Bulletin for September 2025
All events and activities can be found on our website.
Follow the link here: https://elmbridge.u3asite.uk/
Di’s Days Out
Bletchley Park Thursday 30th October
Trip ref. BP
Situated near Milton Keynes, discover the incredible achievements of Britain’s World War Two Codebreakers in the place where it happened.
After tea and biscuits, we have a one hour guided tour around the grounds, either before or after buying lunch at the onsite cafes. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free time to explore inside the buildings, using free audio guides.
Cost, including refreshments on arrival and tip for the driver, £49.
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs throughout. A few are available there, if required. The coach will leave Xcel leisure centre 8am and return approx. 7pm
HOW TO BOOK FOR A DI’S DAY OUT
To enquire about a place on a trip please email Di at daysout@elmbridgeu3a.org You can find the “how to book” instructions” at
https://elmbridge.u3asite.uk/how-to-book-for-a-dis-day-out
September Monthly Talk
Wednesday 3 September at Claygate Village Hall
Working for Auntie: Behind the scenes at the BBC as a graphic designer
Christine Green shares some of her behind the scenes stories of working at the BBC as a graphic designer.
There is no need to book in advance. The Hall can be accessed from 1.30, followed by the talk at 2.00 pm. The talk, which will last for one hour, will be followed by refreshments, included in the entry charge of £1. The full address of Claygate Village Hall is Church Road, Claygate, KT10 OJP.
More information on this talk will be circulated two days prior to the presentation. If you would like more details now please visit the Events section of the Elmbridge u3a website.
MCR Pathways
Prior to the September monthly talk, we are pleased to inform you that Liz Grace will be with us to explain the valuable mentoring work that MCR Pathways undertakes to support children.
''Our aim is to help young people unlock their potential, no matter their circumstances. Working together with our inspiring mentor community and partners, we can help young people to realise their skills and progress onto a positive destination. Our vision is for all young people to experience equality of education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances'.
Liz will give a 5-minute introduction, before the main talk of the day, and will be available to discuss MCR Pathways at the start and over tea at the end of the session.
Elmbridge u3a Code of Conduct
We are pleased to introduce the updated u3a Code of Conduct — a renewed commitment to the values that underpin our vibrant and welcoming community of lifelong learners. We encourage all members to familiarise themselves with the updated Code. A paper copy will be sent out in October with the next edition of the Magazine. In the meantime you can read it on the members page of our website at https://elmbridge.u3asite.uk/members/ Here you will also find an updated 'Group Leaders Roles and Responsibilities' document and 'Complaints Procedure' as well as two important new documents which are designed to look after our members wellbeing: 'Health and Safety Policy' and 'Safeguarding Policy'.
Heritage Open Days and Riverhouse Barn Choir
The Riverhouse Barn is offering a series of free talks as part of the Heritage Open Days in September. Follow the link to find out more: https://www.riverhousebarn.co.uk/events and click on Talks,
It is also recruiting more members for the Riverhouse Barn choir. If you are interested call 01932 253354 or sign up now online www.riverhousebarn.co.uk
Affiliations news - Roots and Futures - hold the dates
We have an exciting two day event coming up on 28th and 29th October at the Riverhouse Barn. Entitled 'Roots and Futures'. It will comprise a range of talks and presentations including one on exploring family history, a talk by an acclaimed author and a session on Artificial Intelligence and how it might work for you. Details of the full programme and how to book will be released shortly.
Adventurous Explorers
On Wednesday 16th July 2025, 13 Adventurous Explorers climbed 200 steps to the top of Tower Bridge London.
Glass floors were installed on the the Walkways that span the two towers in 2014 so that visitors can view the road and river below! They are very strong and can hold the weight of more than two black taxi cabs.
The Bridge is bound by an Act of Parliament to give river traffic priority over road traffic, which can sometimes be frustrating at rush hour! The Tower Bridge Act of 1885 also states that the bridge is to be opened free of charge for river traffic.
Gifts and Donations
Giving a donation to Elmbridge u3a can help change lives. Recently a relative of a former member enquired as to whether Elmbridge u3a was able to accept donations in their memory. The answer is definitely “Yes”.
Elmbridge u3a is a registered charity and, although the costs of our activities are covered by our membership receipts, we welcome any one-off donations including legacies. Any additional funds we receive will help us to continue to support and develop the existing activities of Elmbridge u3a to reach new members and to promote and inspire future generations to learn new skills from one another and forge new friendships.
Donations will help us ensure that everyone can learn, laugh, live - today, tomorrow, always. If you need further details, please contact either the Treasurer, Andrew Craig (finance@elmbridgeu3a.org), or Nigel Cudby, the Chair (chair@elmbridgeu3a.org ).
The latest Surrey Network Study Days
See the great line up of Surrey Network Study Days from October to the end of 2026 here: https://surreynetwork.u3asite.uk/events
Our Magazine
The Elmbridge u3a magazine can now also be read on our website, View the Summer issue at https://elmbridge.u3asite.uk/mag-summer-2025-index