Category Archives: Expired
National u3a Friends Newsletter – April 2024
The April u3a Friends Newsletter is now available. Sign up here to receive your own monthly email.
For those that don’t receive the Third Age Matters Magazine, the u3a are announcing u3a Friends Extra. This is a 
benefits website developed for anyone signed up to the u3a Friends newsletter. You can make savings on well-known brands, shopping, travel, days out and more. The website provides access to a wide range of offers, discounts and additional services and is completely free.
News from the Groups
Summer Lunch 2024 (for members only)
Thursday, 25th July
We are holding our Summer Lunch once more on Thursday 25th July (and hoping for better weather than last year!). There will be no speaker that day, as per previous years, 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. Details on the flyer.
The fee is £5 per person and it a ticket only event. The 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, please contact Sarah Gunn at summerlunch@wtu3a.org.uk.
Image by Anita Smith from Pixabay
Card Making
Thursday, 13th June then 11th July
Following the interest in this new group, a regular time and date has been fixed 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 .
TRIPS – UPDATENOW FULL (with reserve list) –
- Highgate Cemetery – Wednesday, 17th July
- NO DATE AS YET – The National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire – September (tbc)
To add your name to the mailing list for the above trip please email Mandi Simons on trips@wtu3a.org.uk or speak to her at the Monthly General Meeting.
Science & Technology
Thursday, 6th June – Visit – Museum of Military Medicine and Milestone Museum, Basingstoke.
NOW FULLY BOOKED – Thursday, 4th July – Visit – The Hydraulics Research Organisation, Wallingford.
Full details on the above trips are on the flyer here.
To book your place on any of the above, or if you have any thoughts about future visits, please contact the group leader John Beer for more details at science@wtu3a.org.uk.
GARDEN VISITS
Wednesday, 22nd May
We have an afternoon visit from 2pm to the garden of Chesham Bois House (which lies just north of Amersham-on-the-Hill).
This is a 3 acre garden with lovely herbaceous borders, walled garden, old orchard with wildlife pond, and some topiary trees. The cost is £9 cash donation to NGS, to include refreshments.
Contact Heather Marshall on gardens@wtu3a.org.uk to book your place.
Tuesday, 25th June – NOW FULLY BOOKED
An afternoon visit to Cedar House, Bacombe Lane, Wendover, HP22 6EQ where Sarah Nicholson will welcome us to her Chiltern Hills garden which has a great variety of trees, shrubs and plants leading via a sloping lawn to a delightful natural swimming pond. The visit will start at 2.30 and will include home-made teas.
Gardening
Monday 27th May – NO MEETING
Monday, 24th June and 22nd July – visit to a members garden
The next two meetings on 24th June and 22 July, the group will be visiting a members garden. Full details to follow. To add your name to the list contact Jenny Hunt or Rosemary Williams on: 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 contact Jenny Hunt or Rosemary Williams at gardening@wtu3a.org.uk
Walking Group
Tuesday, 11th June and then 9th July.
Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Quiz Afternoon
Friday, 24th May then Friday 28th 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
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated). To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk
Thursday, 23rd May – 7pm – a screening of Titanic – the Musical – Price £14.85.
Milton Keynes Theatre – Wednesday, 12th June – 2.30pm – Everyone’s Talking About Jamie – Price £37.
Thursday, 22nd August – 7.30pm – Ghost the Musical – Price £37.50.
Thursday, 17th October – 2.30pm – Lord of the Dance – Price £44.
Milton Keynes Theatre –Wednesday, 27th November – Time TBA – Come from Away – Price £39.50.
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
MAHJONG
**UPDATE** MEETINGS SUSPENDED – HOPEFULLY WILL RESTART IN THE AUTUMN
Rummikub
Tuesday, 21st May then 18th 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.
Coffee Morning
Thursday, 20th June then 18th July
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.
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, 24th May then 14th 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
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 every two weeks on a Friday morning at 10am at the group leader’s home. For more details and further dates of meetings, contact John Beer at handbells@wtu3a.org.uk
News from the Groups
Card Making – NEW GROUP COMING SOON!!
Are you interested in making your own cards for friends and relatives or to sell? Lindsey Beer is looking for like minded people to join a new group. You can be experienced or just starting out and need help. Lindsey can provide supplies and various equipment to experiment with but you can bring your own as well.
Depending on the level of interest it would be at her home in Wendover or at the Weston Turville Union chapel. If you are interested in joining this new group please contact Lindsey on cardmaking@wtu3a.org.uk .
Arts, Architecture & Culture – NEW GROUP COMING SOON!!
Although the name of this new group has yet to be finalised, the group will likely take the form of visits rather than based at a venue. A few visits in mind are to galleries, culture walks in London, behind the scenes tours at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, etc. lTransport will be via the train or bus where possible to avoid coach hire. John Masters is working out the details so watch this space for further details!
