February 2026 Newsletter
February arrives like the awkward middle child of the calendar—short, unpredictable, and constantly reminding everyone that it could have been longer if it wanted to. With a mere 28 days (29 if it’s feeling extra), February struts in wearing a winter coat while whispering promises of spring it has absolutely no intention of keeping.
This is the month where weather forecasts become works of fiction. One day it’s snowing sideways, the next the sun is out and people are confidently declaring, “I think winter’s over,” which is February’s cue to summon an ice storm out of pure spite. It’s also the time when groundhogs are consulted as legitimate meteorologists, because clearly science needed a furry consultant.
February is fueled by contradictions. It’s about love, yet includes Valentine’s Day—an event capable of turning perfectly happy people into emotional detectives analyzing text messages for hidden meanings. It encourages romance while stores aggressively sell heart-shaped chocolates that no one actually asked for.
Some Help Needed (again)
This is going to sound like a broken record but once again a plea for help. Unless we have all three officers elected at the AGM Ash u3a will shut down with immediate effect. This is serious stuff. We need a new secretary to take over from Eileen.
We have found a potential Document Controller, thank you to Diane Andrews for volunteering.
Quiz Night
Some great news – We have a new Group Leader for the Quiz Team that takes part in the monthly quizzes at the Victoria Hall following Penny standing down. Carol has kindly agreed to take on the organisation of the attendees and a message should be with all members shortly. Michelle and Graham joined the recent Quiz in aid of the Local Citizens Advice Bureau, and Dave the Quizmaster was delighted to report that they raised £1038 during the evening, a new record, which has continued the stellar start to 2026 where all quizzes have raised over £1000.
Woodworking
After Rod’s request in the last newsletter a number of members have come forwards and the new group is in the stages of starting up.
Creative Writing
Michelle in her role as Groups Coordinator was invited to join one of our newest groups for their meeting at the Packhouse in Runfold. She reports as follows:
It was a chilly afternoon, but all thoughts of the weather were quickly replaced by listening to the short stories written by the group members.
If this has piqued your interest in writing please contact the Toni the group leader.
Photography Group
The topic in January was Trees – bark, leaves, branches or the whole tree
See the Photography Group Gallery
Thursday Lunchers
An excellent repast was enjoyed by all at the Crown and Cushion in Minley. Thanks to Ali for organising.
Rambling to Artington
On a frosty, misty morning and despite traffic problems affecting Ash, Ash Vale and the Hog’s Back that resulted in a 30 minute delay to the start, six members of the Rambling Group made it to Artington for a very enjoyable walk along the Wey Navigation, through Shalford, round Chinthurst Hill, along the Downs Link path and back along the Wey.
Before The Swallows Come Back
Michelle also had the pleasure of joining the Book Worms this month, and really enjoyed the chance to experience how our own stories can influence our responses to the books we read. One of the members kindly shared with us why she has a passion for reading:
Books have always been an important part of my life from Enid Blyton to my current favourite Maggie O’ Farrell. Joining Bookworms in 2018 was wonderful…..a chance to discuss books with like-minded people, and introduce us all to new authors. For example, I had never heard of Mike Gayle but we were given “The Man I Think I Know” from the Library which encouraged me to read many of his other novels, all of which are character led and real page turners. For me the biggest eye opener with belonging to a book group is how we all read the same book and can see it so differently. It is a rare meeting when we all love (or hate) the same book which always causes lively debate.
This month Book Worms gave their chosen read mixed reviews.
Fair Lady Works the Shuttles
Back after the Christmas break the Tai Chi group had a go at moves 66 to 69: Fair Lady Works the Shuttles.
A new class begins at the end of February if you want to learn this ancient and heath giving exercise. Find out more here.
Brassed off!
A very musical monthly meeting. I now know more about the saxophone than I thought I needed to know.
January Ambling and Healthy Walking
The amble began at the Coronation Gardens then looped round to the Canal and back to the Vale Cafe for a cuppa. And it didn’t rain!
The healthy walk started out at Frimley Lodge and went up the canal and back again
See the ambling pictures | See the healthy walking pictures
Obituary
We have been informed that Mary Lamont had sadly died. Mary was well known in the community and very dear to the members of our Scottish country dance group.
Her son Ian writes:
The funeral of Mary Jane Lamont will take place at 1.30pm on Thursday 12th February at St Peter’s Church, Ash, GU12 6LU. This will be followed by a short committal at Aldershot crematorium, for family members. The family invite you to join them afterwards in the St Peter’s Church Centre (directly across the road from the church). Family flowers only.
St Peter’s Church is where Mary worshipped for more than 50 years and conducted her ministry as a lay reader for 25.
There is some parking at the church centre and down the road at the church, which otherwise is a short (uphill) walk from Ash Railway Station (not to be confused with Ash Vale). The station is along the Guildford to Reading line.
Mum had been involved in so many organisations and activities down the years and we truly hope that you will be able to join us and that those organisations will all be represented.
With love and prayers
Ian (Caroline, Alexandra and Francesca) and Nigel
For questions or to send a memory of Mary, please email ian.lamont123@btinternet.com
Group Leaders Meeting
There will be a group leaders meeting in St Mary’s Church Hall at 2.15pm on Tuesday 3 Feb.
Michelle Smith the Group Coordinator will be presenting and taking questions. If you have anything you want to raise please let your Group Leader know.
Some Stats
This month there were 1483 visitors to website looking at 5480 pages.
258 of these came from a search engine and landed on a variety of different pages.
281 of you looked at the newsletter and some of you read the words spending and average of just over 4 minutes on the site clicking a total of 915 times to visit other pages.
Most visitors came from the UK but we did have one from the USA who didn’t stay long. I suspect Ash Vale was a little to far to travel.
63% used a mobile phone and about 18% each used a Mac or a PC. The more astute of you will see this comes to 99%. The remaining 1% were split between a Chromebook and Linux.