Notices
LATEST NEWS
MAY NEW MEMBERS MEETING
There will be no meeting in May due to Bank Holidays
u3a FRIENDS
Why not sign up to join the new u3a Friends community. Their newsletter shares news from u3as, gives national learning opportunities and access to u3a Frineds Extra which provides a wide range of offers, discounts and services. Sign up at the u3a Friends page
REPORT ON VISIT TO CARDIFF
See the Outings page for a report on the recent very successful visit to the Royal Mint and Heritage Museum of Mining
NEW CONSTITUTION
At the Special General Meeting held on 4th April the proposed new Constitution drawn up by the u3a Trust was adopted by unanimous vote of those attending. The new Witney u3a Constitution April 2024 can be viewed by clicking on the link
VISIT TO BEAULIEU 29TH MAY - STILL A FEW PLACES LEFT
Please see the Outings page for more information
***MEMBERSHIP SUBSRIPTIONS FOR 2024-25 ARE DUE ON 1ST APRIL***
On-line and Printable Application/Renewal forms are available, together with application guidance, on our Membership page
SE u3a FORUM SUMMER SCHOOL 2024
This year's Summer School will be held from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th September at the University of Chichester with a choice of 14 subjects ranging from Art and Mythology, Photography, Cycling and Mathematics. For further information and accommodation see the 2024 Summer School Flyer
FACEBOOK It has been decided to close both the Witney u3a Public and Private pages. Most of the information posted on the Public page is available elsewhere such as our Website, Newsletters, and Speaker Meetings. The Private page was intended mainly provide a forum for communications between members but relativel few members have signed up and there have been very posts to the page.
ADJOINING MEMBERS In the past we have allowed members of local u3as to join our groups for no charge if their own u3a does not have such a group. These were known as Adjoining Members. However, due to growth in the number of Witney u3a members and consequent pressure on our own groups this practice is being discontinued. An exception will be made for those who are already members of our group(s). Members of other u3as can still join us as Associate Members by paying the membership fee less the £4.00 charge by u3a national office which they will have paid via their own u3a
u3a ON-LINE LEARNING EVENTS
Don't forget the extensive range of On-Line Learning Events available from the national u3a website. These are usually in the form of Zoom presentations that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
FIRST AID COURSE
We are again offering CPR First Aid Courses for our members.
The next date we have is Friday 19th April 2024. The timing for this will be 10.30 - 12.00 in the lower hall of the methodist church.
Places for these courses are limited, so it will be on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in a place, please contact the Outings Organiser as soon as possible.
MEET THE COMMITTEE COFFEE AFTERNOON
Witney u3a members are warmly invited to join members of the committee at a coffee meeting which will held quarterly on the last morking day of the monthat 2.00 pm in the Methodist Church Hall. This is your opportunity to meet members of the committee, ask any questions you might have about your u3a and let us know what we’re getting wrong and (preferably) what we’re getting right. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 30th April. Please advise a committee member if you wish to attend to allow us to plan refreshments.
OPEN DAY
There will be no Open Day this March as the last one was held only recently to coincide with national 'u3a Day' last Autumn. Our next Open Day will be held in March 2025.
NEW TVN EVENTS
10th April 2.30pm by Zoom:Supporting the North Sea Oil Fields by Helicopter given by a retired helicopter pilot "Ted Peyck". The cost is £1.00 per device.
23rd April 2.30pm on Zoom Creating an all-year-round border by Timothy Walker, Lecturer, botanist, gardener, author. Cost £1.00 per device
See the TVN Website for details.
U3A RADIO
You can access the latest Podcast at the bottom of the Welcome page
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MARCH NEWSLETTER Our latest Newsletter is now available from the Newsletter page, with Local Events feature bringing you lots of dates for your diary. Enjoy the latest edition with news and updates galore.
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Witney u3a Committee
The Committee welcomes your views and ideas, and is also looking for new members. Is this something you have considered? You would develop your skills and learn new ones, and be part of the team taking Witney u3a forward. If you would like to attend a future meeting to contribute ideas, raise any concerns, or if you are interested in joining the Committee in the future, please email the Chair via the Contact webpage.
