WTu3a going strong!

News from the Groups

18 January, 2026

NEW GROUP STARTED!!

WRITING

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

POSSIBLE NEW GROUP!!

SCRAPBOOK AND MEMORY BOOK GROUP

With everyone having plenty of pictures, holiday bits and pieces and such like, then displaying them in book could be the thing for you! Following on from the card making group Lindsay Beer has all the equipment to make these items into books. If you are interested please contact Lindsay at cardmaking@wtu3a.org.uk or at the January meeting.

POSSIBLE NEW GROUP!!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

HAVE A GO

Based on an idea from another u3a where members volunteer in turn to organise the monthly activities so the workload is shared and the onus is not on one person. Would you be interested in joining a Weston Turville Have a Go group? Contact Simon Evers at chairman@wtu3a.org.uk if you are interested.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Science & Technology

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.

Thursday, 7th May – Frogmore Paper Museum

This site houses the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill, still making artisan papers in the heart of Hertfordshire. e can explore the unique heritage site, where paper has been made since 1774, the first paper machine was placed in 1803 and we will learn about paper’s sustainability.

Cost will be approx £15 including refreshments.

Thursday, 14th May 2026 – Matthews Brickworks (date to be confirmed)

Please let John Beer know if you are interested in joining this tour, we have about 15 who are down at the moment. Maximum of 20. Start time is 10.30am and is no charge. A donation is requested.

Thursday, 4th June – A guided tour of The Elizabeth Line.

A journey along the Elizabeth Line starting at Taplow and reaching the Canary wharf station. Places are limited and interest is keen, so please contact John Beer to book a place. A further trip in July may be planned if this visit is fully booked.

Thursday, 2nd July – A guided tour of The Elizabeth Line.

A second visit arranged for those who did not get on the first trip, provides a journey along the Elizabeth Line starting at Taplow and reaching the Canary wharf station. Please contact John Beer to book a place. A further trip in July may be planned if this visit is fully booked.

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 José David Castillo Arias from Pixabay

NEW GROUP STARTED!!

LATIN BEGINNERS

Thursday, 5th March

The group takes place on the 1st Thursday of the month at 10am in the Union Chapel Hall and will be following the Cambridge Latin Course which provides an excellent start to the language in an easily digestible way but also looks at Roman civilisation. Please contact Simon Evers at latin@wtu3a.org.uk to join this new group.

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Theatre Visits

At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated).

Thursday, 5th March – 7.30pm “The Beekeeper of Aleppo”. Price £36.

Elviga Theatre, Chesham – Friday, 20th March – 7.30pm “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. Price £21.50.

Wednesday, 25th March – 2.30pm – “Barnum” – Price £42. Circle 1.

Tuesday, 19th May – 7.30pm – “That’ll be the Day”. Price £37.50.

Thursday, 3rd September – 7.30pm – “The Choir of Man”. Price £33.

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..

Image by poli_ from Pixabay

Discussion

Friday, 6th February then 6th March

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

The next walk is on Tuesday 10th February, then 10th March.

Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk

Image by Agata from Pixabay

Gardening

26th January NO MEETING

23rd February NO MEETING (members are visiting snowdrops on 4th February)

NEXT MEETING 23rd March

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 Okan AKGÜL from Pixabay

Scrabble

Every Wednesday at 9.30

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 Anita Smith from Pixabay

Card Making

Thursday, 12th February then 12th March

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, 12th February then 12th March

The Mahjong Group is actively seeking new members. The group is a mixed ability group, though most are relatively new to the game; so whatever your skill level you will be welcome.

The group meets in The Chapel Hall, Weston Turville on the second Thursday of the month from 2pm to 4pm. A small charge for the hire of the hall is required up front.

For further details, or to add your name to her list of members please contact Joy Williamson at mahjong@wtu3a.org.uk.

Quiz Afternoon

27th February then 27th March

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, 23rd January, then 13th February, 27th February.

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, 19th February then, 19th March

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 Network u3a – coming events

4 January, 2026

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.

Friday, 6th March

2.30pm on Zoom

Spring Quiz

Quizmaster: Avis Furness

Closing date: Wednesday, 4th March

Tuesday, 10th March

10.30 on Zoom

The Treasures and Mysteries of Sutton Hoo – A Viking Ship Burial

By Dr Jennifer Foster

Closing date: Friday, 6h March

Friday, 6th March - Spring Quiz by Avis Furness

Friday, 6th March

Spring Quiz

Quizmaster: Avis Furness

Participants will be randomly divided into teams

Details on the flyer. There is no fee for this event.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 4th March

Tuesday, 10th March - Sutton Hoo - by Dr Jennifer Foster

Tuesday, 10th March at 10.30 on Zoom

The Treasures and Mysteries ofSutton Hoo – A Viking Ship Burial

A talk by Dr. Jennifer Foster

Details on the flyer.

The fee for this event is £2 per device.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 6th March.

Monday, 13th April - Pandemics – Dr. Jeff Almond

Monday, 13th April at 10.30am on Zoom

Pandemics

A talk by Dr. Jeff Almond

Full details on the flyer tbc.

The cost of this talk is tbc.

The closing date for applications is tbc.

Tuesday 5th May - Women in Intelligence – by Helen Fry

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

BOOKING

The easiest and best option is to book electronically by clicking on the

‘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.

If you have booked an event and do not get the link 2 days before the event, please message TicketSource to advise. DO NOT LEAVE IT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT AS YOU WILL NOT GET A REPLY.

Please note: If you find that you are unable to join an event for which you have booked, please inform the organiser as soon as possible so that your place can be offered to someone else.

WTu3a Newsletter – November 2025

23 November, 2025

The is now available!

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.

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