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Newbury u3a Groups

Actually, Zooming Marvellous     

  Note that Actually, Zooming Marvellous is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets monthly - 2nd Wed in month
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details This is a PLAYREADING activity and the playscripts are from Tadley Library. We now meet in a member's home in Newbury (note: we are no longer zooming). So far we have read The Wind in the Willows, by Alan Bennet, Demon by Martin Downing, Seaside Postcard by Terence Frisby and many others. All good fun and proactive.

Architecture     

Meets Fourth Tuesday of the month
Venue Royal British Legion - map
Normally starts 02:30 to 04:00
Details We study a variety of aspects of architecture. At some meetings our members give a short presentation on a particular aspect of Architecture - perhaps a building or a certain style they have studied or have an interest in, and we look at the social impact of architecture throughout history. Future Plans - Looking at different architectural styles and the lives of famous architects using videos, reference books and the internet. In the summer our group visits villages & towns of architectural interest and also particular places, especially those that are a little different – and our members are very clever in finding places and houses of interest both architecturally and historically. We only meet in the winter months as we like to go out in the summer discovering places for a future meeting.

Art     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets First Friday of the month
Venue St Francis de Sales Church Hall - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details We are a friendly group with members having a range of experience of drawing and painting from beginners to the more experienced. We are going to try a different approach when we start our year in October by concentrating on a particular medium over several sessions while tackling a variety of subjects and techniques. Ideas are welcome and support and encouragement are key.

Art History     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 1st Monday of the month (am)
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details This informal, friendly group meets once a month at the home of one of our members. We have looked at more contemporary artists in recent months and are working to devise a new schedule from September 2023, to include artists, themes (for example: 'Fauvism' or 'Art that evokes strong emotions') that are of interest to the group members and may include discussion on recent or upcoming art exhibitions. We take it in turns to lead the meetings - which usually take the form of a short talk which can be supported by printed research materials, articles in books etc and if available, a relevant DVD or clips from You Tube. No art history experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to engage in the discussion! The group is currently full, but if you would like your name added to the waiting list, please contact the group leader or the Office.

Art of Photography     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 4th Wednesday of the month
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:30
Details We run a monthly, Art of Photography group on the morning of the fourth Wednesday of each month, for about one-and-a-half hours. We use a projector and a large screen to view our photos. At present we are able to accommodate new U3A members wanting to join this group. Our photography ability continues to improve but complete novices remain welcome of course. To start our session, professional photographer, Roger Ryton LBIPP LRPS gives us a talk which is part of a series running over a year, on the art of taking better photos and encouragement to understand our cameras more fully. We then view the photos that each of the members has taken on the topic of that month, with Roger giving us constructive comments and advice. The perfect photo eludes us mostly, so we all enjoy the learning process. The next month's topic is then briefly introduced. Group members send up to 3 photos in by e-mail, prior to their next meeting.

Badminton Tue     

Meets Every Tuesday
Venue Northcroft Leisure Centre - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:00
Details We are a mixed ability group who play purely for enjoyment. We play every Tuesday from 2pm - 3pm. At present the cost is £1 per week [if attending]. Your own racket is required, or a racket can be provided on a temporary basis. At the present time we have quite a large group which is often changing. if you wish to go on the waiting list please contact me and i will get in touch as soon as possible. You can reach me on 01635 45483. / johnclaudette@hotmail.com

Badminton Wed     

  Note that Badminton Wed is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets Every Wednesday
Venue Northcroft Leisure Centre - map
Normally starts 15:00 to 16:00
Details We are a mixed ability group who play purely for enjoyment. We play every Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 4pm. The group is now full - at present there are 2 people on the waiting list COST: £2 a week to subsidise the cost of £11 Court Fee and hiring 2 courts

Barn Dancing     

Meets 1st Monday in the month
Venue Thatcham Baptist Church
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details The caller, Mike, is a member of Hungerford u3a and is also a paid caller at festivals and events; we are very lucky to have a professional at no cost. He makes the sessions fun, teaching us simpler ways to do steps if we're not up to the more energetic stuff. You can also sit out, listen to the music and laugh as the rest of us tie ourselves up in knots. It's good exercise and great fun. The cost is £4 a session, which covers hall hire, refreshments and Mike's mileage. Please call me for any queries.

