Message from the Chair
Dear Friends,
The AGM on 8 April successfully eased Canterbury u3a into our new year 2026/7.
I heartily thank my committee colleagues for working with me these past four years to lead the various operational responsibilities underpinning u3a. The health of Canterbury u3a depends on members
Dear Friends,
The AGM on 8 April successfully eased Canterbury u3a into our new year 2026/7.
I heartily thank my committee colleagues for working with me these past four years to lead the various operational responsibilities underpinning u3a. The health of Canterbury u3a depends on members taking an active part in running all our activities and it has been a privilege to have been at the head of such a lively u3a.
Sincere thanks to you all for your friendly engagement and support. I look forward to remaining on the committee and supporting our incoming chairman, Tim.
Robin Terry, Outgoing Chair
Message from the incoming Chair, Tim Landsman
I’d like to introduce myself as the incoming Chair or Chair presumptive really as I don’t get formally appointed until our next committee meeting on 5 May. For those of you who don’t know me, I’ve been the Outings Coordinator with my wife, Rose, for the past four years, as well as leading the Laughing for Health course.
I’ve been shadowing the outgoing chair, Robin for the past few months, and seen just how much he has been doing for u3a behind the scenes as well as the public bits we see at our Monthly Meetings. So a big thank you to Robin; our u3a has blossomed under his leadership and I’m delighted he has agreed to stay on the Committee as our Business Secretary. And thanks also to the rest of our Management Committee, who keep the wheels turning and the Chair on track.
I feel I’m starting this role at a really exciting time. Our u3a feels really vibrant at the moment to me, with such a lot going on. We have a new office being got ready, a busy summer course programme getting ready to start, a winter/spring course programme getting ready to publish and so many new and established members getting involved to keep everything going.
Please do come and celebrate Canterbury u3a at our Open Day on Thursday 21 May. Bring your enthusiasm and sign up to our volunteer teams if you haven’t done so yet please. Just as important though is to please attend and support the many performances, talks, and displays that are being prepared.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Open Day.
Tim Landsman
May 2026
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Important Dates and Notices
Thursday 21 May 10.30 to 3 pm: Open Day
The usual monthly meeting will be replaced this month by our Open Day on Thursday 21 May, 10.30 to 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Methodist Church,. Please come along and bring family members and friends to this celebration of Canterbury and District u3a..
Starr Place Office
We’re delighted to announce that our u3a has managed to find a new office. It’s in St Dunstan’s behind the Pilgrims Hospice shop.
The unit is a new build and is still being configured for us, so we don’t have an exact moving-in timetable yet. The unit has been designed to a very high eco-specification, built with sustainably resourced materials and with a heat pump. We hope to be announcing our move date soon but for the moment our Office team will continue to work out of Orange Street.
Courses and Activities Programme 2026–27
Good News! The new Programme is now approaching the final stages before publication. There are over 130 courses to look forward to, with some old favourites as well as some fascinating new ones.
Special thanks are due to Heather Harrow, who has had to work even harder than usual to find suitable venues for all the courses that need one. The booking system will essentially be the same as we have used for the last few years, but we are still looking at a couple of potential refinements.
Full details of the booking process will be included in the Programme. Our plan is to publish the programme at the end of May and to open bookings in early July.
Angela Tippett, Course Administration
Spring Walk
A circular 4-mile walk from the Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre to Chartham Village, starting at 10.30 a.m. on 8 May.
This is a pleasant walk starting at the exit of the Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre, We walk along both sides of the River Stour[...]
This 4 mile walk starts from the exit of the Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre, Stour Business Park, Ashford Road, CT4 7HF. It is a pleasant easy walk to Chartham and back along both sides of the Stour River. The walk includes fields, as well as gravelled footpaths with views of the the river. Parking is available at the Garden Centre and it offers a good cafe for lunch or coffee at the end of the walk.
