Our lead photo shows members of the Ukelele Group providing entertainment to our local community at Tyle Place, Old Windsor, to help celebrate Victory in Europe 80 years ago.
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Recent Highlights in the Life of Windsor and District u3a
A VE Day Concert: Ros Middleton writes on behalf of the Ukelele Group
“If it wasn’t for VE Day, I wouldn’t be here!” Patty, one of our members proudly announced at a recent ukulele gig to celebrate that special day in history at Tyle Place, Old Windsor.
The large audience of local people was enchanted and delighted to hear her story, as she continued, “Mum was a Wren leading a conga at a VE Day party. She saw a sailor standing by the roadside so called him in to join them. It was love at first sight. On 8th May they got engaged and married on 3rd November. I was born 10 months later – a definite honeymoon babe! They were still happily married when my Dad died 57 years later.”
The event was kindly sponsored by the Co-op to thank their local customers and the hall was festooned with decorations, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We started with a rousing toast to the King! Our loyal friends from Adele’s Singing for Fun joined us to boost the singing. We needn’t have worried too much – the mood was infectious and the audience sang along merrily and joined in the fun. It was lovely to see an intergenerational mix – mums with their daughters, dads with their sons, friends and family brought together to celebrate.
We had enjoyed stepping back through the years to choose our playlist and each of us introduced a song, starting with many of the old wartime favourites, including “Bring Me Sunshine”, “Button up your overcoat”, “Show Me the Way to go Home”, “Sunny Side of the Street”, and that catchy Andrews Sisters’ number, “Don’t Sit Under the Appletree”. We never quite mastered the “bridge” in that one but it didn’t seem to matter! No set would have been complete without nostalgic songs from Vera Lynn – “The White Cliffs of Dover” and of course “We’ll Meet Again”. We told the story of Vera’s rise to fame from a 7 year old child performer to her connections to the Billy Cotton Band, before finding her true niche and the vocation for which she’s best known, as the “Forces Sweetheart”, the homespun girl-next-door who had the ability to reach out and comfort “our boys” far from home. With her natural warmth and wonderful voice, she entertained the troops in Burma, Egypt and India, keeping up morale and most of all bringing hope that normal life would return one day soon.
Along with a hefty dose of nostalgia, we kept our audience engaged with stories and amusing snippets sprinkled into the mix. Did you know that “The White Cliffs of Dover”, thought to be so quintessentially English, was in fact written by two Americans who had never visited England? And blue birds of course aren’t native to England; they’re thought to represent RAF or American pilots flying over the famous landmark.
If you usually associate the Co-op with food and funerals, you might be surprised to know, as we learnt from their speaker, that they made an important contribution during the war years – building launch boats, making great coats and helping to prevent profiteering during rationing time.
The Ukelele Group and Singing For Fun members enjoy providing entertainment to our local community and were particularly pleased to be invited to this event to help celebrate Victory in Europe 80 years ago, while always remembering the sacrifices made by so many in wartime.
The Convenors’ Conference
Thanks go to Martin Pritchett, our new chairman, for organising the annual Convenors’ Conference at Wexham Park Golf Club. All who attended enjoyed the facilities and lunch. The focus of the conference was ‘Communication and Our Channels of Communication’.
Convenors shared thoughts and suggestions about the newsletter, website, Interest Group specific news sheets and Whatsapp chats. They also considered some of the short falls of our Monthly Meetings as a channel of communication. We are fortunate to have so many different ways to communicate, but finding the balance to reach and please as many members as possible is tricky.
One of the most appreciated channels of communication seems to be the occasional ‘Reminders’ I have sent out in the past year, which are little more than detailed date lists. These are time consuming to create and to issue these on a regular basis would need a small team of people, willing to follow a template and create 1 or 2 a year. If you would be willing to help in this way, please contact Jackie Wiggins via newsletters@windsoru3a.org.uk
Your committee will consider the various suggestions put forward at the conference and do its best to improve communications within Windsor and District u3a.