TRIPS – UPDATENOW FULL (both with a waiting list) –
- Hampton Court Palace (including Tulip Festival) – Wednesday, 17th April
- Highgate Cemetery – Wednesday, 17th July
- NO DATE AS YET – The National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire – September (tbc)
To add your name to the mailing list for the above trip please email Mandi Simons on trips@wtu3a.org.uk or speak to her at the Monthly General Meeting.
GARDEN VISITS
Tuesday, 25th June
We have an afternoon visit to Cedar House, Bacombe Lane, Wendover, HP22 6EQ where Sarah Nicholson will welcome us to her Chiltern Hills garden which has a great variety of trees, shrubs and plants leading via a sloping lawn to a delightful natural swimming pond. The visit will start at 2.30 and will include home-made teas.
Contact Heather Marshall on gardens@wtu3a.org.uk to book your place.
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
MAHJONG
**UPDATE** MEETINGS SUSPENDED – HOPEFULLY WILL RESTART IN THE AUTUMN
Quiz Afternoon
Friday, 22nd March then 26th April
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
Gardening
Monday, 25th March then 22nd April
February’s meeting is a talk on bees and their value in the garden. Don’t forget the ‘Swaps Table’. The group meets at 2pm in Weston Turville Chapel Hall and meets on the fourth Monday of the month. Cost £3. For more information contact Jenny Hunt or Rosemary Williams at gardening@wtu3a.org.uk
Science & Technology
Thursday, 11th April – Visit – The Museum of Water and Steam in Brentford.
Thursday, 2nd May – Visit – RAF Hendon.
Thursday, 6th June – Visit – Museum of Military Medicine and Milestone Museum, Basingstoke.
Thursday, 4th July – Visit – The Hydraulics Research Organisation, Wallingford.
Full details on the above trips are on the flyer here.
To book your place on any of the above, or if you have any thoughts about future visits, please contact the group leader John Beer for more details at science@wtu3a.org.uk.
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated. To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk
Wednesday, 17th April – 7.30pm – Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners – Price £31.50.
A talented cast of musicians and singers brings this iconic group back to life.
Thursday, 18th April – 7.30pm – Johannes Radebe, The House of JoJo (Dance). Price £56.00.
A brand-new theatrical celebration jam-packed with roof-raising music, dazzling costumes and of course, world class dance.
Sunday, 28th April -7.30pm – Madama Butterfly, Puccini – Price £37.75.
One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.
Wednesday, 8th May – 7.30pm – Me and My Girl – Price TBA
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Rummikub
Tuesday, 16th April then 21st May
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.
Coffee Morning
Thursday, 18th April then 16th May
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.
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, 22nd March, then 5th April).
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 every two weeks on a Friday morning at 10am at the group leader’s home. For more details and further dates of meetings, contact John Beer at handbells@wtu3a.org.uk
National u3a Friends Newsletter – March 2024
The March u3a Friends Newsletter is now available. Sign up here to receive your own monthly email.
Ticket sales for festival
The u3a will soon be opening ticket sales for u3a Festival 24. Details are being finalised on Eventbrite then they will be in touch with everyone who is signed up to receive festival updates.
Tickets will be issued in a few stages; first to activity leaders and stewards, then to musicians and sports facilitators, and then to the membership. Keep an eye out!
Thames Valley u3a – Current 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.
Supporting the North Sea Oilfields by Helicopter
A talk by Ted Peycke
Closing date: Sunday, 8th April
creating an all-year-round-border
A talk by Timothy Walker
Closing date: Sunday, 21st April
Wednesday, 10th April – North Sea Oil Operations
2.30pm on Zoom. A talk by Ted Peycke.
Ted Peycke is a retired North Sea Helicopter Pilot and will cover how he got into flying, passenger safety, aircraft performance, and the support provided by helicopter operations in the event of accidents in the oilfields.
Details on the flyer. The fee is £2 per device.
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 8th April
Tuesday, 23rd April – Bordering on insanity – creating an all-year-round border
2,30pm on Zoom. A talk by Timothy Walker
This talk looks exclusively at the herbaceous border in his wife’s previous garden. The border was created over 25-years and the talk covers the principles and practicalities that were adopted in an attempt to create a border that is interesting all-year-round. It concludes with a look at a collection of must-have plants for such a border, and associations in which they may be grown.
Details on the flyer. The fee is £1 per device.
Closing date for applications is Sunday, 21st April.
‘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.
Aylesbury Grammar School – 425th Anniversary Book
WTu3a member Mary Rogers, has asked us to mention a new local publication “Aylesbury Grammar School” by Dr Joel Burden. Mary has recently read this and found it fascinating to learn how the school has evolved, laughed out loud in parts and found it all very readable. She says:
National u3a launch u3a Friends Newsletter – February🐉
The national u3a has launched a fresh look for the monthly newsletter – u3a Friends.
