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.
News from the Groups
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Science & Technology
Thursday, 3rd April – Pendon Museum, Abingdon. Museum entry £6. Own transport. This visit will start at 1.30pm with a guided tour around the site.
Thursday, 1st May – H G Matthews Brickworks, Chesham. Own transport.
Thursday, 5th June – Leicester Space Museum, Leicester. Cost tbc (approx £50) inc coach fare, entrance and Planetarium show.
Thursday, 2nd October – Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham. Cost tbc (approx £50) inc coach fare, entrance and Planetarium show.
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, 14th April, Savill Gardens, Windsor. This will include a guided 1 hour tour. Full details and cost tbc.
A visit to the Tring Local History Museum to see and hear more about the 14th-century pictorial Tring Tiles that have been secured on loan from the collection of the V&A, and are now on display at Tring Local History Museum.
Date to be finalised but will be a Friday in April/May. Full details to follow.
To add your name to the list for both the above trips, please contact Mandi Simons on trips@wtu3a.org.uk.
A visit to the Poppy Factory in Richmond with a tour of the Christmas lights will go ahead towards the end of the year. More details to follow.
Please contact Mandi Simons at trips@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any ideas for future trips.
Art & Culture
Thursday, 15th May
A visit is being planned to MK Gallery in Milton Keynes, for a major Andy Warhol Exhibition where there will be a talk about Warhol, exhibits and Pop Art.
The visit is now fully booked, but names are being taken for a possible additional visit. To add your name contact John Masters at culture@wtu3a.org.uk.
Don’t forget the new Art & Culture Group is aimed at everyone, not just lovers of art. Full details on the flyer. Contact, either John Masters or Chris Bennett at culture@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 £2 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, 4th April, then we will 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.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated).
Thursday, 1st May – 7.30pm – Giovanni Pernice (Strictly winner 2021) in “Last Dance”. Stalls – Price £69.00.
Thursday, 8th May – 7.30pm – Tim Rice “My life in Musicals” – Price £39.50 for Circle tickets.
Wednesday, 8th October – 2pm – “The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe” – Price £41 for Stall tickets.
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Walking Group
Tuesday, 8th April then 13th May
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Gardening
Monday, 24th March then, 28th April
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, 10th April, then 8th May.
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, 10th April then 8th May
Rummikub
Thursday, 20th March then 17th April
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
Friday, 28th March then 25th April
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
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, 28th March, then 11th April.
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, 20th March then Thursday, 17th April.
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
Thames Valley u3a Network – New 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, 5th March
by Ruth Nobbs
Closing date: Sunday, 9th March
Wednesday, 30th April
10.30am on Zoom
A.I
by Alun Morgan
Closing date: Tbc
Wednesday, 14th Mary
10.30am on Zoom
Photography
by Alun Morgan
Closing date: TBC
Tuesday, 3rd June
10.30am on Zoom
Petra – the Rose City
by Dr Jill Eyers
Closing date: TBC
Friday, 7th March
2.30pm on Zoom
SPRING QUIZ
The questions are set by Avis Furness and teams will be randomly selected on the day.
Details on the flyer. There is no charge for this event.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 5th March.
Tuesday, 11th March at 10.30am on Zoom
KEYSTONE SPECIES & REWILDING
By Ruth Nobbs
Rewilding has become quite a divisive topic in recent years and Ruth hopes to be able to present something of both sides of the argument.
Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 9th March.
Wednesday, 30th April at 10,30am
A.I.
By Alun Morgan
Details on the flyer (tbc). The fee is £2 per device
The closing date for applications is TBC.
Wednesday, 30th April at 10.30am
Photography
By Alun Morgan
Details on the flyer (tbc). The fee is £2 per device
The closing date for applications is TBC.
Tuesday, 14th May at 10.30am
Petra – the Rose City
By Dr Jill Eyers
Details on the flyer (tbc). The fee is £2 per device.
The closing date for applications is 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.
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.
WTu3a Newsletter – December 2024
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Our newsletter for December has now been published. Read all the news here.
The Committee would like to thank you for all 
your support this year and we wish you a really great Christmas and New Year. We look forward to seeing you and doing it all again in 2025!
