MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN –
Inga Martin Compliments of the Season! As 2025 draws to a close, we can look back on
a successful few months since we returned after the summer break: Our Monday
meetings have been cheerful and friendly and have continued to attract large
audiences. We have received many positive comments about our speakers, and most
members stay on for ‘social time’ with tea, biscuits and conversation. Our last
meeting was particularly jolly and ended with a Marathon Raffle Draw. One point of some concern is that our membership numbers have fallen
somewhat. We welcome new members every year, but we also lose some, as people
become frail, move away, and so forth. This is particularly critical for an
organisation like ours which is wholly self-financing and dependent on
membership subscriptions, operating at a time of ever-increasing costs. See our
Treasurer’s note below.
So, we have embarked on a recruitment campaign. You may have seen the
posters on local notice boards; West Oxford Community Association (WOCA) have
kindly circulated the message with their weekly emails; and local editors have
promised to publish it in their magazines as well.
We would appreciate some help from you too, dear Members. If you have
neighbours, friends, family members etc, who you think would enjoy what we do,
please suggest that they come along to one of our meetings. The next one is on
12th January. Please pass the message on.
I look forward to seeing you again in the New Year
Kindest regards,
Inga
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A MESSAGE FROM OUR TREASURER
I hope you are enjoying our series of talks again this year, and the
pleasure of having a cup of tea with friends afterwards. Unfortunately, our
membership number is down this year. I hope a few more people will join between
now and the end of our financial year, March 31st. Last financial year our
subscription income was £3,365.00 and so far this year it is only £2,820.00. With
a shortfall as large as that, it will not be possible to break even. In view of
this situation, the Committee will propose a small increase in our subscription
rate. This will be put to Members at the AGM in May.
Our Treasurer,
retired businessman Russell Ansell
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONDAY TALKS IN DEAN COURT COMMUNITY CENTRE,
PINNOCKS WAY, BOTLEY Meetings are normally
held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, starting at
2.15 pm. The talks last around
an hour and then we serve tea and biscuits. This provides an opportunity for
members to chat with old friends and meet new ones. All are welcome, and we
extend an open invitation to any visitors who would like to come along. They
are asked to make a small contribution of £3.
A Brief Review of the Season so far The season started with a delightful talk from Ann and John Ford who
told us about their business providing Morris Minors to the Film, TV and
Publishing industries. We also learnt how tropical rainforests work; how to
avoid scams; what being an author entails; and what life could be like at the
BBC. At our last meeting of the year, we received a fascinating talk from
Gillian Cane about the planning and training of a resistance army at Coleshill
during WWII. Gillian, a former Army Officer in the Royal Green Jackets, brought
the story to life by recounting the experiences of some of the individuals who
took part, including a very courageous Post Office Mistress.
Gillian
with Janet, who arranged the talk
We finished the meeting with a raffle of gifts brought by members. Due
to their generosity, this turned into quite a marathon draw.
Helen, pleased with her reffle prize
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
12th January: “Assistance Dogs” by Yvonne Crane
We
all marvel at the skills of assistance dogs and the intelligent and
sensitive support they give to people with disabilities. And we wonder
what it takes, from dog, breeder and trainer, to develop these skills
and ensure totally reliable behaviour.
Guide Dogs is the
only organisation in the UK dedicated to breeding and training guide
dogs to help people with sight loss to live the life they choose.
Yvonne Crane is one of their dog breeders, and in this talk she will
tell amazing stories about the joys and challenges of breeding dogs for
this important role. On her visit to us she will be accompanied by two
‘mum dogs’ to give real-life insights. Join us for her enthralling and
heart-warming talk about the work of Guide Dogs.
26th January: “Double Portraiture in Art” by Alice Foster
Dr
Alice Foster has been a freelance art historian for more than 25 years.
Amongst her regular places of work are the University of Oxford
Department of Continuing Education, the Ashmolean, and the Oxfordshire
Museum in Woodstock.
Alice will be talking to us about
double portraiture in art, which promises to be a fascinating insight
into famous “doubles” throughout art history.
9th February: “The Life and Work of Fanny Mendelssohn” by Dr
Anna Beer
Dr
Anna Beer is a British author and lecturer, primarily known for her
work as a biographer. Anna was a lecturer in Literature at Oxford
University’s Department for Continuing Education, and remains a Fellow
of Kellogg College. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of
Arts in 2015. In recent years, Anna’s work has increasingly focused on
gender inequality in arts, which is very relevant to this talk.
