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WTu3a Newsletter – December 2025

The is now available!

 

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 Moleculesby 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.

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WTu3a going strong!

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.  

Thursday, 15th January

10.30am on Zoom

Art on the London Underground

by Mike Grundy

Closing date: Sunday, 11th January

Tuesday, 10th February 

10.30am on Zoom

Pop go the Classics

A talk by Clive Aronson

Closing date: TBC

Thursday, 15th January

Art on the London Underground 

A talk By Mike Grundy

Details on the flyer.  The fee is £2 per device.

Mike Grundy is an expert in the art and architecture of Underground systems worldwide. He is well known for his lectures and courses on the London Underground as well as the Paris and Moscow Metros.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 11th January. 

Pop go the Classics – Tuesday, 10th February at 10.30am

A talk by Clive Aronson

Details on the flyer – tbc.  The event is free of charge.

Closing date for applications is TBC

Friday, 6th March

Spring Quiz 

Questions by Avis Furness

There is no fee for this event.

Closing date for applications TBC

Tuesday, 10th March at 10.30 on Zoom

Sutton Hoo

A talk by Dr. Jennifer Foster

Details on the flyer tbc.

The fee for this event is tbc.

The closing date for applications is tbc. 

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 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.

News from the Groups

3 January, 2026

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

POSSIBLE NEW GROUP!!

WRITING FOR FUN

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 groups@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!!

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

To be arranged Early 2026  – Matthews Brickworks
 
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 10-30 and is no charge.  A donation is requested.
 
Thursday, 5th February – How I built an Aircraft in My garden shed.
 
A fascinating presentation by Air Commodore Mark Manwaring on how he built an aircraft in his Weston Turville garden shed with the aim of breaking the world speed record for circumnavigation of the Earth.
 
This will take place in the Chapel hall at 2-00 pm and there will be a charge of £3 with any surplus after the hall payment going to the RAFBF. 

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, 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. 

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 February
 
This new group takes please 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.   
 

Art & Culture

FULLY BOOKED – Monday, 9th February 12pm. Royal Albert Hall.

Both the above visits were booked within a day of being advertised to members of the group, so if you want to get your name on the list contact, either John Masters or Chris Bennett at culture@wtu3a.org.uk

Don’t forget the Art & Culture Group  is aimed at everyone, not just lovers of art.  

Theatre Visits 

At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated)

Thursday 29th January – Time tba- The Talented Mr Ripley” – Price £42.

Wednesday, 25th March – 2.30pm – “Barum” – Price £42

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 first walk of the year is on Tuesday 13th January. 

 

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

Thursday, 14th January then 11th February

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, 14th January then 11th February

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, 8th January then 12th February

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

23rd January

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

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, 9th January, then 23rd January. 

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 

Coffee Morning

Thursday, 15th January then, 20th February

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

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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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Wtu3a Newsletter – October 2025

16 October, 2025
The is now available!

 

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.

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WTu3a Newsletter – September 2025

19 September, 2025
The is now available!

 

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.

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WTu3a Newsletter – August 2025

5 August, 2025
The is now available!

 

Our newsletter for August 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.

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WTu3a Newsletter – July

12 July, 2025
The is now available!

 

Our newsletter for July has now been published. Read all the news here.

The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 24th July and is the annual Summer Lunch.  Please remember doors open at 1pm (not before) and do not bring your own alcoholic drinks, please purchase soft and alcoholic drinks from the bar. Don’t forget your ticket as No Ticket = No Food!!  Contact Susan Horwood at summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk.  Details on the flyer.

Special Notice from our Chairman, Simon Evers

I am delighted to tell you that Iain Cassidy, the CEO of the Third Age Trust will be attending our Summer Lunch. The Third Age Trust is the governing body of all the u3a’s throughout the country so Iain has considerable responsibility.

He will be talking very briefly but also will be pleased to answer any questions you might have about the u3a movement. In any case, he looks forward to meeting you on the 24th.

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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WTu3a Newsletter – June 2025

25 June, 2025
The is now available!

 

Our newsletter for June has now been published. Read all the news here.

The next monthly general meeting is on Thursday 26th June, when the speaker will be Paul Barwick, with the story of Double Agent Edward Chapman.

Summer Lunch – Thursday 24th July – Please remember door open at 1pm (not before) and do not bring your own alcoholic drinks, please purchase soft and alcoholic drinks from the bar.  Tickets will be on sale at the June meeting. Details on the flyer.

Membership –  Please don’t forget to contact Mike Munday at membership@wtu3a.org.uk if you have  to advise of changes to your address, phone number or email.

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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WTu3a Newsletter – May 2025

14 May, 2025
The is now available!

 

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.

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