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.
News from the Groups (2 new groups starting!)
Image by Thingfinder from Pixabay
NEW GROUP STARTING!!!
Pickleball
The first session is on Thursday, 17th October.
Then every Thursday at 11am at Halton Tennis centre. Cost is £2 for 1 hr.
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..
NEW GROUP STARTING!!!
Discussion
The first meeting is Friday, 18th October.
The group meets on the 3rd 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.
Tuesday, 8th October
National Memorial Arboretum
This trip is close to being oversubscribed already, so contact Mandi Simons or Jayne Lennard at trips@wtu3a.org.uk to see if there are places still available (a deposit of £25 per person will be required at the time of booking). Cost is estimated at £48pp. More details here.
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.
Contact Polly Wilkinson at quiznight@wtu3a.org.uk. Closing date 2nd November. Full details on the flyer.
WTu3a Christmas Lunch
Friday, 13th December
This year at Weston Turville Golf Club at 12.30. The cost is £35.
Tickets for sale at the October Meeting, or contact Rosemary Williams or Sarah Gunn on xmaslunch@wtu3a.org.uk. Full details and menu choices on the flyer.
NEW – Art & Culture
Tuesday, 19th November
The new Art & Culture Group is aimed at everyone, not just lovers of art and will begin with a visit to Tate Britain. Full details on the flyer. Contact, either John Masters or Chris Bennett at culture@wtu3a.org.uk.
Image from Pixabay under Free Content License
Music making – Potential NEW Group
Barry Burton, an experienced vibraphone player, would be interested in setting up a group of musicians to play together for fun. Guitarists, drummers or brass players or any musicians interested in joining him to play hits of the past. Contact Barry on burtonbarry77@gmail.com.
Image by Carlos Antonio Correia from Pixabay
Lace Making – Potential NEW Group
Sandi Latimer, used to make lace and now she’d like to pick up her bobbins again and would like to start a new group. If any are members interested. Please contact her on sandi_latimer@hotmail.com.
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated). To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk
Wycombe Swan Theatre – Thursday, 3rd October – 7.30pm – A Chorus Line – Price £37.
Thursday, 17th October – 2.30pm – Lord of the Dance – Price £44.
Milton Keynes Theatre –Wednesday, 27th November – 2.30pm – Come from Away – Price £39.50.
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Science & Technology
For the moment the SciTech team are taking a break and will not organise any other trips or talks for the rest of the year. They are going to take stock and in the new year will see how things stand.
If you have any thoughts about future visits or talks, please contact the group leader John Beer for more details at science@wtu3a.org.uk.
Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay
Card Making
Thursday, 10th October, 14th 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 .
Coffee Morning
Thursday, 17th October then 21st 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.
Walking Group
Tuesday, 8th October then Tuesday, 12th November
Details of the walks from Sylv Elliot (email below).
Another walking holiday in May 2025 is being planned and will be based at Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean. The walks will be around 6 miles per day.
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Gardening
Monday, 28th October, then Monday, 25th November
On the 28th October, we have a speaker from Lindengate, Wendover.
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
Coffee Morning
Thursday, 17th October then 21st 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.
Quiz Afternoon
25th October, then Friday, 22nd November
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
Rummikub
Tuesday, 15th October and 19th 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.
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
MAHJONG
**UPDATE** MEETINGS SUSPENDED – HOPEFULLY WILL RESTART IN THE AUTUMN
CHESS
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 (next one is Friday, 27th September, 11th October then 26th 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
Pétanque (weather permitting)
Details for pétanque group sessions:
- They will be every Monday afternoon.
- Timing 2pm to 4pm
- 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 – Events from Oct 24
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, 2nd October
by Mark Lovatt
Closing date: Friday, 4th October
Friday, 4th October – Autumn Quiz
2.30pm on Zoom
Questions by Avis Furness. Teams chosen at random.
Details on the flyer. No fee.
Monday, 7th October
10.30am on Zoom – The American Election
By Mark Lovatt
Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device
The closing date for applications is Friday, 4th October.
Thursday, 21st November
From Tudor to Stuart – 10.30am on Zoom
A presentation by by Sue Doran
Details on the flyer. The fee is £TBA 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 – 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.
WTu3a Newsletter – July 2024
Our newsletter for July has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next meeting is the Summer Lunch on Thursday, 25th July. Don’t forget to bring your ticket!
Doors open at 1pm (please don’t come any earlier as you won’t get in until then) with food served at 1.30pm. We have our fingers crossed that the BBC weather forecast for the day proves to be wrong! The bar will be open so our usual tea/coffee service will not be operating. Details on the flyer.
Remember – please take care when first parking and particularly when leaving after a meeting as the lines delineating parking spaces in the Rugby Club car park are not very clear (and in areas do not exist).
WTu3a Newsletter – June 2024
Our newsletter for June has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next general meeting is on Thursday 27th June, with a talk entitled “The Sea Route to India” by Fran Sandham. This is the story of how the 15th century Portuguese explorers braved everything in order to discover a sea route around Africa to reach the rich spice markets of the East.
