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.
News from the Groups
Image by Thingfinder from Pixabay
Pickleball
The Pickleball group meets 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..
Discussion
The next meeting is Friday, 6th December, 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.
Art & Culture
Tuesday, 18th February
In 2025 the first visit is to the home of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet, to include a guided tour of spaces that are normally off limits to the public.
Further details to follow with the cost expected to be £16-£22 per person (depending on numbers).
Don’t forget the new 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 Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated).
Wednesday, 15th January – 7.30pm – Calamity Jane – The Musical – Price £37.50.
Thursday, 13th February – 2.30pm – Bird Song – Price £30.50. (Based on Sebastian Faulk’s bestselling novel).
Milton Keynes Theatre – Wednesday, 19th March – 2.30pm – Only Fools and Horses Musical – Price £45.50.
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Garden Visits
Tuesday, 18th February
This visit is to the garden of Sandra Wetherall at Hollydyke House, Little Missenden HP7 0RD where we hope there will be a good display of snowdrops for us to see.
The visit starts at 11am and the cost will be £8.50 to include a drink or soup.
Please contact Heather Marshall on gardens@wtu3a.org.uk to book your place.
Gardening
Monday, 27th January
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 Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
MAHJONG
**UPDATE** RESTARTING 9 JANUARY 2025
Walking Group
Tuesday, 10th December then Tuesday, 14th January
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay
Card Making
Thursday, 12th December then 9th January.
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 .
Rummikub
Thursday, 19th December then, Thursday, 16th January
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
NO MEETING IN DECEMBER then Friday, 24th 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
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 (next one is Friday, 13th December, then Friday 10th 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
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
Coffee Morning
NO MEETING IN DECEMBER then Thursday, 16th January
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.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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.
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
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.
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.
Wendover u3a – Holiday to Scotland 2025 – places available
Wendover u3a has contacted us to advise that they have places available and open to our members on a 7-day holiday to Southern Scotland, departing Monday 9th June 2025 to Sunday, 15th June 2025.
Full details on the flyer. Please contact Belinda Horn on horn20@ntlworld.com to book your place prior to completing the booking form.
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.
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.
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.