The Beacon database is an online tool available to help convenors with the administrative and communication tasks associated with running an Interest Group, such as creating alphabetical lists and emailing all their members with one message, rather than individually. Using Beacon for such tasks will ensure that convenors conform to GDPR demands for privacy and confidentiality. At the Convenors Conference Pauline Winslett, one of our former Group Co-ordinators, offered to help convenors who would like help to master the use of Beacon. Convenors, if you would like to take advantage of Pauline’s kind offer, please ask a committee member to put you in touch with her.
The March Mystery Coach Tour on 31st March 2025
Our first stop turned out to be Newbury. We explored the town and enjoyed sitting in the sun by the River Kennet, sipping a mid-morning cup of tea or coffee. Newbury is in the heart of rural Berkshire and is surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, through which we toured. It has been a market town since the time of William, The Conqueror and is steeped in history. As we journeyed, our Blue Badge guide pointed out well known places in the area such Newbury Racecourse, Donnington Castle, Greenham Common and reminded us of their historical significance. To find out more about the history of Newbury, follow this link https://visitnewbury.org.uk/history/.
Our lunch time stop was Abingdon-on-Thames, now a quiet, rural town in Oxfordshire which claims to be the oldest town in England and has some beautiful, historical buildings to discover. There is archaeological evidence of the town developing on the banks of The River Thames for over thousands of years. With the establishment of the abbey and the bridge over the Thames, the town grew in wealth and power. At one time it became the county town of Berkshire. To find out more about Abingdon’s history click here. https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/history
Our final stopping place was Marlow. For several members, this town holds memories of lively regattas, which now take place on Eton Rowing Lake. (A great improvement for the scullers and rowers, but not such an interesting or picturesque environment.) Marlow has many Georgian buildings many of which are now boutique shops, restaurants, cafes and bistros. The town’s most famous landmark is the suspension bridge which spans the River Thames and joins the counties of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. We did not have time to visit the museum in Marlow, but this town is not far away and you may care to visit it yourself. https://www.marlowmuseum.org/
Several members expressed their appreciation.
“Thank you for organising the very interesting Mystery Tour on Monday. It was a part of Berkshire we were not very familiar with and we enjoyed it very much” – Mary, Hazel and Jill.
“Can I say how much I enjoyed the tour. It reminded me just how lovely parts of Berkshire…..and a bit of Oxfordshire……really are and how lucky we are to live in this area. John, the driver and Tony the tour guide work together so well. They make everyone relaxed and comfortable. There will be another one won’t there?” Diana Jolly.
“Thank you for a fab. tour today. It was absolutely perfect. Perfect content, perfect, beautiful English countryside, perfect driver and tour guide, perfect company and weather. What a great day! Looking forward to the next one!” Philip and Mary.
An Architectural Walk around Windsor
In May, Philip Ross organised a walk and talk around Windsor, looking particularly at examples of modern architecture. Windsor has very few examples of Art Deco and the streamlined Moderne styles, but the group sought them out, learning how to differentiate between the two styles. The group also sought examples of the most popular genre of English modern architecture since the eighties – Post Moderne – of which Windsor has several fine examples. Finally, they discovered Windsor’s most spectacular and only example of the Baroque which is hiding behind them in the photograph. A fun, if exhausting, day was had by all. The walk has proven so popular that it was repeated the following week with another 20 keen inquisitors!
Thank you, Philip. We hope you will organise some more architecture based events. This walk was much appreciated.
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, 9th July: Beyond Belief by Sohail Husain. The incredible, but true story of a German refugee, an Indian migrant and the families left behind. His story spans The First World War, The Great Depression, The Partition in India and the Holocaust.
Wednesday, 13th August: ‘Sing a Sausage Summer Social’, with Charlie Luffrum, musician.
Wednesday, 10th September: The Story of English Freedom with Andy Thomas, historian.
If you have personal recommendations for future speakers at our Monthly Meetings, please give them to Jo Wattis speakers@windsoru3a.org.uk
A Request from your Committee
Please do not organise Interest Group outings or events which clash with Monthly Speaker Meetings held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Our Monthly Speaker Meetings are often the first encounter new members have with our u3a group and it is important for us to give them a warm welcome and make a good impression.
