July 2026 Bulletin
Thank you so much to everyone who came to our open day – whether that was to help on a groups table, work on renewals or new member registration, help people at the door, manage the technology or come along to sign up for classes. It was very HOT but also happy and buzzing, a great showcase for our u3a. Also, a big welcome to the new members who signed up at the event.
Our MP, Tom Rutland, visited the open day and went round the group tables. I was not sure what to expect, but he was charming and friendly and showed great enthusiasm for our activities – we had to stop him signing up for some things and he loved the fact that we have 6 wine appreciation groups! He commented at the end about what a good atmosphere there was and how welcoming people had been. I’m sorry that he didn’t manage to get round to all the tables as we ran out of time, which was a shame. I hope that he took away that the third age is actually something to look forward to and that the u3a plays a major part in supporting older people in our community.
Ballroom Dancing
We are delighted to tell you that new members Annie and James are starting a new monthly group offering modern ballroom and Latin-American dancing for all abilities. The first meeting will be from 1.30pm to 4pm on Friday 11 September in the main hall at the Shoreham Centre on its lovely, large, wooden dance floor.
Interested? Annie and James will be at the monthly Friday event in July to demonstrate their steps and there will be a list to sign up on. If you can’t come to the Friday event but want to have a go, then email groups2@shorehamandsouthwicku3a.org.uk to register your interest.
Annie and James are very much looking forward to welcoming you. It would be great if lots of members welcomed them, so do sign up.
New group proposed: Eclectic Music Appreciation
Think BBC6 Music rather than Radio 2. The group will play, share and discuss the music we love. From classic rock to soul to post-punk, folk, electronic and new indie discoveries. All tastes and eras are welcome as long as you’re up to exploring something new! Please contact Chris Whittle at groups2@shorehamandsouthwicku3a.org.uk to register your interest in attending a pop-up meeting (date to be arranged).
Membership
Renewals
If you have not already renewed your membership, please do this by the end of July. At the Friday event on 31 July we will be doing face to face renewals by cash or card. You can also pay online via our website or by bank transfer. If you are having any problems renewing just contact Liz Gibbs at membership@shorehamandsouthwicku3a.org.uk
Membership cards
For a few years now we have only issued membership cards to new members on joining. We have now introduced the u3a Members Portal on our website which gives you access to view and change the details we hold about you, to renew your membership and to download a new membership card. You can use this whether you renewed online or not to get a copy of this year’s membership card. Access the portal from the membership page on our website and either log in or register. Then select ‘E-mail Replacement Membership Card’ and you will be sent the card by email.
And so, we come to the end of another term and learning year. Thank you to all of you who have renewed your membership – we look forward to seeing you for more challenges and experiences in September. And goodbye to everyone who has chosen not to stay with us – I hope that you will come back in the future, you will be welcomed.
There will be no bulletin in August as we take a rest and plan for next term.
Have a wonderful Summer Break.
Karen Hewitt, Chair
Monthly Friday Events coming up ...
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