Category Archives: Notices
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.
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.
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.
WTu3a Newsletter – January 2024
Our newsletter for January has now been published, and includes news of what is happening in the groups as we kick off 2024. Read all the rest of news here.
The next general meeting is on Thursday 25th January, with a talk entitled “The History of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane” by Pete Allen.
Update on Defibrillator / CPR Training session:
The session arranged for Thursday 8th February at the Village Hall is now fully booked, but the list for the next one is open and already proving popular. If you wish to register your interest in the next session email Chris Bennett at defib@wtu3a.org.uk to add your name to the list.
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.
News from the Groups
GARDEN VISITS
Tuesday, 20th February
This is the first visit of 2024. Opening for the first time by arrangement with the National Garden Scheme to showcase Katharine Hersee’s collection of snowdrops. Tuesday 20th February from 2pm and the cost will be £10 as a cash donation to the NGS, and includes a hot drink and slice of cake.
TOUCHWOOD, Grimms Hill, Great Missenden is a 2 acre garden containing drifts of common snowdrops as well as a few unusual ones.
Maximum of 25. Meet at 1pm in car park of the Five Bells for car share. Contact Heather Marshall on gardens@wtu3a.org.uk to book your place.
- Hampton Court in spring
- The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in September
- Highgate Cemetery date to be decided
So, would you be interested in doing these trips? Have you other suggestions for us to consider?
Criteria is not more than 2 hours by coach, accessible, and combined price of coach and tour is less than £60 each.
Email us on trips@wtu3a.org.uk or speak to Mandi Simons at the January monthly meeting.
Image by Rosa Rugosa from Pixabay
MAHJONG
Thursday, 18th January
At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury (unless otherwise stated. To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk
|
Thursday, 7th March, The Elgiva, Chesham. 7.30pm – Sweet Charity – Price £TBA The Panda Players present this musical staged and choreographed by Bob Fosse based on the book by Neil Simon. |
|
Saturday, 9th March, 2.30pm – The Kite Runner – Price £30.00. West End hit, engrossing and captivating, based on the book by Khaled Hosseini. |
|
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. |
To book or for further details, please contact Melanie Evans at theatre@wtu3a.org.uk.
Quiz Afternoon
Friday, 26th 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
Gardening
No Meeting in January then the next one is Monday, 26th February
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
Proposed plans for 2024.
POSTPONED from Thursday, 1st February to 15th February – Talk – Chapel Hall. 5.30pm. How to get the most from your Android Mobile phone.
EXTRA DATE – Thursday, 8th February – Talk – Chapel Hall. 10.30am. How to get the most from your iPhone.
Thursday, 7th March – Visit – Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford. Entrance free.
Thursday, 11th April – Visit – The Museum of Water and Steam in Brentford.
To express your interest, 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.
Walking Group
Tuesday, 13th February
This walk is based at the Half Moon in Cholesbury and covers 4 1/2 miles of woodland. Lunch is available if required. Further details from Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
2024 Walking Holiday
Friday, 26th April – Monday, 29th April 2024
Based at the Longmynd Hotel in Church Stretton, Shropshire. Walks range from 6 to 12 miles, so this is for Walkers only.
For more information please contact Sylv Elliott at walkers@wtu3a.org.uk
Rummikub
Tuesday, 20th February
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, 15th 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.
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, 26th 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
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