We need as many convenors as possible to attend Monthly Speaker Meetings to be available to answer queries from new members and for there to be established members willing to talk to new members and include them in chatting with old friends. Remember, many new members join a u3a at a time in life when needing to make new friends and follow new pathways, perhaps after retirement, after bereavement or after moving house to a new area. They appreciate a warm welcome and ready friendship, just as did many established members.
Thanks go to the many of you who already reach out in this way.
Outings, Holidays and Events
18th to 21st July 2025: Elizabethans and Tudors in Warwickshire. Our NT Outings Group’s short break based in Stratford upon Avon. This short break is fully booked.
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Saturday, 20th September: Eton Action Fair. Please visit our pitch and help man it for an hour or two. Why not bring a picnic (or buy one there) and sit with us over lunch time or for afternoon tea?
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River Seine Cruise, 23rd – 29th September: Booking is complete.
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25th – 27th November: A pre-Christmas outing to East Anglia, visiting Bury St. Edmunds, Norwich and Cambridge and including a performance of the Thursford Spectacular. https://www.thursford.com
Only waiting list places available.
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Friday, 2nd January 2026. Visit to The Mill, Theatre-Restaurant at Sonning: The unsold tickets I had ‘on reserve’ with a group discount, needed to be returned on 31st March, but you may be where able to buy your own tickets and travel on our coach for £12.50, as there will be empty seats on the coach. Please contact Jackie Wiggins.
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July 18th-26th 2026: Windsor and District u3a holiday in Northumbria visiting the countryside, the seaside and the cities of this beautiful part of England, including a performance of Kynren, An Epic Tale of England. https://kynren.net/about-the-show/
If you have ideas for days out or short breaks or would like to organise one for u3a members, please share your ideas with Pat Oldcorn or Jackie Wiggins. We will shortly be having a planning meeting and it is always good to have personal recommendations. Thank you, Carole Grigson, for the information you have shared about coach tours and day trips.
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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.
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.
Logged in members can see Jo’s e-mail address and number.
Datchet
The Bridge Ecumenical Café, The Village Green, Datchet, SL3 9JH
These are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, hosted by Jackie Wiggins and other lovely people in Datchet.
NB There will be no meetings until September. The time will be changing.
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 Ollie.
NB There will be no meetings until September.
Logged in members can see Ollie’s e-mail address.
West Windsor
The Running Man Café, All Saints’ Church, Dedworth.
These are held on the FOURTH Wednesday of each month, hosted by Jackie Wiggins, Sheila Allen and others.
Logged in members can see Jackie’s e-mail address.
These coffee mornings are for all members, not just new members, but new members are welcome.
Although in specific neighbourhoods, all members are welcome to attend any and all of the coffee mornings.
They are a good way to meet members who are not in the same Interest Groups as you.
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.
If you would be willing to host a CAMEO Coffee Morning occasionally, please contact the regular hosts to offer your help. It would be much appreciated. Hosting requires only welcoming at the venue and chatting, nothing more.
Interest Group News
Groups in Formation
Chess for Beginners
If you are interested in learning how to play chess or have a rusty knowledge of the game and would like to improve, please contact Mo Salter, our Groups Coordinator. u3agroups@windsoru3a.org.uk
A few more members are needed to make a viable group. This could be a Wintertime activity from which members would take a rest in the months of Summer.
Cycling 2
If you would like to do some off road cycling, please contact Linda Foster.
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Excel
Would you like to learn how to use this spreadsheet program that is part of Microsoft 365 software? It is used for organising, analysing and manipulating data though a grid of rows and columns called cells. It can do calculations, create charts visualise data. It can be used for budgeting and other financial tasks, and for creating record keeping/planning charts. We are fortunate to have a very patient expert who is volunteering to show you how. If you are interested in learning or in applying your skill, please contact Mo Salter, our Groups Coordinator. u3agroups@windsoru3a.org.uk
If you are already familiar with the program, may be you would like to use your skills in more complex projects?
Folk Dancing
If you would like to join in some fun ‘age appropriate’ Folk Dancing sessions such as at a Barn Dance or Ceilidh, please contact Jackie Wiggins.
