The aim of this group is to provide companionship for members who are on their own and would like to take part in a variety of activities, but would rather not do so alone. It can be a day or half-day. Members take turns to suggest an outing - perhaps visit a garden, a place of interest, have a lunch, visit the theatre, go to a concert, or meet at a garden centre for coffee and cake . . .
As the name suggests, we all have some form of walking difficulties. Therefore, we try to keep our walks to a maximum of a mile on a flat surface, preferably where sitting places are available if necessary. It is an informal group, with no styles or hills and may well involve stopping off somewhere for tea/coffee!
In June 2021 we enjoyed a lovely summery stroll around Hilsea Lido :
The Potting Shed is a friendly group who have a common interest in gardening, and are equally welcoming to people who prefer to look rather than do.
We visit NGS gardens and others for seasonal highlights, not travelling too far, and sharing cars where possible. In the summer we visit each other’s gardens – which usually involves coffee and cake. We do an annual plant/seed swap.
April 2022 saw us enjoying some lovely spring sunshine at Tuppenny Barn at Southbourne.
Our inaugural group visit in February, 2022 was to West Dean Gardens near Chichester
Enquiries : Email groups@waterloovilleu3a.org.uk Visit the Groups Table at a Coffee Morning or General Meeting If the group is full, your name can be added to the Waiting List and you will be offered a space when you reach the top.
This group started in Jan 2006.
The group currently has a total of around 50 members although not everyone attends every walk. Our walks are about 5 miles long and 2 hours or so duration. We like to have a good chat along the way and also to enjoy the scenery and points of interest.
The Collectables group enables anyone with a collection of anything to share and enjoy whatever it is they collect. The term collectables covers practically any item of any material of any size and shape.
We meet once a month when group members bring along examples of collectables beginning with a choice of two letters.
A VISIT TO THE ALLEN GALLERY At the Allen gallery in Alton we had a talk from one of the Hampshire museums curators. She showed us various collectable items including an agricultural workers smock, a child's embroidered dress, an antique pistol (all from the 18th century) and also a range of ceramics from different centuries and countries. On completion we viewed their gallery which houses one of the South's most outstanding ceramics collection of English, continental and oriental pottery, porcelain and tiles from 1250 to the present day. We also witnessed some conservation work going on. We had lunch at a local hostelry where we met up with some members of Alton u3a and swopped stories and ideas. After that we went on to visit the Curtis museum - also in Alton - where, amongst their extensive displays, we learned about the origin of "Sweet Fanny Adams". A good time was had by all and we came away much more knowledgeable about antiques and collectables.
Can you believe that some people associate a bus pass with being old and boring? Well, the people in our group know better. To us it is literally the ticket to new challenges and opportunities for having adventures and a good time. We are a diverse group. Some of us haven't been on a bus since childhood. Some have only used it for a trip into town. Others are experienced bus travellers. We share trip planning and are getting to grips with the world of timetables, bus routes, connections, and online live updates. Our aim is to see just how far we can go and we intend making the most of our wonderful, free bus passes - while we can. We may even crack open a ginger beer or two.