Fanny
Mendelssohn (1805 – 1847) was a German composer whose career was
restricted by societal expectations, as well as the attitude of her own
family. Whereas her younger brother, Felix, was encouraged to pursue
his career, Fanny was discouraged from developing hers.
A couple of years ago, Dr Beer contributed to a TV documentary about
Fanny, and she will share with us some of her memories of that experience.
23rd February: “Historical Murders” by Dr Paul Stickler
Dr
Paul Stickler is a former UK police chief superintendent who was an
investigating officer in many murder investigations. He is a graduate
of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in
criminology and social sciences, and a PhD in Law.
For the
last ten years Paul has been engaged on cruise ships worldwide as a
guest speaker and has delivered over 600 talks on a series of
historical murders. He is the author of two books, and acts as an
adviser to television and radio networks on matters of true historical
crime.
In this talk Paul will tell us about an event which
became known as “The Porthole Murder”, aka Body Overboard. It occurred
on 18th October 1947, when 21-year old Gay Gibson disappeared from the
Durban Castle ship as it sailed from Cape Town to Southampton.
We are told that the presentation will have an interactive element.
9th March: “How We Remember and Why We Forget” by Dr Jim
Ellis
Jim
Ellis has had a varied career, mainly in IT and computer-based
learning. His last jobs before retirement were with the Open
University, first as Head of Interactive Media and then as Head of
Learning Design. Jim’s title for this talk is: ‘How Do We Remember, and
Why Do We Forget?’ How does our brain make sense of new things, and how
do we remember and retrieve information? Do we do this in the same
ways? What can go wrong? More familiarly, where did you leave your
glasses?
In his talk he will address all of the questions
above and dispel some myths about the brain and memory. Jim promises to
give us many examples to illustrate different points, with audience
participation encouraged in some memory activities, for those who want
to.
Come and listen, and take part if you wish; it should be a lively session.
23rd March: “The Forensic Experience: The Life of a CSI” by
Hayley Scott
Hayley
will talk to us about her work as an ex-Crime Scene Investigator with
the Metropolitan Police. Find out what actually happens beyond the
crime scene tape! Listen to her share her stories and answer questions
about her work.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETAILS OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIG)
MEETINGS
Our twice-monthly meetings are an important part of what we do, but so
are our SIGs, which members with an interest in particular subjects or
activities can join. These Groups are led and run by their members. More information about
the SIGs, including recent activities and photographs, is available in the
'Groups' section on this website.
BRIDGE
Contact: Liz Jones (01865 202227)
U3A Bridge Group looks after itself. It has 8-9
regular players of Intermediate level, meeting on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of
each month at the invitation of whoever will be hosting in their home. Players
respond directly and make up tables at each session. We are a social, learning
group - exploring elements of bidding and play each time we meet and having tea
together. Bridge players interested in meeting us for an
introductory session or two should please enquire, initially, of Liz
Jones, membership@westoxfordu3a.org.uk, who will put you in touch with the next host for an invitation to
join us for a trial visit or two. We would be very pleased to meet you. CHURCHES
AND PUBS
Contact Lis Froggatt (01865 249828)
The first Friday of the month sees us meeting at a church at about
11.30, for a guided tour, followed by lunch at a pub nearby. Members of the
group make the arrangements, and help for this is always available. No prior
knowledge needed, just a wish to see interesting buildings and share a friendly
lunch.
CINEMA
GROUP
Contact:
Mary Chait (07342964870)
We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Tumbling Bay Café, at 12.00
noon. At the moment we decide what topic we would like to watch e.g. favourite
male actor or favourite female actress. Recent topics have included Films based
on well-known novels, and Films based on real events. We chat about the movies
we have seen over a lovely lunch. If you would like to join us, please contact
me. If you would like to join us, please contact
me.
DISCOVERING
MUSIC (7 members – new members welcome) Contact: John Grimshaw (01865
861949)
This friendly and sociable group meets in members’ homes during the
third week of each month at 2.15pm. The host introduces and plays recordings of
their own choice, of broadly classical music, usually on CD or DVD. Thus, we
have made many delightful musical discoveries, have learnt much, and we freely
express our reactions. We often finish with something of lighter mood. There
are currently seven of us, and we would welcome new members.
