WELCOME TO THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Contents
Dear all
I very much hope that you have all found a way to cope with the relentless hot weather, especially at night.
Earlier this month a friend came to stay for a few days and we took her to Hidcote Gardens, but it was sad to see all the lovely borders dry and lifeless. It was a prime illustration of the havoc that is being wreaked on our landscape by climate change. .The garden staff have concentrated on keeping young trees alive, but the grass and hardy perennials have had to fend for themselves.
At home, our gardens are much the same and despite trying to keep our greenhouse watered, even the tomatoes have almost cooked on the plant. However the few that we have eaten are super sweet, just as if they've been grown in the Mediterranean. But of course the farmers have been struggling to grow crops and feed livestock, so the knock-on effect of this hot and sunny summer will be widespread and no doubt the cost of everything will rise. We look forward to that!!
What a worry it all is, I just wish that the conservation of our planet took precedence over wars and greed. We just have to hope that Mother Nature will find a way to adapt to the changes and extremes in weather that are now becoming the norm.
On a slightly lighter note, I hope you managed to see the recent partial eclipse of the sun.
We projected it onto our garden fence through a colander and certainly enjoyed the coverage on the television.
The excellent images shown here were taken by our brother-in-law Rob Hughes, who is a keen photographer and member of an Astronomical Society in Berkshire.
Helen Keayes, Update Editor Helen Keayes
MONTHLY MEETINGS
NEXT MEETING -TUESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2026,
2 pm TOWNSEND HALL
The Press Barons Trilogy – Episode 2
A talk by Martin Gower
Following the astounding success of Alfred and Harold Harmsworth in launching the Daily Mail in 1896 and the Daily Mirror in 1903, Episode 2 continues the story and welcomes four other press barons who shaped the future of some of the best known and still published newspapers of today.
It is an amazing story of growth, creativity and brilliant financial management revealing some real heroes from unlikely backgrounds.
Martin spent over 30 years in the newspaper industry in the UK, Ireland and the USA, the last 15 in managing Director/CEO positions.
MEMBERS' NEWS
Four new members joined our u3a- Sara Harlow from Treddington, Trefor Williams from Tysoe, Richard O'Neill from Newbold on Stour and Joyce Bridges from Shipston, who we hope enjoy learning new things and making new friends and acquaintances.
YOUR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will meet again on Wednesday 16th September 2026.
OUR U3A FACEBOOK PAGE
Please take a look at our Facebook page which is kept up to date by Christine Russel, and feel free 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
THE MISSPENT UKES
The Misspent Ukes Group have been busy over the past few months performing at events around our area, such as:
at the Village Hall at Tysoe for the Food Fair in April and again during Tysoe's Open Garden Weekend in June, when they entertained the visitors on both days. They were included in the very successful Shipston Proms, during the Songs from the Musicals evening, and at the reopening of the Wellesbourne Community Hub. They all particularly enjoyed a lovely afternoon at the beautiful Ilmington Manor House, where they performed for the members of the Ilmington Wednesday Club.
Their next performance will be at the Wellesbourne Fair on Saturday 5th September and there are already dates in the diary leading up to Christmas.
The Group, led by Cheryl Hunnisett, celebrated their third anniversary this year and have gone from strength to strength. This very popular group has Players and Singers who come together each week from several areas including Shipston, Ilmington, Wellesbourne, Kenilworth and Lapworth to name but a few. They practice weekly, from 10-12 am on a Thursday at the Wellesbourne Bowling Club.
A NEW UKULELE BEGINNER'S COURSE will be starting on 17th September. If you are interested in this or need any further information about joining the group to play and/or sing please contact Group Leader Cheryl Hunnisett
HISTORY GROUP -
This Group will reconvene on 23rd September, when a visit is planned to Charterhouse in Coventry.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Group Leader Maggie Wood
THE FIRST THURSDAY and THE FIVE MILER'S WALKING GROUPS -
have both continued to be active over the summer, although they have often started their walks earlier to miss the heat of the day.