If you would like to see what happens, and possibly consider joining the committee or team of support members to the committee, please think of attending a committee meeting – they start at 10am on the first Tuesday of the month, in the Bethany Room of the Methodist Church.
CURRENT VACANCIES
I just want to make a general appeal this month. A number of existing committee members are experiencing pressures and circumstances in their families which have caused them to want to step back from their duties in the Spring of 2024. So if there are any members who feel they can contribute towards the administration of the Witney U3A – even if you are only able to commit one or two days a month – please get in touch with a committee member e.g. via the Contacts page of the website.
NEW ROLE - WEBSITE SUPPORT
Would you like learn website editing using WordPress? Witney u3a’s website will soon be updated, and we are looking for someone to assist Gill, our webmaster. This would include helping with transfering the website and keeping it up to date. Basic computer skills are required, but training is available. Hours are flexible. To find out more, a role description is available from Website Support Role, or contact the Webmaster.
Membership Secretary Support
If you have any experience in administering a 600-plus membership for a similar-sized group or society, or would like to learn how we do this, we’d like to hear from you. Please contact the Membership Secretary
Group Co-Ordination Support
Doreen continues to get through a veritable mountain of work each month, supported by a number of non-committee members (it’s an impressive team, believe me). But the 62 groups we have require a great deal of support and assistance in their organisation. Could you help by joining this team?
GROUPS
We now have over 60 active groups. Please see the Groups page and Group News pages for more information. For further queries please contact the Groups Administrator
Reading Non Fiction is a new group. You can find out more about it from their Reading Non Fiction web page
Groups looking for members:
Art
Canasta
Cribbage
Croquet
Needlework
Poetry Reading
Sewing/Dressmaking
Snooker and Pool
Table Tennis 2
Ukulele
If you are interested in attending any of these groups please contact the Groups Administrator via the Contact page on the website or at any Speaker meeting.
The Nature Study Group is currently on hold.
The latest Groups Calendar can be found with our September Newsletter on the Newsletter web page.
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OTHER NEWS
Longer Walks Group: Walk around Ditchley Park, 24 October 2023
You can read more about thi recent walk on the Walks Longer 1 web page
-NEW MEMBERS MEETING New members have a chance to meet on the 1st Monday of the month at 2pm in the Methodist Church Coffee Bar (except for Bank Holidays). The get together normally lasts about 1-1.5 hours, there is no charge and coffee/tea is available. The New Member’s meeting is organised to provide new members with some background information about the u3a organisation and also more specific information about Witney u3a. There is a chance to discuss the interest groups available and to register any group interest.
Non members looking to join Witney u3a are also welcome, if they would like to know more.
For more information contact New Members Contact
Emergency Contact Details. Members are reminded of the desirability of carrying a 'Lions Card' to Witney u3a activities. You can enter contact details and medical information that may be of use in an emergency. Cards can be obtained free of charge at the sign-in tables at Speaker Meetings or from Witney u3a Lion's Club.
- Riviera Travel: If Witney u3a members book a a holiday through Riviera Travel, Riviera Travel will pay 10% of the holiday cost to the u3a National Office. National office will then forward 9% of the holiday cost to Witney u3a. It is up to members to decide on whether or not to inform Riviera Travel of their Witney u3a membership when making the booking.
40 Years On...
The Writing groups, some of whom are published writers, have combined to produce a collection of prose and poetry to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the u3a. Topics covered include Nature, Relationships, Humour, Science Fiction, Memories, Politics and others. The attractive cover has been designed by our Art Group. The books are on sale at Speaker Meetings for just £3.99
National u3a
The u3a’s 400,000+ members are ideally placed to influence ideas and policies to the benefit of our age group. One of u3a’s aims is to push back ageism in all its forms under the umbrella title of ‘Future Lives.’ Future Lives is now looking for its next project. Details can be found on the Future Lives web page.
- DON'T FALL VICTIM TO A SCAM! - Age Concern have a scam information line where you can hear about how to protect yourself from scams: call 0345 450 1276.
-FACEBOOK Join our private Facebook group, for Witney u3a members only, by following the link to Witney u3a Group Facebook and answering the few simple questions.
