WELCOME TO THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Contents
Dear all
How did October get here so quickly with its Autumn chills, whilst I am still recovering from holidays abroad and have to put my summer clothes away? But, it is good to be back into a routine.
Recently I helped to write a little editorial to go with our u3a advert which from time to time is placed in local village magazines. It begins as follows:
"Forget the formal-sounding name — the University of the Third Age (u3a) is anything but stuffy. It’s a vibrant, welcoming community of people who although no longer in full-time work, are definitely not done living life to the full. Think of it as a big group of curious, energetic, like‑minded people who love learning new things, sharing hobbies, and enjoying great company........".
I hope you agree with this statement and enjoy all that you do under the u3a umbrella. If you look at the section below headed 'Members' News' you will see the results of a national survey undertaken by the Third Age Trust, which gives a very positive message for the u3a.
If you don't usually go to the monthly meeting, why not give it a try? Invariably the speakers are most interesting and we usually learn something. At the October meeting I know we have a real treat in store, as I've seen Roger Browne before, when he entertained and delighted us with his portable keyboard and sang snippets of songs and told interesting stories about "show business personalities" . His theme for this time is shown below, so I'm looking forward to it and hope to see you at the Townsend Hall on the 27th.
Helen Keayes, Update Editor Helen Keayes
MONTHLY MEETINGS
NEXT MEETING -TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER 2026,
2 pm TOWNSEND HALL
ROGER BROWNE will sing and talk about THE GOLDEN AGE OF RADIO
Roger's talk is illustrated with his live piano playing and will re-live memories from “Take it From Here”, “Round the Horne”, “Letter from America”, “Journey into Space”, “Family Favourites”, “In Town Tonight”, “Down Your Way” , “Music While You Work“, "Dick Barton – Special Agent” and many others, and how Radio enriched our post war lives.
Roger Browne is a raconteur, writer, director, singer, actor, and pianist. He has appeared on cruises, and in jazz clubs and jazz festivals all over the world and has provided piano accompaniment for many national and international legends such as Stephane Grappelli, Marion Montgomery, Wild Bill Davison, Scott Hamilton, Ray Nance, Bud Freeman, Humphrey Lyttleton, George Melly, George Chisholm, and many more
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LAST MEETING 22nd September
Martin Gower returned to present Episode 2 of 'The Press Barons Trilogy'. This didn't disappoint, as he told us about the growth, creativity and brilliant financial management of four other press barons who followed on from the success of Alfred and Harold Harmsworth who launched the Daily Mail in 1896 and the Daily Mirror in 1903 and shaped the future of some of the best known newspapers of today.
MEMBERS' NEWS
Since the last Update we are pleased to welcome Judith Legg, Roderick Doulton, John French and Fraser Murray from Shipston. Our total membership now stands at 368.
YOUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE met on Wednesday 16th September 2026 when they considered the following:
- Succession planning of Committee members, particularly as Jonathan Lander has recently resigned from the Committee. They agreed to discuss this further and keep members informed.
- A national survey has been undertaken by the 'Third Age Trust' of 10,000 members entitled: "Understanding our collective impact". The Committee thought you might like to see its positive findings:
- 95% thought the u3a had improved their way of life
- 90% said the u3a offered opportunities to keep learning
- 79% thought the u3a had extended their social contacts
- 66% said u3a had helped their physical and mental state
- 45% felt that their feelings of loneliness had been reduced.
- Interest Group Leaders' Meeting - this is planned to be held in November and Interest Group Co-ordinator Jenny Shepperd will contact Leaders and hopes that as many as possible will attend when they will look at the new Manual, Finances, Website and this Update, along with Questions & Answers.
- Monthly Meetings at the Townsend Hall - thanks go to new Exec Committee Member Chris Reed, who with his team of volunteers, has this well organised.
- Publicity Plan for 2026/27 has been set for the next 6 months, to include advertising in local village magazines
- The 2026 Christmas Party - will be held on Tuesday 15th December, so please hold the date. The Committee are planning for this event and would like the help of volunteers.
The Committee's next meeting will be held in November.
OUR U3A FACEBOOK PAGE
Christine Russel updates our Facebook page and asks you to add anything that you think may be of interest. Or you are welcome to contact Christine who will 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
DRAWING AND PAINTING
This group are relocating from the Scout Hut to The Lodge in Tilemans Lane.