Logged in members can see Jackie’s e-mail address.
Sessions would probably be held once a month on a Friday afternoon.
Updates on Interest Groups
Badminton
We meet every Thursday at 2-00pm in Windsor Leisure Centre to play mixed doubles for one hour. New members who have previous badminton experience are welcome to join. If you have played another racket sport, but are new to Badminton and would like to try Badminton, you will probably find it easy to pick up and we welcome you to get in touch. If you prefer, we can arrange for to have a private, one to one trial session.
Please contact Philip Ross.
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Chess
Please contact David Oldcorn if you would like to know more.
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Current Affairs 3
“I am Joy Smith. For the last ten years, I have run a Current Affairs group in my home and this is the first time I have had vacancies and I’m inviting you to join us. We meet on the third Friday of the month at 2-00 pm. Each member brings with them something that they would like to discuss relating to recent events that are in the news. We are not a political group; we are a discussion group. We are informal, friendly and our deliberations cover a wide range of issues. If you would like to know more, to sample what we have to offer, or simply join in, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Joy Smith
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Explore London groups ( Explore London 1 + Explore London 2 )
In the past few months, both of these groups have made good use of the Elizabeth Line from Slough Train Station to Farringdon Station in London. Farringdon is an interchange station, just outside the boundary of the City of London, for the London Underground, Elizabeth Line and National Rail services. It is one of the oldest underground stations and was originally part of the world’s first underground railway.
Farringdon is a historic neighbourhood between the Barbican, Clerkenwell, Holborn and the City and has a rich history as a market town since Roman and Saxon times. It is home to the ancient Smithfield Meat Market, which is soon to relocate to Dagenham and to where the Museum of London will be moving. Farringdon is steeped in history and beautiful architecture. It has much to offer tourists, u3a and other visitors.
Explore London 1 were led via Farringdon station, by Maria and Martin Tate, to the Museum of the Order of St. John which traces the history of the St. John’s Ambulance Foundation from its origins in the Knights Hospitallers in 11th Century Jerusalem, to the present day charity providing First Aid Training, medical support at events and ambulance services.
Click here for more information.
https://www.stjohninternational.org/where-we-work/museum-st-johns-gate/
Explore London 1 enjoyed several outings in May. One of these was to visit two very old churches – St Olaves https://saintolave.com/index.php/our-story/ and All Hallows by the Tower. https://www.ahbtt.org.uk/visit/historyeducation/
Maureen Russell writes, “These churches are steeped in history and both have fascinating crypts with lots on display including the baptism register of one William Penn, who went on to establish the state of Pennsylvania in America. We also saw the site of the gallows where many notables lost their heads.
The next outing was to the National Archives Exhibition, learning about the history of MI5 and recalling names from the past such as Greville Wynne; the Krogers and the Cambridge Spy Ring. It was interesting to see some of the gadgets used and documents which were ‘Top Secret’ at the time. Also fascinating was the Cabinet Table display which showed all the Prime Ministers of the 20th Century with details of some of their memorable speeches and actions.” Follow this link to enjoy some of the artefacts enjoyed by the group. https://visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits
See more of Alan Wheeler’s photos of the group’s visit here.
Explore London 2 were led by David Treder via Farringdon station, on two visits to the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known as the Old Bailey. This is one of the buildings that house the Crown Court of England and Wales The group, with other members of the public, were able to observe trials in progress, after undergoing the very strict security procedures that are in place. Their first visit began in The Viaduct Tavern (originally a gin palace) with a talk about the history of the Old Bailey. The court takes its name from the street on which it stands that follows the original wall around the bailey of the City of London.
Underneath The Viaduct Tavern are preserved two of the grim cells of the medieval jail of Newgate Prison. The medieval courthouse was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and The Old Bailey courthouse has since been rebuilt several times. https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/about/the-old-bailey
The current building was opened in1907 by King Edward VII and is lavishly decorated. On their second visit, members of the group went for an out of hours tour to see its splendour. More photographs are available here. Marion Mackenzie, who attended both visits said “There was quite a contrast seeing the Old Bailey from the different perspectives“.
