Message from the Chair
Dear Friends,
A discussion point appeared in a recent u3a Matters Magazine suggesting that what draws people into a member-led voluntary organisation like u3a, and keeps them engaged, is purpose. People want to feel useful, connected and valued when they join. The opportunity to use their skills and experience is appreciated by u3a members; whilst recognition, support and a sense of belonging are also important.
Dear Friends,
A discussion point appeared in a recent u3a Matters Magazine suggesting that what draws people into a member-led voluntary organisation like u3a, and keeps them engaged, is purpose. People want to feel useful, connected and valued when they join. The opportunity to use their skills and experience is appreciated by u3a members; whilst recognition, support and a sense of belonging are also important.
I do hope you feel the purpose described, as members of Canterbury u3a, and find that being active, sharing your skills, continuing lifelong learning, in a socially relaxed setting, gives you a sense of belonging to an interesting and worthwhile organisation.
The collective effort and purposeful u3a spirit are pertinent as we head to the AGM on 8th April. You will know that an AGM should not only consider past performance but more importantly reflect on and think about the future to ensure that Canterbury u3a remains a thriving and flourishing organisation.
I encourage you to regard the AGM as a gathering of like-minded people, not to be missed and more importantly a significant annual event in the life of Canterbury u3a and your diary.
Thank you all for your engagement and involvement.
I look forward to sharing the AGM with you.
Robin Terry
April 2026
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Important Dates and Notices
Wednesday 8 April: Annual General Meeting at St Mary Bredin Church, Nunnery Fields, 2 p.m.
Please note that there will be no joining session in April and the May face to face opportunity to join will be at the Open Day (details below).
Thursday 21 May 10.30 to 3 pm: Open Day
The aim of the Open Day is to deliver an exciting celebration of Canterbury u3a, bringing u3a to life and showcasing u3a activities for both existing and new members to engage in and enjoy. This is an opportunity for members to bring along friends and family to introduce them to the organisation. Please come along and support this important event in our calendar.
We also need helpers to meet and greet and answer questions. There will be briefing sessions to help with this. If you’d like to join the team please contact Tim Landsman
Forthcoming events
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Committee News
We are delighted to welcome Sara Bateman who was co-opted at the March Committee Meeting. By virtue of being a committee member, Sara becomes a Trustee of Canterbury & District u3a, and registered with the Charity Commission. Sara will be nominated to the April 2026 AGM for approval.
Web Editor. Could this be you?
By now, many of you will be familiar with reading this bulletin online (and if not, why not!) and if so, you have probably noticed that your bulletin is in fact a compendium of news items and events drawn from the far reaches of the u3a website—from the groups, courses and events sections of the site, in particular.
Who maintains this rich and ever-expanding universe of essential information? Well, thanks to training sessions organised last year by my predecessor Janet Linington, many of your subject coordinators and group leaders now maintain their own group news, events and other website content —but there are still gaps! We are looking for a Web Editor to help fill them.
If you think of yourself as ‘tech savvy’ and are comfortable with using web applications, this could be the role for you. Ideally, you will be familiar with WordPress or a similar content management system, though training on the u3a version of WordPress (called SiteWorks) is provided. Other support and reference resources are readily available, including the comprehensive u3a Author Guide.
Interested? Then please contact me in person at the AGM or by email: Alan West, Web Manager
Research Group
The next Research Group meeting will be held on on Thursday 16th April at 10 am at The Old Gate Inn, next to New Dover Rd. Park and Ride car park. Anybody interested in the group and our activities is very welcome to attend. For further information please contact Jo Walker or Ann Skingley
Interest Sharing Groups
Sewing Group - usually meets at Cosy Club, Canterbury at 9.30 am - 12 noon, every Wednesday. Leader: Sara Bateman
Sustainable Living Group next meets at the Chatterbox Cafe, Canterbury at 10.30 am on the 16th April. Contact: Helen Howard for details.