Booklovers     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 1st Thursday in the month
Venue Newbury Library - Carnegie Room - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details We are a lively, friendly group with approximately 12 members. At present we are full. We are enjoying being able to meet in person again in the Carnegie Room at the library. We use sets of books provided by Newbury Library. This year we bought a set of books to contribute towards their stock. Some members read on Kindle. We start the discussion by each member scoring the book out of 10. (If you didn't finish the book it gets a "0", and if you only finish it for the book club discussion, a"1". 10 is the best book you've ever read). It is not unknown for a book to score from 0 to 9 and nobody's view is the right one! Then a brief review around the table leads on to a lively and more in-depth discussion. Most of us go across the car park to the Teashop by the Canal for a cuppa afterwards.

BookMark     

  Note that BookMark is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets 4th Friday in the month
Venue Local Restaurants
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details We began in January 2016 and have read a mixture of classics and modern books. Currently we are no longer "zooming" and "Kindling" but back to being able to borrow book group sets of 10 from Newbury Library. Currently, we are meeting at The Waterside Cafe by the canal on the 4th Friday of the month at 10.30am. There we discuss that month's book choice and make the book swap - and drink coffee and eat cake or a bacon sandwich! .

Bridge friday     

Meets Every Friday
Venue St Georges Church - Large Meeting Room - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:30
Details For those who have played before and would like gentle guidance in a friendly helpful atmosphere. No partners necessary.

Calligraphy     

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday in the month
Venue Speen Parish Hall - map
Normally starts 02:00 to 04:00
Details The aim of the group is to study the art of beautiful writing and to explore different scripts. At the moment we have 14 members all enthusiastic to master and improve basic calligraphy skills of a variety of scripts. Although necessary to learn the basic,formal approach to each script we try to inject some fun and informality into the projects by introducing colour,form and imagination. This year we have undertaken small projects each member contributing short pieces choosing their favoured script. We have enjoyed studying illumination and producing our own ideas using pattern and colour in a variety of ways. At times we have strayed from the more formal approach and produced our own ideas of scripts! Occasionally we use the talents of members of the group to try something completely different which we can use in conjunction with our calligraphy. One member showed us how to do marbling and results were very pleasing and could be used as a background to our writing. A small group of us have joined ‘The Hampshire Calligraphers’ attending workshops in Winchester on Saturdays learning additional lettering skills which we have been able to share with the group. On occasions we have funded our own extra workshops in our own time and at our own expense inviting expert calligraphers to show us how to add to our skills. We have thoroughly enjoyed learning how to gild with Jan Mehigan using some of her ideas when illuminating our letters. Simon Sonsino, a local calligrapher has shown us some unusual ways in which he uses calligraphy!

Carbon Footprint     

Meets 1st Thursday in the month
Venue Leaders Home
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details The group is for anyone who has an interest in all things 'green'. We cover one or two topics each meeting, using online material and our own knowledge and experience to build our knowledge. The leader's home is in the town centre.

Card Games     

Meets 4th Thursday in the month
Venue Sea Cadet Hall - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Do come along if at all interested in playing card (and other) games. We also have a Dominoes based game or you can bring your favourite board game. Or you can stick with Card Games if this is your preference. Cost £1 per person this includes tea and coffee. Please note we do not meet in December.

Creative writing     

Meets 4th Tuesday in the month
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details Creative writing The Group aims to encourage its members to make the best use of their creativity by developing various aspects of writing - e.g.descriptive narratives, character studies, denouements - each month and then discussing & constructively criticising them in the group. Current activities include the development of various character studies & using them as the protagonists in a short story. Longer term proposals include the production of a small book containing the various works of group members to be made available to the rest of Newbury U3A. There may be room for 2 or 3 more members but overall group size has to be about 12 to ensure all present have a chance to contribute in the time available

Discover and Discuss     

Meets 4th Wednesday in the month
Venue Various
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:00
Details The Discover & Discuss Group agrees in advance the topics they want to cover. There has been a wide range e.g. recently; The Declining Birth rate, Healthiest countries for the older person, We meet in the Waterside centre coffee shop. New members welcome!

Discussion     

Meets 1st Fri & 3rd Tues and Zoom on the other Thursdays
Venue Zoom or similar
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:00
Details To contact Barry Packham, the Group Leader, email him through Beacon or phone him on 07789 434634.

