Our lead photo shows Clive Woodward presenting to our members at the July Monthly Meeting.
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u3a Trust News
It is good to remind ourselves that Windsor and District u3a is part of a nationwide movement. There is more to your membership than is available locally.
The u3a Festival
Over 1,500 u3a members attended the u3a Festival 24, a three-day event which ran from Thursday, 18th July to Saturday, 20th July at the University of York. This was the largest meeting of u3a members in the movement’s history. One of those attending was Sanda Connolly, a relatively new member of Windsor and District u3a.
Sanda enjoyed the event immensely. There was a busy programme of over 80 events – from life drawing and star gazing to guided history walks of York and talks about Plato. Each of these workshops and talks were led by u3a members from u3a groups all over Britain who were volunteering their time to make the festival a success.
Sanda stayed in accommodation at the University of York and made good use of the full programme of workshops and talks on offer. Her choice of activities included workshops on Painting for Beginners and Flower Coronet Making and lectures on Great Poets and one on Christopher Marlow, as well as a session on Stargazing. A busy schedule!
The Festival was an embodiment of the member-led skill sharing ethos and volunteering that is at the heart of u3a. It was led by a team of u3a volunteers headed by Margaret Fiddes, Trustee for Yorkshire and the Humber and Allan Walmsley, the newly elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of the u3a Trust (previously vice chair), with the support of u3a office staff.
May be some of us will be inspired to follow Sanda’s example and take part in u3a activities and events offered at network, regional and national level.
The Newly Elected Chair of u3a Trust
Allan Walmsley is a founding member of Kings Norton and District u3a. He has served on the Board since 2020, first as Trustee for the West Midlands and more recently as Vice Chair.
He extols the benefits of joining the u3a movement, “u3a gave me an opportunity to make friends, get back into my local community, and discover almost unlimited opportunities to learn. It is a movement that could add so much to so many.” On his election, he commented, “It will be an honour to lead one of the UK’s leading member organisations, and a movement that already influences the lives of so many people. I hope to lead on continued growth and creating an ever-widening range of learning and social opportunities for our members.”
Allan Walmsley will start his new role for the Trust on Wednesday 16th October 2024 after the AGM.”
You can read more about Allan’s appointment on the u3a website.
Windsor & District u3a Committee News
It is pleasing that following the Convenors’ Conference in June, two convenors expressed interest in the work of the committee and attended the committee meeting on 3rd July. They will attend committee meetings for the next few months, before agreeing to be co-opted and taking on specific roles. There remain vacancies on the 2024-5 committee and members expressing an interest in committee work are welcome to whet their appetite as observers.
Please contact Secretary, Carol Crago. secretary@windsoru3a.org.uk
Logged in members can see more contact details.
A role that remains to be filled is that of Thames Valley Network (TVN) representative. This involves receiving information by email about activities organised by TVN and passing on what is relevant to the newsletter editor, the web master and the appropriate convenors. Most events are online, but there are occasional live meetings for reps. This is a small job, but if all small jobs are left to a small number of people, they begin to feel like BIG jobs and become too time consuming to be tenable. A similar vacancy exists for a rep for the South East Region. There are also spaces for non – executive committee members. If you have other skills you would prefer to offer then please share them. There is room for YOU.
Windsor and District u3a has a reputation for being a very friendly group and our membership continues to grow when some u3a groups are failing. This is due largely to the the warm welcome shown to and the integration of new members with established members. Congratulate yourselves on your success and please remember to keep an eye out for people wearing a yellow sticker at Monthly Meetings. They are new members and will appreciate a friendly greeting. They, like you, come not just to hear the speaker, but to meet and make friends. If you happen to witness or experience unpleasant behaviour, please bring it to the attention of the committee. We want to retain established members as well as recruit new ones.
Monthly Speaker Meetings
Gardeners Hall, 213 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor, SL4 3DR
on 2nd Wednesday of each month, 2-00pm to 4-00pm.
Last month Clive Woodward treated us to a mixture of poetry recital and nostalgic reminiscences in his presentation, ‘From the Forties to the Noughties’. This month, on Wednesday, 14th August, we look forward to Bobbie Darbyshire, author of fiction and non-fiction books giving a talk entitled, “A Beginning, A Muddle and An End. Where do authors get their ideas?”. This is another in our popular series of author talks.
Bobbie won the 2008 fiction prize at the National Academy of Writing and the New Delta Review Creative Nonfiction Prize in 2010. She has worked as a barmaid, mushroom picker, film extra, maths coach, cabinet minister’s private secretary, care assistant and volunteer adult-literacy teacher, as well as in social research and government policy and currently hosts a writers’ group.
Jackie Wiggins
Outings and Events
Eton Action Fair
11-00am – 4-00pm on Saturday, 14th September
Come and help spread the word about the benefits of joining a u3a.
