LOCATION: Most of our meetings take place at the Harrow and District Masonic Centre which is in Northwick Circle HA3 0EL, near Sainsbury’s in Kenton (please see the photo on the home page of our website). The nearest stations are Kenton and Northwick Park. The nearest bus stops are in Kenton Road or Woodcock Hill. But, as you can see above, we also get about London too, either for a visit to a place of interest, or for a gentle ramble through a locality.
REFRESHMENTS: Almost all our activities involve a break in proceedings for members to have tea, coffee and biscuits and the chance to socialise with others. Refreshments currently cost 50p.
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
Each month we hold at least one Monthly Meeting where a first class speaker is invited to address the meeting. These are quality presentations on topics that are of interest to the members of Kenton and District u3a, and have recently included speakers on the History of Recorded Music, The Stories behind the Ladies of Kenwood House, How to become a Tour Guide and the Ins and Outs of Bell Ringing. These occasions usually lead to a series of questions followed by refreshments.
On 27 November 2024 we were treated to a Cornucopia of Creativity with Stories, Poems and Paintings. On 18 December 2024 we celebrated the season with a special buffet lunch, a Sing-along and a Pantomime (Oh yes we did!).
In 2025 we are looking forward to a virtual tour of London, as well as topics on history and our communities.
EXPLORING LONDON
On Sunday 19 January 2025, we have planned an exploration of Lambeth and Vauxhall, an area of London steeped in history.
On Monday 27 January 2025, a visit to the back stage area of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden was made as shown above. We have also planned a walk through the Olympic Park, a visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum, and an exploration of the Regents Canal.
Other locations of interest include St Paul’s Cathedral and the Guildhall Art Museum
On Wednesday 20 November 2024 we have booked for a group of 18 of us to have lunch at the Clink Restaurant inside Brixton Prison. Our meal was cooked and served by prisoners who are training for accredited qualifications. Upon their release, the Clink Charity helps graduates find employment in the catering and hospitality industry. By dining at the prison, we were giving them a valuable learning experience.
Our group, working under the title of “Morality Matters” investigated the topic of Artificial Intelligence, something that has been very much in the news over the past few weeks. Other topics include Abortion and the Purpose of Prisons.
MOTO went to the ballet Giselle recently, followed by a supper in a local venue. In this context, MOTO stands for Members On Their Own! Further details from the group organiser – Viv Spiteri, the Kenton & District u3a Secretary (see Contact Us above).
Our programme of Art History has continued, examining Female Artists before 1800, with our guide Jennifer explaining the role, the training and the influence the artists had on culture throughout Europe, and beyond.
Our new Sign Supported English are developing their communication skills using the signs and gestures that are essential to so many people now.
After a break in August, the excellent new Singing for Pleasure group returns on Monday 2 September at 2pm in the Wembley Room. The group got off to a great start three months ago with around 20 members, led by Pauline Silver on the piano, enthusiastically joining in with songs from musicals, Beatles and other popular tunes. There was a lovely atmosphere and nice feedback at the end. In subsequent sessions Pauline introduced more songs. This is not a choir; you just need to enjoy singing. There’s no audition, so why not come and join in? Sessions are generally on the second Monday each month at 2pm.
In recent weeks, our Gardening Group members have been meeting indoors, discussing the problems that winter creates for gardeners, and how to prevent pests in the coming months. Please contact Freda Raingold if you are interested in joining the group.
Information on our Groups
General information on all our groups can be found here on our website. For more information about our groups, walks, visits and outings, please click here to contact Interest Group Coordinator by Email.
Come and Visit Us
We look forward to seeing you at some of our meetings and group activities very soon. You are assured of a warm welcome.
Rivieria Travel will make a 10% Donation to Kenton & District u3a
A reminder that if you book a holiday directly with Riveria Travel and nominate Kenton & District u3a as a charity of your choice, they will donate 10% of the final cost to us on your return. But you must mention that you would like them to do this at the time of booking.
The donation can apply to the total cost of a group booking if the person making the booking is a u3a member. You may have seen their adverts in Third Age Matters magazine.
