Welcome to Ringwood U3A, which was formed in 2012. We are a friendly club with some 200 members and more than 20 interest groups. Please take a look around the site to discover what we can offer to those who are no longer in full time employment. New members are always warmly welcomed.
Monthly meetings take place on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 2-4pm at Greyfriars. Please click the 'Meetings' button for more information.
All groups are organised and led by members with most taking place in members' own homes so that they are small and friendly. Full members may join as many interest groups as they wish at no extra charge unless the group has to hire a room when there will be a small additional cost.
Please click the 'Group Info' button to see details of all groups. If you would like to know more or after joining wish to join a particular group please contact the Group Leader - contact details are on the Group Info pages.
Please contact any of the Committee Members for general information.
Latest news
Please note that whilst every effort is made to keep this page and indeed the whole of the website current there may from time to time be a delay in updating the information provided. If you see anything that needs amending please advise Hazel. hazeltaylor5191@gmail.com
The next meeting will be at Greyfriars on 21st October when the speaker will be Paul Stickler giving a talk entitled "Was it Murder?". If possible please bring a guest - more men would be very welcome.
IN ORDER FOR THE CLUB TO CONTINUE WE URGENTLY NEED TO RECRUIT SEVERAL NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS. In particular we require a Speaker Secretary; PR/Communications Officer; Meeter and Greeter and Groups Co-Ordinator. Please don't let our club fold if you can volunteer for any of these roles.
If we are to continue with a full compliment of Committee Members we will also need volunteers for small groups to monitor our website and in particular to organise a Christmas event.
The Club is reliant on willing VOLUNTEERS to serve not only on the Committee but also to be HOSTS of interest groups. With a group membership of over 200 leading to some existing groups being oversubscribed we are keen to encourage the formation of new groups. Being a Host does not need to be onerous, it can simply be an admin role or perhaps one of providing a room in your home as a meeting place (groups requiring to use meeting rooms should be self funding although start up costs can be met by agreement of the Committee). If you have an interest in a specific topic please contact a Committee member to discuss how we can help facilitate a new group with your help. Members have indicated that they would be interested in joining Spanish, French and Theatre Groups but we need HOSTS to take these forward as well as Walks.
2021/22 Membership Renewals are now due - they remain at just £24 - it would be really helpful if you are able to pay by Bank Transfer. Please download an application/renewal form from the website and send to the Membership Secretary, Alan Glover or bring it to the October 2021 monthly meeting.
Please remember to wear your MEMBERSHIP CARD BADGES to monthly meetings. Visitors will be given a temporary (yellow) badge so members will be able to identify them easily and make them feel welcome by using their name. New members may have a sticker on their badges (if they choose this option). Please note that all attendees at Monthly Meetings should still sign in at the Welcome Desk as this is a Greyfriars Fire Regulation requirement.
Please could all members endeavour to seek out and talk to our VISITORS (who can be identified by their yellow name badges) and any new members. Tell them about our groups and help to make them feel welcome. If you would be prepared to volunteer to be a 'buddy' for new members please contact Pete.
Our Honorary President, Pete Jackson's health continues to improve however Nigel Bonynge has now fully taken over the reins as Chairman.
Hazel has now retired from the Committee but will continue to administer the website and produce the programme leaflet in a non-committee role.
Could you recognise all your Committee Members? Why not take a look at the 'WHO'S WHO' on the website under 'Documents' or the printed copy on the Noticeboard at monthly meetings. (Apologies as the document is out of date).
The latest, PROGRAMME LEAFLET can be found on the website (last updated 22.09.21). Printed copies will be available at monthly meetings and (once groups fully recommence) also from The Gateway or Greyfriars literature display although the latter may not always be the latest version. On occasion a speaker may have had to cancel and a replacement arranged, in these circumstances the information on an older programme may be out of date. If you spot anything that needs amending please let Hazel know by emailing hazeltaylor5191@gmail.com.
June Edwards and Barbara Colman continue to look after the meeting REFRESHMENTS however they need the help of at least one other each time. We have a sign up sheet located on the Welcome Desk so if you are able please volunteer to assist.
CONTACT DETAILS for Group Hosts and Committee Members can be found on the Current Leaflet which can be viewed or downloaded from this website. You can also email Group Hosts via the Groups button.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (ICE) CARDS. The U3A have produced small 'credit card size' cards which fit easily into a purse or wallet to provide essential details in case members are taken ill at an event, particularly if on a walk or on a trip away from Ringwood. The idea is that you write your name, who to contact with a phone number and any medications, conditions or allergies on the card and KEEP IT WITH YOU. Then, if needs be, someone can find the card and have the appropriate information. Please pick up a card and fill it in then pop it in your purse/wallet - that way someone will be able to help you if necessary. Cards will be available from the Welcome Desk at monthly meetings or from Group Hosts.
GROUPS - Following the lifting of Covid restrictions some Groups are hoping to recommence some activities - please check with the relevant Group Leaders.
THE NEW FOREST AND BEYOND GROUP are planning to resume activities in the Autumn with a range of outings. If you would like to join this group and receive details of planned events please register with Jo. josephinebarratt@hotmail.com. Once things return to some sort of normal we will have a day at Winchester - guided walk around the City then a guided tour of the Hospital of St Cross, visits to Whitchurch Silk Mill, Avington Park and more. PLEASE GATHER AT THE END OF THE OCTOBER MEETING FOR AN IDEAS BRAIN STORMING SESSION.