Joining in u3a activities offers opportunities for all 5 of the ways suggested by MIND to maintain well-being.
Connect: Be Active: Keep Learning: Give: Take Notice.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Eton Action Fair. Last year was the first year that Windsor and District u3a joined in to promote the u3a movement and recruit new members. Those people who manned the stall enjoyed the event and encourage you to attend on the day and give an hour or two of your time to helping staff the u3a stall this year.
Please send your availability to help to newsletters@windsoru3a.org.uk
If you could come early and help set up the stall, that would be much appreciated, too.
Thank you for your support.
Interest Groups in Formation
If you are interested in joining either of these groups, please contact
Jackie Wiggins or Carol Crago.
Short Mat Bowls
Short Mat Bowls is a popular, competitive indoor version of bowls played indoors. Watch this Youtube clip to find out more about the game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2xVTrOeft8
We have a small group of keen players who would very much like to share their pleasure in playing this game. They are willing to offer instruction and one, Mike Wylde has already agreed to be convenor. Taster Sessions will be held on Monday, 2nd September and Monday, 16th September 1-30pm – 3-30pm.
These will be held at New Windsor Community Centre (NWCC), Hanover Way, Windsor, SL4 5NW where there are excellent facilities and equipment available and car parking on the premises is free. Taster Sessions will be free. If you decide to join the group there will be a charge of £5-00 per session. All you need to play is A PAIR OF FLAT SHOES FOR INDOOR USE ONLY (plimsoles?) This is to preserve the mats and maintain their condition for good quality play.
MOTO (Members On Their Own)
There are currently 3 MOTO groups running. They are social meetings run by and for members without partners and centre on a lunch time meal in a pub or restaurant. They are very popular, much in demand and oversubscribed. The number of members who can be included in a group is determined by the management of the venue and for every meeting, some (more and more) members are disappointed. Smaller groups are more easily accommodated than larger groups. IT IS TIME FOR NEW GROUPS TO BE FORMED. A convenors’ role involves booking a table for a given number of people, on a regular basis at a given venue. This responsibility could be shared among the group members.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Jackie Wiggins or Carol Crago.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Interest Group News
Current Affairs 3
There is space for another member to join the group which meets on third Friday of each month at 14:00. It is a friendly group where members share topics of news spotted during the previous months for discussion. Please contact Joy Smith.
Contact details are visible if you log-in.
Chess
The Chess Group now meets at 10:30 every Monday (apart from Bank Holidays) at The Bridge Cafe in Datchet. All chess players are welcome to come along, to watch or play as they wish.
Contact details are visible if you log-in.
Explore London 1
We had a very different outing this month – a tour of Kensal Green Cemetery, the oldest of the ‘magnificent 7’ which surround London. Here we found Trollope and Thackery; Blondin; Brunel and WH Smith to name but a few. The memorials and monuments were very different varying from elaborate gothic structures designed by architects such as William Burgess to very simple slabs with just a name on them. There was so much to look at and admire. Thanks to Alan Wheeler for the pictures.
Maureen Russell
Flower Arranging
The Flower Arrangers will reconvene on Thursday, 26th September with an open event, a demonstration and wreath workshop on the theme of ‘Autumn,’ open to all u3a members. The cost of attendance will be £5.00 to cover hall hire, refreshments, floral foam and other specialist materials. You will need to bring your own flowers and container.
Please contact Mo Salter to reserve your place. Numbers are limited.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Gardening 1
The group is to visit a garden called ‘Woodpeckers’, Poplar Grove, Woking, GU22 7SD. Meet there at 2-00 pm on Thursday, 15th August. The cost is £10-00.
Please let Carole know in good time, if you intend joining the group.
Numbers are needed for catering.
The group had a rewarding visit to Braywick Park and Nature Centre last month.
Braywick Park is a large public open space with a fascinating history. There is evidence of a roman road through the site and of ownership by Charles I and 18th and 19th century mansion houses on the site. In recent years there has been extensive mineral extraction, followed by landfill operations. As Jo Wattis photographs show, the terrain is now varied and the park provides environments to support a wide variety of flora and fauna. An arboretum houses trees of historic significance and a dell with a pond, manmade 30 years ago, is left wild to provide a refuge for a variety of wildlife such as grass snakes, frogs and kingfishers amongst other creatures.
The Nature Reserve is a centre for environmental education and runs a programme of activities throughout the year. It is well worth a visit.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Guided Bridge
Did you ever learn to play bridge, but then life got in the way you had to give it up? Have you ever thought about taking it up again, but didn’t know where to go? Perhaps we have the perfect opportunity for you.
The guided bridge group meets every Tuesday afternoon (1-30 – 4-00pm) at Fairlight Avenue, Windsor. It’s a very friendly group of players who want to play serious bridge for fun, and everyone is keen to learn.