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Booking is required. Contact: Ruth Adams
Research Group
The next meeting will be held on Friday 26 June at 2 p.m. 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
Full list of Forthcoming events
Forthcoming events
Forthcoming events
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Interest Sharing Groups
The following groups are open to all members. Just contact the relevant Leader and you will be made very welcome.
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
Sustainable Living Group is planning a Biodiversity Walk on 12th May and, at 10.30 a.m.. on 19th May, the Climate Matters meeting (part of the Summer Programme) takes place in the committee roof of St Mary Bredin Church, This event is organised principally for members of the interest group but is open to other u3a members too. Contact: Helen Howard for details.
Discussion Group meets every Monday at 11 am in central Canterbury. Contact: Susan Gorman for details of venue.
Sewing Group - meets at Cosy Club, Canterbury at 9.30 am - 12 noon, every Wednesday. Leader: Sara Bateman
Knit and Natter This group meets fortnightly at the Dolphin, St Radigund’s Street, Canterbury. They are a friendly, inclusive group and any new member would be welcome. The next meetings are at 2 pm on Thursdays 14 and 28 May. Leader: Norma Ratcliff
Photography Group next meets on Monday 11 May, 2 p.m. at the Cosy Club, downstairs section. The group’s topic this month is COLOUR -
You can choose one dominant colour for your photos, submitting your photos, submitting your three best photos for discussion to the WhatsApp group [...]
You can choose one dominant colour for your photos, submitting your three best photos for discussion to the WhatsApp group, prior to the meeting. In addition, feel free to submit a further two photos to the WhatsApp group that you would like some advice as to how you could improve them.
Afterwards, subject to the weather and time, the plan is to help each other take photos around Canterbury, using either a phone camera or digital camera.
New members are welcome, for further details please contact Keith Kolsteren
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Green Fingers Group. To enquire about any of the garden visits below, contact: Lynne Parkinson.
- Tuesday 5th May: Applecote (NGS) - This event is now fully booked.
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
Allotment Group There are vacancies in this group! Contact Len Hinksman for further details and costs involved.
Course Review: Practical Art & Crafts
Janet Penton looks back on a grand finale...
19th April 2026, Dunkirk Village Hall. Our final session... a delightful occasion... and chance to display some work and talk about our favourite subject with fellow artists; I think we felt rightly proud of the high standards achieved in the various forms in which we were working
Special thanks to our leader Hilary Webb who treated us all to cuppa & cake, and to Andy, so well-known on the Canterbury art circuit, who was a great source of practical help and encouragement.
We start all over again on 18 September. Find out more at the u3a Open Day.
In the meantime . . . Happy Summertime, everyone!
Course Review: Coloured and Stained Glass Windows in England
Jocelyn Thomson discovers the magic of stained glass...
A picture, sparkling like jewels from the television in the corner of John Shirland’s sitting room, heralded the start of 10 weeks of pure joy, as our small group learned more and more about stained glass. We now know how glass was made and what additives gave it its glowing colours. We know how these masterpieces of a glazier’s art are held in place by leading or intricately beautiful stone tracery.
We have been held spellbound by slides taken in tiny country churches and great cathedrals all across our land, some sporting bible stories to help medieval monks to teach an illiterate populus, armorial shields from guilds and wealthy donors, and crazy-paving designs made up of small pieces of precious glass rescued by the faithful after gangs of Puritans had smashed the windows to pieces.
We came right up to date looking at Piper’s wonderful glass in the new Coventry cathedral, David Hockney’s work in Westminster Abbey and the Jewish artists, Chagall in All Saints’, Tudeley, right here in Kent, and the sparkling pieces by Ervin Bossanyi in the south-east transept of our own cathedral.
I never cease to be filled with wonder at the breadth of knowledge and sheer hard work members of our u3a share with us, here in Canterbury. Aren’t we lucky!