Flower Arranging     

Meets 2nd Friday in the month
Venue Speen Parish Hall - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 00:00
Details We share a love of flowers and want to show them off to their best advantage so we learn to arrange them in many various receptacles and designs. Current plan is to improve our skills and to embrace modern design whilst also practising traditional styles. There are vacancies

French 1     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Friday fortnightly AM
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details The French group meets at the home of one of its members on a fortnightly basis. We are, for practical seating reasons, restricted to a maximum of 10 members. French has previously been studied at school etc. so work is done on refreshing grammar, vocabulary and conversation with translation of items from books, newspapers and in fact anything that is of interest in French

French Beginners 1     

Meets 1st & 3rd Mondays
Venue Leaders Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details This group began in September'14. If you have a little knowledge you will probably still be able to catch up if you join now or try the Thursday beginner's group 2 which has just started up. We have started up again since the pandemic. We are working to improve our French through games, reading and role-play.

French Beginners 2     

Meets 1st & 3rd Thursday
Venue Leaders Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details This group started up in January'15. If you would like to join like-minded people in a new beginner's class then you would be very welcome here.

French Beginners 3     

Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays
Venue Leaders Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details This group started up in January'15. If you would like to join like-minded people in a new beginner's class then you would be very welcome here.

Gardening Group     

Meets 1st Wednesday in the month
Venue The Kickers Bar, Newbury Rugby Club, - map
Normally starts 01:45 to 16:00
Details The basis of the group is one of self-help, although outside speakers are invited to address the group on various gardening subjects during the year. Members share gardening problems and solutions known as trouble-shooting sessions, and for most problems, someone in the group can provide the answer. At present, we have a small waiting list. The 2024 Programme of speakers, activities and outings was distributed at the December meeting. It is also listed on the Gardening Group's web page. Our first 4 day holiday to RHS Tatton Park plus visiting other gardens and places of interest has now been arranged, details have been sent to members with our February meeting reminder. The details have now been opened to all U3A members. Our Summer Show Schedule has been issued. Tea/Coffee and biscuits from 1.45pm Cost: Entrance fee £3.00

Gardening-Tatton Park Holiday     

Meets 18th July - 21st July 2024
Venue Various Gardens
Normally starts 08:00 to 00:00
Details A 4 day holiday to see the famous Flower Show at RHS Tatton Park in Cheshire. We will also visit gardens at RHS Bridgewater and Barnsdale in Rutland. Two National Trust properties are included in our itinerary, Dunham Massey and The Cotton Mill at Styal near Manchester. Our base will be The Holiday Inn at Runcorn. All applications to Rosemarie rafranklin68@gmail.com

Gardening-Waterperry     

Meets Thursday, 16th May 2024
Venue Various Gardens
Normally starts 09:00 to 17:30
Details A Gardening Group day trip to Waterperry with much to see. The flyer is on the website but this outing is now full .

Genealogy 1     

Meets 3rd Tuesday of month
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details This group is open to anyone who is researching their family history. We are currently welcoming new members. Meetings usually take the form of a. Member updates – sharing progress, discoveries and tips; or b. Thematic contributions – members share findings from their own family trees on the topic for the month. Previous topics have included: the sea, trades and crafts, crime and punishment, migration, Scottish/Irish ancestors, medicine/illness.

Genealogy 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 2nd Friday in the month
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We are an informal group of like-minded family history researchers who are still learning the techniques of researching and recording. The session is spent sharing discoveries and helping those who have hit a ‘brick wall’ with their researches. We do have one or two members with more experience of family history research who share tips on research; useful websites; magazines etc. We can also do limited research via the Internet during the session.

German Conversation     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday monthly. No August meeting .
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details The Group meets in Broadway House every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month,from 1030 to 1200. The Group does not meet in the month of August. We practise speaking German and already have a wide range of ability and so approach the language from diverse perspectives. Our aim is to use what we know, improve on this, and enjoy it. We read relevant and contemporary texts, make sure we understand them and then discuss issues stemming from them.

Go To Group     

Meets NULL
Venue A Members Home
Details A group of volunteers who help out at various functions. There is no commitment to a particular time or place and no one is expected to help every time. A request for help is sent to the group and if people are available to assist they say so.

Golf 1     

Meets Every Tuesday
Venue Deanwood Golf Course - map
Normally starts 10:45 to 12:30
Details We have two sessions 10.45 -1130 and 11.45-12.30 each with Nigel Hart the Golf Professional at Deanwood After each session we have guaranteed tee times to play the course (reduced fee for non Deanwood members)

Golf 2     

Meets Every Friday
Venue Deanwood Golf Course - map
Normally starts 09:45 to 11:30
Details Following the success of the Tuesday Group there will be a Group lesson with Nigel Hart on the same basis as the Tuesday Group, with the opportunity to play at selected tee times thereafter.

