July 2026 Newsletter
We begin this month with a Rose for July by Andria von Lossberg:
Some new groups joining the newsletter this month. I shall let you discover them down below. And there is some important information you need to be aware of regarding the AGM. So read on…
2026 AGM
The Open Day and AGM is being held this year on 27 Aug at the Ash Parish Hall. See the details here.
One of the resolutions will be to change how we pay for the Third Age Matters magazine. As mentioned in the June newsletter it costs us around £850/year to distribute the magazine to our members. The survey we conducted in May indicated only a fraction of those who receive the magazine read the contents. The resolution at the AGM will be to charge members wish to receive the Third Age Matters magazine an additional £4.20 to cover the postage. If you do not want to pay the additional fee but still want to read the magazine you can do this for free on the u3a Website.
Because there also may be a change to how we pay for membership please do not renew until after the AGM.
A Secretary Calls
I did think about a picture of Peter Ustinov doing An Inspector Calls but Poirot is maybe not the right image to portray. So we have a cup of tea. Or your beverage of choice. Could even be a G&T.
Either way we still need someone to help take the minutes and fulfill the other duties of the u3a Secretary. The sort of things you can do while imbibing a cuppa and eying up the biscuits. Please get in touch if you want to find out more. Without a secretary we cannot have a u3a. My number is 07921859802.
For all Group Leaders
Michelle (the groups coordinator) has asked me to remind you that your attendance registers are due this month. If you are using the online register it’s simple – you just need click the email button. For everyone else please forwards your records to groups@ashu3a.org.uk
And can you also check you have completed your risk assessments. I know a lot of you have done so but there are still some groups who need to complete their assessments. Should take you less that 5 minutes using the online risk assessment form.
Ash Summer Fete
Meg writes:
Despite the heat a number of u3a members pitched up to erect the gazebo and set up the stand. During the fete many people attended our stall and we had lots of enquiries, generally and for specific activities, and interest was piqued by a great display promoting all our activities.
We also, as before, had lots of opportunities for current members to catch up, check out other groups and generally have a thoroughly good chat. All in all a very sociable day helped by good weather and great volunteers, for which we all thank you very much.
Our next outing for the display will be on our open afternoon, for members and non members (please invite anyone local to come along) on Thursday 27th August from 1.30pm, before the AGM.
A huge vote of thanks to Meg to was tireless in organising and making sure everything ran smoothly.
Gallery of images from Ash Parish Council (open in a new tab).
Mychett Canal Centre
The healthy walkers found a gap between the rain showers and headed of from the Mychett Canal Centre.
Transport
The theme for the photography group this month was Transport.
Bookworms!
This month the Bookworms were reading Em and Me by Beth Morrey. Mixed reviews!
Book Circle
The Book Circle were reading The House of Glass by Susan Fletcher. Seemed to be enjoyed by most.
The Reading Group
The Reading Group got stuck into the Stone Diaries by Carol Shields. Apparently. a bit of a slow burner
June Monthly Meeting
This month’s meeting discussed healthy eating and balance.
The next Monthly Meeting is an exploration of Canada’s eastern seaboard on 21 July
Line Dancing Update
A very popular group and it seems their skills have much improved.
Coming up next month are various ambles and healthy walks but not much else on the calendar. If your group is doing something and would like to publicise the even please let us know via the normal channels or send an email to chair@ashu3a.org.uk
Do you know?
During the review of the Ash u3a Health and Safety policy the point was raised about making sure everyone is aware of the various procedures.
- Do you know if a risk assessment has been completed for your group/activity?
- Do you know where the first aid kit is located?
- Do you know the incident reporting process for the venue you use?
- Do you know the evacuation route and muster point?
- Do you know where the fire alarm is located?
We are all adults with collectively over 25,000 years of experience so we should be ok. But it might be prudent to ask a couple of questions when you next meet.