Activities
Below are descriptions of current WTU3A groups and activities and where to contact the Group Leaders. You can also see how many of these are distributed at The WTU3A Month chart.
Should you need to contact any of the group leaders and do not have access to email, please contact the Chairman, Simon Evers or the Groups Coordinator, Joy Mantell at the general meeting.
Starting a new group
Anyone belonging to the u3a may start a special interest group which may consist of just a few like-minded people upwards. Our current groups range from Art & Culture to Walking and details can be found below. If you are interested in starting a new group, full details about running a group at Weston Turville U3A can be found here, but please contact the Groups Coordinator in the first instance at groups@wtu3a.org.uk.
Starting a new group
Anyone belonging to the U3A may start a special interest group which may consist of just a few like-minded people upwards. Our current groups range from Art to Walking and details can be found in the Activities page. If you are interested in starting a new group, full details about running a group at Weston Turville U3A can be found here, but please contact the Groups Liaison Officer in the first instance at groups@wtu3a.org.uk.
Art and Culture
This new group is aimed at everyone, not just lovers of art. We’re hoping to attract anyone who likes visiting buildings and galleries. There are many visits that can be arranged locally or in London where travel can be by own or public transport, meeting and joining the group at the venue.
We hope that visits like this will be a little easier on the pocket (yes, we know, a day return to London still makes your eyes water!) but, making your own travel arrangements allows flexibility to lunch at leisure or do other things.
All our visits will be guided with visits possibly to Waddesdon Manor, Kenwood House and behind the scenes at the Royal Opera House (2025).
For future information, contact the group leaders, John Masters or Chris Bennett.
Birdwatching Group
We have field trips once a month, usually on the last Friday morning of the month, we meet at the Aston Clinton Sports & Social Club car park at 9.00am, sort out car sharing and then go to a local site, Tring Reservoirs, College Lake, Wendover Woods etc. We spend between 2 and 3 hours at the site looking for, identifying and discussing the birds we come across.
The group are mostly beginners but there are 2 or 3 more experienced birders.
Anyone with an interest in birds is most welcome. All that required is a pair of binoculars and suitable outdoor clothing.
We have in the past joined with the Aylesbury RSPB Group on coach trips further field.
For further information contact Group Leader Terry Lewis.
Book Club 1
There are now three Book Clubs. Book Club 1 meets on the second Wednesday of each month, from 2 – 4pm at a member’s house. We discuss the book of the month, taken from a list drawn up by the members. New members welcome. The group leader is Jackie Aggett.
Book Club 2
Book Club 2 meets on the second Wednesday of the month between 2 and 4 p.m. at the group leader’s home.
This group is presently full and cannot accept new members. The group leader is Rosemary Williams.
Book Club 3
Book Club 3 meets on the first Friday of the month between 10.30am and 12pm. Contact the group leader Gary Standing or if you would like to join this group.
Bridge (Duplicate)
The group meets in St Ann’s Hall in Wendover from 1.30pm each Friday. This is a social, mixed ability group (but not beginners) who play duplicate bridge. Contact the Group Leader, Joan Bridges for more information.
Bridge (Social Bridge)
The Social Bridge group meets at 2.00 pm, every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at The Five Bells public house, Weston Turville. Contact the Group Leader, Carol Johnson for more information.
Canasta
The canasta group meets at 2.30 pm, on the first and third Wednesday’s at The Chandos public house, Weston Turville.
We play the Classic Canasta version of the game which is a form of rummy. It is a mixed ability group with the emphasis on entertainment whilst playing cards!
New members always welcome. Contact the group leader if you wish to join in.
Card Making
The card making group meets at 10am, on the second Thursday of every month in The Union Chapel Hall, Weston Turville.
Are you interested in making your own cards for friends and relatives or to sell? You can be experienced or just starting out and need help. The Group Leader can provide supplies and various equipment to experiment with but you can bring your own as well.
If you are interested in joining this new group please contact Lindsey Beer for more information.
Chess
We meet every other Friday lunchtime for chess and refreshment at the Chandos Arms, 1 Main Street, Weston Turville HP22 5RR. No particular ability is required, and every one is welcome. Please contact the group leader for details of the next meeting date or for more information.
Church Visits – See ‘Visiting Churches’ below
Coffee Morning
We meet at The Five Bells, Weston Turville, on the third Thursday of the month from 10.30am to 12pm, every month except December. Anyone is welcome to come. If you need any more information, please get in touch with the group leader, Marie Jones.