Summer Programme: Courses and Activities
Every summer Canterbury u3a runs a number of courses, special events, and activities exclusively for members. A further 12 activities have been added to the programme since those announced in last month's bulletin and these are listed below -
Leader: Lesley Griffiths No sessions: 3 No. participants: 12 (min. 6) Venues: varied, see booking information below, to be notified More than 170,000 military personnel of the two World Wars are buried in the UK, with a largenumber of graves in Kent. Every casualty has his or her own story, both in relation to the operations inwhich they were involved and their social background. On […] Leader: Lesley Griffiths Venues: varied, see booking information below, to be notified More than 170,000 military personnel of the two World Wars are buried in the UK, with a large There should be time to visit a pub for a snack at lunchtime for those who wish to do so. After
To book: Please contact Lesley Griffiths
Show this group in full Go to group web page19th May(+2): The War Graves of East Kent
No sessions: 3
No. participants: 12 (min. 6)
number of graves in Kent. Every casualty has his or her own story, both in relation to the operations in
which they were involved and their social background. On each occasion the group will visit one or two
churchyards (and the churches if they are open) and cemeteries within a reasonable drive of Canterbury
to view the war graves at each site, and to research and discuss the backgrounds of some of those
buried.
the first meeting each participant will be asked to research a small number of graves at sites earmarked
for future visits with a view to presenting their findings to the group at the appropriate time.
We'll sing some simple, heart-warming but not religious songs, mainly in English, maybe one or two in French, other languages or with made-up words, including rounds and part songs with simple harmonies, some familiar and some to discover, all in a spirit of togetherness. Just come with your smile and the intention to enjoy. You don't need to read music or to know campfire songs […] We'll sing some simple, heart-warming but not religious songs, mainly in English, maybe one or two in French, other languages or with made-up words, including rounds and part songs with simple harmonies, some familiar and some to discover, all in a spirit of togetherness. Just come with your smile and the intention to enjoy. You don't need to read music or to know campfire songs - and you don't need to have the voice you once had or be "a singer" to sing. All welcome. There will be a place for the first 30 people to respond and we need at least 10 to run the activity. I look forward to hearing from you if you'd like to join us.
To book: Please contact the activity leader, Pam via Campfire Singers
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Maximum: 5 Sessions: 5 Description: The course covers: Sessions will include, reading, discussion and guided meditation. Location; Canterbury CT1, close to Wincheap Park and Ride. Maximum: 5 Description: The course covers: Sessions will include, reading, discussion and guided meditation. Location; Canterbury CT1, close to Wincheap Park and Ride.
To book: please contact the course leader Bernard Oxland.
Show this group in full Go to group web page2nd June(+4): Exploring Buddhist Psychology and Practice in Today's World
Sessions: 5
I will show you how easy it will be to draw and paint, and to produce a lovely painting, so don’t worry if you haven’t painted before—I will supply pictures for you to copy, or you could copy a picture or photo of your own. Acrylic paint is the medium we will use. I will supply the paints, canvas, boards, pencils, boards, rubbers and brushes, […] I will show you how easy it will be to draw and paint, and to produce a lovely painting, so don’t worry if you haven’t painted before—I will supply pictures for you to copy, or you could copy a picture or photo of your own. Acrylic paint is the medium we will use. I will supply the paints, canvas, boards, pencils, boards, rubbers and brushes, so no need to buy. However, if you have them bring them along. Max number: 10 Venue: TBC (central Canterbury) To register your interest please apply to the Summer Programme Coordinator
Show this group in full Go to group web page4th June(+4): Creative Painting and Drawing
Maximum: 14 Sessions: 6 Description: We use a variety of instruments, such as tea chest bass, guitar, ukulele, washboard, percussion, keyboard, banjo and mandolin, and play a wide range of popular songs. If you play an instrument, please bring it along. If not, singers are very welcome. I will provide song sheets with chords and lyrics and am happy to answer any questions. Parking: There […] Maximum: 14 Description: We use a variety of instruments, such as tea chest bass, guitar, ukulele, washboard, percussion, keyboard, banjo and mandolin, and play a wide range of popular songs. If you play an instrument, please bring it along. If not, singers are very welcome. I will provide song sheets with chords and lyrics and am happy to answer any questions. Parking: There is parking at the hall and close by.
