Message from the Chair
Dear Friends, Do not just join u3a. Belong! My thoughts recently alighted on connections both to Canterbury u3a and to each other. For many of us, u3a provides regular enjoyment through face to face interactions with members of different backgrounds, people who you would not necessarily seek out but who are nevertheless rooted in the same u3a ethos of “learn, laugh, live” as we participate […]
Dear Friends,
Do not just join u3a. Belong!
My thoughts recently alighted on connections both to Canterbury u3a and to each other. For many of us, u3a provides regular enjoyment through face to face interactions with members of different backgrounds, people who you would not necessarily seek out but who are nevertheless rooted in the same u3a ethos of “learn, laugh, live” as we participate in various courses and activities. I’m sure you’ll agree that u3a is a great antidote to today’s creeping isolation that results from everything needing to be done on line through some faceless connection. It is much healthier to be able to meet each other, to learn each other’s names, to get to know each other, to engage and feel we belong within a dynamic and lively group of people.
Turbulence in life seems to be everywhere. Hence we can be thankful to Canterbury u3a for enabling us to both engage in and contribute to the workings of such a worthwhile voluntary organisation where we can learn, exchange, and enjoy the sharing of knowledge in a gentle way without pressure.
To support Canterbury u3a, and as we approach our AGM in April; please do not be daunted by trying out a role as there are plenty of members who can accompany and support you along the way. The potential benefits of such engagement include working with others to achieve a shared goal, extending existing or learning new skills, a sense of achievement, and developing healthy social wellbeing.
Canterbury u3a can continue to foster the mantra “learn, laugh, live” if we all
Engage and Belong!
Robin Terry
Febuary 2026
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Important Dates and Notices
Forthcoming events
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Interest Sharing Groups
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 meets at The Chatterbox Cafe, Castle Street on February 10th at 10.30 am. Contact: Helen Howard for details.
Sewing Group - usually 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 and mainly knits clothes for premature baby units. They are a friendly, inclusive group and any new member would be welcome. The next meetings are at 2 pm on the 5th and 19th February. Leader: Norma Ratcliff
The Allotment Group works two large allotment plots at Pilgrims way, Canterbury. These are divided between four people. They work independently as and when they like. There are currently two vacancies! So a great opportunity for 2 u3a members. Contact Len Hinksman for further information and details of costs.
Potential Course/Activity Leaders Workshop - 10 March
Our campaign to receive course proposals for the 2026/2027 Main Programme is well underway. Maybe you have already submitted a proposal or you want to, but don’t know how? This workshop runs you through how to propose, run and present a course with everything you need to know. It’s quite informal and you will be supported by subject coordinators and other experienced members.
Tuesday (not Monday, as previously stated) 10th March 1030-1200, St Peters’ Methodist Church Hall, Blue Room.
Please contact Jonathan Butchers to book your place.
Holidays - the Cotswolds, September 2026
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 cost is £712 pp sharing (single room supplement £125) staying 4 nights at the 4* Leonardo Hotel Cheltenham.
Early booking is a must!
Outing planning 2026
We're still in the process of organising the outings for this year but a couple of dates you may want to put in your diary to avoid future clashes are:
- 9th July - trip to Maidstone with a river cruise lunch
- 20th November - trip around Greenwich, river cruise to central London and coach tour around the lights followed by supper in a restaurant.
More details on these and others to follow once we can confirm them.
If you have some experience running events or would like to learn how to, do let me know as we are seeking a new Outings Coordinator to join the team.
Tim Landsman on behalf of the Outings Team
Research Group
The next Research Group meeting will be held on Thursday 19th February at 2pm at The Old Gate Inn, Old Dover Rd, Canterbury. CT1 3EL next to the Park and Ride carpark.
Anybody interested in the group and our activities is very welcome to attend.
For further information please contact Ann Skingley
A Canterbury Walk with some good views.
As this walk was cancelled in January due to a storm, it will be offered for the 13 February 2026. This is a relatively mudless circular walk [...]
As this walk was cancelled in January due to a storm, it will be offered for the 13 February 2026. This is a relatively mudless circular walk of about 4 miles starting outside Canterbury West Station, Station Road W, CT2 8AN. We enjoy some good views of Canterbury and walk along some roads and gravelled footpaths. After the walk there are optional refreshments at the Goods Shed. Parking is available at the Goods Shed, please buy something or have a coffee should you park there.
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Booking is required. Contact: Ruth Adams
The sights, sounds and tastes of China
China Day: Monday 1st June, St Peter’s Methodist Church Hall, mid morning–mid afternoon
This is an initial announcement. The final programme details and booking will be open around Easter time.
Ni hao! Take a day to immerse yourself in China, its art, wellbeing, history, languages and much more. By the end of the day you will be able to say ‘hello …. my name is….’ in Mandarin and possibly in Cantonese too, maybe learn some numbers, you might learn to handle an ink calligraphy brush and write some simple characters. You might hear about Tai Chi and Qigong, maybe even some sword Tai Chi -how these activities help people in our age group - a short taster session - Chinese tea-tasting…. and so on.
I have set the date and time but I have not yet filled the day’s agenda. I have lots of ideas, examples above. I cannot cram everything about China into such a short time. There will be an engaging skim through this important ancient country and its diverse people and culture.
Maybe some of you u3a members have interests in and ties to China. I would love to hear from anyone with their suggestions of what might be included in this day; some of you may even like to help me with a short talk or demonstration. Please contact me with suggestions and offers by the end of February.
If you are just keen to register interest, that is fine too. I can make sure you hear more as plans firm up. Likely to be a group of around 20 people.
Contact: Helen Nattrass
Important announcement - Moving Home
Canterbury u3a has long enjoyed office facilities with Canterbury Festival in Orange Street. The Canterbury Festival is planning a major reorganisation of their space, and as a result we must find a new home for our office.
We have begun this process and identified our major requirements as:
- Canterbury location for easy access
- Fully functioning office space of up to 200 square feet (20 square metres)
- A small amount of storage
If any member has expertise in sourcing or has access to an appropriate facility, then please contact the Chair, Robin Terry.
Update on the music and movement project
Dalcroze UK Kent is taking part in an International Research project, based at the Music and Health Research Institute at The Royal in Ottawa, Canada, funded by the Canadian Government and partnered with Canterbury Christ Church University and Dalcroze Society UK. The overall goal of this initiative is to examine the benefits of a community-based music and movement programme on the psychosocial conditions of older adults.
We are grateful to u3a for its help in recruiting participants over 65. We had a great response. Twelve participants have committed to weekly sessions and to go through the rigorous research process (under Professor Angela Pickard). Others are too young(!) to participate but are joining in nonetheless.
The focus of the sessions is based on ‘Dalcroze principles’: to experience and express the elements of music through body movement and through interaction with others. We practise coordination, balance and flexibility and work on focused listening and concentration. We explore auditory, visual and tactile memory and develop skills to enhance body and spatial awareness. Some imaginative and creative tasks aim to enhance self-confidence. In addition to structured Dalcroze-based activities, there are many opportunities to be creative in a joyful, non-judgemental atmosphere.
Anita Memmott and Margareta Burrell—both experienced Dalcroze teachers—are planning and teaching together, while Sonia Price and her team (CCCU) have taken charge in organising the many questionnaires and interviews, supported by the u3a research group. We are grateful for their collaboration.
Margareta Burrel
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 March is Monday 23 February