Our lead photo shows members of Windsor u3a enjoying Sarah Slater’s presentation at the May monthly meeting.
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To Whom does Windsor and District u3a belong?
YOU? THEM? US?
Why did YOU join Windsor and District u3a?
Was it because YOU had recently moved into the area and wanted to meet people and make new friends? Had YOU recently retired and were missing the stimulus of YOUR career and the companionship of YOUR workplace? Had YOUR partner died and YOU needed to develop a new lifestyle? Did YOU join to develop a new interest or take part in an activity YOU already enjoyed? Did YOU join to go on coach trips and other outings or to listen to interesting speakers? Did YOU join because YOUR friends were members?
These are all perfectly good reasons for joining a local u3a.
WHEN YOU JOIN A u3a GROUP IT BECOMES YOUR U3A.
What do YOU enjoy most with u3a? Singing? Ukelele? Listening to Music? Playing a Board Game? Walking? Geocaching? Cycling? Bowling? Badminton? Creative Writing? Reading? A Foreign Language? Coffee Mornings? Outings? Arts and Crafts?
THESE ACTIVITIES ARE ALL ORGANISED OR LED BY SOMEONE.
Could YOU help in some way with the organisation of YOUR u3a activities?
Your committee members were under pressure last year. No one came forward to take on the role of Secretary. This year, no one has yet come forward to take on the role of GROUPS COORDINATOR. Soon, we will be without a CHAIRMAN. When this happens, YOUR u3a WILL CLOSE. It cannot constitutionally operate without a chairman. COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT CHAIRMAN? Please give it some thought. To find out more speak to a committee member, as soon as possible.
Interest Group News
To make the most of your u3a membership you must take part. You are encouraged to peruse the list of Interest Groups and join some that resonate with you. If a group is full, your committee will help set up another one. This is the way a u3a grows. Each Interest Group needs a convenor or co-convenors and hosts. You will notice that more and more groups are sharing the organisation among members, so please be willing to help or take a turn. Different people have different talents and capabilities. Please use yours, or support others using theirs.
Interest Groups are at the core of u3a activity and without those members who are willing to GIVE time to organising Interest Groups, u3a groups die. Windsor and District survived Covid and thrives due to the efforts of its convenors, hosts and committee members. Currently, it needs a GROUPS COORDINATOR to help set up new Interest Groups, update timetables at the beginning of each term and to induct and support new convenors. The responsibilities and tasks of this role could be shared by 2 or more people. Support would be available from committee members. Please speak to one of them if you feel you could help
Badminton
The Badminton Group is inviting members who have badminton experience to come and join their energetic, friendly group. If you can keep a rally going in a competitive game or are a good rackets player (tennis/squash) and feel you could quickly pick up badminton, then please come for a try out.
If you are a complete beginner and would like to learn how to play, then we are thinking about starting a beginners’ group. Please register your interest with Philip Ross. Badminton is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise, keep fit and make new friends. We meet every Tuesday, at 2-00pm in Windsor Leisure Centre.
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.
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Explore London 1
Explore London 1 had a very enjoyable visit to the Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford. Philip and Mary guided us around the site showing us all the developments since the 2012 Olympics. We visited the Velodrome and the Aqua Centre, where we were treated to a display of the next generation of athletes being put through their paces. The divers were very good. We also went inside the College of Fashion, where there was an exhibition of English Folk Costume ranging from Pearly Kings to Mummers and the Doggetts Coat and Badge.
Afterwards we headed to the UCL Marshgate Campus, where we met Simon who gave us a tour and explained the work of the 2500 students. There is a huge installation of a slowly revolving Earth – ‘Gaia’ by Luke Jarman. Under construction and due to open in 2025-26 was the V&A extension, BBC Centre and Sadlers Wells Theatre. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and we learnt a lot about the legacy. So, thanks to Philip and Mary Ross for leading this walk.
There’s a separate post with more photos by Alan Wheeler here
Later in May, Diana Chapman will be leading us through ‘Chelsea in Bloom’ to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show.
Maureen Russell
Explore London 2
Over the next few months, there are plans for the group to visit Richmond Park, Ham House, Hampstead, Syon House, Lambeth Palace, Gunnersbury House and the National Archives in Kew.
Flower Arranging
This month Roses predominate with other summer flowers intermingled. We really would like some more members. Please come and join us. We are very friendly and welcome experts and novices, alike.
Contact Mo Salter for more information.
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Gardening 1
The group recently visited Westways Farm on the outskirts of Chobham.
Nicky and Paul told us about the history of their lovely Queen Anne House and then led us into the garden. This huge garden of 6 acres has everything! Much of it is laid to lawns, punctuated by many magnificent and unusual trees. There is a beautiful, listed wisteria covering the house. We were also guided through their woods with many unusual shrubs, as well as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias – all planted in the 1930s. The colours were unbelievable!
Late Spring is the best time to visit this garden and it was well worth our visit. Their Open Day for the National Garden Scheme was on 12th May.
On Thursday 20th June we will be visiting Braywick Nature Reserve, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1UU, where we will have short walk, a talk and tea. Cost to be confirmed. Please let Carol know if you intend to join the group.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Gardening 2
There are so many beautiful gardens to visit both locally and a little further afield. This photo is of Valley Gardens which we visited this month. Why not come and join us on the first Wednesday of each month? We have a programme throughout the year.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Geocaching
This month most of the advanced group were on holiday, so we stayed local and collected a few caches around Runnymede. We climbed to the Air Forces Memorial to do a picture cache and then made our way along some soggy woodland paths to the NT Café. It was a lovely morning and we covered nearly 8 miles!