-Lions Club Cards: All members are requested to carry a Lions Club Card on Outings or trips, with information about next of kin, medical conditions, allergies etc. Cards will be available at the sign-in tables at Speaker Meetings, and trips organisers will carry spares. These cards are strongly recommended for everyday too, and are Free.
-THE NATIONAL U3A OFFICE HAS MANY INTERESTING EVENTS - see the National u3a Events page for details.
-Links to local and other external organisations (e.g WI, Lions Club etc.) can be found under the External Organisations section on our Links page
-IT SUPPORT Nick and Mike continue to offer free, one hour tuition on any device at all levels to any Witney u3a member. They’re in the Library, Welch Way on Monday and Wednesday mornings. No more need to ask the grandchildren – Nick and Mike explain at our own pace! Booking essential through our Business Administrator via the message form or on 07732 597087 or infowitneyu3a@gmailcom.
If you use a PC, you may be able to use a computer in the Library. Booking is essential. Contact our Business Administrator via the message form.
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-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
To help out at Speaker Meetings, Meet'n'Greet/Badges/Bookstall, be part of the team, as often or as little as you want. Please contact the Volunteers Co-ordinator for details.
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PAST EVENTS
VISIT TO CINEWORLD - 18th October 2023
Read the latest report from our Outings Organiser about this successful and emotove visit on the Outings page.
OUTING TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Read about our trip on Thursday 14th September 2023 to Buckingham Palace by visiting our Witney u3a Group Facebook page. And read the full report on our Outings webpage.
WITNEY TOWN MAGAZINE
You may be interested to read the article which is in the October edition of Witney Town magazine. Click on the link to read the Witney Town Magazine PUblicity.
MURDER MYSTERY on Tuesday 7th November 2023. 
This will take place in the Upper Hall of the Methodist Church, High Street, Witney from 2-5 pm, for the cost of £2.00 per person. If you are interested in taking part, can you please email Outings Organiser who will pass on your interest to the organiser. As we are limited on space this is only open to 50 people. So the first 50 people to apply will take part
WITNEY u3a OPEN DAY - Thursday the 21st of September 2023
Our Open Day (coinciding with the National U3A’s Open Week) is an event for all our members as well as new and prospective U3A members. So please feel free to share the date with friends and family. Please come along between 1pm and 4pm to find out more about what the various Groups are doing. There will be representatives of over 20 groups ready to talk to you about their activities, some of them providing a demonstration of what they do. Please bring your friends, family members and acquaintances who might be interested in joining in the fun – the Membership Secretary will be there to unburden them of their joining fees should they like what they see and hear!
If possible,could you either print off a few copies of our 2023 Open Day Poster and display them in your own neighbourhood (houses, lamp-posts, libraries, shops), or send them as an email attachment to anyone you think might be interested.
u3a QUILT
The National Chair of the u3a, Liz Thackray, visited Witney on 21st July to view the u3a Quilt which includes contributions from our Needlework Group. Follow the link u3a Quilt - Visit by u3a Chair for more details
OUTING TO BRIGHTON
On 14th August, Witney u3a had a successful outing to Brighton. You can read about it on the Outings page.
Remember the First Aid Training?
Many of us attended the excellent First Aid Training sessions runs for us by Chris. Read the recent article on BBC NEWS about the impact of these excellent sessions.
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TVN NEWS
THE TVN Team send their thanks for your support for the Zoom talks they offered over the last 12 months. The events team are taking a break until September but have a new program on the u3a Thames Valley Network website. More details will be added to the Events page when available.
-Bridge Groups News
From the 21st to 26th May, Nationally, U3A organised a Bridge competition called the Spring Charity Bridge Festival.
On Thursday 25th May, 32 Witney U3A Bridge players took part in this competition. Each Bridge group paid an entrance fee and the Witney Bridge group fee of £100 will go to Alzheimer’s Research and Age UK.
Thanks to the Witney leader - Don - for all the work involved in organising this event for Witney Bridge players.
Committee Member Vacancies 2023/4:
Would you like to:
-Develop your skills and learn new ones,
-Be part of the team to take Witney u3a forward,
-Discover another way to Learn, Laugh and Live.