Tuition and advice are available, and we take time to discuss interesting hands. If you’re interested in joining us or would like to come along for a taster session please contact me.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Local History
- Monday, 30th September: Louise Knight of the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum will talk about Victoria and Albert in Windsor. Victoria and Albert became engaged in Windsor and honeymooned here. The Castle was a favourite residence and, of course, the Royal Mausoleum is their final resting place.
- Monday, 28th October: Peter Halman, who last year described an historic trip down the Thames from Oxford to Maidenhead, makes a very welcome return for ‘A Stroll in the Park: the story of England’s royal, private and public parks.’
New U3A members are welcome. Talks begin at 2-30pm at Alma Road Methodist Church (SL4 3HH) and typically last about 45 minutes with time for questions. There is no need to book. There is a £3.00 charge at the door to cover the cost of room hire and refreshments.
Jane Standley
Music Appreciation
David Oldcorn runs three groups: Ballet Appreciation (2-00pm on the first Monday of each month), Show Music (2-30pm on third Monday of each month) and Classical Music (2-30 pm on the fourth Thursday of each month).
- Ballet: On 5th August David will show three shorter ballets, each one some 45 minutes long. on his very large television screen, ideal for this purpose. The programme will be chosen from The Fairies Kiss (Scottish Ballet), The Magic Flute (Cuba National Ballet, Cleopatra (NBA Perm), The Prodigal Son (New York City Ballet) or Chopiniana (Mariinsky Ballet).
- Classical Music: This month a concert consisting of an Overture, a Concerto and a Symphony (not all by the same composer!) will be shown.
- Show Music: In July, watched the Victoria Wood musical film, “That Day we Sang”; on 19th August Kiss Me, Kate (originally intended for July) will be shown.
David’s collection of music is vast and wide enough to satisfy most tastes! Members often suggest the programme for their next meeting. There is space for in all of these groups for anyone interested. Please contact David.
Contact details are visible if you log-in.
National Trust Outings
In June, a group of us met at Richmond Station, having set out independently from Windsor and Eton Riverside, Datchet, Ascot and Egham stations and caught a bus to Petersham, from where we enjoyed a stroll along the riverbank to Ham House. There we were privileged to join an historical tour of the gardens, led by a welcoming and knowledgeable volunteer guide, before touring Ham House.
Since 1976, when Ham House came into the possession of the National Trust, the gardens have been restored to the way they would have been in the 17th century. One of the most spectacular areas in the Summer, is a formal, walled garden called the Cherry Orchard. When we visited, the colour and perfume of lavender were overwhelmingly beautiful.
Another colourful spectacle that we were lucky to catch was in the walled vegetable garden. This contains an edible and aromatic flower plot of lavender, calendula, borage, chicory, anise hyssop, rocket, viola, rosemary and thyme.
After a sociable lunch in the café, we wandered through the house admiring the paintings, furniture and materials brought together by the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale. We all found favourite items. Mine were two unusual (unique?) chairs. The decoration on the chair on the left is japonned, a sort of lacquer work. It is one of a set. Nine others are in storage. The chair on the right is possibly the first designed as a bed settee.
We were lucky and thankful that so many rooms were open as rooms are only opened when volunteer guides are available. Ham House is well worth more than one visit. The gardens have seasonal interest and there is much to see and admire in the house, including the first ensuite bathroom in England!
Many thanks go to Ruth Bonny who organised this outing with the support of Sanda Connolly. It was Ruth’s first opportunity to organise a group outing and it was very successful. Well done, Ruth!
Jackie Wiggins
The NT Outings group’s next trip is on Monday, 12th August to The Vyne, near Basingstoke in Hampshire. This will be led by Sue White & Ornella Mohan.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Tea and Jazz
Please note there is no Tea and Jazz in August, but more great jazz bands will perform in the autumn. Concerts are open to all u3a members, including those from neighbouring u3a.
Please encourage your u3a friends to join you next term on 4th Tuesdays of the month. The music is good and easy to listen to, even for those who think they ‘don’t like jazz!’ By their choice of bands, Peter and Nina have made several converts among members who, as children were made to be quiet to listen to the ‘Billy Cotton Band Show’ on radio or TV. These afternoon concerts are very sociable. There is time for chat and refreshments in the interval, as well as a wide variety of music in the name of jazz. Performances start at 2-00pm and finish at 3-45pm. There is no need to book – just turn up on the day. Entry costs £10.00 cash per person to cover the cost of hall hire, musicians and refreshments. Please spread the word. (Good musicians cost a lot!).
See you on 24th September.
There is some parking outside Datchet Village Hall (SL3 9HR) and when this is full, there is a public car park a short distance back towards Datchet village centre that is also available.
