Newsletter, June 2022

Monthly General Meetings

At our next meeting on Wednesday 15 June at 2pm, we’ll hear John Edwards telling us about The Great Escape

The memorable 1963 film, The Great Escape, brought to light the story of the escape during World War II of seventy-three Allied airmen from Stalag Luft III. Did the film give an accurate account of what happened? What was the true story? What was the fate of those who made their dash to freedom? In addition, John will explain the role of a Policeman from Blackpool and his quest for truth regarding ‘The Great Escape’
John was a Police Officer for 30 years in the Metropolitan Police, retiring in 2000 with the rank of Sergeant, before setting up his Personal Executive Chauffeur Service which he ran for 14 years, including 6 years as the Mayor’s Chauffeur in Slough.

We meet at 2pm in St Andrew’s Church Hall in Merton Road, Slough SL1 1QW. The meeting is open to both u3a members and non-members – guests and potential members are always welcome. Refreshments are served at the end of the meeting, and it’s an ideal opportunity to find out more about the u3a and our activities.

There is a small car park at the rear of the church which is available for those who have difficulties with mobility. Otherwise, please park in one of the pay-and-display car parks nearby, or in Upton Court Park (free) about 10 minutes’ walk away.

COVID-19 is still with us, so please be considerate – please stay at home if you are feeling unwell, or think you may recently have been in contact with someone with COVID.

Future meetings and talks: –

  • Wed 20 July        Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue
  • Wed, 17 Aug      Perils and Pleasures of Garden Opening

News

We’re pleased to welcome two new members this month: – Mina Sunkersett and Tripti Chakrabarti

During May our Outings Team, in partnership with Windsor Ramblers,coordinated a coach trip to the historic city of Bath. During July, they are taking us to Lymington on the South Coast and then in August there will be a guided tour of Chiswick House and Gardens.

On Sunday 3rd July, u3a member Sanda Connolly will be opening her garden to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme, raising money for some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities, many of which have provided vital support to the NHS and communities across the UK throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for full details

U3A Activities Update

Monday Activity Club – on alternate Mondays a group of us get together in the Sports Hall at Slough Mencap for Table Tennis, Bridge and Scrabble in a friendly and non-competitive environment. Beginners are welcome – we’re happy to teach anyone who would like to learn something new. Table tennis helps maintain fitness and good reactions; Bridge requires memory and strategic thinking, and Scrabble is gently competitive but lots of chat and laughter.

There is a complete list of U3A activity groups at the bottom of this newsletter. If you would like to find out more, or would like to join any of our groups, please email Beverley Edwards on groups@sloughU3A.com or phone 01753 971938.

U3A Events Elsewhere

If you enjoy Jazz, you will enjoy this concert by South Bucks u3a Jazz Band. It’s at 2-00pm on Tuesday 28th June 2022, in Datchet Village Hall, SL3 9HR. No need to book – please pay £5 on the door to cover costs. They have a new singer, Heather, as well as Peter who is an accomplished saxophonist.

Courses and Seminars: National and regional U3A groups are continuing to organise courses and seminars for U3A members – some are online, others are in person. Book quickly to avoid disappointment!

Third Age Trust  •  Climate Change  •  Disinformation   •   Artificial Intelligence

Surrey U3A Network   •   A Brief History of Maths

London Region of U3As   •    the Science Network explores 40 years in science. More information here.

Health and Support

Slough Council for Voluntary Service has organised some free training courses:-

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. Are you caring for someone, or does a friend or family member care for you? To mark National Carers Week (Monday 6 June to Sunday 12 June), local community groups have teamed up to organise a programme of events and activities for carers to take some time out and enjoy. Click here for more information and booking

We are all worried about rising energy bills. If your home is in council tax bands A to D, you are set to receive a £150 cash payment from the government in response to rising energy bills, Slough Borough Council is currently processing these payments, there is no need to contact them.

What’s on around Slough?

Concert in aid of Save the Children – Sunday 12th June 6.00 pm. At St Mary’s Church Langley SL3 7EN – with Berkshire Recorder Consort and Marlow Belles. tickets at the door £10

This year’s Slough in Bloom competition has launched! Entries are open until 2 July, with judging taking place from 11 July. Anyone can enter and there are 10 different categories to choose from. Residential front garden; Residential hanging baskets; window boxes and containers etc. https://sloughinbloom.org/

Summer is a great time to visit an open garden via the National Garden Scheme, raising money for a variety of health and support charities. There are four new gardens opening in Berkshire: 68 Church Road in Earley, 61 Sutcliffe Avenue, also in Earley, Wembury in Maidenhead and Chaddleworth at Streatley. And don’t forget, u3a member Sanda Connolly will be opening her garden in Staines on Sunday 3rd of July.

If you remember our wonderful visit to Church Gardens in Harefield last year, they are opening again this year! The next events include two Public Guided Tour Days on the 11th June and 9th July. We will be celebrating Dahlia season with an Open Day on August 29th -Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets are now available on our website or can be booked over the phone – call Aideen on 01895 823539.

U3A Principles, Membership and Current Activities

Slough U3A is a co-operative of older people, generally who are fully or part retired. Our members enjoy and share educational, creative and leisure activities. We are proud to be a dynamic group; we have built up a range of activities and groups enabling our members to learn new things and enjoy active retired life.

We welcome new members – please come along and find out what we are doing! Here’s a list of our current activities in Slough.

Art AppreciationFrench (Intermediate)Poetry in Action
BadmintonGardeningPractical Philosophy
Book ClubGerman (Elementary)Scrabble
Bridge for FunLocal HistoryTable Tennis
Create and CraftLunch ClubUkulele
Current AffairsOutingsWalking
Drawing & PaintingPlay ReadingWine Appreciation

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