WTu3a Newsletter – April 2026
Our newsletter for April has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 23rd April at 2.30pm. Our talk is entitled “Where do Novelists get their ideas from – A Beginning, a Muddle, and an End” by Bobbie Darbyshire. Our speaker is an author of five novels, so this should be an interesting and informative talk.
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.
News from the Groups
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
TRIPS
- Cost to be confirmed, but likely to be a maximum of £45 per person.
- Non-refundable deposit of £20 is required when booking
Thursday, 3rd December – Bath Christmas Market
- Cost to be confirmed, likely to be a maximum of £21 per person
- Just names being taken at the moment
NEW GROUP STARTED!!
WRITING
Tuesday, 5th May then 2nd June
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 Jan Kosmowski from Pixabay
NEW GROUP STARTED!!
SCRAPBOOK AND MEMORY BOOK GROUP
Monday, 11th May then 8th June
NEW GROUP STARTED!!
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
HAVE A GO!
Thursday, 14th May (10am-12pm)
Air Rifle Shooting (indoor)
Group members selected from a growing list of ideas to go indoor Air Rifle shooting as their first event to ‘have a go’ at. Click here for the current list of suggestions.
To join the group and book your place (deposit of required on booking) and receive full details of the event, 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.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Science & Technology
Thursday, 4th June – A guided tour of The Elizabeth Line.
Thursday, 2nd July – A guided tour of The Elizabeth Line.
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.
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, 1st May then 5th June and 3rd July
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.
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated).
Tuesday, 19th May – 7.30pm – “That’ll be the Day”. Price £33.50. Celebrating timeless hits from the 1950s until the 1980s.
Thursday, 11th June – 2.30pm “2.22 A Ghost Story”. Price £27-£31. This is a modern ghost story.
Thursday, 3rd September – 7.30pm – “The Choir of Man”. Price £33. An evening of foot-stomping entertainment.
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Walking Group
The next walk is on Tuesday, 12th May then 9th June.
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Gardening
Monday, 27th April, no meeting on the 25th May Bank Holiday, then 22nd June
The group 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 Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
Mahjong – NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
Thursday, 14th May then 11th June
Image by José David Castillo Arias from Pixabay
LATIN BEGINNERS-GROUP NOW FULL
Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay
Card Making
Thursday, 14th May then 11th June
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 .
Quiz Afternoon
Friday, 24th April then 22nd May
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.
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, 24th April, then 8th May and 22nd May.
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, 16th April then 21st May and 18th June
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 – 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.
WTu3a Newsletter – January 2026
Our newsletter for January 2026 has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 22nd January at 2.30pm. Our talk is about the Secret Lives of Molecules – by the excellent returning speaker, Kathryn Harkup.
UPDATE: Please note that 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. 
A couple of dates to put into for your diary for 2026:
CANCELLED – WTu3a BARN DANCE! Friday 20th March.
Christmas Lunch will be on Friday 11th December 2026.
If you’ve not bought your diary yet, don’t forget 2026 diaries are available from u3a Brand Shop!
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 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.
Monday, 13th April at 10.30am on Zoom
Pandemics!
A talk by Dr. Jeffrey Almond
Dr Jeffrey Almond, is retired Professor of Microbiology at the University of Reading with a specific interest in Virology. His groundbreaking research included identifying the detailed structure of avian and human influenza virus and poliovirus. Jeffrey has also led research into new bacterial and viral vaccines with Sanofi Pasteur.
The fee for this event is £2.00 per device.
Full details on the flyer here.
The closing date for applications is Monday, 10th April
Tuesday, 5th May at 2pm
Women in Intelligence
A talk by Helen Fry
Full details on the flyer tbc
The cost of this talk is tbc.
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 – December 2025
Our newsletter for December has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting is on 22nd January at 2.30pm. Our talk is about the Secret Lives of Molecules – by the excellent returning speaker, Kathryn Harkup.
A date for your diary for 2026 – the first WTu3a BARN DANCE! This takes place on Friday 20th March from 7pm at the Rugby Club. Tickets are £10 each and are on sale at our January General Meeting.
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.
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 – November 2025
Our newsletter for November has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting (and last one for 2025) is on 27th November at 2.30pm. Our talk is “Oh No It Isn’t: A History of Pantomime” – by Pete Allen.
A date for your diary for 2026 – the first WTu3a BARN DANCE!!
Takes place on Friday 20th March from 7pm at the Rugby Club. Tickets are £10 each and are on sale at our November and January General Meetings.
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.
Wtu3a Newsletter – October 2025
Our newsletter for October has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next monthly general meeting (and last one for 2025) is on 27th November at 2.30pm. Our talk is “Oh No It Isn’t: A History of Pantomime” – by Pete Allen.
Our Christmas Lunch at Weston Turville Golf Club is on Friday, 12th December. Details and menu on the flyer here.
To check if places are still available. 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.
WTu3a Newsletter – September 2025
Our newsletter for September 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.
