There are a number of new Groups, and other new activities either just launched or in prospect, at Shepway and District u3a.
Sue Dickie launched the first Knit and Natter Group, meeting in Hawkinge back in November 2025. So successful was this venture that a second Knit and Natter Group has now been created in Hawkinge, starting in March 2026. And yet another Knit and Natter Group will start in Hythe on 1 April 2026. The idea of all these groups remain exactly what it says in the name — knit, crochet, cross-stitch etc with a group of like-minded friends, whilst having an opportunity to put your world to rights? For more details, see the new Knit and Natter Group pages linked in this paragraph.
April 2026 saw the launch of the much requested Beginners class for Line Dancing in the Newington Hall. This is now part of the first session for the Group, rather than a new Group, so you can find more details on the updated Line Dancing Group page.
Following the success of the three First Aid workshops organised by our Membership Secretary Sue Dickie, in collaboration with the Red Cross, Sue has submitted an article to the Third Age Trust Magazine (TAM). A copy of this article - edited slightly for presentation on our website may be read by following this link First Aid Workshops - TAM Article
New First Aid workshops in September/October are currently being planned and will appear as new Events on this website, linked from the Events page, in due course.
Meanwhile, a new group led by Bryony Taylor-Youell will meet on the third Wednesday of each month, commencing Wednesday 15th July, at a nominated Pub in the Romney Marsh area. The idea is to have a social get-together in a convivial setting somewhere other than your usual “local”, followed by a meal for those interested in eating as well.
If you are interested apply to the Groups Registrar in the usual way but for enquiries contact Bryony through the link to the Group Leader on the Pub Visits on the Marsh Group page.
How has watching flood disaster reports on TV made you feel? How would you feel if it happened to you or somebody you are close too? Do you ever worry that it could happen to you? We know that this awful trauma is occurring more frequently, due to the effects of global warming, and yes, there is no reason to feel that you are safe in the area that you live in. Even high ground could flood if the ground has become too dry, or too saturated to absorb a rainfall of biblical proportions. Could you cope? Are there plans you could set in place to reduce the impact it could have on you and your loved ones?
You can discuss this, and more at a series of Flood Awareness Workshops, facilitated by Shepway and District U3a in association with The British Red Cross. The workshops will be 1.5 hours long and arranged for venues in Hythe and Hawkinge/Folkestone. A fee of £6 per person will be charged to cover all costs and give the BRC a good donation.
Around 15-20 places will be available at each Single Session Workshop, and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, with a reserve list in order of application for cancellations, and a waiting list for future dates.
See the Events page for details of the first session in Hythe, that is arranged for September.
To apply to join any of these Groups (where there is space) contact the Groups' Registrar in the usual way as shown on the main Groups page.