MAHJONG
There has been a great deal of interest in this new group which is planning to meet twice a month and are lucky enough to have help from Linny King from Chipping Norton's Mahjong group.
She was amazingly patient, as many members asked the same questions several times! But were encouraged when she explained that at first she had felt over-whelmed, but after a few weeks it suddenly clicked into place.
After that it apparently then becomes addictive! We will see ...
Please contact Interest Group Coordinator Jenny Shepperd if you would like to know more.
GARDEN VISITS GROUP -
This Group saw two lovely gardens this summer.
On a hot day in August they went to the National Trust property Sezincote (picture left) and then on a slightly cooler day in September very much enjoyed a visit to Sulgrave Manor and Gardens (picture to the right).
They have one more visit planned during October, when they will spend time at Compton Verney.
If you are interested in joining the Garden Visits Group, please contact Group Leader Shirley Wynn
HISTORY GROUP -
Some members of this group visited Charterhouse in Coventry on 23rd September, which was the home of a religious order in the 14th Century and since the dissolution of the monasteries has had a variety of uses. It is a Grade I listed building, now managed by the National Trust and they were able to see a series of rare medieval and Tudor wall paintings together with its lovely gardens.
If you are interested in joining the History Group, please contact Group Leader Maggie Wood
THE FIRST THURSDAY WALKING GROUP -
On Thursday 3rd September, David & Erica Beeton led the Thursday Walking Group on a circular walk based on The View, Wooten Wawen. David sent me this impressive report of the walk:
"Eight members of the group signed in at the start of the walk, and I’m pleased to say that all eight were present and accounted for at the finish.
The walk is a moderately easy one, starting off with a journey along the canal towpath, from the marina, before striking off across the fields, over the railway lines, towards Bearley.
Shortly after starting the canal path walk, the group crossed the Edstone Aqueduct, which surprisingly is the longest in England and dates from the id-19th century. Although the facility has now been removed, it was also used, during the earlier days of the railway services, to supply water for topping up the steam locomotives using the main lines! Along the tow path there are several attractive resting places as well as the odd lock to enable the canal levels to be navigated.
Having crossed the busy A3400, the group followed elements of the Monarch’s Way, through Bearley, pausing for a breather and water stop in the village, before striking off over the field paths towards the second Edstone rail crossing, and then towards Austy Woods, via Cutler’s Farm. That part of the walk was particularly pleasant because of the stretch along the farm access road through the parkland and the lakes.
From the farm, the group tackled the only steep climb, up the side of the ridge to Austy Woods and from there we descended through the woodland, returning to the marina via a field of sunflowers!
A few stats: A distance of 11.1km (or 6.8 miles), a total climb of 464 metres, and completed in a moving time of 2hrs 34mins, 1026 calories burned (according to my walking app!)."
If you would like to join the First Thursday walking group please contact Jane Hale
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FIVE MILERS WALKING GROUP -
This well attended walk on 9th September in pleasant weather was led by Chris Reed and began at The Bell, Alderminster, which was ideal for a drink and lunch afterwards!
The group crossed the river Stour and covered 5.2 miles whilst gaining an elevation of 184 ft.
On 23rd September John Gabryliszyn kindly led the Group, including me, on a favourite walk from the Bridge car park at Shipston, at 9.50am.
This walk followed well-established tracks, along the banks of the Stour, passing through the villages of Barcheston, Willington and Burmiston, before crossing the London Road and returning along Shoulderway Lane to Shipston. Although an easy walk, there were several styles and fields to cross – one containing a large black bull - but luckily he was lying down, surrounded by his hareem of cows, so fortunately was not particularly interested in us!
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Group Leader Chris Shepperd
NEW INTEREST GROUPS -
CONTINUING FRENCH CONVERSATION
This new group has been formed from the old Beginners French group and will meet at The White Horse, for which there is no charge, provided the members buy a drink.
BEGINNERS' FRENCH
Group Leader Harriet Smith is also aiming to start a fresh Beginners' French Group in October and already has some members wishing to join this group. Please contact her if you would like to be included: Harriet Smith
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
THE PEOPLE'S EMERGENCY BRIEFING FILM AND DISCUSSION
at St. Edmund’s Church, Shipston
Thursday, 8th October
from 7pm - Film to start at 7.30 (approximately 45 minutes long)
This is a Community Discussion initiative in the UK focused on the climate and nature crisis.
It’s non party political and all viewpoints are welcome.
