WELCOME TO THE JULY NEWSLETTER
Contents
Oh my goodness hasn't it been horribly hot and sticky? Most people I've spoken to have found this extreme weather really unpleasant, and John and I had a week of house guests, meaning extra work and planning to keep them entertained and as cool as possible. In true British fashion, there were problems with the railways and fridges in supermarkets and unsurprisingly there had been a run on fans, so that very few were left to buy for those of us who had not anticipated the heat! I think we can all understand why people in hot countries traditionally have a more laid-back and 'manana' approach to work and life in general, but it doesn't come naturally to us and no doubt everyone here will be back to normal once our usual inclement weather returns - I can't wait!!
Helen Keayes, Update Editor Helen Keayes
MONTHLY MEETINGS
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 28th July 2026
2.00 pm at Townsend Hall, Shipston on Stour
Our Speaker Dick Cluley will be giving an illustrated talk about
CHIPPING CAMPDEN SILK MILL & COVENTRY RIBBONS
This sounds as if it will be an interesting look into the period of industrialisation in the form of watermills which boosted the local economy of the towns of Chipping Campden, Winchcombe and Blockley by preparing raw silk for the thriving silk ribbon industry in Coventry. So please do your best to support Dick Cluley, one of our u3a members, who joined our u3a with his wife Christine in October last year.
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LAST MEETING - on Tuesday 23rd June, which was one of the many recent days with a 'record-breaking' high temperature, sufficient members braved the heat to attend the annual AGM giving us the necessary quorum to allow the meeting to continue.
The minutes of last year's AGM were unanimously agreed and the main points of this year's AGM will be circulated to all members shortly, so I won't go into too much detail here, except to say that Chairman Richard Davies reiterated how vital it is that members do their best to help with the running of the club, on the basis that 'many hands make light work'; Jenny Shepperd gave her report on the Interest Groups and in particular thanked the Interest Group Leaders for all that they do in keeping their clubs active and thriving. John Keayes gave his Secretary's report and also read out Treasurer John Dunlop's report, who was absent from the meeting.
A heartfelt thank you was given to Richard Taylor, who has now retired from the Committee and also his role of managing the monthly Townsend Hall meetings. He was presented with a small token of the Club's appreciation for all his service.
Once the business part of the meeting had concluded, we all enjoyed a catch-up and drink together.
MEMBERS' NEWS
This month we welcome two new members - Marion Jones from Shipston on Stour and Peter Morrissey from Brailes, who we hope very much enjoy their membership.
YOUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will meet again on Wednesday 1st July, when they will:
- welcome Chris Reed, who has agreed to join the Committee, along with one or two other members who have expressed an interest in helping with the running of the club
- review the AGM
- Welcome Cliff Fullwood, the Website Manager to undertake a review of the Website,
- Consider how the u3a can manage the monthly Townsend Hall meetings now that Richard Taylor has retired.
The next Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 16th September 2026.
OUR U3A FACEBOOK PAGE
Christine Russel keeps our Facebook page up to date. so please take a look and feel free to add anything that you think may be of interest. Alternatively you can contact Christine who would be happy to add your item onto 'local events'. Christine's contact details follow:
https://facebook.com/groups/396254028732509 or Christine Russel
NEWS OF INTEREST GROUPS
Unfortunately some of the Interest Groups had to cancel their meetings during this hot spell, including:
HISTORY GROUP -
On Wednesday 24th June the Group should have been enjoying a guided walking tour of Stow-on-the-Wold. They are hoping that the trip can be re-scheduled to another date. Their next meeting is due to take place on 22nd July, when they will visit the Chedworth Roman Villa.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Group Leader Maggie Wood
FIVE MILERS WALKING GROUP -
Luckily it was a perfect day for the Group's first walk of the month on Wednesday 10th June 2026 - when a large group walked just under 5 miles around Todenham and noted the site of the medieval deserted villages of Todenham and Ditchford. They parked at Alain Rouveure's Nepalese Galleries and Cafe and many enjoyed a simple but tasty lunch or just a naughty cake and lovely Nepalese coffee.
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Their second walk scheduled to take place on 24th June had to be cancelled as it was just too hot so instead, this walk from Wellesbourne and around the footpaths of Charlecote will take place on Wednesday 1st July, when surely the weather will be cooler.
Please contact Interest Group Leader Chris Shepperd if you are interested in joining the Five Milers Group
FIRST THURSDAY WALKING GROUP
Unfortunately the June walk had to be cancelled because of "dreadful" weather (not the heat this time) so the group will meet on 2nd July when Wendy Mace has agreed to lead the July walkof approximately 8 miles starting and ending in Shipston.
Please contact Interest Group Leader Jane Hale if you would like to join this group.
DRAWING AND PAINTING GROUP
The current Group Interest Leader, Jean Olsson kindly sent me some recent examples of the Group's work and said that they will now be taking a summer break until the 11th September. She added they would welcome any new members to their small but friendly group and no experience is required as all they aim to do is encourage everyone to draw and paint.
Please contact Interest Group Leader Jean Olsson if you would like to join this group.
ORCHESTRA GROUP
If you would like to join this Group please contact Interest Group Leader Christine Holyhead or on her number shown on the poster.
GARDEN VISITS GROUP
The Garden Visits Group enjoyed a lovely garden at Miserden near Cirencester this month. Their next trip is to Spetchley Park.
Please contact Interest Group Leader Shirley Wynn if you would like to join this Group.
TIMETABLE FOR INTEREST GROUPS
Please note that the schedule giving relevant details for all Interest Groups is available on the Groups' webpage.
Please contact the Interest Group Co-ordinator if you have any queries: Jenny Shepperd
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN
Laura Cameron, Fundraising Manager, has asked if any of our members could support Campden Home Nursing, in their Malvern Hills End-to-End Challenge on Sunday 6th September 2026. This is a local charity which provides hospice care at home and bereavement support for adults and children.
Laura explained that participants will take on the full Malvern Hills ridge, covering all 15 peaks on a fully guided 10.5-mile walk, while raising funds to support local families.
Event details:
- Sunday 6th September 2026
- Malvern Hills, Worcestershire
- 10.5 miles (approximately 4–6 hours)
- £50 registration fee
- Suggested fundraising target of £200
- Includes guided trek, transport, CHN t-shirt and medal
The challenge is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and is designed to be enjoyable, achievable and rewarding.
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