Crafts
We are a small, friendly group who meet on the second Wednesday of the month in the Chapel Hall, Weston Turville from 10.00am – 12.00 to explore a range of different crafts. Our aim is to have “starter” sessions of many different crafts. We hope you will take something home with you from each session – either a completed project or something you can continue (or not!) to work on at home.
The programme for the next year is decided by the members at the December meeting and everyone is given the opportunity to suggest a different craft that they would like to show or try. Guest demonstrators are invited when required and we occasionally organise outings to local craft shows or exhibitions. A full list is published on the U3A Website under diary.
If you would like to join us, please get in touch with the group leader for more information.
Discussion (NEW starting 18th October 2024)
The aim of this group is to discuss a wide variety of topics from current affairs to ideas and interests of our members. Topics are chosen each time by you the group members, for example, NHS or the use of Electric cars, and so can be topical or controversial. We aim for a friendly atmosphere and to respect each other’s views.
We meet on the 3rd Friday of the month at 10:30am at The Five Bells, where we request you purchase a tea, coffee or drink. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the group leader.
Extreme Visits (Paused – leader(s) required)
This group is searching for a leader(s) to enable this exciting group to continue. Contact chairman@wtu3a.org.uk if you are interested
The Extreme Group aims to provide unusual opportunities to:-
- Learn a diverse set of new skills ranging from sushi making; Krav Maga; piloting a hovercraft; control a skid; Clay Pigeon Shooting; hunting for fossils in Milton Keynes; bell ringing, day time astronomy or even lock picking.
- Experience activities or places you may not wish to visit alone or feel might be age-inappropriate, such as, visiting “the IceBar”; a bell foundry, a day at the races, explore Street Art or competing in a simulated 24 hour Nurburgring endurance race event
- Challenge your limits with events such as Ice Karting, climbing over the O2, White Water Rafting, Abseil the Spinnaker
These may sound far-fetched, ‘Extreme’ even, but that’s the point and the examples are all past or in plan events. We are always looking to raise the bar and suggestions (even from your bucket list) are always welcome.
If there is no suitable topic, we won’t simply put an event together because there is a monthly/quarterly schedule to work to. Information about pending activities is available by email, the website and at monthly meetings.
Family History
The Weston Turville U3A Family History group offers a practical approach to researching your ancestors.
It is not formally led but utilises the skills and knowledge of the members to assist you with compiling your own family trees, overcoming those obstacles that occur with most family tree researches and giving advice on recording and storing the information you have found out.
A laptop or tablet with internet connection is an advantage but not essential!
The group meets on the third Thursday at 10 -12.00pm. at 250 Wendover Road, Aylesbury. Contact the group leader for further information.
Folk, Blues and Beyond
This group is aimed at anyone with an enthusiasm for this broad range of music.
The first half hour of each meeting is usually spent playing recordings of and discussing the music. During the the rest of the session, we sing and play music together. We currently have guitars, bass, harmonicas, ukuleles, banjolele, cajon and other percussion, and some people just come and sing. We have a specially compiled songbook with all the necessary words and chords.
Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month, from 10.00am to noon, and they take place at members’ homes. We are currently full, but if you are interested in adding your name to the waiting list, please contact the group leader, Paul Fincken.
Food Appreciation Group
This group organises special lunches, eg: Beaujolais Nouveau and Burns Night, arranging lunch time visits to pubs within the area, as well as look at other “foodie” events to explore.
Numbers will be limited at each event governed by how many the chosen location can accommodate. Look out for announcements at general U3A meetings and on the web site as they are usually oversubscribed.
Contact Pam Wilson for details.
food.appreciation@wtu3a.org.uk
Gardening
The group takes place on the fourth Monday of the month at 2pm in The Chapel Hall, School Lane Weston Turville. There will be no meetings in December or January.
Our aim is to learn from each other, listen to visiting speakers and undertaking visits connected with areas of our interest. There will also be a swap table for plants, seeds and old tools. There will be a small charge of £3 at each meeting to pay for hire of the room and any other expenses. This may increase slightly depending on our activities. For further information contact Jenny Hunt or Rosemary Williams.
Garden Visits
We are looking to find many varied examples of different gardens to explore.
These will appeal not just to the garden lover but to the photographer, the flower arranger and the artist.
From early spring to autumn our garden visits will take us to local gardens opening especially for our group and also visit other gardens further afield each chosen on the basis of different seasonal attractions.
Full details may be found in the Diary on the website, announced at general meetings and in the monthly newsletter. For further information contact the Group Leader Heather Marshall.
Handbell Ringers (Beginners)
This group aims to perform, promote and teach Handbell ringing. You don’t need to read music as we ring by numbers. The group meets on a Friday morning at 10am every week at the Group Leader’s home.
