NEWS for ...
Petersfield u3a members

Welcome to our latest e-newsletter, giving a quick summary of what’s happening within Petersfield u3a. To find out more, simply click onto the blue links to be taken straight to our website.

Minding your language isn’t a problem if you’re a member of Petersfield u3a!

There are no fewer than 12 foreign language groups - some of which have been meeting for well over a decade – covering Spanish, German, Greek and French at different levels. Some meet in members’ homes or in a local pub or café; others get together on Zoom. Authentic meals out often complement reading, translation and conversation.

The Modern Greek group, which meets on Zoom on Tuesday mornings, would welcome any new members with some fluency in the language. The sessions include reading a chapter or two of a Greek novel followed by ‘homework’ of some translation (Victoria Hislop’s books have been a favourite).

The newest arrival is French – Conversational, perfect for confident speakers. This group, which has just been set up by a new member, will meet on Wednesday mornings at a café in central Petersfield. If you’d like to join in some lively discussion on current affairs and French culture - enjoying conversational French in an informal way - then this group is for you.

And if you’d like to brush up on your language skills but can’t find a group which is suitable or which has spaces for new members, you can set up your own one. There would be lots of help available from the Groups Coordinator grpcoord.u3aptr@gmail.

Dates for your Diary

On Wednesday 26 March there will be an opportunity to chat over a cuppa when all members are invited to a regular coffee morning at Petersfield Community Centre (10am to 12 noon).

Coming up at the same venue over the next few weeks are a variety of open meetings (all featuring guest speakers):

Monday 10 March at 2.30pm:
My parents at war

Tuesday 18 March at 2pm:
The universe within

Wednesday 19 March at 2.30pm:
West Horsley Place: the house and its history

Tuesday 25 March at 2pm:
Darwin

Around & About

• If you’re looking to have a go at something new this spring, here are two (very different) groups which both have vacancies for more members.
  The Mah Jong group meets in a member’s home on the first and third Thursday morning of every month.
  Whether you already know your ‘chows’ from your ‘pungs’ or are a complete beginner, all are welcome to come along and enjoy this Chinese game which dates back to the Qing dynasty.
  Also looking to boost its numbers is Current Affairs 3.
  This group meets once a month on a Thursday afternoon at a member’s home. On the day, members of the group suggest topics for discussion; these can be a mix of local, national and international affairs.
  
• If you missed last month’s Arts & Heritage open meeting, all is not lost.
  For the stunning Isle of Purbeck paintings will be on show at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth until 16 March.
  And if you choose to visit on Friday 7 March, entry to the museum will be free (donations will be welcome). To find out more, visit russellcotes.com.

Have Your Say

‘Connect’ always welcomes news from Petersfield u3a members via u3aeditorconnect@gmail.com.

To make sure the e-newsletter is easy and interesting to read – and the style is consistent – copy is likely to be edited. The original version of any submission can be posted on the relevant page on our website and easily accessed from ‘Connect’ via a link.

“Super new improved ‘Connect’. Many thanks and well done re photos!” (Frances P)

“If you are unable to publish my item as submitted, please do not publish it at all. I shall not be submitting any further articles to you.” (Brian M)

“Produced the results that we were looking for and, for me, proved the effectiveness of ‘Connect’.” (Chris B)

The next issue of ‘Connect’ will be emailed to you on Saturday 15 March, with a copy deadline for all contributions of Tuesday 11 March.