The MEN'S INTEREST GROUP have recommenced their programme with events which may include a visit to the Etches Museum and Pub Lunch and Kimmeridge; Bursledon Brickworks; Salisbury Races. If interested please check current plans with Roger pagregory47@gmail.com.
BOOK GROUP 4 which takes place on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 2pm has space for a few more to attend. Please ring Mary Brindley on 01425 489710 if you would like to join.
BOOK GROUP 3 which takes place on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 2.15pm has space for 1 more to attend. Please ring Rose Lavender on 01425 489634 if you would like to join.
Did you know that singing is good for our general feeling of wellbeing and in particular our brain function - why not give it a try and come along to our 'SINGING FOR FUN' group which is held in Greyfriars from 2pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. All members are welcome to join - no audition required! Men would be particularly welcome to bolster up the deeper tones! Feel free to just turn up on the day for a 'taster' session. A small charge per 'term' is made to cover room hire and refreshment costs. If interested please contact June. Recommenced September 2021.
There are places available with the Monday morning TABLE TENNIS group and possibly a new group on alternate Tuesdays. If you are a reasonably competent player with a sense of humour and can resist the urge to 'spin' please contact Sylvia. sylviacarter42@googlemail.com THIS GROUP IS NOT CURRENTLY TAKING PLACE.
PETANQUE - PLEASE CHECK DATES WITH CHRIS. Petanque otherwise known as Boule - if restrictions allow will be held at 10.30am at Avon Heath Country Park (the only cost being parking which is £1.50 per hour so car sharing would be a good idea, although an annual parking permit can be purchased for £30 which is an option). Chris Chubb (chris@chubbfamily.net) 01202 425063 will provide equipment and instruction on how to play.
It's been suggested that a SCRABBLE Group would be well suited to use the facilities at The St. Ives Country House Care Home who are offering us free use of their lovely facilities with refreshments in exchange for their residents being able to attend. If this is something you would be interested in please contact a member of the committee. IF THIS GOES AHEAD IT MAY NOT BE UNTIL 2022.
The PUB LUNCH on Friday 6th October will be held at The Fish Inn, Ringwood at 12.30. If you wish to attend please ensure that you book in at least 2 days prior by ringing Judith on 07880 907073, Ann on 07814 951430 or by emailing u3arlunchers@gmail.com. Friends and partners of members are welcome. REMEMBER TO REGISTER TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS OF FUTURE VENUES FROM THE GROUP.
In addition to Book Groups 3 and 4 and Table Tennis places are also available in Family History, Healthy Living, Craft, Mah Jong 4, Informal Art, Petanque, Board Games, Singing For Fun and Photography Groups as well as New Forest and Beyond and Pub Lunches. If you are interested in joining any group please contact the Host and if there is no place immediately available ask to be put on a waiting list - if sufficient members wish to take part forming a new group may be viable.
Healthy Living and Crafts, which are both now hosted by Christine Rutherford, are hoping to recommence soon.
Dont forget to register with the National U3a to receive their email newsletter w w w .u3a.org.uk/email
There is support and advice on the National website including on how to keep active, keep learning and keep connected with each other during the current lockdown.
National also have a new Facebook page which now has more than 1,400 followers. The link can be accessed via their website. There is also a very good U3A - Keeping in Touch page.
If you are at home socially isolating you may like to know that there is a 'Ringwood Coronavirus Assistance' website 'ringwood-coronavirus.org.uk' (01425 542031) where you can find information or ask for help.
Please remember that we have a RED SUGGESTION BOX at our Monthly Meetings. We would love to hear any of your ideas. We'd love to hear from you either by a note left in the box or of course direct to a Committee Member by email.
We have a 'button' on our website for 'WEB LINKS' - if you click on this you will find links to Greyfriars Community Centre, the National U3A and also to the new Ringwood Community Network which we have joined as an Associate Member. The purpose of this network, set up by Ringwood Rotary, is to establish better communication between the various local organisations and charities in order to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Ringwood so please check it out to find a diary of events to attend and organisation who are looking for volunteers.
New PHOTOS of group activities are always welcome for the website so if you can take a nice picture when you are part of a group or event please do (having first established that everyone is happy to have their picture published) and email them to Hazel.
Don't forget to look at the MEMBERS' ONLY PAGE (Noticeboard) on our website which gives members the opportunity to publicise non-U3A events that they have a keen interest in or to invite others to join them for something particular like a cinema trip or garden visit etc. It will not be used for 'selling' items. If you would like something posted to the Noticeboard please email full details to Hazel via the contacts page. Inclusion will be at the discretion of the Committee.
If you have a MOBILITY issue, either short or long term, that is preventing you from coming to the monthly meetings or attending a group please contact a member of the Committee to see if we can find a local member who could provide a lift.
How to join
If you are no longer in, or looking for full time employment you may join Ringwood U3A by downloading a membership form using this link or by emailing our Chairman, Pete Jackson.
When you have completed the form you may take it, and your £24 membership fee, to the Thursday monthly meeting.
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