Another Explore London 2 outing via the Elizabeth Line and Farringdon station was to the Inns of Court. This is such a peaceful, almost traffic free area, it is difficult to believe one is in London. The group visited Middle Temple, one of four Inns of Court responsible for the education and training of advocates. (https://www.middletemple.org.uk/about-us)
The group was shown around the Hall and enjoyed lunch in The Garden Room before exploring the Templar Church, built by The Knights Templar to be their English Headquarters (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Church)
Both Explore London groups enjoyed light-hearted trips to Chelsea in Bloom.
During the week of the Chelsea Flower Show, many of the shops in the Kings Road and the adjoining streets are decorated as a floral art show, which is London’s largest free-to-attend festival of flowers. This year’s theme was Flowers in Fashion, with shops and restaurants adorning themselves with amazingly creative designs. as you will appreciate from the photos below and more here.
Explore London 1 Plans for Future Visits
Walks to Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace
Twickenham Riverside and the Hammerton ferry to/from Ham House
Brompton Cemetery
An Architectural Study in Central London
A Walk from Hammersmith to Fulham Palace
A Walk around Waterloo to Vauxhall
We are also intending to do a memorial walk from Barnes to Hammersmith, for the founder of the Explore London groups, Malcolm Hellings
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Explore London 2:
Future trips planned for the group include:
Brompton Cemetery in June
Strawberry Hill House in July
Greenwich Park in August
Sights of London by Boat, Trains, Bus and Cable Car in September
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Flower Arranging
We are a small, friendly group which welcomes experts and beginners. We find flower arranging creatively satisfying and relaxing. Photos of our arrangements can be seen here on the web site. The theme for our meeting on Thursday, 24th July is ‘Summer Holidays’.
Please come and join us. We will be taking a break in August and meet again in September.
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Fun with Puzzles
Members of this group would like more play mates. Please bring your favourite puzzling activity e.g. crosswords, word squares, Soma cubes, Sudoku, logic games and such, to share. We meet at The Bells of Ouzeley, (Harvester) at Old Windsor at 2-30pm on the 2nd Monday of each month. Contact Jane McGrath.
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Gardening groups
Gardening 1 has disbanded. Please contact Anita Roberts if you would like to join her Gardening 2 group. The group has an interest in visiting gardens as well as practical gardening.
Real Gardening is a new group. Members are mostly interested in practical gardening, in members’ gardens and their gardening activity. In May, the members met at Sylvia’s and looked round her garden. Sylvia’s garden is landscaped very creatively into small areas and there are many plant varieties thriving there.
In May, they visited Mo’s garden. Tricia wrote, “Thank you, Mo. You have a beautiful garden. It was interesting to hear how you had designed and developed it, aided by your dog, Charlie”
In September, the group will meet to look at Tricia’s garden and its demands. Tricia is interested in biodiversity. There are also plans to meet at Pam’s and learn about window box gardening.
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Geocaching ( Advanced, Beginners )
Adele was back in the lead on Monday, 9th June, four months after her disastrous slide in the mud in February, which resulted in a painful broken ankle. It was great to have her company again, as we wandered around Hayley Green Wood, near Westmoreland Park in Warfield, searching for caches and collecting clues. Adele writes, “This month, the Advanced group increased their total to 826 by completing the ‘It’s all about the Walk’. We also followed the Ad Lab ‘A Wander through Westmoreland Park’ at the same time. Who thought that such a lovely, wooded area was just behind a huge ‘Tesco’! Handy for coffee afterwards too! So many surprises when out geocaching.“
While Adele was recovering, Kate Rayner led our searches. Thank you, Kate.
International Cuisine
In May, The International Cuisine Group explored ‘The Mediterranean Supermarket’ in Twickenham and appreciated the guidance of Jeanette Frost who knows a lot about Greek and Turkish cuisine. We each bought ‘something to try’ and enjoyed lunching at the nearby ‘Unique Greek’ restaurant recommended by the supermarket cashier. Please contact Bali Gill for information about the next meeting.