On 6th August the First Thursday's walk was planned and led by Simon Moss and Liz. The morning was fine, dry and breezy, and fortunately a little cooler than of late. A group of 12 walkers assembled in the car park at Batsford Arboretum before setting off to follow the Monarch's Way across fields to Moreton-in-Marsh.
Upon reaching Moreton they turned right to continue upon the Monarch's way towards Longborough. The route then diverted across fields and farm tracks to reach the Heart of England way at the edge of the Sezincote estate, where a refreshment break was taken. The group crossed the Sezincote estate, with fine views opening up to the right, before climbing out of Bourton-on-the Hill via a bridleway and minor road to rejoin the Monarch's Way for the descent along the edge of the Batsford estate back to the Arboretum car park.
Distance was approximately 6.5 miles, and several of the group then adjourned to the Batsford cafe for further refreshments.
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On 12th August the Five Miler's walk was planned and led by Richard Moyle. The group started by the duck pond in Wroxton near Banbury and took a lovely circular route through North Newington to the south, and on arrival back in Wroxton they enjoyed walking by the beautiful lakes in Wroxton Abbey grounds, which is now Wroxton College, owned and run by an American university, who are happy for folk to walk there.
En-route the group saw three follies and Richard described a little about the history of the area. The walk was 4.3 miles, with an ascent of 500 feet and there were some stiles to negotiate.
On 26th August Chris Reed has planned a walk for the Five Miler's which will start at the Peacock Pub in Oxhill and circle around through Tysoe.
The walk proceeds down Main Street to the church, then follows the footpath on the left of the church and cuts across the field until Tysoe Road is reached. The walk continues along the road for about 1 mile into Tysoe Village, so walkers were asked to wear High Visibility vests if they have them. Once near Upper Tysoe, they cut left to the monument, then along Back Lane to the church and across the fields to Lower Tysoe, There the group will turn left at Tysoe Road and after about 300 yards, follow a footpath across the fields back to Oxhill.
Chris noted that there are 3 stiles and a few gates to negotiate, but the terrain is flat, with a small section of slightly overgrown bushes / trees, so it should be fine to wear shorts. The distance is around 4.8miles.
If you are interested in joining either of these groups, please contact Group Leader Chris Shepperd for the 5-milers or Jane Hale for the First Thursday's.
MINDFULNESS GROUP - the what, why and how
Have you ever wondered what mindfulness really is? Is it simply meditation, or is there something more to it? Could it help you feel calmer, more resilient and more able to enjoy everyday life?
Whether you're completely new to mindfulness or have been practising for years, this is an opportunity to come together to explore, learn and share.
This series is designed both as a gentle introduction for newcomers and as a valuable refresher for those with more experience.
There will be an informal coffee meeting on Thursday 3rd September at 11.15 at Ilmington Cafe, where you are welcome to come along and find out more. The first introductory session will be on Monday 7th September at 3pm, before exploring the eight themes of mindfulness over the following weeks at the regular weekly Monday 3 o'clock meetings on-line.
Together we will discuss:
- What mindfulness is
- Why meditation can be such a powerful practice
- How to cultivate mindfulness in everyday life
- Practical ways it can help us respond to life's challenges with greater awareness, kindness and balance
No previous experience or special equipment is needed - just curiosity and a willingness to explore. All are welcome and there is no charge for the weekly meetings.
To express your interest or ask any questions, do contact the Mindfulness and Meditation Group Leader: Jane Grafton - by e-mail janegrafton@gmail.com or phone 07913 542364
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf" - Jon Kabat-Zinn"
NEW INTEREST GROUP - MAHJONG
Our Interest Group Coordinator, Jenny Shepperd, has advised that this new group will be meeting for their first session on the afternoon of Tuesday, 1st September. Linny King from Chipping Norton's Mahjong group has kindly agreed to teach the group how to play, so we wish them well.
They plan to meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 2.30pm and initially will meet as a "home group".
Please contact Interest Group Coordinator Jenny Shepperd if you are interested in joining 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.