Knit and Natter This group meets fortnightly at the Dolphin, St Radigund’s Street and mainly knits clothes for premature baby units. They are a friendly, inclusive group and any new member would be welcome. The next meeting is at 2 pm on 16th April. Leader: Norma Ratcliff
Coastal Bridge Group meets at Dunkirk Village Hall on Thursday afternoons. Leader: Anni Bignold
Canterbury Bridge Group meets at Littlebourne Village Hall on Friday afternoon. Contact: Jane Dennett
Wednesday 15th April at 10:30 in the Cosy Club, St Margaret’s Street Canterbury. If you are interested in photography do come along! The current topic is SPRING. Take any photos related to Spring and upload them to the WhatsApp group to share with other members. Subject to weather and time, after the meeting, our intention is to photograph some of Canterbury's old street furniture. For more information do contact Keith Kolsteren
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Discussion Group meets every Monday at 11 am in central Canterbury. Contact: Susan Gorman for details of venue.
Allotment Group There are vacancies on this group! Contact Len Hinksman for further details and cost involved
The Green Fingers Group is back!
Would you enjoy a leisurely stroll through an interesting, attractive garden with like-minded people? Theu3a Green Fingers group is once again arranging a monthly visit to a variety of lovely East Kent gardens from April to October. For more details and to book any of the gardens, please click on one of the links below or contact the new organiser Lynne Parkinson.
Starts at Churchfield, Pilgrims Way, Postling, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4EY Our first visit of 2026 is on on Monday 20th April to NGS (National Garden Scheme) gardens at Churchfield and neighbouring West Court Lodge Meet for 2pm at the venue with £12 in cash per person to include two gardens, each with distinct character, and excellent refreshments. Churchfield is "at the base of the Downs, […] Starts at Churchfield, Pilgrims Way, Postling, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4EY Our first visit of 2026 is on on Monday 20th April to NGS (National Garden Scheme) gardens at Churchfield and neighbouring West Court Lodge Meet for 2pm at the venue with £12 in cash per person to include two gardens, each with distinct character, and excellent refreshments. Churchfield is "at the base of the Downs, springs rising in this garden form the source of the East Stour. Two large ponds are home to wildfowl and fish and the banks have been planted with drifts of primula, large leaved herbaceous bamboo and ferns. The rest of the five acre garden is a Kent cobnut platt and vegetable garden, large grass areas and naturally planted borders and woodland." NGS website: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/23104/churchfield West Court Lodge is "south facing one acre walled garden at the foot of the North Downs, designed in two parts: main lawn with large sunny borders and a romantic woodland glade planted with shadow loving plants and spring bulbs, small wildlife pond." NGS website: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/21577/west-court-lodge Parking and toilets on site For more information and to book a place, please contact Lynne Parkinson by 13th April
Show this event in full Go to event web pageGarden Visit: Churchfield and West Court Lodge
Please note. This event is now fully booked. Garden visit to Applecote, (NGS) Brewhouse Lane, Pilgrim’s Way, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, TN25 4EX "Mature romantic garden created in an old chalk pit, comprising a gravel garden, parterre, middle garden of mixed planting beds connected by a rose arch to a wilder area, and vegetable garden. The garden abounds with topiary, roses, flowering shrubs and perennials suited […] Please note. This event is now fully booked. Garden visit to Applecote, (NGS) Brewhouse Lane, Pilgrim’s Way, Boughton Aluph, Ashford, TN25 4EX "Mature romantic garden created in an old chalk pit, comprising a gravel garden, parterre, middle garden of mixed planting beds connected by a rose arch to a wilder area, and vegetable garden. The garden abounds with topiary, roses, flowering shrubs and perennials suited to the very dry soil. The garden is steeply banked on two sides with paths for viewing from above." Directions: At corner of Boughton Aluph village green take Pilgrims Way for 500 metres and turn 1st L into Brewhouse Ln. 2nd entrance on R 200 metres up lane. NGS website: https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/applecote-tn2/ Meet for 2pm at the venue with £10 in cash for entry to the garden, a short talk by the owner, refreshments and cake. Toilets and limited parking on site Maximum number 15. For more details and to book, please contact Lynne Parkinson by 27th April
Show this event in full Go to event web pageGarden Visit: Applecote (NGS)
Advance notice of future visits, more details later.