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Jazz at The Hope
We meet at The Hope pub, in Alma Road, Windsor on the second Friday of each month from 10-30am to 12-30pm. Come and join us. Buy a coffee or drink of your choice from the bar and listen to jazz in convivial company, in a relaxed ‘pub atmosphere’.
Pauline Thompson
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Jazz in Datchet
On Tuesday, 24th July, we will be pleased to welcome back The Dixieland Swing Kings to play for us. This band were much enjoyed by our audience of more than 60 members in January.
There will be no Jazz in Datchet during August.
We are in the process of booking a band for September and have already booked Gambit Jazzmen for October and the amazing Jake Leg Jug Band for November.
All u3a members – from any u3a branch – are welcome. There is no need to book – just turn up on the day. There is a fee of just £10.00 cash to pay towards the cost of the band, hall hire and refreshments.
Performances start at 2-00pm, with a break halfway for tea and cakes and finish 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.
Peter Cheeseman
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Lawn Bowls
Summer is here. Lawn Bowls has re-started! Another small group of our members are privileged to be enjoying the facilities of the Lawn Bowls Club in Windsor Great Park for a few weeks during the Summer. Some members are ‘returners’, having taken part last year. Others are ‘newbies’. All are having fun, helped along by supportive ‘skilful, old hands’ at the game.
Local History
Monday, 28th July: The Streets of Windsor and Eton with Brigitte Mitchell and Jane Cockman (members of the Windsor Local History Group). This fascinating talk will delve into the origins of Windsor and Eton street names and explore the connections with local families like the Vansittarts, reflecting the history and royal connection of the town.
Monday, 25th August: there will be no meeting as it is a Bank Holiday.
Monday, 29th September : Chertsey Abbey with Emma Warren (Curator and Manager of Chertsey Museum). The Abbey dates from 666 AD. We will find out the intriguing story behind the crumbling ruins we see today.
Talks start at 2-30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Alma Road, Windsor. £3.00 is payable at the door to cover costs. All U3A members are welcome and there is no need to book. Talks last about an hour and are followed by tea/coffee and biscuits.
Chris Dufty
MOTO Groups: Members On There Own
There are several MOTO groups which cater soley for members who do not have a partner. Members enjoy each other’s company while dining together. The photograph is of members of MOTO 3 who gather at The Fifield Inn for Sunday lunch. Please see your timetable to find details of other MOTO groups or follow this link to see all three groups.
Music Appreciation
Ballet Appreciation: During next three months we aim to watch ballets from internationally well known, if somewhat remote, companies from Kazakstan, Moldova & Uzbekistan – and perhaps Russia too. The intention is to see a variety of ballets that are not quite so well known in the UK, or that are performed in an unexpected location.
Classical Music: During last three months we listened to symphonies by Dvorak, and in the next three months we will listen to his final three symphonies, as well as a concerto and an overture or other orchestral piece.
Show Music: Our intention is to show complete musicals together with documentaries that include selections from famous musicals from the last 100 years.
David Oldcorn
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Music Makers
We meet twice a month at the Community Centre in Hanover Way, Windsor, SL4 5NW and at The Hope pub, Windsor, SL4 3HR. We would welcome anyone who plays any instrument at whatever level to come and have a try with us. Our members have varying levels of ability, but we all enjoy the playing together in the group. We have included piano accordion, keyboard, drums, baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass ukulele, guitar and vocals from time to time in our sessions.
Please contact Peter Cheeseman.
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National Trust Outings
Spring was a busy time for this group. On 24th April, members enjoyed a walk round Runnymede NT with knowledgeable guides who related the history of the area as a racetrack, as well as the site of the sealing of The Magna Carta and memorials to the many freedoms we enjoy today. See more details of the historical monuments here.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/runnymede-and-ankerwycke
Thanks go to Beverley Ward and Jo Wattis for organizing this visit.
It was disappointing that many members cancelled at the last minute, as NT had recruited extra guides especially for Windsor and District u3a’s visit.