Good Read     

Meets 4th Monday of each month
Venue Zoom or similar
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Our group members choose the books we read, study and discuss. We study a mixture of modern authors (e.g. Maggie O'Farrell) and the occasional classic (e.g. Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath) We always end our discussions with tea and biscuits/cake. The atmosphere is lively and friendly and it is often during the discussion that we are able to recommend to each other books we have read individually. COST: £2.00 per person per year for Library Book Borrowing.

Great Artists     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 1st Friday of each month
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details This group is for members with a love of and interest in art who would like to find out more about art and artists or share their existing knowledge. Our meetings include the viewing and discussion, each month, of a professionally prepared DVD featuring a specific artist of our choice.

Group Leaders meeting     

Meets 1st May
Venue St Francis de Sales Church Hall - map
Normally starts 12:45 to 00:00
Details Spring Group Leaders meeting

Happy Readers     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 3rd Monday in the month
Venue Newbury Library - Carnegie Room - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details We read one book a month and have an interesting discussion about it at the next meeting. Members take it in turns to find out a little about the author and introduce the book. We are a friendly, informal group and our discussions take place over tea and biscuits provided by a different member each month. There is a charge of around £3.00 per member per year for the hire of the books, plus a small contribution towards the hire of the room.

Knit & Crochet 1     

Meets 1st Friday in the month
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details Spend a very pleasant afternoon working on personal knitting or crochet projects. Beginners made very welcome and simple tuition given if required. Benefit from help and advice from each other and share patterns in relaxed and friendly sessions. Charity projects also can be suggested. 
Enjoy tea/coffee and cakes and a chat while you work- small donation towards refreshments appreciated. The venue is very close to a No 1 bus stop

Knit & Crochet 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 3rd Friday in the month
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details Spend a very pleasant afternoon working on personal knitting or crochet projects. Beginners made very welcome and simple tuition given. Benefit from help and advice from each other and share patterns in relaxed and friendly sessions. Charity projects also can be suggested. 
Enjoy tea/coffee and cakes and a chat while you work- small donation towards refreshments appreciated. We resuming meetings as from January and there are vacanies for new members

Lunch     

  Note that Lunch is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets 2nd Thursday in the month
Venue Local Restaurants
Normally starts 13:00 to 15:00
Details We are a small group of people who enjoy good food, good company and putting the world to rights! We vary the lunch venues and so get to visit some very nice pubs and restaurants.

M.E.E.T     

Meets Monthly or as required
Venue Various
Details "Members Enjoying Events Together" A group of members organising evening or weekend social activities several times a year. Details of which will be advertised on the website & quarterly newsletter

M.O.T.O.(Members on their Own)     

Meets NULL
Venue 
Details A new group still in the early planning stages specifically for members living on their own. Regular coffee drop-ins are held monthly at two venues - Thatcham Garden Centre the 3rd Tuesday monthly from 2.30pm, and at Yew Tree Garden Centre on the 4th Tuesday monthly from 10.0am . All members welcome at either venue. No booking needed. Various activities are then arranged each month for smaller groups to take part if interested ranging from Walks to lunches.

Military History     

Meets 2nd Friday of each month
Venue The Dolphin pub - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details We're a small group of people with an interest in military history, whether it be warfare in the classical, medieval, musket or modern eras. We meet to share our interests through a couple of presentations each meeting, prepared by the members of the group themselves.
So if you're keen to share your own passion for a particular period or you're open to having your interest sparked by something new, then please come along. We meet at The Dolphin pub in Bartholomew Street from 10.00am on the 2nd Friday of every month. Please contact me, Chris, for further information

Mindfulness     

Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday in the month
Venue Fairclose Day Centre - map
Normally starts 16:00 to 17:00
Details It's a practical session in that we listen to tapes and meditate mindfully for about 15 minutes altogether, usually in 2 brief periods. We also discuss our experiences and ways of living more mindfully.

Music Appreciation     

Meets 1st Tuesday in the month
Venue Friends Meeting House - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details Music 2 We enjoy listening to music and hearing something about the lives of the composers. We cover the whole range of classical music, orchestral, choral, instrumental etc. and even a little jazz. You would be very welcome to join us. MEETINGS: 1st Tuesday in the month at 2 - 4pm (Tea & biscuits at 3pm!) VENUE: Friends Meeting House (Quaker rooms)

Page Turners     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 1st Friday of month am
Venue Waterside Centre - map
Details Members of this group will be invited to choose the books from sets held by Newbury library. This is a chance to discover new writers, revisit some favourites and share thoughts on anything else you’ve been reading with the group. Now full but contact Kate to be added to a waiting list.

Pickleball 1     

Meets Thursdays (and Mondays as well - see Pickleball 2)
Venue Riverside Community Centre - map
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details Held at the Riverside Community Centre sports hall just off Turnpike Road (Rosemoor Gardens, Newbury RG14 2FG). We started in September 2022. All are welcome. We are now up to 28 members but are averaging 8/9 players. We have only 1 court and rotate play. We are planning to also play at the Riverside on Monday afternoons. Please contact us if you are interested. All equipment provided.

Pickleball 2     

Meets Mondays 3.00 - 5.00 (also Thurs, Pickleball 1)
Venue Riverside Community Centre - map
Normally starts 15:00 to 17:00
Details Held at the Riverside Community Centre sports hall just off Turnpike Road (Rosemoor Gardens, Newbury RG14 2FG). First Monday Session starts March 4th 2024 For those who have not heard of the game it is a cross between table tennis and tennis and played with a net similar to a tennis net on a badminton court. It uses special balls and bats called paddles. It’s a fast and exciting game usually played as doubles. It is less energetic than tennis but just as much fun. All equipment provided.

Pilates 1     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Wednesday 10am
Venue Sea Cadet Hall - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 11:00
Details Learn Pilates to stabilise your core, improve stamina, coordination, balance & flexibility, enhance concentration, and use your breath to relax and unwind. Weekly class paid termly in advance commencing June 2023. £7 per session. You will need a mat & small pillow & wear comfortable clothing.

Pilates 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Tuesday 4.30pm
Venue Speen Parish Hall - map
Normally starts 16:30 to 17:30
Details Learn Pilates to stabilise your core, improve stamina, coordination, balance & flexibility, enhance concentration, and use your breath to relax and unwind. Weekly class paid termly in advance commencing June 2023. £7 per session. You will need a mat & small pillow & wear comfortable clothing. .

Poetry Reading     

Meets Friday Fortnightly
Venue Corn Exchange - Upstairs Bar - map
Normally starts 16:00 to 17:00
Details We read 4 short poems by different writers. No prior knowledge is needed. I distribute copies of the poems well before the next session so members can read the poems in advance. We exchange ideas freely and appreciation develops as a shared enterprise.

Reading Dickens     

Meets 2nd and 3rd Monday
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details We enjoy reading aloud in turn, a couple of paragraphs each, and include a little time for reflection. Limited parking on steep drive or park on the lane. Regret no wheelchair access.

Reading Matters     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 4th Friday of the month
Venue Newbury Library - Carnegie Room - map
Normally starts 10:30 to 11:30
Details We are a lively group and hope to be introduced to new authors and books. We make a small charge of £3 a year to cover book sets from the library.

Reading Shakespeare     

Meets 2nd & 4th Friday in the month
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details The Reading Shakespeare group members enjoy reading each Shakespeare play aloud around the room, in turn, savouring Shakespeare’s colourful, poetic and prosaic language which is sometimes very funny, or chilling. His plays are as relevant today as 450 years ago! Between us we decide which plays we are going to read or reread. Each play takes three meetings to cover: first watching the DVD of the play, then reading the play aloud over the following two meetings. We have a couple of spaces for new members to try us! This is a group meant for enjoyment of reading aloud; you don’t require great knowledge of Shakespeare or his works, though it all adds to it, and you may find you want to learn more.

Recorder Playing     

Meets 1st and 3rd Fridays 2pm
Venue St Johns Church
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details We are a group of 6 to 10 who would welcome enquiries from anyone who might be interested in joining us. Most of us hadn't played since school days before joining the U3A group but we reckon we have improved while having a lot of fun! We play for about an hour, then chat over a 'cuppa'. Do please get in touch for more information. We make a contribution of £1 a session.

Rummikub     

Meets 2nd Tuesday in the month
Venue A Members Home
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details By playing Rummikub we aim to keep our minds alert AND improve our memories! It is a game played with special tiles and is well over 50 years old, very similar to Rummy. We play competitively but friendly games whilst honing memory and manipulative skills. A game to teach and play with Grandchildren too! A warm welcome awaits you if you would like to give us a try.