- Thursday 11th June: Belmont, Faversham
- Monday 13th July: Stable House, Lower Hardres (NGS)
- Monday 17th August: Avalon, Dunkirk (NGS)
- Tuesday 22nd September: Godinton, Ashford (NGS)
- Monday 19th October: To be confirmed
Spring Walk
Circular walk form Broome Park Hotel, 10:30 Friday 10th April.
Meet outside the St Vincent of Saragossa Church, Littlebourne (CT3 1ST) [...]
This walk of about 4 miles will take in good views. It starts at Broome Park Hotel, Canterbury Road, CT4 6QX. Parking is available for visitors and for golfers. Alternatively, Bus no. 16 from the Canterbury Bus Station stops at the entrance to the Park, with a short walk following the path down through the grounds to the Hotel.
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Booking is required. Contact: Ruth Adams
Summer Programme
Every summer Canterbury u3a runs a number of courses, special events, and activities exclusively for members. This year's diverse programme of courses, activities and events starts in May and is being added to all the time. Please visit the Summer Programme web page for up to the minute details.
Leader: Judy Harvey Number of Sessions: 12 Max number: 25 This is a continuation of the main Circle Dance programme but all are welcome, whatever your experience or lack of it. DESCRIPTION: The circle is an ancient and universal symbol of wholeness and unity. Dancing in a circle is one of the most traditional ways in which people celebrate community, togetherness and rites of passage. […] Leader: Judy Harvey This is a continuation of the main Circle Dance programme but all are welcome, whatever your experience or lack of it. DESCRIPTION: The circle is an ancient and universal symbol of wholeness and unity. Dancing in a circle is one of the most traditional ways in which people celebrate community, togetherness and rites of passage. Anyone of any age can dance and you don’t need a partner. This term provides an opportunity to come for a taster session. There is no need to book a place.
Show this group in full Go to group web pageCircle Dancing
Number of Sessions: 12
Max number: 25
...in the Summertime (When the Weather is High) 2026 Sessions: 3 Maximum Number: 25 Dates and Times: Once again there will be some Disco Dancing taster sessions during the summer. You are invited to attend any number of the sessions, or all three if you prefer. If you’ve never joined us before, do come along and give it a go. Dance to tunes of the […] Sessions: 3 Once again there will be some Disco Dancing taster sessions during the summer. You are invited to attend any number of the sessions, or all three if you prefer. If you’ve never joined us before, do come along and give it a go. Dance to tunes of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and even some from this century. If you don’t want to dance, come along and tap your feet, do the hand jive or just sit and listen. To book, please contact Maggie Scott via the link at the top of the page.
Show this group in full Go to group web pageDisco Dancing...
...in the Summertime (When the Weather is High) 2026
Maximum Number: 25
Dates and Times:
No. sessions: 4 This course will be an introduction to Latin and Afro-Cuban dance. Although we’ll mainly focus on Salsa, each session will also give us a taster of a different style, including Rueda, Merengue, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha. The aims are to get ourselves moving, learn some new dances, and above all have fun. I’ll also talk a little about the history, culture […] No. sessions: 4 This course will be an introduction to Latin and Afro-Cuban dance. Although we’ll mainly focus on Salsa, each session will also give us a taster of a different style, including Rueda, Merengue, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha. The aims are to get ourselves moving, learn some new dances, and above all have fun. I’ll also talk a little about the history, culture and forms of Latin Music. Everybody is welcome, men and women; and whether or not you’ve done any of the previous Salsa classes or you’re completely new. Come along with a smile and bring smooth soled shoes if you have them. To book: Contact the course leader Tony Ullman via the link above.