To book: Please contact Robert Fisk
Show this group in full Go to group web page4th June(+5): Summer Skiffle Group
Sessions: 6
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.
Show this group in full Go to group web pageJune 2nd(+3): Latin Dance Tasters
Calling all card (and board games) players. We are offering three card-playing taster days over the summer. It will be an opportunity for you to show others your favourite games, and learn how to play Bolivian canasta and a few other canasta-related games. If you have a favourite board game, bring it along. If you are a novice bridge player, this will be a chance […] Calling all card (and board games) players. We are offering three card-playing taster days over the summer. It will be an opportunity for you to show others your favourite games, and learn how to play Bolivian canasta and a few other canasta-related games. If you have a favourite board game, bring it along. If you are a novice bridge player, this will be a chance to gain experience of bidding and play. There will always be at least one more confident bridge player around to offer advice. The aim is to put cards players in touch with each other so they can continue to play where and when suits them.
Booking: Attendance is free of charge - just turn up!
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Priceless and lifechanging or overpriced and pointless? This taster session will consider different perceptions of UK universities, from the perspectives of different policymakers, students, employers and other stakeholders. What role could universities - compared, for example, with apprenticeships and workplace experience - play in 21st century society? Only curiosity required! Min & Max: 10 Access: Any bus to St Dunstan's or City Centre. Parking nearby […] Priceless and lifechanging or overpriced and pointless? This taster session will consider different perceptions of UK universities, from the perspectives of different policymakers, students, employers and other stakeholders. What role could universities - compared, for example, with apprenticeships and workplace experience - play in 21st century society? Only curiosity required! Min & Max: 10 Access: Any bus to St Dunstan's or City Centre. Parking nearby in North Lane and Pound lane. Easy flat access into and around venue. To book: Apply to Fran Beaton.
Show this event in full Go to event web page16th June: Where next for UK Higher Education?
This is an introductory session for those interested in authentic Indian cuisine. It will consider the question, “What is curry?” and introduce participants to the range of spices used in Indian home cooking. The demonstration of blending spices and cooking a curry will enable participants to have a go at improving their own cooking skills at home. Max number: 25 This is an introductory session for those interested in authentic Indian cuisine. It will consider the question, “What is curry?” and introduce participants to the range of spices used in Indian home cooking. The demonstration of blending spices and cooking a curry will enable participants to have a go at improving their own cooking skills at home. Max number: 25
To book: please contact Paul Babra
Show this event in full Go to event web page17th June: What is Curry?
A number of us have enjoyed this event in the past. Barbara Rogers was a great enthusiast and introduced us to the fun and challenge of it. We would like to run this once more, in memory of Barbara and to support our local charity shops. This is also a great way of meeting people and make friends. Maximum number 10 - minimum number 6 […] A number of us have enjoyed this event in the past. Barbara Rogers was a great enthusiast and introduced us to the fun and challenge of it. We would like to run this once more, in memory of Barbara and to support our local charity shops. This is also a great way of meeting people and make friends. Maximum number 10 - minimum number 6 We will supply wrapping paper, Sellotape and coffee or tea.. You will need a carrier bag, £6 and a sense of adventure! We suggest you bring a packed lunch but if you would prefer us to provide a sandwich at reasonable cost we will be happy to do so. Just tell us when you book your place. Leaders: Chris Plant and Ursula Steiger
To book: please contact Christine Plant
Show this event in full Go to event web page18th June: Charity Shop Bonanza
Friends’ Meeting House, Elgar Room.
back at Friends’ Meeting House
July 10th(+3): Acoustic Brill... not the fish but the building!
The Brill Building on New York's Broadway was home to an array of songwriters, agents, music publishers, artists and studios. A great many of the successful songs that entered the US and UK pop charts of the late 1950’s and 1960’s originated from that building. The plan is [...]