Savings and Investment     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 3rd Monday every month between October and May
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details The U3A Savings and Investments Group meets to share experiences of financial matters: we discuss topics that appear in the Money sections of the weekend newspapers. Meetings are held in a conference room in Broadway House in the same building as the U3A office. We use the laptop connected to the screen and play pertinent video clips from the internet and audio clips from the Moneybox radio programme. Occasionally, we have guest speakers but most meetings are discussions amongst ourselves. Each session addresses one or more themes. Topics which come up most frequently are: Where to go for the best interest rates from Building Societies, Banks and National Savings Funds and fund managers including ETFs, OEICs, Unit Trusts, and Investment Trusts Strategies for choosing which shares to buy Scams and Identity Theft Planning for the end of the tax year and understanding capital gains Where to go to get sound independent financial advice Power of Attorney. So if you want to find your way through the money jungle why not give our group a go. We are small group by U3A standards but are friendly with our members coming from a variety of backgrounds: some are seasoned investors whereas others are just coming to terms with the subject. We try to respect each other and avoid prying into each other’s financial affairs. The more experienced are keen to share their knowledge. Before coming for the first time just phone the office to check whether the group is running. It is an interactive group and we encourage our members to get involved in the discussion. We all learn from each other’s experiences and mistakes. Members are also encouraged to take a lead role in presenting topics. U3A WEALTH WARNING: The Savings and Investments Group cannot guarantee to make you rich and some investments can go down in value as well as up: but we will try to keep you interested and amused.

Science 1     

Meets Last Thursday in the month
Venue St Francis de Sales Church Hall - map
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details The Science Group is for anyone who has an interest in science and technology. There is no need to have had a professional involvement in science. We have talks and discussions, visits out, show topical videos, and sometimes have a quiz. All our speakers are volunteers - many being our own members.

Science 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 3rd Wednesday in the month
Venue Leaders Home
Normally starts 14:30 to 16:30
Details SCIENCE 2 is for anyone who has an interest in this subject. There is no need to have had training or a professional involvement in science or engineering. We have talks, discussions and visits out. Speakers are volunteers - many being our own members.

Scrabble     

  Note that Scrabble is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets 4th Monday in the month
Venue Sea Cadet Hall - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We are a friendly group of mixed ability Scrabble players from the expert and experienced to complete beginners. If you've never played before and would like some help initially you can share a rack with another player until you get the hang of it. It’s a great way of keeping your brain active and you learn all kinds of new words that you never knew existed. Each person pays £1 per session which goes towards the hire of the hall; tea and biscuits are served mid-session. There is plenty of parking available right outside.

Social History     

Meets 3rd Thursday in the month
Venue Broadway House - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We have now changed our name from History II to reflect our coverage of social, economic, and cultural events in history both in Britain and beyond. A session might cover say “Life in Britain from 1900 to 1914” or “Medieval Castles” or “History of Greenham Common”. We are democratic and all share in deciding what we are going to study. We encourage members to research the chosen subject using books, the internet, library and TV as well as their personal experiences. A short video obtainable from the internet can so easily bring the subject to life! We are more than happy for members to join us and just listen but most find that researching a subject is very rewarding and sharing this with others even more so.

Spanish Intermediate/ Advanced     

Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays
Venue Zoom or similar
Normally starts 14:15 to 15:30
Details This group remains active using email and Zoom. The emphasis is on speaking, but I also include a bit of grammar revision, idioms, extracts from Spanish media for reading, and audio clips for listening comprehension.

Spanish Learners     

Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays
Venue Leaders Home
Normally starts 10:30 to 00:11
Details If you would like to join like-minded people in a new beginner's class then you would be very welcome here.

Summer BBQ     

Meets Friday, 21st June
Venue Newbury College - map
Normally starts 12:00 to 14:00
Details A Summer Barbeque to celebrate the start of Summer! Always superb food, lovely setting and great company! Shame we can't guarantee good weather too! Booking Form on our website shortly.

Table Tennis 1     

Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
Venue Fairclose Day Centre - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 16:00
Details We have two good tables and a supply of bats and balls. We usually play doubles but there is the opportunity for singles too.We play keenly and enthusiastically and there is also a good deal of laughter to add to our enjoyment. Spaces are limited so please make contact first to find out which of the groups, 1,2 or 3, can accommodate you. There is some parking available.

