Dear Member,
Welcome to this new style email newsletter. It should be easy to read and navigate on whatever device you use: a laptop, a tablet, or a mobile phone. You may find it easier to view the newsletter as a web page - this will include a link at the bottom for those who like to print it out. If you have any problems or would like to send feedback, please email communications@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk.
Quick Links: Membership Reminder | Around the Groups | Forthcoming Events
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
As we look forward to our u3a activities beginning again in earnest in September, I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy a period of rest and relaxation during this incredible summer.
I also need to acknowledge and thank David Taylor and Sheila Golden for all the work they have done over the years in the production and proofreading of our newsletters; they are an essential part of our u3a, so a really big thank you to you both. A big welcome to Jerry Gunnell who takes over these roles.
I hope you'll enjoy this newsletter in its new format!
Warmest wishes, Doreen
chairman@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
FROM THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
This is a reminder that membership subscription renewals are due from 1 September 2026. The annual membership fee remains at £13.00 (individual) or £26.00 (joint).
If your subscription is paid automatically from your bank account by Standing Order you don’t need to do anything.
If you have previously paid by bank transfer or by cheque, you will shortly receive an email from our Treasurer reminding you of the information you need to make the payment.
CONTACT DETAILS If any of your contact details have changed, please let me know so that your records are kept up to date - we cannot advise you of events/Newsletters/activities if we do not have the correct email/telephone/address to reach you.
Jennifer Ruffles membership@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
GROUP ORGANISERS' AFTERNOON TEA & WORKSHOP, 23 SEPTEMBER
All Group Organisers and the leaders of support teams have been invited to a ‘thank you’ afternoon tea from 2-4pm at the Bat and Ball Centre on Wednesday 23 September. If you have not yet replied, please do so in order that we can finalise catering arrangements. If you didn’t get the invitation email sent on 11 August, and think you should have, please get in touch. I look forward to seeing many of you on the 23rd.
Marianne Bradnock, Groups Coordinator groupdev@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
AROUND THE GROUPS
PICKLEBALL
In addition to its regular Monday morning games, the Pickleball Group has now started playing from 7pm on a Monday evening. This is a more competitive workout session and more players are welcome.
Contact Tim Carter at pickleball@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk if you’d like to give it a go.
CIRCLE DANCING
This group has been running for 20 years now, and we will be celebrating this milestone on the 25th of September in Christchurch URC Hall 1-4pm with a simple bring and share lunch followed by some of our favourite dances. Anyone who has danced with us over the years is very welcome to join us, and of course you'd be welcome to rejoin the group at any time. Please do let me know if you plan to come, or if you want more information. Maybe see you then!
Sandie Wade circledancing@sevenoaksu3a.org
LONDON STUDIES 3
On yet another sunny summer morning, on Wednesday 15 July, Graham Lacey led a London Studies 3 group trip to Highgate Cemetery. The party travelled by the full range of public transport (train, underground and bus) as well as a short walk through the pretty Waterlow Park. From George Eliot to Alexander Litvinenko, the cemetery is packed with famous figures of the distant and not so distant past. Read all about the outing.
LOCAL HISTORY STUDIES
Are you fascinated by the heritage, buildings and stories of our local area? Would you like to explore this further through individual research, group talks and field trips? We’re thinking of starting a new group to do just that; email groupdev@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk if you’re interested.
MOTO (Members On Their Own)
Over the past year members of MOTO have enjoyed afternoon tea at Titsey Place, lunch at Westerham, Hever and Poult Wood golf courses, coffee at Coblands Garden Centre and the Bullfinch pub, as well as lunch hosted by the Group Organiser in her lovely garden. If you’re on your own – single, widowed, or maybe with a partner who is unable to go out for health reasons – perhaps you’d like to join this friendly group of people in a similar situation. They get together every month on a Sunday and would love to welcome you. Email moto@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk to find out more.
SCIENCE OPEN MEETINGS
Our next season of Science Open Meetings start on 12 October with a talk by Mike Thevethick on Stomach Upsets. Also known as heartburn or reflux disease, it is a condition that has been known for millennia. It was only when scientists discovered that the stomach contained hydrochloric acid that treatments began to emerge. How was this discovered and how do our more modern medicines actually work? This talk will discuss the history, science and the lucky breaks that led to our modern methods of treating an upset stomach.
We have a range of talks planned and we look forward to your attendance; key dates and headlines of talks arranged so far can be found at https://sevenoaks.u3asite.uk/u3a_groups/science-open-group/. If you would like to help our team with organising these meetings, please contact me.
Bob Ruffles for the Science Committee science@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk
PHONES, TABLETS & COMPUTERS
The next meeting at Sevenoaks School, where some of the older pupils help members of Sevenoaks u3a with using their digital devices, will be held on Thursday 1 October from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Those wishing to join in should email computing@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk and they will be entered on a list and sent information on accessing the school. Since it is a new school year, some of the pupils that we met previously will have left and we will have some new faces to replace them.
There will be no talk in September and the first one of the 2026/2027 session will be 26 October 2026.
BRIDGE FOR PLEASURE
Our summer break continues through September so our next session will not be until 14 October. For more information please see our group page or email bridge@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk.
DIARY OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS
A full list of open meetings can be seen on our website at https://sevenoaks.u3asite.uk/events/. For details of upcoming group meetings, consult the relevant group page.
If you would like to include any items in the October issue, please send them to news@sevenoaksu3a.org.uk by 20 September.
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