Don’t forget that u3a 2025 Diaries now for sale online at the new u3a Brand Shop.
The Thames Valley Network u3a requires members for their Committee. Details here.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until the end of our Membership year in April 2025. For those interested to put all the dates in their 2025 diaries here is the full schedule of speakers for 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – November 2024
Our newsletter for November has now been published. Read all the news here.
Don’t forget that u3a 2025 Diaries now for sale online at the new u3a Brand Shop.
Please note that the Christmas lunch on 13th December is now fully booked.
Sadly, after the next Garden visit on 18th February, Heather Marshall will be stepping down as group leader. Our thanks go to Heather for leading this group for several years, and we hope that one or more of our members would be able to take on the planning and arranging of future visits. Please contact Heather on gardens@wtu3a.org.uk or Simon Evers on chairman@wtu3a.org.uk if you can help.
The Thames Valley Network u3a requires members for their Committee. Details here.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until April 2025. For those interested to put all the dates in their 2025 here is the full schedule of speakers for 2025. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – October 2024
Our newsletter for October has now been published. Read all the news here.
It’s great that this month we had TWO new groups start up – Pickleball and Discussion!! Groups are the heart of our u3a, so don’t forget, if you have an interest and would like to share it with our members and form a new group, speak to the chairman who can give you more information of how to start up.
*UPDATE* u3a 2025 Diaries now for sale online at the u3a Brand Shop
Weston Turville Village Remembrance Service
This takes place on Sunday, 10th November at 10.45am at the War Memorial, Worlds End Lane. Our Chairman will be laying a wreath from Weston Turville u3a.
WTu3a Quiz Night 2024 – Friday, 8th November
This year we are NOT serving food, so if you wish to, please bring your own food, snacks and drinks. Full details on the flyer. Contact Polly Wilkinson on quiznight@wtu3a.org.uk.
WTu3a Christmas Lunch – Friday, 13th December.
This event is now full. Any queries contact. Rosemary Williams or Sarah Gunn on xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk.
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.
WTu3a Newsletter – September 2024
Our newsletter for September has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 26th September, with the talk A journey through Rock’n’Roll sound. By our speaker John Wilford, talking about his 30 years as roadie, sound engineer, tour manager and production manager.
Remember! It’s u3a week! This is an annual event to showcase the activity, learning and fun which takes place across the u3a’s every day.
So, as our meeting on Thursday, 26th September is during u3a Week, we are opening the meeting for non-members that wish to come along for a taster to see how our u3a works.
Please mention to any of your friends, neighbours and family that are no longer in full-time work, and ask them to come along! 
Dates for your diary:
WTu3a Quiz Night 2024 – Friday, 8th November
This year we are NOT serving food, so if you wish to, please bring your own food, snacks and drinks. Full details on the flyer. Contact Polly Wilkinson on quiznight@wtu3a.org.uk.
WTu3a Christmas Lunch – Friday, 13th December.
Christmas will be here before we know it – so tickets are on sale at the September and October meetings or at xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk. Full details and menu on the flyer here.
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.
WTu3a Newsletter – August 2024
Our newsletter for August has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next meeting is on Thursday, 22nd August, with our speaker Simon Keable-Elliot talking about his grandfather’s novel which caused outrage. The talk is entitled “Utterly Immoral”. Sounds interesting!
u3a Week is an annual event to showcase the activity, learning and fun which takes place across the u3a’s every day.
So, as our next meeting on Thursday 26th September is during u3a Week, we are opening the meeting for non-members that wish to come along for a taster to see how our u3a works.
Please mention to any of your friends, neighbours and family that are no longer in full-time work, and ask them to come along! The talk is A journey through 
Rock’n’Roll sound by John Wilsford. Sounds good (excuse the pun 😀)!
Dates for your diary:
WTu3a Quiz Night 2024 – Friday, 8th November
This year we are NOT serving food, so if you wish to, please bring your own food, snacks and drinks. Full details on the flyer. Contact Polly Wilkinson on quiznight@wtu3a.org.uk.
WTu3a Christmas Lunch – Friday, 13th December.
Sorry to mention this whilst we are enjoying our very belated Summer, but tickets are on sale at the September and October meetings! Full details on the flyer here.
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.
