zoom
In the not so bleak mid-winter
by Timothy Walker
Closing date: TBC
Friday, 5th December
2.30pm on Zoom
Winter Quiz
Questions by Avis Furness
Closing date: TBC
Friday, 19th September at 2.30pm
Autumn Quiz
Questions by Avis Furness
Details on the flyer. This event is free of charge
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 17th September
Friday, 26th September
Thames Valley Air Ambulance
By David Baskerville (TVAA volunteer)
Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 23rd September
Wednesday 8th October
The Wonder of the Galapagos Islands – landscape, wildlife and history
A talk by Jane Sellwood
Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device.
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 5th October.
Thursday, 6th November
In the not so bleak mid-winter
A garden talk By Timothy Walker
Details on the flyer. The fee is TBC per device.
This talk looks at at the opportunities for bringing winter interest to your garden.
The closing date for applications is TBC
Winter Quiz – Friday, 6th June at 2.30pm
Questions set by Avis Furness.
Details on the flyer. The event is free of charge.
Closing date for applications is TBC
Winter Quiz – Friday 5th December at 2.30
‘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 Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Science & Technology
Thursday, 2nd October – Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham. Cost £50 inc coach fare, entrance and Planetarium show.
Thursday, 5th March 2026 – The National Space Museum, Leicester. Cost is £50 inc coach fare, entrance and Planetarium show. It’s also home to the UK’s largest planetarium which offers stunning 360° full dome experiences. This will be by coach for a full day trip. The cost of £50 includes travel by coach, entry fees to the museum, together with entry to the Planetarium.
Full details of all the above on the flyer here.
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.
Trips
Monday, 22nd September
A visit to the Black County Living Museum in Dudley. This is a marvellous museum where you can explore 250 years of history from the Industrial Revolution to post-war prosperity. Cost is £43 to include coach.
Thursday, 20th November
We visit the Poppy Factory in Richmond with a tour of the Christmas lights and then fish and chips. Includes a talk and tour. The deposit is £40 which is payable immediately. Contact details below.
To add your name to the list for above trips, please contact Mandi Simons on trips@wtu3a.org.uk or if you have any ideas for future trips.
Art & Culture
Friday, 3rd October
A visit to Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury.
Cost is £15 which includes a talk followed by tea/coffee and cake. Limit 35 people.
Don’t forget the Art & Culture Group is aimed at everyone, not just lovers of art. Contact, either John Masters or Chris Bennett at culture@wtu3a.org.uk.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated).
Wednesday, 8th October – 2pm – “The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe” – Price £41 for Stall tickets.
Wednesday 29th October Wycombe Swan – 2.30pm matinee – “Fawlty Towers” – Price £46.00
Friday 31st October – 7.30pm – “Nutcracker in Havana“- Price £50.00
Monday 3rd November 7.30pm – “A Fairytale for Christmas” – Price £35.00
Thursday 27th November- 2.30pm – “Inspector Morse – House of Ghosts” – Price £45.
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
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..
Discussion
Friday, 3rd October then 7th 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 at discussion@wtu3a.org.uk for more information and to be added to his list.
Walking Group
Tuesday, 14th October then 11th November
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Gardening
CANCELLED-Monday, 22nd September – unfortunately due to sickness and holidays this meeting has been cancelled. Apologies. We hope to rearrange the planned talk at some point next year.
NEXT MEETING 27th October
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.uk
Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay
Card Making
Thursday, 9th October then 13th 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 .
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
Mahjong
Thursday,9th October then 13th November
Rummikub
Tuesday, 21st October then 18th November
The game of Rummikub is based loosely on Rummy (but with a twist). The group meets the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm at The Five Bells, Weston Turville. Contact the group leader Deborah Brown for more details at rummikub@wtu3a.org.uk.
Quiz Afternoon
26th September then
24th October
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.
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, 26th September, then 10th 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, 18th September and 16th 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
WTu3a Newsletter – July
Our newsletter for July has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 24th July and is the annual Summer Lunch. Please remember doors open at 1pm (not before) and do not bring your own alcoholic drinks, please purchase soft and alcoholic drinks from the bar. Don’t forget your ticket as No Ticket = No Food!! Contact Susan Horwood at summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk. Details on the flyer.
Special Notice from our Chairman, Simon Evers
I am delighted to tell you that Iain Cassidy, the CEO of the Third Age Trust will be attending our Summer Lunch. The Third Age Trust is the governing body of all the u3a’s throughout the country so Iain has considerable responsibility.
He will be talking very briefly but also will be pleased to answer any questions you might have about the u3a movement. In any case, he looks forward to meeting you on the 24th.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – June 2025
Our newsletter for June has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 26th June, when the speaker will be Paul Barwick, with the story of Double Agent Edward Chapman.
Summer Lunch – Thursday 24th July – Please remember door open at 1pm (not before) and do not bring your own alcoholic drinks, please purchase soft and alcoholic drinks from the bar. Tickets will be on sale at the June meeting. Details on the flyer.
Membership – Please don’t forget to contact Mike Munday at membership@wtu3a.org.uk if you have to advise of changes to your address, phone number or email.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – May 2025
Our newsletter for May has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 22nd May and is also our Annual General Meeting.
UPDATE – there has been a last minute change to our speaker. We now have Andrew Baker with a talk entitled Your Money; Our Money…how Government raises cash and how it spends it. Each year, Government spends on our behalf around £1200bn. Is it fairly raised; is it wisely spent? How is the pattern of expenditure changing, it seems, inexorably. Time to think 
again?
Summer Lunch – Thursday 24th July – Tickets will be on sale at both the May and June meetings. Details on the flyer.
Membership renewals – Thank you to those that have already paid their Membership subscriptions, and may we remind those of you yet to pay that payment is now overdue. Contact Mike Munday at membership@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any questions or to advise of changes to your details.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – April 2025
Our newsletter for April has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 24th April with a talk entitled The History and Future of British Piers by Janine Kilro, a Fine Art photographer
Yes – it’s that time! Membership renewal time! You will all have received your letter regarding the 2025-2026 Membership year which contained details of how to make your payment. Contact Mike Munday at membership@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any questions or to advise of changes to your details.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – March 2025
Our newsletter for March has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 27th March with a talk entitled “The Kennedys – Saints or Sinners” by Peter Hague.
Membership – We are coming to the end of the current membership year and your letter regarding the renewal details for the next year will be sent out in early April. Please do not pay your subscription until you receive this letter. The letter will explain how payment is to be made, together with the opportunity to confirm some of your details that are held on file. Your letter will also contain a link to complete the Gift Aid Form if you now wish to Gift Aid your membership fee under our new Joint Membership status (details in the 
newsletter).
Games morning – Although only a small number attended it was an enjoyable morning with the Parish Council providing the refreshments.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – February 2025
Our newsletter for February 2025 has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 27th February. Bill Hamilton is our speaker with his talk “Good News: Bad News.” When we hear about Bill’s Illustrated reflections on 50 years as a journalist, broadcaster and BBC TV correspondent.
Membership – We are coming to the end of the current membership year and as a result, your letter regarding the Renewal details for the next year will be sent out in early April. Please do not pay your subscription until you receive this letter. The letter will explain how payment is to be made, together with the opportunity to confirm some of your details that are held on file. The letter will also contain a link to complete the Gift Aid Form if you now wish to Gift Aid your membership fee under our new Joint Membership status (as mentioned in the February Newsletter).
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – January 2025
Our newsletter for January 2025 has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 23rd January. Jeff Evans is our speaker with his talk “The questionable history of the TV Quiz Show.”
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until April 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