Table Tennis 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays
Venue Fairclose Day Centre - map
Normally starts 14:00 to 15:30
Details During this Monday afternoon, there are two Table Tennis groups in action. Group 2 plays from 2pm - 3.30 pm. We play on two tables. Bats and balls are provided. We mostly play doubles but there is also room for singles at times. We have a lot of fun playing together and there is time for socialising as well. If you are interested please make contact with Hillary, who will tell you if there is a place available and give you further information.

Table Tennis 3     

Meets 2nd and 4th Mondays
Venue Fairclose Day Centre - map
Normally starts 15:30 to 17:00
Details During this Monday afternoon, there are two Table Tennis groups in action. Group 3 plays from 3.30-5 pm We play on two tables. Bats and balls are provided. We mostly play doubles but there is also room for singles at times. We have a lot of fun playing together and there is time for socialising as well. If you are interested please make contact with Sheila, who will tell you if there is a place available and give you further information.

Tai Chi     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Every Thursday
Venue Riverside Community Centre - map
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:30
Details The art of Tai Chi is the most gentle of Martial Arts which, through continued practice of body movements and mind relaxation, gives a feeling of general well-being. We meet every Thursday. The Beginners Class starts at 10.00am for 1 hour, cost £5. Please bring exact money. Improvers class starts with Chi Gung at 11.00am, followed by Tai Chi Form.

Theatre - DDD D/Banking     

Meets Bank Transfers
Venue Various Theatres
Details Drop the Dead Donkey on at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking. A very funny satirical take on a fictitious TV News company, often mocking leading stories and current affairs.

Theatre - Drop Dead Donkey CHQ     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Wednesday, 29th May 2024
Venue Various Theatres
Normally starts 10:30 to 18:30
Details A very funny satirical play performed by many of the original cast from the TV show in the 1990s.

Theatre - Planning Group     

Meets NULL
Venue Various Theatres
Details The Theatre Group arranges theatre trips which are open to all members. Details of all outings are shown on the Events Page of the website, where booking forms can also be downloaded. In addition, the newly formed committee intend to post a newsletter on this group page from time to time highlighting theatrical events in our area which may interest members. If you have any ideas for future events please let Derek Child, as the Group Leader, know and it will be considered.

Theatre - School 4 Scandal B/T     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Thursday, 15th August 2024
Venue Various Theatres
Normally starts 09:30 to 19:00
Details SCHOOL for SCANDAL is a very popular, light hearted Sheridan 18th century play, typical of its period. Will be at the RSC's Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Theatre - School 4 Scandal Chq     

Meets Cheques
Venue 
Details 

Theatre-Fawlty T. Cheques     

Meets Cheques
Venue 
Details 

Theatre-Fawlty Towers Bank/Tra     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets Wednesday, 11th September
Venue Various Theatres
Normally starts 09:30 to 19:30
Details A revival of the very funny TV program from the 1990s. Written by John Cleese and brought to The Apollo Theatre in London.

Travel Planning Group     

Meets Quarterly
Venue Travel Group - UK and Overseas outings
Details Alternative contact email: kaanapali.girl@gmail.com. The Travel Planning Group arranges day trips and UK and Overseas holidays which are open to all U3A members. Details of forthcoming trips and holidays are always advertised in the quarterly newsletter with booking forms shown on the Events page of our website. We are a led by a small group which meets quarterly to discuss ideas for trips and holidays and to agree who will arrange and lead them. We are always looking for enthusiastic members to join our Team

Travel:See under Z for trips     

Meets Various
Venue 
Details Day trips and holidays arranged for the benefit of Newbury u3a members. Shown individually under 'Z' with dates and further information.

Ukulele     

Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Venue Scouts Hut
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:00
Details The ukulele is easy to learn, you don’t need any prior musical knowledge. Simply learn by playing in a friendly and relaxed environment and in a matter of weeks you will be playing your favourite songs and having fun on the way. Great venue, spacious hall, free car park and easy to find. The VENUE: The SCOUTS HUT, Ramblers Walk, Enborne Street, WASH COMMON. RG14 6TW (uses the same entrance as the Bowlers Arms Cricket Club. Keith would like to hear from all who are interested in joining this group. Venue: SCOUTS HUT, Ramblers Walk, Enborne Street, WASH COMMON. (uses the same entrance as the Bowlers Arms Cricket Club).