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A recent UN international public poll showed 80% of people want their countries to strengthen their commitments to address climate change. This is a chance to get the facts straight in your mind and discuss what we can do. Maximum: 20 Minimum: 10 To book a place please contact the organiser. A recent UN international public poll showed 80% of people want their countries to strengthen their commitments to address climate change. This is a chance to get the facts straight in your mind and discuss what we can do. Maximum: 20 To book a place please contact the organiser.
Show this event in full Go to event web pageClimate Matters
Minimum: 10
Orchid Trail at Monkton Nature Reserve.. Guided tour starts at 10.45am. There are 10 species of orchids, flowering in succession between mid May and Mid June at Monkton Reserve, depending on the weather. Monkton was a chalk Quarry covering 16 acres. The footpath winds round to the top of the quarry so it could be difficult if you have serious physical disabilities, but there […] Orchid Trail at Monkton Nature Reserve.. Guided tour starts at 10.45am. There are 10 species of orchids, flowering in succession between mid May and Mid June at Monkton Reserve, depending on the weather. Monkton was a chalk Quarry covering 16 acres. The footpath winds round to the top of the quarry so it could be difficult if you have serious physical disabilities, but there is a step free path designed for wheelchairs. We can't predict which orchids will be in flower, but we had to pick a date. Getting there: The reserve is not currently served by public transport. We will therefore need to arrange car share. If you want to come can you please say if can get there, if you need transport, or if you can offer transport to others. Cost: £7.50 per head which includes tea/coffee and biscuits/cake. Please contact [u3a-contact name="Helen Howard"] if you'd like to join us.
Show this event in full Go to event web pageOrchid Trail - Friday 5 June
You are invited to register for this day of immersion in China. We will not be focussing on current politics, rather China's rich history, language and culture. The event takes place at St Peter's Methodist Church (Church Hall) , 10a.m. for 10:30 start. The day will include amongst other things Some items are still under discussion., a proper schedule will be issued to attendees as […] We will not be focussing on current politics, rather China's rich history, language and culture. The event takes place at St Peter's Methodist Church (Church Hall) , 10a.m. for 10:30 start. The day will include amongst other things Some items are still under discussion., a proper schedule will be issued to attendees as soon as everything is finalised. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be freely available from 10.00 throughout the day. Lunch is not provided. Bring your own, though we are right in the middle of the city if you want to buy something locally or go to a café nearby. There will be a charge on the day around £5-10 for refreshments and calligraphy materials. This will be calculated more exactly and notified in advance to attendees once the costs are ascertained. Nearest car park is Pound Lane at the back of the theatre. We will be a group of 20-25 people on the day. Please contact Helen Nattrass to register for attendance
Show this event in full Go to event web pageChina Day - Monday 1st June
You are invited to register for this day of immersion in China.
Friday 10th July 10.30, mid-afternoon Samphire Hoe, Dover with Helen Nattrass. Following interest expressed at last year's Chalk and Flint Day, I've arranged for a slightly shorter day at Samphire Hoe where I can talk about the Channel Tunnel Construction as I did it. The day will start around 10.30 for 11.00 until about 3-ish in the education room at Samphire Hoe, just by the […] Friday 10th July 10.30, mid-afternoon Samphire Hoe, Dover with Helen Nattrass. Following interest expressed at last year's Chalk and Flint Day, I've arranged for a slightly shorter day at Samphire Hoe where I can talk about the Channel Tunnel Construction as I did it. The day will start around 10.30 for 11.00 until about 3-ish in the education room at Samphire Hoe, just by the car park. I'll talk about the Channel Tunnel, some interesting aspects of layout and construction in layman's language. I'll lead a short walk round areas of Samphire Hoe where I worked, including a few anecdotes. It's low tide early afternoon, so depending on the weather, we might get on the beach at the Dover end of the sea wall and look at the Chalk Marl - maybe a chance to collect a pyrite nodule! There may be a small charge depending on the refreshments situation. TO BOOK please contact Helen Nattrass
Show this event in full Go to event web pageMy Channel Tunnel - Friday 10th July
Movement and Dance – leaders wanted!
