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.
News from the Groups
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Science & Technology
Thursday, 5th June – Leicester Space Museum, Leicester. Cost is £50 inc coach fare, entrance and Planetarium show.
Friday, 27th June – Bekonscot Model Village. The annual visiting the evening from 6pm. No admission fee but donations would be appreciated.
Thursday, 3rd July – H.G. Matthews Brickworks in Bellingdon near Chesham. This is another chance for those that missed this excellent tour.
Thursday, 4th September – de Havilland Aircraft Museum at London Colney. Entry will be £20 to include a two hour guided tour and tea/coffee on arrival. Travel by own car.
Thursday, 2nd October – Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham. Cost £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, 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. A £25 deposit is required on booking.
A visit to the Poppy Factory in Richmond with a tour of the Christmas lights and fish and chips will go ahead towards the end of the year. More details to follow.
To add your name to the list for both the above trips, please contact Mandi Simons on trips@wtu3a.org.uk or if you have any ideas for future trips.
Art & Culture
Thursday, 17th July
A visit to The Queen’s House, Greenwich.
Two tours 3pm and 3.30pm. Cost £16. Limit 40 people. Contact, either John Masters or Chris Bennett at culture@wtu3a.org.uk.
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. 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, 6th June, 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).
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, 10th June then 8th July
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Gardening
Monday, 26th May – No Meeting
Monday 23rd June – Visit to Hollydyke House, Little Missenden.
Then on 28 July we have our usual meeting. Full details from Jenny Hunt at gardening@wtu3a.org.uk.
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, 12th June then 10th July
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 then 10th July
Rummikub
Thursday, 20th May then 17th June
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, 23rd May then 27th June
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 May, then 13th June.
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 May then Thursday, 19th 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
Thames Valley u3a forthcoming 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: Sunday, 1st June
Closing date: Wednesday, 4th June
Wednesday, 14th May at 10.30am
AI and its use in digital photography
By Alun Morgan
A layman’s view on the subject of the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in digital photography. Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 11th May.
Tuesday, 14th May at 10.30am
Petra – the Rose City
By Dr Jill Eyers
Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device.
The closing date for applications is Saturday, 1st June.
Summer 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 Wednesday, 4th June.
‘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 – 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.
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.