For further information and the date of the next meeting, contact the Group Leader John Beer.
Jazz Appreciation Group
This group meets on the third Wednesday of the month 2.00 to 4.00pm at the group leader’s home.
We explore the development of jazz during the 20th century to date and the profiles of the musicians and bands performing. We select a different subject each month and members can bring their own selection for all to listen to on either CD or cassette.
Contact group leader Pam Wilson for more information.
Mahjong – 17.04.24-**UPDATE** MEETINGS SUSPENDED – HOPEFULLY WILL RESTART IN THE AUTUMN
The Mahjong Group is actively seeking new members. We are a mixed ability group, though most of us are relatively new to the game; so whatever your skill level you will be welcome.
Mahjong is believed to have developed in the Ningpo region of China in the 1870s and in its present form Mahjong is most closely linked to rummy – Sets of 3 or 4 tiles to complete a set common in both games. It has its own terminology and suits. The rules of play we are following are from the U3A, A Beginners Guide for Playing Mahjong, a copy of which is attached.
This group meets on the first and third Thursday each month between 2pm and 4pm at The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville. There is no charge, however, you are welcome to purchase a drink or coffee etc. from the bar. Contact the group leader Ken Shaw or Joy Williamson if you wish to join us.
Mexican Train (Dominoes)
Mexican Train, also known as simply Trains, is a game played with dominoes. The object of the game is for a player to play all the dominoes from his or her hand onto one or more chains, or “trains”, emanating from a central hub or “station”.
This group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday each month at 2pm at The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville.
It is an all ability group, no previous experience required.
Contact the group leader if you wish to join us.
Needlework
This sociable and friendly group remains as popular as ever. We continue to work on our own projects, many of which have been completed and admired and new ones started.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. Please contact Joan Bridges, the group facilitator for meeting details if you wish to attend.
Patchwork & Quilting
We hold our Patchwork & Quilting meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday in the month at Stoke Mandeville Community Centre, Eskdale Road, Stoke Mandeville HP22 5UJ. The more experienced quilters meet in the morning from 10am-12pm and beginners meet in the afternoon from 2pm–4pm.
Members of the group make quilts of all sizes – wall hangings, table runners etc. using a sewing machine and modern cutting equipment.
The Group leader is on hand with both groups to provide guidance with individual projects and tuition in the basic skills and technics. The aim of the group is to introduce people to this creative and addictive craft and provide an opportunity to develop a range of skills in a friendly supportive environment.
Displays of work completed by members of the group have been much admired and are a testament to their skills, talent and enthusiasm.
If you are interested in joining us, please contact the group leader Maureen Reeves for more information.
Details for pétanque group sessions:
Every Monday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm (earlier in the Winter months). Venue is the new pétanque terrain behind Weston Turville Village Hall. Parking is available.
All the dates are in the diary found here:
Pickleball (New 17th October 2024)
It couldn’t be easier to have a go at Pickleball and discover for yourself just how much fun it is! Pickleball takes place at 11am on Thursday every week and we play for an hour. The venue is Halton Tennis Club, Chestnut End, Chestnut Avenue, Halton Village, HP22 5PD. The cost is £2 but is under review so may increase.
Pickleball is a fun sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Played on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a hollow perforated polymer ball over a net. Trainers / tennis shoes are recommended.
Contact the group leader Peter Allen, for more information, and to join the WhatsApp group so he can keep track of weekly attendees.
Poetry Reading
The poetry reading group meets once a month on the third Thursday at 2.30 in members houses.
The way the group works is that a topic is set for the month and members research poems and read them in turn at the meeting.
You will be introduced to new poetry and new poets in a relaxed atmosphere – the only limit is the imagination of our members.
If you are interested in joining the group please contact Pauline Martin at the address below.
Do not be concerned if your accommodation is too small to host the meetings – we have enough members with suitable homes to keep us going.
Quiz Afternoon
A Quiz afternoon group takes place on the fourth Friday of the month from 2.30-4.30pm. The venue is the Chapel Hall, School Lane, Weston Turville, and intends to be more Egg Heads than University Challenge! Individuals and couples are welcome so there is no need to get a complete team together. Questions will suit all levels of knowledge so everyone will be catered for. More details from the group leader Joy Mantell.
Rummikub
Rummikub is a game based loosely on Rummy (but with a twist). The group meets every third Tuesday of the month at 14:00 at The Five Bells, Weston Turville. There is no cost to attend this group, other than The Five Bells ask that we purchase drinks whilst there. For more details contact the group leader Deborah Brown.