Walks - Amblers Sat     

  Note that Walks - Amblers Sat is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets 4th Saturday in the month starting at 11am.
Venue Various
Normally starts 11:00 to 12:30
Details Our walks are about 3 miles long and we encourage our members to take turns in planning a walk so as to get a good variety throughout the year. Our walks finish with a meal which makes a very congenial way to end the event. The morning walk finishes at a Pub for Saturday Lunch, VENUE: Various - Within 6 miles of Newbury.

Walks - Amblers Sunday     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 2nd Sunday in the month at 1.30
Venue Various
Normally starts 13:30 to 15:30
Details Our walks are about 3 miles long and we encourage our members to take turns in planning a walk so as to get a good variety throughout the year. Our walks finish with a meal which makes a very congenial way to end the event. The Sunday afternoon walk ends with tea and cakes somewhere. VENUE: Various - Within 6 miles of Newbury.

Walks - Mid week     

Meets 3rd Wednesday of each month
Venue Various
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:00
Details The mid week walking group meet on the third Wednesday morning of the month at various locations around Newbury. The walks cover 3.5 to 5 miles (rarely more) so anyone interested must be able to walk this distance plus climb stiles and avoid other hazards found in the countryside - and importantly keep up with the group. There is a cap on numbers for safety reasons, so if you are interested you may find yourself on a waiting list for a while. After most walks there is an optional social lunch.

Walks - Pub     

  Note that Walks - Pub is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
Meets 1st Monday and 3rd Saturday of each month
Venue Various
Normally starts 10:00 to 12:30
Details The walks are devised by the walkers themselves in this group, in turn, and are usually based within 6 miles of Newbury centre. The length is about 4 miles and the terrain is usually flat and easy to walk on. We have got to know a lot more about Newbury by walking in areas not so close to our own homes. In light of the current economic state, many pubs aren't open on Mondays, so we have changed our regime slightly and can hold the "Monday" walks on any day of the week! Meeting: Usually a Pub Car Park, used for parking then later on we have a lunch here. ((Not obligatory)
Pub Lunch can go on as long as people want! Venue: Approx 6 miles radius of Newbury

X - Skittles     

Meets 19th April 7pm
Venue The Club
Normally starts 19:00 to 00:00
Details Another skittles evening by M.E.E.T

X A touch of Magic     

Meets 26 June 2024
Venue West Berkshire Bowling Club - map
Normally starts 18:30 to 21:00
Details Alex Sprackling is a world class sleight of hand entertainer who has been performing magic across the UK for 15 years. He does so in his own witty and cheeky way. His magic is highly engaging and interactive as he mingles through the audience while performing the impossible. There is a choice of food - please see flyer on the website.

X Wine tasting     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 12th December
Venue St Francis de Sales Church Hall - map
Normally starts 19:30 to 21:00
Details Come and taste the wines of Southern Italy. Our knowledgeable speaker, Brian, has been lecturing on wine since 2005.

Yoga     

Meets Tuesday mornings every week in term time
Venue St Joseph's Church Hall - map
Normally starts 10:45 to 12:00
Details This is a group which is proving very popular, has around 20 members and is able to take others who would like to have a regular stretch and 'keep fit' session. 
Cost: payable at the beginning of each half term in full, now around £25 or less.

Z - Cardiff - Holiday     

Meets 22nd September to Friday, 27th September
Venue Various
Details Holiday to Wales with various visits to places of interest

Z - Sherborne Castle     

Meets 23rd July
Venue 
Details All day visit to Sherborne Castle with timed entry tour

Z- Lechlade     

Meets 21st August
Venue 
Normally starts 09:00 to 17:30
Details Visit to Kelmscott manor and Buscot Park

z-Chatham Dockyard Outing     

Meets 22 May 2024
Venue Travel Group - UK and Overseas outings
Details Chatham Dockyard + Call the Midwife outing

z-Day Trip to Oxford     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
Meets 28th June 2024
Venue Travel Group - UK and Overseas outings
Normally starts 09:00 to 17:00
Details Day trip to Oxford, including a tour of Christchurch College, followed by boat trip, on the Thames, to Abingdon with a cream tea.

z-Dolomites Coach Holiday     

Meets 6th - 14th June 2024
Venue 
Details Holiday with Barnes coaches to Dolomites and South Tyrol. Room details:

z-New Members' Coffee Morning     

Meets 17th April 2024
Venue 
Normally starts 10:30 to 12:30
Details To introduce new members to the U3A