In May, a coach party visited Standen House at Turner’s Hill, near East Grinstead. This NT property was a delightful surprise, with interiors designed by William Morris in a house set in a beautiful hillside garden. It is well worth a visit. Members enjoyed discovering facets of the arts and crafts movement in the setting of a family home, and exploring life as it would have been lived in 1894.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/standen-house-and-garden
Thanks go to Marilyn Morgan and Cynthia Woods for organising this outing.
Read Marilyn’s account of the day here.
In June, Pat Oldcorn organised a return coach trip to Polesdon Lacey to see the rose garden at its peak. Pat writes: “We previously visited in October 2024 when we realised that the gardens would definitely be worth a second look. So, we returned this year to see the walled rose gardens. They were in bloom though possibly had passed their best due to the very hot weather in May. They were still very attractive and the new lavender and herb garden which was under development is in 2024, is now flourishing and looks very splendid with its varying shades of purple and mauve.
It was lovely to see the house again in a more relaxed way and the exhibition ‘Dress to Impress’ was certainly very interesting. It included video of how a lady in Georgian times would have dressed for a ball. Wow! We could see why dressers and a lady’s maids were a necessity. There were several layers of petticoats which seemed to be tied on before the first part of the actual gown was lowered into place, to be followed by another layer that included the sleeves and back. Then to my amazement, various elements were ‘pinned’ onto the very exotic gown. It must have been very heavy and I would think uncomfortable. If anyone actually managed to dance in it, they ought to have a medal! We should be so grateful for zips, poppers, Velcro and lightweight fabrics. To be fair this was obviously an outfit for an older lady and I think young, unmarried women tended to wear muslins. There were various garments on display that Mrs Margaret Greville wore, some being fancy dress costumes.
Follow the link below to see those elaborate dresses and find out how fashion in art reflects the connection between social power, politics and social standing.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/polesden-lacey/dress-to-impress-exhibition-at-polesden-lacey
A date for your diary:
The next outing will be to Kingston Lacey NT and Wimborne on Monday 6th October.
BOOKING IS NOT YET OPEN. COST IS YET TO BE CONFIRMED.
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Rummikub 1
This group is thriving, but could accommodate more members if people are keen to join. Contact Julie Burman.
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The Sixties and Seventies
This group now meet at The Hope pub on the 3rd Thursday of the month, between 2-00 pm and 4-00 pm. All members are welcome. This is an open meeting.
u3a Amblers
The group’s recent ambles (Bray Lake, Cow Pond and Sunningdale) can be viewed here.
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Windsor Area Walks
Friday, 25th July: Park at Dorney Court Garden Centre, SL4 6QP, where we can have a coffee or lunch after the walk, which will be along the Jubilee River towards Maidenhead, but cutting across farmland to Bray Lock and then back via the Thames Path. About 5 miles starting at 10-15am led by Roy.
Friday, 22nd August: Park in the layby outside Southsea Villas just past Datchet, SL3 9BZ. The walk will be along the Thames path to the National Trust Café at Runnymede and then return. About 4.5 miles, starting at 10-15am, led by Roy.
Friday, 26th September: Meet on Moor Lane, Staines opposite the now defunct Swan Pub, TW19 6EB. Walking across Staines Moor and Thames Riverside is mainly flat ,but can be muddy after rain. Starting at 10-15 am, this walk will be led by Maureen.
Please contact Roy Battison or Philip Ross for details.
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Water Colour Card Making
We are a small, friendly and enthusiastic group who meet at Castle View at 10-30 am on the second Tuesday of the month. We have recently gained two new recruits and would welcome others! The beauty of painting cards as opposed to other artistic ventures is that they are small, portable, and can be given to family and friends. Who doesn’t appreciate a hand painted card? If you have never painted before, come along and see what we do. Watercolour pencils are a good way of introducing yourself to the medium, which is how I started!
Ideas come from photos, Pinterest or other artists. We support each other and enjoy a peaceful two hours where we give ourselves permission to paint in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s often hard to find time to do that at home! We provide our own materials and we pay £3.00 for refreshments.
Michelle Gregory
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 the next quarterly Newsletter is 14th September 2025
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 |
| Vice Chair: | Martin Pritchett | vicechair@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: | Mo Salter | 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 |