Latest News
NORTHUMBRIA REGION u3a ACTIVITIES
There is quite a lot going on at the regional level that members might be interested in. Access Northumbria Region Events to find more details.
upcoming events include:-
- May 14th 2024 1pm – 3.30pm Little Theatre, Gateshead: behind the scenes tour and talk.
- Wednesday 29th May Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle: Join Catherine Stevenson for a tour of the Turner Exhibition at the Laing, Newcastle.
- 6th June 2024 Celebration of Music: Celebration of Music is for all u3a members in the Northumbria Region u3a. It will be in the concert room in Sunniside Club, NE16 5NA.
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APRIL MONTHLY MEETING
Our talk is "Tudor History: a talk illustrated with period costumes" given by Julia Soares McCormick. Julia creates beautiful costumes inspired by historical clothing and gives interesting, lively and informative talks across the UK about the design/construction and inspiration for her historical gowns as well as a brief history of the people who wore them.
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NEW GROUP: MY GENERATION MUSIC
This group is initially starting out having a Monthly Music Quiz posted to interested members using WhatsApp or email. It will be posted on the third Thursday of each month from Mar-Sep 2024
Each month the quiz will be posted to those who've signed up and members will have a week to get the answers back to the group leader. The answers will then be posted the following along with a leader board.
To sign up for this click on the blue envelope on the groups webpage My Generation Music
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GROUP: SPANISH ADVANCED - UPDATE
This group is now meeting at Washington Arts Centre at 2:00pm. Any members interested in joining, please contact the Group Leader for more information via the "envelope" on the Spanish Advanced page.
Please note that the Spanish speaking level is sort of failed O level or frequent visitor to Spain.
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u3a FESTIVAL 24
The u3a movement is holding its first ever national Festival in 2024.
It will be based at the University of York's exhibition centre from 18-20 July. Members will be running a wide variety of activities - talks, sporting events, musical entertainment and workshops which will make this u3a national festival something to remember.
Further information is available from u3a Festival 24
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GROUP: OUR ENVIRONMENT
This group is changing how it operates. It is halting face-to-face meetings. Instead contact and discussion will be held via their WhatsApp group.
Any WVu3a member who is interested in joining this group should send a message to the group leader (including their mobile number) using the envelope on Our Environment page.
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CLARIFICATION ABOUT THE MONTHLY MEETING STRUCTURE.
The meeting formally runs from 11.00am to 1.00pm.
Please note that entrance to the function room is NOT permitted before 10.45am and refreshments are NOT served before 11am (those who have volunteered for the rota need time to prepare these).
| Typical timetable | |
| 10.45am: | Doors open to members. |
| 11.00am: | Refreshments are available (tea or coffee and biscuits provided free of charge) and time is given to socialising. |
| 11.15am: | Welcome and updates from the chair plus information about group activities. |
| 11.30am: | Talk or performance from guest speaker (see Events page for details of upcoming speakers). |
| 12.15pm: | (i) Further time socialising, (ii) exploring groups, (iii) checking out the book and jigsaw swap. |
| 1.00pm: | The meeting closes. |
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UKULELE GROUP IN THE NEWS
Our Ukulele group has been out and about again - this time entertaining at a centenarian's party - congratulations to Tom Davison.
They were wearing their smart new polos shorts too, advertising our u3a :)
See pictures and write up at Our ukulele band entertains.
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ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Washington Village u3a has decided to offer an Associate Membership to those members who belong to another u3a as well as ours.
This would reduce the annual subscription from £15 to £11. The £4 reduction represents the national affiliation fee to the Third Age Trust.
If you wish to take advantage of this please contact the Secretary, Membership and let her know the name of your "parent" u3a and your membership number there (if you have one).
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TALENTED ARTISTS
Three members of our painting and drawing group did really well in the national u3a painting competition.
This was part of the celebrations for the ‘Off the Wall’ event at Hadrian’s Wall in May.
Tania was one of the three winners.
Her winning entry of a Roman Ring excavated nearby is shown here.
Jenene and Ian both got a special mention.
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COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING FROM SUNDERLAND COUNCIL
 | I am delighted to confirm that this morning we received a transfer of £500 from Sunderland Council to confirm we have received a grant from Sunderland City Council's Community Chest for the purchase of Pickleball and Kurling equipment. | Derek Ginsberg, Chair. Tuesday 28th March 2023. |
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Current membership total: 272.
Current number of groups: 32.