Why not consider putting yourself forward for one of our current vacancies? If you are interested in these roles or helping the Committee in any way please contact the Chair. Or come along to any Committee meeting (no obligation!) on the first Tuesday of every month, 10a.m. in the Bethany Room at the Church.
AGM. Our AGM was held on Thursday June 1 at 2pm before the Speaker's talk.
Coronation Tea Following a very entertaining talk by Valerie Taylor on May 18th, a wonderful buffet spread was enjoyed by all, and Peter led us in a toast to His Majesty King Charles the Third. Our grateful thanks go to the army of members and helpers for all their hard work in making the afternoon so successful.
Subscriptions for 2023 – 2024. Subscriptions of £20 are due from April 1 for the year April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. Application forms are available online at On-line Membership Form 2023-24, Printable Membership Form 2023-24 or from the Membership table at any Speaker Meeting.
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Witney u3a Members' and Friends’ Day 2022
On Monday October 24, 2022 Witney u3a members were invited to our Member’s & Friends’ Day, to celebrate 40 years of the u3a. Twenty two of Witney u3a’s groups put on displays and activities for members to join in on this postponed special anniversary of the founding of the u3a in 1982. Read more about this very successful day on our 40th Anniversary Celebrations webpage.
40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Visit our 40th Anniversary Celebrations page to read about more events and activities, including:
Witney u3a Tree Planting
Thursday Bridge groups entry in the 40th Anniversary Bridge Competition
u3a Bench Restoration Project
u3a 40th Anniversary Quilt
-u3a Quilt
Listen to the Radio Oxford interview at u3a Quilt: Radio Oxford Interview
-SPECTACLE RECYCLING Witney Lions now collect used spectacles for re-cycling – mainly for 3rd World distribution. Please see the Recycle for Sight page on their website.
-STUDY ON WALKING AND CYCLING IN WITNEY If you are interested in participating in this study being undertaken by Bristol University on behalf of Oxford County Council, please see go to this link Walking and Cycling in Witney
-SCAM ALERT Some members of Witney u3a, have received emails that invite them to purchase an Amazon or Google Gift card, or similarly request a purchase on their behalf. These are scam emails and should be deleted. Do not click on any links or reply to the email. Please be wary of any emails, even when a name you recognise is used, that invites you to purchase something or transfer money. If you recognise a name, and know the individual, consider giving them a telephone call. Typically the phrasing of these emails does not seem right, and they often have poor grammar and/or spelling. See the Fraud Alerts page of Thorpe Bay u3a for more scam information
-TALKS FOR SPEAKER MEETINGS If you are able to give a talk (15 to 50 minutes) at short notice in the event that the previously planned speaker is unable to attend, please contact the Programme Organiser
-SPEAKER MEETINGS Why not invite a friend or neighbour who you think might be interested in u3a to our next talk. They can join in with two Speaker Meetings as a guest, as a taster, to see if they like it. They can come to the Methodist Church Hall on 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month for 2.00 pm
-ENRYCH OXFORDSHIRE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS to partner with their members. Enrych is a charity that supports adults with a physical disability to enjoy the most active and independent lives possible. We help people identify what would make a real difference in their lives, especially around leisure and learning opportunities, and then look at practical ways we can enable this to happen. This might be a volunteer partnership; supported introduction to another group or currently by joining us on our regular activity Zoom calls. If you are interested please contact the Oxfordshire Enrych Volunteer Coordinator
-DO YOU SUFFER FROM HEARING LOSS or TINNITUS? The RNID organisation has useful information on these issues.
-FEELNG LONELY? The following organisations can help AgeUK Tel 0800 169 6565, or Silverline Tel 0800 470 8090
-THE SCHOOLREADERS ORGANISATION ARE LOOKING FOR READING VOLUNTEERS from the local community to match to a local primary school to provide one-to-one reading support to children who need extra help with their reading. As the approval process for new volunteers can take some time they are now looking for new volunteers to provide support (virtual or in-person) when it is appropriate to do so. Please see the schoolreaders website if interested.