Dear Friends, This feels like a relatively quiet time in our busy u3a year but there are still plenty of things going on. I hope you managed to book the courses you really wanted. We know there were some courses that filled up really quickly and have longish waiting lists. The courses team are looking at ways of offering more places, so you might still […] Dear Friends, This feels like a relatively quiet time in our busy u3a year but there are still plenty of things going on. I hope you managed to book the courses you really wanted. We know there were some courses that filled up really quickly and have longish waiting lists. The courses team are looking at ways of offering more places, so you might still get lucky. I'm pleased to say that our new office in Starr Place is now fully up and running. The Help Desk is open from 11–1 on Wednesdays and Thursdays as usual. We are a little short staffed at the moment so if you are interested in joining the team, please contact Pam Scott. On the subject of volunteering, we are changing the way we have traditionally thanked those members who help out u3a. Instead of a volunteers’ tea we are planning a celebration that includes a buffet lunch to thank those that have been volunteering (or enable others to volunteer) and also to use the event as an opportunity for those who are interested to find out where they could help. We are limited to 50 places on a first come first served basis, so don't wait too long to apply. Please note that there is no Monthly Meeting this month; our next one is on Wednesday 9 September. I hope you have a wonderful and exciting summer. Tim Landsman - August 2026
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Important Dates and Notices
Friday 4 September. Joining Session at St. Peter’s Methodist Church, Blue Room 10.30 to 12 noon. Please make this known to friends who might be interested in becoming members of Canterbury and District u3a. Or better still, bring them along and introduce them to the membership team and other volunteers who are there to help. Please also remind them that at present the £20 membership fee has to be paid by cash or cheque.
Tuesday 8 September. Volunteers’ Lunch at St Peters’ Methodist Church 12.15 to 3 p.m. See the reference to this in the Chair’s note and in the paragraph below.
Wednesday 9 September:. Monthly Meeting at St. Mary Bredin Church, 2 p.m. The speaker is Dr. John Wyatt on the subject of "The History of Bomb Disposal Operations."
Forthcoming events
Forthcoming events
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Canterbury & District u3a will be holding an event on Tuesday 8 September to recognise and celebrate the volunteering which lies at the heart of our organisation. We are inviting all those who are already volunteering (or enabling others to volunteer) as well as those who are interested in volunteering. A finger buffet lunch will be provided at 12.15 in St Peter’s Methodist Church, Canterbury […] Canterbury & District u3a will be holding an event on Tuesday 8 September to recognise and celebrate the volunteering which lies at the heart of our organisation. We are inviting all those who are already volunteering (or enabling others to volunteer) as well as those who are interested in volunteering. A finger buffet lunch will be provided at 12.15 in St Peter’s Methodist Church, Canterbury to say thank you. There are fifty places available on a first come first served basis. See link below. After lunch, there will be time to find out more about various volunteering roles and chat to members who are already involved. If you would like to get involved by helping in u3a then this will be a friendly way of exploring the many opportunities available. Please book with Christine Plant. Bookings close on 8 August.
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Please note that Subject Area Coordinators, Tutors and Course Leaders are celebrated separately with their own lunch event in April each year.
Summer Activities
We hope that you have had a good summer so far and despite the intense heat have been able to enjoy some the activities on offer in our summer programme.
My Channel Tunnel: a victim of success
I was pleased that so many people wanted to attend the July ‘My Channel Tunnel’ day. With a long waiting list still unfulfilled, I decided to do the whole thing again in August. It filled up in a day. I’ve already got a waiting list for that date too. I never imagined so many people would be interested in my old job.
For those who have been disappointed or perhaps did not want to travel to Samphire Hoe, or spend a whole day on the topic, I intend to give one or two talks about the Channel Tunnel and my work there in Canterbury over the winter. The dates and venue are yet to be arranged.
I hope to repeat the ‘Samphire Hoe Channel Tunnel Day’ in summer 2027. Thank you to everyone who has signed up and attended so far. I am amazed!
Helen Nattrass
Charity Shop Bonanza
This event was run in memory of Barbara Rogers who was a great supporter of local charities and charity shops. Ten of us gathered, made new friends and shared exciting shopping expeditions.
Over lunch at the Friends’ Meeting House gifts were wrapped and exchanged and good time was had by all. Thank you, Barbara, for leaving us with the spirit of sharing and giving.
Chris Plant & Ursula Steiger
Truth and Fiction Book Group
Having read the book The Dying of the Fire and discussed it with its local author Graham Rehling, Hilary Brighton, a member of the group, led a walk around Canterbury, taking in the most important sites mentioned in this historic novel set in sixteenth century Canterbury. She supplied maps and explanations and made the walk interesting and enjoyable.
Thank you, Hilary.
Ursula Steiger
Reports from National u3a Festival in York
A few members from Canterbury and District u3a attended the above and thoroughly enjoyed their experience. Here are two reports - the first an exhibitor perspective from Helen Howard -
The opportunity to spread the word about climate change was too great a chance to miss. This year was the second National Festival for u3a members and we were back on the beautiful York University Campus with its central long lake.