The u3a Friends Newsletter for February 2024 is still packed with opportunities, fun and learning.
If you don’t already receive the newsletter sign up here. The u3a are also launching Friends Extra in April.
Thames Valley Network u3a
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.
Burt Bacharach
A talk by Clive Aronson
Closing date: Saturday, 24th February
Tuesday, 27th February – Burt Bacharach
10.30am on Zoom. A talk by Clive Aronson.
Details on the flyer. The fee is £1 per device.
Closing date for applications is Saturday, 24th February
‘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.
News from the Groups
Card Making – NEW GROUP COMING SOON!!
Are you interested in making your own cards for friends and relatives or to sell? Lindsey Beer is looking for like minded people to join a new group. You can be experienced or just starting out and need help. Lindsey can provide supplies and various equipment to experiment with but you can bring your own as well.
Depending on the level of interest it would be at her home in Wendover or at the Weston Turville Union chapel. If you are interested in joining this new group please contact Lindsey on cardmaking@wtu3a.org.uk .
Arts, Architecture & Culture – NEW GROUP COMING SOON!!
Although the name of this new group has yet to be finalised, the group will likely take the form of visits rather than based at a venue. A few visits in mind are to galleries, culture walks in London, behind the scenes tours at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, etc. lTransport will be via the train or bus where possible to avoid coach hire. John Masters is working out the details so watch this space for further details!
TRIPS – UPDATENOW FULL (both with a waiting list) –
- Hampton Court Palace (including Tulip Festival) – Wednesday, 17th April
- Highgate Cemetery – Wednesday, 17th July
- NO DATE AS YET – The National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire – September (tbc)
To add your name to the mailing list for the above trip please email Mandi Simons on trips@wtu3a.org.uk or speak to her at the Monthly General Meeting.
GARDEN VISITS
Tuesday, 25th June
We have an afternoon visit to Cedar House, Bacombe Lane, Wendover, HP22 6EQ where Sarah Nicholson will welcome us to her Chiltern Hills garden which has a great variety of trees, shrubs and plants leading via a sloping lawn to a delightful natural swimming pond. The visit will start at 2.30 and will include home-made teas.
Contact Heather Marshall on gardens@wtu3a.org.uk to book your place.
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
MAHJONG
Thursday, 18th April then 16th May
Quiz Afternoon
Friday, 22nd March then 26th April
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
Gardening
Monday, 25th March then 22nd April
February’s meeting is a talk on bees and their value in the garden. Don’t forget the ‘Swaps Table’. The group meets at 2pm in Weston Turville Chapel Hall and meets on the fourth Monday of the month. Cost £3. For more information contact Jenny Hunt or Rosemary Williams at gardening@wtu3a.org.uk
Science & Technology
Thursday, 11th April – Visit – The Museum of Water and Steam in Brentford.
Thursday, 2nd May – Visit – RAF Hendon.
Thursday, 6th June – Visit – Museum of Military Medicine and Milestone Museum, Basingstoke.
Thursday, 4th July – Visit – The Hydraulics Research Organisation, Wallingford.
Full details on the above trips are on the flyer here.
To book your place on any of the above, or if you have any thoughts about future visits, please contact the group leader John Beer for more details at science@wtu3a.org.uk.
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated. To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk
Wednesday, 17th April – 7.30pm – Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners – Price £31.50.
A talented cast of musicians and singers brings this iconic group back to life.
Thursday, 18th April – 7.30pm – Johannes Radebe, The House of JoJo (Dance). Price £56.00.
A brand-new theatrical celebration jam-packed with roof-raising music, dazzling costumes and of course, world class dance.
Sunday, 28th April -7.30pm – Madama Butterfly, Puccini – Price £37.75.
One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.
Wednesday, 8th May – 7.30pm – Me and My Girl – Price TBA
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Rummikub
Tuesday, 16th April then 21st May
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.
Coffee Morning
Thursday, 18th April then 16th May
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.
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, 22nd March, then 5th April).
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 1.30pm to 3.30pm
- 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 every two weeks on a Friday morning at 10am at the group leader’s home. For more details and further dates of meetings, contact John Beer at handbells@wtu3a.org.uk
National u3a Newsletter – January 2024
The u3a National newsletter for 🌧️January 🌧️ is available HERE. As usual there is plenty to read, take part in and enjoy. Including:
Get involved in u3a Eye
This is not a competition and it is not only about your photographic skill – we are looking for any interesting photos and interpretations of the theme. This month the theme is “Home Town Pride”.
Judges pick based not only on the quality of the image but also on the interpretation of the theme. At the end of every deadline, we will choose and publish up to 15 photos in the online gallery below. Your photo should also not include any people. Deadline for submissions: 12pm on Thursday 29 February 2024. Enter here. There are more learning initiatives on our learning pages.