Convenor contact details are visible if you log-in.
u3a Amblers
On Thursday, 4th July, members of the group enjoyed the fresh air and the wild flowers of Windsor Great Park, starting from Stag Meadow.
On the 8th August, please note that is the second Thursday, the plan is to amble along the Thames path at Old Windsor and include the parish church of St. Peter and St. Andrew.
Convenor contact details are visible if you log-in.
Windsor Area Walks
Our walks are usually approximately 4.5miles – 5 miles.
Friday, 23rd August: Meet at 10-15 am at Moor Lane, opposite the Swan Pub (now defunct.) approx. 200m after passing under the bridge. Post Code TW19 6EB. The walk over part of Staines Moor and along the Thames riverside will be led Maureen. There are a couple of stiles and some steps.
Logged in members can see Roy’s e-mail address.
Please let Roy know if you would be happy to organise one or two walks for later in the year.
Coffee Mornings
Come And Meet Each Other
Coffee mornings run from 10-30am to 12-00pm, why not drop in between those times?
All members are welcome to attend any and all of coffee mornings.
Central Windsor
Cinnamon Café in Windsor Central Station
These are held on the first Tuesday of each month, organised by Linda Saunders.
Next on Tuesday, 6th August.
Logged in members can see Linda’s e-mail address and number.
Old Windsor
The Bells of Ouzeley, Straight Road, Old Windsor, SL4 2SH
These are held on the first Wednesday of each month, organised by Jo Wattis.
Next on Wednesday, 7th August.
Logged in members can see Jo’s e-mail address and number.
West Windsor
The Running Man Café, All Saints’ Church, Dedworth is closed for refurbishment.
You are welcome to attend one of the other CAMEO coffee mornings.
Logged in members can see Jackie’s e-mail address.
Sunningdale
The Restaurant, Hilliers Garden Centre, off A30 between Sunningdale and Bagshot, GU20 6LQ
These are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, organised by Olwen.
Next on Tuesday, 27th August.
Logged in members can see Ollie’s e-mail address.
Datchet
The Bridge Ecumenical Café, The Village Green, Datchet, SL3 9JH
These are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, organised by Jackie Wiggins.
Next on Wednesday, 25th September. – NO MEETING in August
Logged in members can see Jackie’s e-mail address.
If you arrive and find the ‘u3a table’ is fully occupied, PLEASE make yourself known before settling elsewhere on your own or in a splinter group. Depending on the venue, it may well be possible to enlarge the circle, or take over/join on another table.
U3A Online
Thames Valley Network Diary Dates
All events are on Zoom unless otherwise stated.
NB You must book a few days in advance of the date(s) shown below and often a small cost is involved.
View TVN home page and scroll down to list of events with TicketSource booking buttons.
Flyers with more information are available there too.
Further events are always being planned, keep an eye on their diary via link above.
National u3a offerings
The national u3a runs many projects, initiatives and competitions – available for all members.
See their Latest News page for national events and opportunities.
Use their Podcasts Playlist (on YouTube) to listen to something interesting (with subtitles).
Interest Groups Online (IGOs)
Interest Groups Online (IGO) is an online community of learners. Those who subscribe to IGO can participate in our online interest groups and also access the u3a national learning.
IGO Help and Information
u3a Friends
Read the Newsletter in your browser.
u3a Friends Extra
A new range of benefits, offers and services exclusively for members of our u3a Friends community. The benefits include discounts for shopping, travel, insurance and more – and we hope really to add to your u3a experience.
Access the Friends Extra website here.
Credits and Contributions
Thank you to all who have contributed to this month’s newsletter.
We welcome contributions from any member, not just convenors, so if you have enjoyed a u3a organised event, why not share that (and show appreciation to the organisers) by writing a short report, ideally with some photos, please send to newsletters@windoru3a.org.uk
The copy date for our next Newsletter is 15th August 2024
Readers may notify an error or omission via e-mail or logged in members can use the Comments area below to convey their thoughts on this particular edition.
This Newsletter was compiled by Jackie Wiggins, then adapted for web publication by Dave Humphries. This web version allows us to hide certain data from all but logged in members, plus occasionally make minor updates after release, typically to correct errors and omissions notified promptly.
Committee Contact Details
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| Committee Members’ Contact Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairman: | Peter Todd | chairman@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Secretary: | Carol Crago | secretary@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Treasurer: | David Treder | treasurer@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Data Administrator: | Derek Gadd | dataadmin@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Groups’ Coordinator: | Sue White | u3agroups@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Website Administrator: | Dave Humphries | webeditor@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Membership Secretary: | Kate Fagence | membership@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Newsletter Editor: | Jackie Wiggins | newsletters@windsoru3a.org.uk |
| Speaker Organiser: | Joanna Wattis | speakers@windsoru3a.org.uk |