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.

This year’s Arts & Heritage summer trip was blessed with very good weather – perhaps a little too good for some!
A coach took members and guests from Petersfield to Hatfield House, built by Robert Cecil and a fine example of Jacobean architecture.
Two expert guides brought the house and its occupants to life, particularly through the two most famous portraits of Elizabeth I (the Rainbow and the Ermine). The grounds provided a welcome opportunity for cooling down.
“Unfortunately we were not able to see inside the Old Palace, Elizabeth I’s childhood home, as it was being used for a wedding,” said organiser Joan Shepley. “But we did get a glimpse of the beautiful bride.”
All in all, the visit was much enjoyed by everyone – despite the rather long journey home, courtesy of the M25!

Dates for your Diary

In a little over a month, Petersfield Community Centre will be opening its doors once again to host a variety of talks to intrigue, entertain and inform Petersfield u3a members.

Monday 8 September at 2.30pm
My Great Aunt Constance and the Burma Trek

Tuesday 16 September at 2pm
What help is available from Citizens Advice?

Wednesday 17 September at 2.30pm
Whitchurch Silk Mill

Around & About

• Congratulations to Cryptic Crosswords on celebrating its 10th anniversary.
  The group meets on the second Friday morning of each month at a member’s house. Of mixed ability, members work closely together to unravel seemingly unsolvable puzzles by trying to think outside the box!
  Is 2025 a special year for any other groups?
  
• Well done, Steven Watts and Sue McNaughton, for stepping up and becoming joint conveners of Current Affairs 2.
  This long-established group meets on the second Wednesday afternoon of each month in members’ homes. The emphasis is on creating a social atmosphere for discussing and debating current local, national and international goings-on or reports in the media.
  “We probably won’t change the world with an earth-shattering decision,” admitted Steven. “It is simply good to talk about what has piqued our interest and hear each other’s perspectives.”
  The group, which is restricted in size to 10 members, currently has three vacancies. If you’d be interested in joining, click here.
  
• Also ready to welcome a few new members is International Affairs, which meets at Petersfield Community Centre on the fourth Thursday morning of each month.
  Uruguay and Australia will be the topics for discussion at the group’s next meeting on Thursday 28 August. This will be followed by a focus on China in September and the Falkland Islands in October.
  If you’d like to indulge in some virtual travelling to explore global political, economic and geographical topics, click here.
  
• One of the founding members of Petersfield Dippers is moving on to pastures – or should that be waters? – new.
  “Joy Francis has been a constant and cheerful presence, taking photographs of us over the past three years,” said convenor Kay Lindon.
  “We will miss her warmth and enthusiasm but wish her all the very best in this next chapter.”
  The Dippers presented Joy with a framed copy of the first photograph ever taken of the group (in July 2022) so that she can take a little piece of the Petersfield community with her.
  
• July saw the Petersfield Local History group visit St Mary and St Gabriel Church in South Harting.
  A knowledgeable guide shared information and anecdotes about the grounds and the church which dates back to Saxon times.
  The tour was followed by lunch at nearby Italian restaurant La Follia.
  Local History members meet on the first Tuesday afternoon of each month in a member’s home. Please click here to find out more.

Check it out!

Do you pay your annual membership subscription by Standing Order or bank transfer?
Not sure?
To avoid the risk of paying twice when the renewal email comes in, why not check with your bank (not our Membership Secretary!) to see if you’ve set up a Standing Order already? If you have, payment will be made automatically on your behalf.

Have Your Say

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

Has your group got some exciting plans for the autumn? Or would you simply like to remind members of when you resume after the summer (if you’re taking a break) or that you’ve spaces for newcomers?

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 (plus photographs) can be posted on the relevant page on our website and easily accessed from ‘Connect’ via a link. 

The next issue of ‘Connect’ will be emailed to you on Saturday 16 August, with a copy deadline for all contributions of Tuesday 12 August.