Group News

Tonbridge u3a is a valuable part of our Tonbridge Community. As you all go about your busy lives, do remember please to publicise all we do in a spirit of fun and friendship. If you can help in any way, please do - together we are Tonbridge u3a! 

HELLO AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Before I look forward to 2026 I want to look back at 2025. What a wonderful year for Tu3a. Twenty five years of learning, loving and laughing have been celebrated throughout the year. I want to thank all the Group Leaders for the time and effort they put in. The Committee also deserves recognition for the hours of work they put in without whom we would not have our wonderful u3a.

The aim of the Committee at the beginning of the year was not only to celebrate but also to improve further. Already we have one of the largest memberships in Kent with more than ninety-five groups. We set out to raise the profile. We now have a Facebook page. Please like it and follow it. This will help raise the profile of Tonbridge u3a. Following a publicity drive and an Open Afternoon this year we have more new members joining us than in recent years. A big thank you to the organizers and especially to the Group Leaders who made that afternoon such a success. It was wonderful to see the Group Leaders to be inspired to take on extra groups, mentor new groups, or make space in existing groups.

Super welcome to new members who attended the recent meetings at the Oast Theatre. Thank you for coming. It is valuable to hear your experiences and we are listening to your ideas. Some of you were surprised to learn that we are part of a national movement. The Third Age Trust is the national organization that supports all local u3a groups with advice and information.

The Magazine, u3a Matters, is sent by post 5 times a year. It includes news, stories and features relevant to the wider u3a community. Something new members can look forward to. The new members were lovely. They were super friendly and there is a new surge of energy and talents that gives confidence as we set out to have even more voluntary, member led groups to learn, socialise and pursue interests in a cordial, supportive environment.

NEWS YOU CAN USE - NEW YEAR - NEW YOU - WHAT WILL YOU

EXPLORE IN 2026?

Theatre? - Trips? - Talks? - Volunteering? - Get involved? - Join a new group?

Welcoming all members - For more information on these groups email: groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk 

If you are interested in any group, do look in the handbook - available online or on our website. If you are unsuccessful please let me try to assist - contact me on groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk. We can create a waiting list and try to get an extra group together. Groups can be as small as 3 to start with.

TAPPERS - There are two spaces on each of the tap dance classes for starters (complete beginners) and improvers (with current or recent experience) if anyone wants to contact Diane Gittings for more information: tappers@tonbridgeu3a.uk

Many more group ideas have been put forward. We have more than 1300 members so amongst them you CAN find like minded people. Reach out to register an interest and we WILL together make Tu3a even greater in 2026.

Every single thing that exists in the world starts with an idea.

BADMINTON? LINE DANCING? UKULELE? KNITTING? FILM CLUB?

Take action Contact Group Co-ordinator Johanna -

groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk

HAVE FUN LEARNING AND LAUGHING WITH Tu3a

Happy New Year - 2026 - Wishing you all a year filled with laughter and fun.

Together we live, laugh, and learn

Johanna Kiernan 

Reading Shakespeare

Every three months, approximately 10.00 am. 

Thursday 29 January & Thursday 5 February

Joyce Graf

Poetry for Pleasure 2 

The purpose of this group is to read poetry that they enjoy on a theme chosen in advance of the monthly meeting, which is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am.

January is Sun, Moon and Stars

February is Trees and Weather

March is Poets of the British Isles

Jennifer Hughes 

Galleries, Exhibitions and Museums

No visit in January 2026

Friday 6 February - Details in the February Journal

Margaret Pavlidis galleriesmuseumsandexhibitions@tonbridgeu3a.uk