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 EVERYONE

The excitement generated on Open Afternoon has added new energy to Tu3a! Some existing groups are recruiting members and new ideas and new groups are being put forward. When you apply to join a group if you are unsuccessful please ask to be put on the waiting list so we can see what new groups are needed. I appreciate the help of the Group Leaders with this. I understand fully that once you have comfortably settled in your group the last thing you want is to leave that group and start another but perhaps in the true spirit of Tu3a of contributing as well as benefitting from u3a you might consider being a Guide. As a Guide you would help the new group get going by attending a meeting or two and sharing the fun and experience that you have.

Discovering the Far East. 

This group meets on the third Friday of the month. Attendees are asked to contribute £3 a session to cover room hire charges and refreshments. For most members there is a simple desire to satisfy curiosity about a region which is growing so rapidly, both economically and politically. Understanding the region requires a consideration of both historical and contemporary factors and so our coverage is wide. Recent topics have ranged from Chinese espionage to Cambodian temples. It is not necessary for members to have visited or to have any expertise in the region although any offers to contribute to our sessions would always be welcome. In addition to talks and an annual film-showing we celebrate the Lunar New Year with a meal at a local Asian restaurant. New members would be welcome. 

Contact: Patrick Hart

Duplicate Bridge.

Have you ever played Bridge in the past? If so Duplicate Bridge Group could be for you. We are a friendly Group, and although we play to win, we play in a very relaxed atmosphere. We meet on 1st and 3rd Thursday morning.  You need not be an experienced player. All sessions are “hosted” which means you can come on your own as we will always find you a partner for the morning.

Contact: Tony Sayer

NEW AND NEARLY NEW GROUPS

Book Circle 6 

is now up and running. They would welcome new members. The next meeting is on 8th December. For more information please contact Graham Pullen

Johanna Kiernan groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk

MOTO 3 

This new Group aimed principally, but not exclusively, at Members On Their Own. The Group will meet to begin with at Wetherspoons for coffee & games that could include games such as Dominoes, 3s and 5s, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Rummikub and perhaps the card game Cribbage. To be followed by an optional lunch. Group Leader, Christine Thorogood, is open to suggestions. The Group will meet on the

first and third Thursdays at 10.30am but if you just fancy company for lunch come at 12:30! 

Please contact Christine: moto3@tonbridgeu3a.uk

If you are interested in Technical Aspects you must come and join the new TECH TALK group. It’s all about anything technical whether

Mechanical, Electrical or something On Wheels, Flying or On Water, or simply On The Ground. A new group is proposed to start in the new year with a preliminary meeting. As there are so many different Aspects of Tech it is important to have a group of interest to the members so it is likely that several different subjects will be covered at each meeting. Where possible, members are encouraged to contribute, especially if they have particular skills or knowledge. Let me know if you are interested and I will inform you of the date and location of the preliminary meeting which is likely to be in the new year. 

Contact: Derek Hopcroft 

Consumers

A new group is proposed to start in the new year with a preliminary meeting as there are so many different avenues which could be explored. From the weekly/monthly shop to quality of products and value for money. Learn to be savvy about a range of other items such

as Furnishings, Kitchen Equipment, Household Products and really important items. As consumers we all have much to learn! Let me know if you are interested and I will inform you of the date and location of the preliminary meeting proposed to start in the new year.

Contact: Derek Hopcroft 

Calling all Sci-Fi film fans. 

Join a lively, friendly chat group to share enthusiasm for Sci-Fi films and television programs. Meet like minded people. Make new friends. Venue: Wetherspoons.

Contact: Stephen Broome

Also new for 2026 - Yes Chef -

ACCIDENTAL CHEFS has had a waiting list for some time. To help get a happy group of cooks together Jane Hansford is going to temporarily guide Yes Chef. This is sure to be a popular group, starting early 2026. Register your interest now.

groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk

If you have questions about a group, are willing to be a Group Guide, or want to start a group of your own, please contact me. If there is

anything I can help you with - I will try! It is YOUR u3a. Together we live, laugh, and learn

Johanna Kiernan groups@tonbridgeu3a.uk 

Reading Shakespeare

Every three months, approximately 10.00 am. 

Thursday 29 January & Thursday 5 February

Joyce Graf

Poetry for Pleasure 2 

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.

There is no meeting in December. 

Jennifer Hughes 

Galleries, Exhibitions and Museums

Friday 5 December - Visit to Tate Britain for the Turner and Constable Exhibition. Please let me know if you are coming. 

No visit in January 2026

Margaret Pavlidis galleriesmuseumsandexhibitions@tonbridgeu3a.uk