Message from the Chair
Dear Friends, As we approach our AGM on April 8th; please do consider whether you have capacity to help in the running of your u3a. Many of you contribute much time and effort in your roles already for which Canterbury u3a is indebted, thank you. However, there are a number of interesting key positions currently vacant. Perhaps you would like a change of roles or […]
Dear Friends,
As we approach our AGM on April 8th; please do consider whether you have capacity to help in the running of your u3a. Many of you contribute much time and effort in your roles already for which Canterbury u3a is indebted, thank you. However, there are a number of interesting key positions currently vacant. Perhaps you would like a change of roles or maybe you are new to u3a and would like to have a turn in a particular role. Whilst there are a few basics to be met, we all tend to mould the roles to suit our own way of working and personalities. If you feel you can work with others in a team and share the load, you will find Canterbury u3a welcoming, worthwhile and very fulfilling to be involved in. Whether it’s handing out refreshments at a meeting, joining your committee, or helping to lead an activity; one of the wonderful things about Canterbury u3a is that there is plenty of scope for you to be involved and play a worthwhile role.
Whilst it may not have been the most optimistic start of the year, considering the weather; we can all be thankful for the healthy social connection and energy of Canterbury u3a. The organisation enables continuous selfdevelopment, socially cultural engagement, and the embracing of new or rekindled hobbies.
I hope you feel you do belong, can contribute, and enjoy Canterbury u3a to the full.
Robin Terry
March 2026
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Important Dates and Notices
Please note that our annual Open Day has been moved from Thursday 14th May to Thursday 21st May and will take place at St Peter’s Methodist Church from 10.30 to 3 pm. The day promises to be an exciting celebration of u3a, showcasing Canterbury u3a activity for both existing and new members to engage in and enjoy.
Forthcoming events
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Riviera Travel
A reminder and note change of contact details If members arrange a holiday through Riviera Travel; they will give 10% back to u3a, providing they mention Canterbury u3a when booking. To book, check availability or to request a brochure, click the link above or call 01283 901085.
Robin Terry
Summer Programme - Courses and Activities
We are nearing the end of our courses programme 2025/6 and the courses team are busy developing a new programme for the autumn.
Meanwhile, should you wish to run a short course or activity during the summer months please contact Ursula Steiger so that we can advertise it in the Bulletin. We suggest a six weeks notice period is ideal. For such activities we ask tutors to be the administrator and take bookings so you will need to provide us with contact details. If that is difficult please let Ursula know so that we can provide a member to act as your booking agent.
Finally, the summer months often provide a good opportunity for running a taster session for a course you may have in mind for later in the year. Think about it!
Canterbury Bowling Club Open Day
For the last two years Canterbury Bowling Club has made the offer to u3a members to provide free coaching in the outdoor (and very sociable) sport of bowls. Many members have attended the coaching and several have enjoyed it so much that they have joined the bowling club.
This year their public Open Day is on Saturday 25 April from 10am to 4pm, The only things you need to join in are yourselves and some flat soled shoes. They will also offer you some refreshments. The bowling club is almost next door to K&C Hospital on South Canterbury Road [see venue map] and they have a vast free car park. If you are interested and want some further information, or you cannot go on that date and would like an alternative, then contact John Andrews at Canterbury Bowling Club and he will help you.
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 is not meeting in March while the course of the same name runs. 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 Thursdays 5th and 19th March. Leader: Norma Ratcliff
Discussion Group meets every Monday at 11 am in central Canterbury. Contact: Susan Gorman for details of venue.
Photography Group. The next meeting will be on Thursday 12th March meeting outside the Cosy Club at 2 p.m. Contact: Keith Kolsteren for details
Research Group
The next Research Group meeting will be held on Friday 20th March at 2pm 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
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.
Spring Walk
Walk 4.5 miles from Littlebourne to Bekesboune and back at 10.30am on 13 March 2026.
Meet outside the St Vincent of Saragossa Church, Littlebourne (CT3 1ST) [...]
Meet outside the St Vincent of Saragossa Church, Littlebourne, CT3 1ST for this easy, flat, 4.5 mile walk. If driving, park in nearby roads, eg. Jubilee Road or use bus 43 and walk up Jubilee Road. We walk through fields past Garrington Farm to Chalk Farm, heading for Mama Feelgoods Cafe, where we could enjoy a quick coffee/tea break. We return via Bekesbourne Church.
Show walk details Go to event web page
Booking is required. Contact: Ruth Adams
Outings for 2026
We are on the lookout for someone (or a couple) to coordinate the outings team. If you are interested do let Tim Landsman know.
In the meantime the existing team will run the following day trips this year. Planning for all these trips is still being finalised, full details will be posted on the website as soon as they are confirmed.
- Friday 12th June - Rochester. We hope to visit Rochester Cathedral, Rochester Guildhall/ Rochester Museum and finally Restoration House on Crow Lane. There will also be time to explore the High Street.
- 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 London Christmas lights followed by supper in a restaurant.
Tim Landsman on behalf of the Outings Team
Five Day Coach Holidays
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.
Holiday Leaders Wanted!
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 Robin Terry in the first instance.
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.
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 April is Monday 23 March