The core members of Climate Matters IGO arrived the night before the party started, so we had plenty of time to set up our stall with graphic posters of fire and floods, and leaflets inviting people to join. (See photo.) But we grabbed the attention of passers-by with a couple of games: Climate Bingo and How do You Feel about Climate Change?
Our two workshops attracted good-sized audiences and everyone seemed to leave with a better grasp of the issues. I talked about being a citizen scientist, as one possible answer to the question: “But what can I do about it?”. This is our third year first searching for—and now counting—dormice at Stodmarsh Nature Reserve. But it’s our first year of swift surveying. I tried to convey the excitement both of unexpectedly finding our first dormouse nest, and of standing in the half dark with screaming swifts whirling round our heads. Counting the number of invertebrates in the Little Stour is less exciting perhaps but equally important.
We came away with the understanding that far more people at the Festival this year, than two years ago, were aware of climate change, and were changing their lifestyles to suit the new normal.
Helen Howard
And a delegate perspective from Rona Hodges -
In 2024 the first U3a festival took place in York, very successfully, and this year reached the same high standard. There were a very large and varied number of activities, including singing, dancing, board games, and some excellent talks. I chose to go on two York walks, both really interesting and educational, as well as an opportunity to meet members from all over the UK. I even met someone who taught in the school that my brother attended in Glasgow.
You do have to book early when the programme is first available, as the walks in particular fill very quickly. The atmosphere is very friendly, and you need not be alone unless you want some downtime. You can spend the three days mainly indoors, playing bridge or scrabble, or musical instruments, and attending talks, or mainly outdoors, playing pétanque and going on walks, or visiting well-known buildings.
The catering this year was well organised, though maybe a bit too noisy in the main restaurants, and I have to admit that there were some complaints. But there is always someone determined not to enjoy themselves, and this was no exception. There was a noticeable, though unsurprising lack of men, which is typical of the membership. (I cannot comment on the accommodation as I stayed with a York member.)
Overall, it was an excellent production, made possible by some extremely hard-working members, and I really recommend it.
Rona Hodges
Summer Walk
4-mile linear walk from Canterbury to Fordwich on 14 August.
This is an easy variable linear walk starting at 10.30 a.m. from outside the entrance of Sainsbury's, Kingsmead CT1 1BW. We will walk along the Stour before [...]
This is a 4 mile linear walk that is generally flat and easy. We start from outside the entrance to the Sainsbury's, Kingsmead, CT1 1BW. We walk along the Stour river, before walking into some woods. We then cross some fields before reaching the George and Dragon Pub in Fordwich, CT2 0DB. We will enjoy lunch or refreshments there before catching a bus back to Canterbury from the Sturry Road.
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Booking is required. Contact: Ruth Adams
Interest Sharing Groups
Members may join the following groups at any time. 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
Photography Group next meets on Wednesday 12 August at 2 pm at the Cosy Club, downstairs section. This month's subject is Street Photography. The brief is to submit 3 photos via WhatsApp[…]
For further details please contact Keith Kolsteren Keith Kolsteren
Garden Visits Group, Our garden visit this month is on Monday 17 August to Avalon, Stoney Road, Dunkirk, Contact: Lynne Parkinson.
Our garden visit this month is on Monday 17th August to Avalon, 57 Stoney Road, Dunkirk, M13 9TN After a short talk by the owner, we’ll explore the edge of a small woodland wonderland with interlinking paths designed to flow among beds of flowering plants, shrubs and trees and to attract wildlife. Plenty of seats for enjoying views and resting from the many steps. Meet at 1.45 for 2.00 with £10 (cash or card) to include tea, coffee and cake. Parking is limited, details to follow. To book please contact Lynne Parkinson by Sunday 9th August
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Sustainable Living Group at Chatterbox Cafe, Castle Street. For further details and for the date of the meeting in August please contact Helen Howard.
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. There is no meeting in August. Leader: Norma Ratcliff
Pub Games (new group) will meet fortnightly at The Old Gate Inn, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, starting on Wednesday 9 September, 10.30 to 12.30. Leader: Alan Brookes
Research Group. There will be no meeting of the research group in August so the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 September at 2 p.m. at The Old Gate Inn, next to New Dover Road 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
Book Review
Small Crimes by Tessa Woodward is an eclectic collection of sixteen short stories. Tessa clearly sees human nature with a keen eye.
Every story features a different scenario, creating a fascinating view of everyday life. The reader can relate to some of the little dramas that occur throughout the book. In exploring the range of human behaviour, there are examples of real kindness, some are amusing and some are a step away from the truth.
Overall, a very pleasant read. An ideal book to dip into whilst enjoying a coffee or relaxing in the garden.
Christine Plant
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 September is Tuesday 25th August