Chairmans April Message

Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote

The droghte of March hath perced to the roote…

Thanne longen folk to goon on pilgrimages…

…to Caunterbury they wende…

Well, I don’t know about you, but Geoffrey Chaucer’s description of early Spring and its reference to the ‘droughte’ (drought) of March bears little resemblance to this year’s Spring so far, which, like much of the winter that preceded it, is generally best described as wet, soggy and miserable with the odd fine day thrown in to tease our bedraggled spirits a little.  Whether April is filled with ‘shoures soote’ (sweet showers) remains to be seen, but one thing that is for certain is that, whilst most of us will not be following in the path of Chaucer and going on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral this Spring, we all have our own journeys – some of which will, hopefully, get us out and about, or just exploring, what brilliant new opportunities and activities our U3A has to offer. 

How about stretching your legs a little by joining the Ramblers?  Or, for those who prefer gentle strolls, WhatsApp Walkers may just fit the bill – and keep you fit at the same time.  Crown Green Bowling, at the Ollerton Bowling Club, is again on offer this year after a very successful season in 2025.  It all looks deceptively easy on the TV – but is it really as straightforward as it looks?

Or what about learning to play a ‘fun’ musical instrument, such as a Ukelele or a Banjo?  Release your inner George Formby and have a lot of laughs whilst you are doing so.

Learning to play Bridge, or Mahjong, Rummikubs or Scrabble, is a great way to keep the little grey cells cheerfully ticking over in addition to enjoying the company of like-minded afficionados.  The AllSorts / Gardening Group and the Sewing Bee both offer the chance to exercise your creativity within an encouraging group atmosphere.

Those are just some suggestions for your own U3A ‘journey’ this year.  There are many others – Creative Writing and History, for example, together with a whole range of special trips, outings and events which are coming up this year.  Further information– including contact details – about everything your U3A has to offer can be found within these pages.

With Every Good Wish,

Mike