GARDENING GROUP
New Members always
welcome Contact:
Mary Gregory (01865 865887)
After a busy summer of garden visits and a late summer plant swap with
tea and chat, the Gardening Group members are joining their gardens and plants in
taking a winter breather, before the cycle bursts into action again in spring.
There may be a social event to keep us in touch into the New Year. Meantime new
members are welcome to contact me. Happy memories from summer garden visits:
mary@nandmg.me.uk
LUNCH
CLUB
Contact:
Beverley Birmingham 07799 413110
Beverley writes: “I am pleased to say that we are still enjoying meeting
and trying new and favourite public houses. There are now 14 of us, so it can
be difficult at times to find somewhere open on a Monday (our regular meeting
day) that is willing to take a larger group. However, this autumn we have met
at The Talbot, Eynsham, The Greyhound, Besselsleigh, and The Bystander at
Wootton. A review of possible venues has been started so, hopefully, we will
have a few more favourites to add to the list.”
Dates for meetings during the
first part of 2026 are: 2nd February, 2nd March, 2nd June and 6th July. There
will be no meetings in April (Easter) or May (Bank Holiday).
READING
GROUP
Contact:
Lis Froggatt (01865 249828) We meet on the third Monday of the month at 2 pm in Botley Library.
During the preceding month we have all read the same book (supplied by the
Library) and share our views of it. We finish about 3, going home with the new
book for the next meeting. There is room, if you would like to join. SCRABBLE
Contact:
Margery
Dent (01865 862534)
We continue to meet on the 3rd Monday of the month from
2.00-5.00 pm.
WALKING
GROUP
Contact: Mary Chait (07342964870)
Mary Chait reports that the Walking Group has had some lovely autumn
walks, including one around Burgess Nature Reserve, which is situated off Port
Meadow on the Jericho side. Members much enjoyed their post-walk lunch at The
Trout.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thames Valley Network
Contact:
Alex Brown (07581 538518)
Alex
writes: The most recent TVN reps meeting took place on 10th October at
Benson. There was discussion on a number of topics including the pros
and cons of different ways to manage email communications and whether
the central u3a’s Beacon messaging system is worth using. It’s always
interesting to hear about the differences between the large and small
groups – we are one of the smallest in the region.
TVN organises meetings, mainly online, that are open to
any local u3a members. For full details, go to https://u3atvnetwork.org.uk/
Here is a list of the events scheduled for the early part of 2026:
15th January – ‘The Dramatic Art of the London Underground’ with
Mike Grundy
Applications for this event will not be accepted after Sunday 11th
January.
For more details, including how to book, go to the u3a Thames Valley
Network welcome page at https://u3atvnetwork.org.uk/ and
scroll down the page.
You can download the flyer for this meeting by clicking
this link: Art of the London Underground
10th February – ‘Pop go the Classics’ with Clive Aronson
10th March – ‘Sutton Hoo’ with Dr Jennifer Foster
13th April – ‘Pandemics’: a talk by Dr. Jeff Almond
When we receive the individual posters for each event they will be displayed in the Hall at our Monday meetings.
You can join the TVN mailing-list by emailing: events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk with your request to be put on the list.
The TVN website is https://u3atvnetwork.org.uk/ and it can also be accessed through ‘Links’ on our own website.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMER SCHOOLS
Some u3as around the UK run summer schools, offering the opportunity to
members from anywhere in the country to visit different surroundings, learn
something new or explore a topic in greater detail.
When details of the locations and courses for 2026 are available, they will be circulated to Members.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
We returned to The Bell
at Ducklington for our Christmas lunch on 8th December. We were quite a
large group - 34 in all – but the staff coped very well, remained friendly and
attentive. The food was good and there was much cheerful conversation. A big
thank you to Beverley for managing this, our last event for the year, so
efficiently.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUTINGS
In addition to our bi-monthly
meetings and involvement in our busy SIGs, members like to go on visits. Recent
outings have been to the BMW plant in Cowley and the Hinksey Heights Nature
Reserve, both very interesting in their different ways. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER
The next edition will be published in April 2026, and cover the
period April to June. Please send all contributions, notices etc, by the
end of March, to newsletter@westoxfordu3a.org.uk
This Newsletter is posted on our website
simultaneously with the printing. If any material relating to any individual
should not be so posted, please contact newsletter@westoxfordu3a.org.uk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