The Brill Building on New York's Broadway was home to an array of songwriters, agents, music publishers, artists and studios. A great many of the successful songs that entered the US and UK pop charts of the late 1950’s and 1960’s originated from that building. The plan is to sing and play a selection of those songs. We will work from song sheets with chords, not sheet music. There will be four sessions on Fridays: See venue, dates and time details above. Maximum Number: 12 To book: If you sing and/or play an appropriate acoustic instrument and would like to take part then contact the course leader Ian Davidson, Please say which instrument you play (if applicable) and provide a contact phone number. Directions: Blean Village Hall has an ample car park. Buses 400 or 401 from Canterbury or Whitstable, alighting at Tyler Hill Road. Frequent service. Step-free access throughout. Disabled persons’ toilet on site. Photo credit. Americasroof at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0,
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Leaders: Claire Stirling, Julia Georgiou and Ursula Steiger. The Singing for Pleasure group (to be renamed Singing Together) will complete the current term at the Open Day on 21 May. However, a break of nearly four months would be too long for us, so we are having a morning of singing on Friday 10 July, 10.30 to 12.30, starting with coffee or tea. Please come […] Leaders: Claire Stirling, Julia Georgiou and Ursula Steiger. The Singing for Pleasure group (to be renamed Singing Together) will complete the current term at the Open Day on 21 May. However, a break of nearly four months would be too long for us, so we are having a morning of singing on Friday 10 July, 10.30 to 12.30, starting with coffee or tea. Please come and join us at the Friends’ Meeting House. Music will be provided and a warm welcome awaits you!
Show this event in full Go to event web page10th July: Singing Together—an Open Invitation
Please visit the Summer Programme web page for a complete listing of all Summer Programme events and courses.
Outings 2026 - an update
We’re delighted to be able to announce that Michael Goodey has agreed to take over as Outings Coordinator. Rose and I will be handing over to him through the summer.
Maidstone: This month we will be taking bookings for Maidstone trip on Thursday 9 July.
We will be ferried by coach over to Maidstone museum, with time to browse the museum on wander in the gardens, followed by a 3-hour tour on the River Medway with a fish and chip lunch included. The cost is £55pp.
To book a place the simplest way is via the Outings page (link below). The initial booking period will close on 15 May, after which any spare spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
If you applied for this Maidstone trip last year but didn’t get a place, we will give you priority this time around but you do still need to book.
Also please note our trip to Rochester trip will be on 25 September. More details to follow.
- 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
Group focus: Canterbury u3a Allotment Group
Robin Terry extols the virtues of fresh air and exercise...
I recently had the pleasure of meeting member, Len Hinksman, at his allotment at Pilgrims Way, Canterbury. Len very generously offers an opportunity for u3a members to cultivate a share of an allotment space. Currently two members maintain the allotment, and there is space for two further fit and energetic members, particularly during spring and summer. Len emphasises that this is very much an individual activity in terms of committing personal time and hard work to cultivate and maintain the allotment. The fees are minimal including the sharing of the annual rent and cost of security gate keys.
I think engaging with the Allotment Group can bring u3a members many potential benefits, including:
Social Connection: The allotment offers the opportunity to share knowledge and practice, whilst enjoying the outdoors in the fresh air; very much in keeping with u3a principles.
Physical Activity: Gardening is proven to provide moderate exercise (bending, lifting, walking), which can help improve fitness, boost cardiovascular health, and reduce blood pressure. Tending a plot can offer a peaceful, therapeutic escape, reducing stress, anxiety, and isolation. In addition, gardening encourages a connection to nature, mindfulness, and provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. There is much evidence to show that maintaining green spaces supports biodiversity by providing habitats for bees, birds, and insects.
This is a very interesting and worthwhile opportunity. Please contact Len Hinksman to learn more and arrange a visit.
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 June is Sunday 25 May