Science and Technology
We aim to explore all areas of the Sciences and the Technologies they support, both present and past through visiting speakers and making visits to places of interest. The Science and Technology group meets on the first Thursday of each month. Contact the group leader for details of the planned schedule.
Contact the group leader, John Beer for more details.
Scrabble
The Scrabble group meets at 09.45am each Wednesday in the Five Bells Public House in Weston Turville. There is no charge for attending, but each member is expected to buy a drink during the session for the use of the premises.
This is a joint group with Scrabble players from Aston Clinton u3a.
Please contact the Group Leader, Wendy Bailey at scrabble@wtu3a.org.uk prior to attending for the first time.
Social Bridge
The Social Bridge group meets at 2.00 pm, every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at The Five Bells public house, Weston Turville. Contact the Group Leader Simon Evers for more information.
Table Tennis
We meet each week in the Churchill Hall in Aston Clinton (next to the Red Kite Pavilion by the park). There are two groups, one on a Wednesday and one on a Thursday, from 2.00 – 4.00pm. Most people attend just one or the other, but some go to both. We usually play doubles, although it is sometimes possible to play some singles. There is a £1 charge for a two hour session. Most people bring their own bat, but there are some spares available for use. Members need to have some experience of playing table tennis. We are a mixed ability group, but it would not be suitable for a complete beginner.
For further details, please contact the group leader, Paul Fincken.
Theatre
The Theatre Group aims to provide trips to the theatre to see a wide range of plays, dramas, comedies and musicals. We try to use local theatres (eg in Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Oxford and Milton Keynes) as much as possible, but occasional trips further afield (e.g. London) may also be included. The dates and costs will vary according to the booking arrangements.
Trips will be advertised in the monthly Newsletter and on the website. Please contact the group leader, Melanie Evans for any further details.
Touch Tennis
This is played with short handled racquets and soft tennis ball. Weekly from 2pm to 3pm on Tuesday afternoons at Halton Tennis Club for a maximum of 12 participants per session.
The cost will be £4 per session which includes equipment and court time. This takes place indoors. Contact the Group leader, Ken Shaw for more information and to join in.
Trips and Tours
The Trips organisers create a variety of sometime eclectic and invariably interesting day-trips throughout the year open to all WTU3A members.
WTU3A members will be notified of planned and finalised trip details through the newsletter and published on the web-site and recorded in the diary.
Sign-up sheets will be available at general meetings.
Alternatively you can contact the group leaders, but in either case part or full payment will probably be required in advance.
Visiting Churches
Our group makes an afternoon visit to a fairly local church on the second Tuesday each month from April to October. We aim to arrive at the church around 2.00pm. If you need transport to be arranged, please contact Odette Harris at the email address below.
The Visiting Churches group aims to visit churches of historical interest that have unusual architecture or wall paintings and have a story to tell. Some will be within a half an hour journey, and some will be further if they are of special interest. We arrange a speaker to give a brief history of the church building and to point out items of interest.
Churches may have a set charge for visiting, but if not, we ask members to make a donation (normally £5) to the church concerned. Payment is collected on the day. The visit usually includes refreshments, generally provided by the church, though this may vary from time to time.
Information on forthcoming visits will be available at the monthly meetings or you can contact the group leader.
Walkers
The walkers meet on the second Tuesday each month.
The walks last up to two hours and do include some hill climbing and stiles but we do not walk very fast as we prefer to enjoy the company and the countryside whilst we walk. It is important to remember we are not ‘ramblers’. A lot of the walks end at a lunch or tea spot so we can indulge in suitable refreshment before returning home.
All WTu3a members are welcome to join us for a walk and well-mannered dogs can be taken on most walks as well.
Please contact the group leader to join the group and to receive full details on the walk taking place that month.
Wine Appreciation
A group for Wine Lovers – come and join like-minded people who want to explore many different wines in different ways. We taste, we talk and hope to include a couple of visits. All associated with wine and the enjoyment thereof!
We taste wines by the grape, by the region or by the country.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of every month between 7.15 & 9.00pm at The Chapel Hall, Weston Turville. Come along and share with us what is a very enjoyable evening. None of us are experts but we all enjoy wine. Contact the group leaders for more information.
Wine Appreciation 2
Our second group for Wine Lovers!
The meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month and are held in the Chapel Hall, School Lane, Weston Turville at 7:00pm and will finish by 9.15pm. The meetings are hosted by Eric Foster, who says he’s not an expert, just very good at drinking wine! Actually he’s being rather modest, he has led wine evenings elsewhere, so we’ll be in safe hands! We will be sampling a variety of wines, with the occasional guest speaker. The cost is £8 per person. Please contact the Group Leader Chris Bennett for more information and to join the group.