Moving our bodies—dancing, laughing, walking, breathing, is one of the essentials of life.
And luckily for us, the Canterbury & District u3a offers some opportunities to do this in the company of others. Currently, the Movement and Dance team offer sessions in Cuban dance, Disco, the Alexander technique, Circle Dancing and Laughing.
We would like to offer more than this and we would love to talk to anyone who is thinking about offering to either lead or teach our members any of the following:
- Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates—especially ‘chair’ options
- Ballroom dancing
- Country dancing
There must be more activities that are not on this list, so if you have any ideas please get in touch with Maggie Scott
Five Day Coach Holiday to the Cotswolds
The Canterbury u3a holiday planning group is currently taking bookings for the 14th - 18th September 2026 trip to The Cotswolds. Places are available at the time of writing. £712 per member (single room supplement £125).
The Cotswolds covers a huge area, almost 800 square miles running through five counties. Our 5 day, 4 night tour from Monday 14th to Friday 18th September, takes us to iconic Cotswold towns and cities, a beautiful Norman abbey with history running through its walls, the site of a faithfully conserved Roman villa and a collection of fascinating curiosities gathered in a splendid countryside manor - all set in one of the country’s greatest areas of outstanding beauty.
The planning group continues to seek an individual u3a member or couple who would enjoy managing the member booking administration and the communication with the chosen travel company.
If you are interested in helping with and participating in the five day coach holidays, then come and join the planning group. Contact me in the first instance: Robin Terry, Chair
Plans are underway for 2027; however new volunteer leaders need to come forward, and take a turn, to ensure the continuation of the popular Canterbury u3a holiday programme.
Outings for 2026
We are on the lookout for someone (or a couple) to take over the coordination of the outings team. They are a friendly group and only bite when hungry. If you are interested please contact Tim Landsman. Also see Holidays & Outings page.
In the meantime the team will be running the following day trips this year.
- Thursday 9th July - trip to Maidstone with a river cruise lunch - see link below for further details
- Friday 25th September - Rochester (note change of date) . We will be visiting Rochester Cathedral and Museum. There will also be time to explore the High Street.
More details to follow when confirmed. - Friday 20th November - trip around Greenwich, river cruise to central London and coach tour around the lights followed by supper in a restaurant.
Tim Landsman on behalf of the Outings Team
Book review: Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt. Cornerstone Press, 2026.
Have you noticed how a lively, familiar tune can lift your spirits? Or perhaps you felt a sense of calm when listening to a lyrical piece of music with a slower tempo? In this book, Professor Fancourt shows how such effects are not just subjective emotions, but can have a scientific, physiological basis.
After laying out her thesis and defining her terms, Fancourt sets out her arguments through seven chapters structured around various health dimensions. Although making it more difficult to seek out particular art forms, this is compensated for by a helpful index. The final section of the book asks how we can make use of this evidence.
Despite being an academic, the author’s style is accessible and engaging for the lay reader, even when discussing research concepts. She also tempers her claims by debunking popular myths (such as the ‘Mozart effect’) and counselling caution in assuming her approach negates the need for medical interventions. Purists might point out the lack of in-text referencing to back up her claims, however there are copious notes at the end of the book for those interested.
With a background in arts and health research, I found the book fascinating, albeit covering (for me) some familiar ground and our research group has drawn on her work in recent projects. u3a members may find it both interesting and useful, with practical advice appearing in her coda. UCL Link: Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt
Dr Ann Skingley, Canterbury u3a research group
Thank you for all your contributions, from a couple of sentences up to 250 words.
Keep them coming, as this is your News Bulletin.
Send them to Ursula Steiger
The copy date for May is Friday 24 April.