A new year for your u3a
I’ve done it again! Scraped in with hours to spare. So it’s a very Happy (belated) New Year.
Your u3a is slowly getting back into gear with lots to look forward to in 2026. Whether it’s an outing, a trip to the theatre or looking forward to some new ventures, there’s lots going on.
Sing you way into 2026
The new singing group launched this month. Conductor Peter Walker will be holding sessions on every second and fourth Thursdays of each month. If you fancy joining drop Maria a message at maria.brooking@westpenninevillagesu3a.org.uk It is for anyone who enjoys singing and no experiences is necessary.
Chutney and Cheer
We all love chutney and February’s Speaker meeting with be a mouth watering one from Melanie Latham who will demonstrate the art of making it at the meeting on Wednesday, February 4, at the usual 10.30 start time. Melanie will be offering her produce for sale with some of the proceeds going to support Stroke initiatives.
Fancy a film?
Don’t forget the Film Club is also still running until the Spring on the fourth Thursday of the month at the clubhouse. It’s £2 per person. Check out the Film Club page on the website to see what’s coming next.
Combine footie and walking
Anyone for walking football? If so, it could become a new group. It would be five a side football, open to men and women and it will be indoors. We need a minimum of 10 people to make it viable. If you are interested, just fill in the box at the bottom of the newsletter.
Some groups to look forward to
The popular Power of the Mind is always popular – the next session is February 6 at the club, entitled: “The Psychology of Reading” with Debbie Pope who will explain why reading is much more than spelling out words.
The STEM group is another well attended group and this year some of the topics include Measuring the Brain and a trip to Jodrell Bank. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the club at 10am. (There is no February meeting)
For those who took part in the Christmas GCHQ Quiz, it was a victory for the men over the ladies.
At the January meeting Bernard Fleming also decided to combine it with some members of the drawing group and here’s one of his sketches from the meeting.
An introduction to the Bard
Looking further forward, all Shakespeare buffs – Hamnet is the film of the season – will be able to learn more about the Bard with a new group starting in April – watch out for more details soon.
Theatre trips
Theatre is another popular group and there are already planned trips to see The Memory of Water at Bolton Octagon in February, and Underdog – The Other Bronte at Chorley Little Theatre. If you want to join the group, go to the website and sign up.
Coming up……
Coming next month – What happens to your Amazon deliveries – we go for a behind the scenes look around the Bolton plant.
A new delicious recipe from Harsha.
Back to school for summer
Looking further ahead, the u3a’s North West Region is organising a Summer School and bookings are now open. It is a residential event at Manchester Met University from Tuesday, August 11 to Friday, August 14. There are lots of interesting courses from Photography, an introduction to geology, the UK and USA Political Scenes and Operatunity – opera appreciation. One which may be attractive to our members – Intermediary Ukulele! Application forms available at https://northwestregion.u3asite.uk/summer-school-2026
Don’t forget the drop in!
It’s a great way to meet old and new members. It is free as it is included in your membership fee. Come along for a proper brew – and biscuits! From 11 am until noon at the clubhouse at Withnell Fold Sports and Social Club on Wednesdays. Please check the online calendar.
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