The ‘advanced’ group are accomplished geocachers now and most have the geocaching app on their own phones. During the next few months, members of the ‘advanced’ group will be given opportunities to share in planning routes or suggesting places for the group to go. Kate has taken turns at leading the group in the past and has set a good example for other members to follow. There will be lots of support should they need it.
Logged in members can see contact details.
Local History
This group is a good example of team leadership. Members of the leadership team take turns to organise speakers.
- Monday, 24th June: Jo Alexander Jones’ talk is entitled ‘More than biscuits, bulbs and beer – a history of industry in Reading.’ Those of us who thought that Reading was all about Huntley and Palmers, Suttons Seeds and Courage Brewery will undoubtedly have some surprises.
- Monday, 29th July: We are very fortunate to have Phil Jones tell us about his role as Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle. This is a position that dates all the way back to 1086 and used to be held by a member of the Royal Family, but is now held by a senior retired member of the Armed Forces.
- 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.
This group meets in Windsor Methodist Church Hall in Alma Road, Windsor, SL4 3HH. Talks begin at 2-30pm. Admission is £3.00 on the door. No need to book. New members are warmly welcome.
Jane Standley
Music Appreciation
Hosted by David Oldcorn
Just e-mail David if you like good music. You will be welcome to attend all of his groups: Ballet Appreciation, Show Music and Classical Music
New members very welcome. All groups begin at 2-30pm.
Contact details are visible if you log-in.
National Trust Outings
This is another group where members are taking turns. Each month members step up to lead an outing and some members have volunteered to organise lifts/car shares within their local areas. We have visits planned for the rest of this year.
Our plans for the summer months include:
19th June: Mottisfont, Pat Oldcorn.
2nd July: Ham House, Sanda Connolly and Ruth Bonny.
13th August: The Vyne, Sue White and Ornella Mohan.
9th-13th September: York, Jackie Wiggins and Adele McNally.
October: Polesdon Lacy, Pat Oldcorn.
29th November: Stourhead, Jackie and John Wiggins.
Logged in members can see their contact details.
Tea and Jazz
Make sure Tea and Jazz on Tuesday, 25th June is in your diary! We charge £10.00 pp to cover the cost of hall hire, musicians and refreshments. For June, we have booked the “Rascals of Rhythm“. This top band is headed by Dave Moorwood on guitar and vocals. This is a band with a different sound as the two front line men play clarinets and a range of different saxophones.
All u3a members – from any u3a branch – are welcome. There is no need to book – just turn up on the day. Performances start at 2-00pm, with a break halfway for tea and cakes and finish at about 3-45pm. 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
This month, the group will be exploring the town and waterways of Maidenhead, a town close by, which many of us rarely visit. A couple of taster photos from the convenor’s recce.
Convenor contact details are visible if you log-in.
Windsor Area Walks
Our walks are usually approximately 4.5miles – 5 miles.
The June walk will be on 28th June. The walk is from Knowle Hill on the A4 and will be around Ashley Hill Forest. Fields (possibly with the odd cow) woods, paths and tracks. About 5 miles. Park in the large lay-by adjacent to Star Lane. Nearest post code RG10 9UR. There is no coffee on route so please bring a drink. There may be coffee at the end. Start time 10:15. Led by Roy.
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.
Monthly Speaker Meetings
Gardeners Hall, 213 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor, SL4 3DR
on 2nd Wednesday of each month, 2-00pm to 4-00pm.
- Wednesday, 12th June: A classical Guitar recital from Gary Jordan. Gary was much enjoyed when he visited us in 2022 and is making a return visit.
- Wednesday, 10th July: Philip Caine – From Barrow to Baghdad. Philip is widely travelled. He lived and worked across 3 continents. Read about his interesting background here: PHILIP | philipcaine. In retirement, he has become a respected public speaker and author.
- Wednesday, 14th August: Bobby Derbyshire (Author and novelist) “A Beginning, A Middle and An End. Where do authors get their ideas?” Another in our popular series of author talks.
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 1st Tuesday of each month, organised by Linda Saunders.
Next on Tuesday, 4th June.
Logged in members can see Linda’s e-mail address.
Old Windsor
The Bells of Ouzeley, Straight Road, Old Windsor, SL4 2SH
These are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month, organised by Jo Wattis.
This group has a large and faithful following, several of whom sometimes find it convenient to stay for lunch.
Next on Wednesday, 5th June.
West Windsor
The Running Man Café, All Saints’ Church, Dedworth will be closed for a few weeks in June for redecoration, so we will not meet in June.
You are welcome to attend one of the other CAMEO coffee mornings.
Sunningdale
The Restaurant, Hilliers Garden Centre, off A30 between Sunningdale and Bagshot, GU20 6LQ
These are held on the last Tuesday of each month, organised by Olwen.
Next on Tuesday, 25th June.
Datchet
The Bridge Ecumenical Café, The Village Green, Datchet, SL3 9JH
These are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month, organised by Jackie Wiggins.
You can feel assured of a warm welcome from several ‘Datchet Ladies’ including Sylvia D’Mello-Burchell, Rosie McAndrew, Pam Hames-Piggott and Jackie Wiggins.
Next on Wednesday, 26th June.
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.
Outings and Events
Event Diary
Open meetings, day trips and holidays shown here in date-order for quick reference, further details may be shown elsewhere in this, or previous, Newsletters.
- Thursday, 13th June: Convenors’ Conference and Lunch at Langley College, with a talk by and workshop with Peter Honey.
- Wednesday, 19th June: NT Outing to Mottisfont. Contact Pat Oldcorn.
- Tuesday, 25th June: Live Tea and Jazz concert at Datchet Village Hall from The Rascals of Rhythm.
- Monday, 9th September – Friday, 13th September: National Trust and Geocaching groups visit to York. Contact Jackie Wiggins.
Logged in members can see contact details.
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 June 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 |