Hello everyone,
Firstly I’d like to inform all members that due to the recent very sad death of David Brooks, local historian and Bourne Hall staff member we have been informed that our July 7th talk cannot take place due to that being the day of David’s funeral and wake which is being held at Bourne Hall. We extend our sincere condolences to David’s family at this sad time.
Welcome to the July Newsletter. I have quite a few hectic days coming up and the weather has been very kind, but in true British fashion I am a bit bored with all the good weather and I would like a little rain that would actually do some good, preferably at night. You just cannot please some people!!!!
Thank you, thank you, to all the kind folk who came forward as volunteers for refreshments and possibly other jobs needed at the monthly meeting. What can I say I was speechless – yes, I know it does happen to me sometimes. The committee have set up two dates for meetings to be held at Bourne Hall. We hope to set up the rota and WhatsApp and run the volunteers through the various routines – where to find things etc. There will also be a committee member shadowing along with Annie Ralph who is at present our Secretary Elect. Annie will be in charge so don’t forget to salute she is very picky about this (joking, joking). Annie is fitting in to the committee really well and is very easy to be with, this is very helpful, as life can throw a curve ball at you now and again and she is up for the challenge.
With the help of the volunteers to whom I am eternally grateful you will have your cuppa and biscuit reinstated. I look forward to meeting all the volunteers and hopefully show them the task is not too daunting and will be fun.
Our new refreshments team will be in place for our August meeting.
Take care of yourselves,
Kindest regards,
Sybi – Chair Epsom and Ewell u3a
Booking opens on July 1st for our Roman London Walk and Talk led by Hamish Reid a London Green Badge guide.
We are limited to 20 places and the cost will be £15 per person.
If this event is oversubscribed we will arrange for another date to be added depending on Hamishs' availability.
We explored Pimlico for our June Walk, which was interesting, as always. The bottle brush trees were in full bloom providing a picturesque setting against Thomas Cubbitts magnificent terraces.
Exploring London 11
The quirky structure is a sculpted pipe vent by Palazzoi.
Beer Tasting Group
This month the beer tasters celebrated.
Not only is this the 5th anniversary of the group but it's also the 70th birthday of Simon, its founder & leader.
A cake was in order to enjoy with the beer, of course it had to be a chocolate cake!
Social Events Availability
Click on the links to book
July 9th - Walk and Talk - Royal Albert Hall - £15pp (3 places)
August 28th - Ticket only theatre - The Great Gatsby - £60pp ( 1 ticket)
September 11th - Ticket only theatre - Starlight Express - £40pp (3 tickets)
September 16th - walk and talk - Roman London - £15pp (20 places only)
Garden Visiting Group
This month the garden wanderers took a return trip to the Savill Garden in Windsor this time in roses season.
The weather was a bit variable, leading to us sheltering with our sandwiches at one point but overall it was a garden just coming into its summer clothing leading us to suggest we must return again!
Coffee Club
Our coffee club meets on a different day each month in order to allow as many members as possible to attend.
Next meeting Tuesday July 8th
If you have never attended before please contact Sue via the link in order that she and Rosie can welcome you to your first meeting.
Please note Coffee club does not meet in August as the church café is closed for other events.
(Coffee Club restarts Wednesday September 24th)
Exploring London 13
This month our group was obliged to go out on a different day in order to get to see all the delights of Walthamstow.
Our first stop was to the William Morris gallery & exhibition, after which we walked through the old village, with a surprising medieval history, finishing at the eclectic Gods Own Junkyard festival of neon.
Slightly further than usual paid off in a very unusual day out.
New Beginners Scrabble Group
Would you like to learn how to play scrabble? A new group for beginners could start in September at a Members house in Cheam, First Friday of the month in the afternoon at 1.30pm If interested contact Maureen.
Bridge - Intermediate - Tuesdays
All players are playing unsupervised bridge, i.e. not suitable for beginners. We are a friendly group and it is not necessary to come with a partner, if you are on your own we will find you one. This group is affiliated with Ashtead and Leatherhead u3a's
There is a weekly charge of £4pp
Following our decision earlier this year that we would ask members to opt in if they wanted to receive a paper copy of the magazine which is published five times a year we are pleased to announce that The Third Age Trust have now published a 'flip book' version of the u3a Matters magazine.
This is a shortened version of the current magazine but is a big improvement on the digital version that is available on the Trust website.
"We decided that there would be merit in having two meetings a month. The meetings will have separate topics agreed in advance. We therefore chose for Mon 14/7 "Motivating Each Other To Do Even Better" and for Mon 28/7 "Doughnut Economics and Circular Economies"
I look forward to meeting some familiar faces and some new faces at our next meeting on Mon 14/7 for 10.30 prompt start. Meet at The Reception Lower Mill Apartments
Kingston Road Ewell KT17 2DQ
Climate conversations
Please come to the 14/7 meeting having thought about :
a) A regular climate-friendly behaviour you are proud of
and
b) A behaviour changes you have tried/thought about but have struggled to put into practice
Having spent this week grappling with all the world Governments roles and lack of progress in keeping their people safe from the worse effects of Climate Change we thought sharing our own actions might be a little light relief and a little more practical!
Here is a useful resource to get you thinking (if you need it)
https://earthbound.report/2022/03/15/take-climate-action-with-the-jump/
After the 14/7 meeting, I will send out some more links to help stimulate our discussions on 28/7 on "Doughnut Economics/Circular Economies".
Please find the running list of potential topics and the links we've used so far and the Climate Discussion book for new members on our website page (Climate Conversations) along with lots more information about our group.
Thanks William
Exploring London 8
Last month it was freezing cold, this month it was absolutely scorching!!!
We didn't wander far this month due to the heat but as ever we discovered some interesting items. Not least the fact that GCHQ started in London and was originally called GC & CS
Watergate House in Eastcote - (quite an ironic name).
Architectural Explorers
This month our group joined the tourists & went for a wander between Waterloo and Victoria, concentrating on the Westminster area
It was a warm day where we hunted the shade & some peace and quiet to hear our leader. We were extraordinarily lucky to pop into Westminster Central hall just as the guide was showing a group around and who gave us access to the rooftop and fine views of the abbey as well as some very interesting inside stories.
Next month we will be focusing on three outstanding and varied buildings in Kings Cross.
Canterbury Day Trip
A fascinating day trip with two excellent guides.
The cathedral itself is packed with history and beautiful architecture.
Follow the story around from the left - the patient is unwell, top - the patient is treated, right the patient has a nose bleed and is cured, bottom - the patient gives thanks.
We are currently awaiting details of tickets for Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre for either January or February 2026. We will book a matinee performance and tickets will be £55 per person.
AGM - Oct 2025
Our AGM is your opportunity to learn about and get involved in the running of your u3a.
The u3a is a members for members organisation and we are grateful to members who offer their time and talents for various roles, committee members, group leaders, helpers team etc. They are all vital to make our u3a the success that it is.
Committee
In October we have several changes due to take place. Our Business secretary, Fiona Bath and our Treasurer, Sue Skelton, will both finish their term in office. Annie Ralph has offered to stand for the position of Business secretary and Bob Knight has offered to stand as Treasurer. Please give these members your support when voting opens in September.
Members for Members
We are always grateful for any support that members offer. You don't have to join the committee to make a difference. If you want to offer your services for anything that will enrich the lives of our members please speak to any committee member with your ideas.
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference.