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 from Johanna Johanna Kiernan groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk 

FILM GROUP

A new group to enjoy films in Tonbridge, Southborough, and Rusthall. Starting in September. Once a month on Friday evenings at Southborough, twice a month on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons at Rusthall. The cost will be £5 and refreshments are available.

The first film to be shown at SOUTHBOROUGH will be on FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER, is CASABLANCA. 7:00 FOR 7:30. JUST £5. There is free parking

Contact: Julie Watkins

ART AND CRAFT FOR FUN - (Previously Drawing and Painting for Fun)

Do you enjoy painting, drawing, making things of all sorts, or just mindful doodling? Then please join us for a session of relaxing creativity.

Bring your own materials. We have the use of tables and chairs and plenty of space to spread out! We are untutored. All abilities are welcome, even those (like me) who think they are not arty!

There is no critique or judging involved, so if you are shy about your work, we won’t look! We do like to experiment, try new things, and share our ideas.

We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month, January to November 10am to 12pm in Tudeley.. Free parking and easy access

for the less mobile. The cost for room hire and our tea, coffee, and biscuits works out on average between £2.50 and £3 per month.

Contact: Sue Blair

WILDLIFE GARDENING

Are you wanting to increase the diversity of life in your garden? However large, small, or the location of your space, share your ideas and learn how to make adaptations to create a haven for our native flora and fauna on your doorstep, and still enjoy a beautiful garden.

When: 10am to 12 noon on the second Tuesday of the month, February to November.

Where: Members' homes and gardens (weather permitting)

Contact: Sue Blair

More Gardening ideas:

Do you have a large plot, garden, perhaps an underused /uncared-for allotment that could be used for a group to take over to grow vegetables? The first call on the produce would be the plot owner. There is someone ready and willing to organise and set up a new group.

Contact Johanna: groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk

More Ideas:

I have heard many wonderful ideas, such as revival of iPad users group - Do you want to use your IPAD/IPHONE more effectively? For this group, the prospective willing leader needs premises with good WIFI. Could you help get this group up and running by initially hosting in your home?

This is the ongoing dilemma, a willing leader who needs premises or a group that has reached maximum but still more want to join. If we have not yet been able to accommodate your interest, please do not give up. At our Open Afternoon, there will be opportunities to register or re-register your interest. This is important so we can keep waiting lists up to date. We have this exciting opportunity coming up that

could help us grow our community, strengthen our connections, and share the benefits of Tonbridge u3a with even more active and engaged retirees like us.

Groups might imply a large number, but many groups are just a few like-minded people who get together in their homes or cafes in town. Our interests change over time, and occasionally it really is good to try something new. Come and see what is new, and please give us your input on what activities you would like to see offered.

It is your u3a.

It has been a learning curve for me to take over this role, and I apologise for when I have been less than perfect. For example, in the August Journal, I made an error with the email address of Mike Lauerman. Mike was very gracious about it. He is still keen to get a discussion group based on the fascinating book 21 lessons for 21st Century written by Yuval Noah Harare.

Contact Mike Lauerman

I have been Group Co-ordinator for just over a year now. It has been wonderful to meet so many lovely people, particularly the Group Leaders who give generously of their time and expertise and also the often unsung heroes, the Committee, who provide backing and structure, also those who are members of the support teams of which there are many, not least the Tea and Coffee Team who turn up and keep us going. The IT Team works hard to keep everything up to date. Currently, there is also an Open Afternoon Team working alongside the Publicity Team to raise the profile of Tonbridge u3a. We are hoping to attract a large audience to let them know of the marvellous opportunities that are available at a very modest cost. The whole super organisation depends on volunteers, and we are appealing for your help.

Just One Thing

Just one thing YOU can do is to attend, and if possible, bring along a friend, a neighbour, an acquaintance, or just someone you spoke to at the bus stop! We are lucky to have so many opportunities. However, no resting on our laurels - It is a New School Year - and as the summer fades away, we can see how we can turn more great ideas into action!

Date for your diary October 1 - Open Afternoon

Let’s fill the room with laughter, conversation, and the spirit that makes our group so special.

Johanna

Current groups

Play Reading 

Second Thursday of each month at 10.00 am. 

11 September

Ann Blackmore

Poetry for Pleasure 

The purpose of the Group is simply to enjoy reading poetry, without serious analysis. We choose a theme in advance and do our best to find poems which are relevant to it, usually reading two or three each. 10.00am on the third Thursday each month. 

The themes: September - Swimming 

Anne Kelly

Discovering Churches

Monday 8 September to Winchelsea 

The organiser, David Bennett, would like to open the visit up to all members of Tonbridge u3a. (contact details in your Journal).

Monday 13 October at 11:00 Seal. Lunch in Sevenoaks.