This year the Summer Lunch is on Thursday 25th July (and we are hoping for better weather this year!). There will be no speaker that day, but instead, a fabulous lunch will be provided by Lynne Padgett and her team of helpers, along with afternoon entertainment with the Folk, Blues and Beyond Group and the Handbell Ringers. This is a members only event and a ticket is required. Details on the flyer.
The fee is £5 per person and tickets will be on sale at the June meeting. If you are not able to attend the meetings to buy your ticket, you can pay by bank transfer (Bank: NatWest, Sort code: 60-01-31, Account number: 50853236 – Ref: Lunch) or by cheque, please contact Sarah Gunn at summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk for details.
Incident at last month’s meeting – Unfortunately, at some time during last month’s meeting, a member’s car was inadvertently hit by another member’s opening car door, causing some significant damage. I am naturally sorry that this happened.
The lines delineating parking spaces in the Rugby Club car park are not very clear (and in areas do not exist). I would remind all members of this and that you park at the Club at your own risk. In addition, neither Aylesbury Rugby Club nor Weston Turville u3a takes any responsibility for your car while it is parked there.
Please take particular care when first parking and particularly when leaving after a meeting.
WTu3a Newsletter – May 2024
Our newsletter for May has now been published. Read all the news here.
The next general meeting is on Thursday 23rd May, starting with the AGM, and followed with a talk entitled “Jenner and his vaccine”. The story of the development of vaccination is more complicated than you may think and our speaker Steve Bacon explains how Jenner developed the technique and how he got it accepted by society.
This year the Summer Lunch is on Thursday 25th July (and we are hoping for better weather this year!). There will be no speaker that day, but instead, a fabulous lunch will be provided by Lynne Padgett and her team of helpers, along with afternoon entertainment with the Folk, Blues and Beyond Group and the Handbell Ringers. This is a members only event and a ticket is required. Details on the flyer.
The fee is £5 per person and tickets will be on sale at the May and June General Meetings. If you are not able to attend the meetings to buy your ticket, you can pay by bank transfer (Bank: NatWest, Sort code: 60-01-31, Account number: 50853236 – Ref: Lunch) or by cheque, please contact Sarah Gunn at summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk for details.
Remember – it’s Membership Subscription Renewal time – thank you to all those who have already paid and for those that haven’t yet done so, the details of how to pay are on the newsletter and website.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2024. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – April 2024
Our newsletter for April has now been published. Read all the news here.
Remember – it’s Membership Subscription Renewal time – thank you to all those who have already paid and for those that haven’t yet done so, the details of how to pay are on the newsletter and website.
The next general meeting is on Thursday 25th April, with a talk entitled “The Island of Crabs”. John Tyler’s presentation is about Christmas Island, a remote speck in the Indian Ocean beyond Java which is dominated by a vast number and variety of crabs, and his talk follows their annual migration.
Future Speakers – Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2024. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker. 
Our thanks must go to Ash Webber of Webber Training, who has provided us with two very useful, interesting and informative sessions for 100+ of our members. If you missed the sessions, Ash has three simple steps to follow. Read them on the flyer here.
Thanks too, to Carol Johnson our Speaker Secretary for spotting this and bringing it to WTu3a.
WTu3a Newsletter – March 2024
Our newsletter for March has now been published. This month it’s a 6-page edition! Read it here.
*Reminder* – Defibrillator / CPR Training session – 18th April, 2pm, Weston Turville Village Hall
With almost 50 members already registered, if you would like to attend, and haven’t yet done so, please register your interest for this session at Chris Bennett at defib@wtu3a.org.uk to add your name to the list.
The next general meeting is on Thursday 28th March, with a talk entitled “Passports, Assassins, Traitors & Spies” Passport stories from history by Martin Lloyd. This is a slight change to the previously advertised talk (although still on the subject of Passports), where we hear stories of how three passports have played their influential role in the course of history; an attempted assassination which altered the regulations for issuing passports; the capture of a spy which caused a worldwide modification to the design of the document and for one person the passport itself which turned into a killer.
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2024. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
WTu3a Newsletter – February 2024
Our newsletter for February has now been published, Read it here.
The next general meeting is on Thursday 22nd February, with a talk entitled “The Sky At Night” by Gordon Rogers.
Update on Defibrillator / CPR Training session:
The Defribillator / CPR training session held recently was excellent and we are planning another in mid-April for those that missed out, or have heard just how good it was and now wish to attend. Full details will be available in due course. Please register your interest for this next session at Chris Bennett at defib@wtu3a.org.uk to add your name to the list.
Flower Arranging Group Leader, Gaynor Edwards, is retiring from leading this very successful group for 11 years. We would like express our thanks for her dedication to WTu3a over the years. If you would like to pick up the reins so the group can restart please contact Chris Bennett at chairman@wtu3a.org.uk.
Click the link here to see details of Speakers planned for our General Meetings at the Rugby Club until November 2024. Contact Carol Johnson on speakersecretary@wtu3a.org.uk if you have any suggestions for a future speaker.
