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, and How to become a Tour Guide These occasions usually lead to a series of questions followed by refreshments.
On 22 November 2023 we were treated to a Cornucopia of Creativity with Stories, Poems, Paintings and a Pantomime.
EXPLORING LONDON
On Tuesday 13 August, we had a fascinating private tour of Stephens House and Garden in Finchley. It is a grand Victorian Mansion, a grade II listed building, that was built in the 1870s by Henry “Inky” Stephens, with rooms overlooking the Gardens. We heard all about the interesting story of the family, toured the house from the top tower to the cellars and experienced the delights of the large garden on a perfect sunny day.
On the afternoon of Monday 23 September, we are having a private tour of the Watermen’s Hall in the City of London. Our tour guide, assistant Clerk to the Livery Company, will show us round the only remaining Georgian Hall in the City of London and tell us something of the 500-year history of the Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames. The tour starts at 2.30pm and will last about an hour and a half. The costs is £15 a head, including tea and coffee at the end. We can travel down together from Preston Road Station to Monument Station, from where it is a 5-minute walk to the Hall.
On Wednesday 9 October we have booked for a group of 18 of us to have lunch at the Clink Restaurant inside Brixton Prison. Our meal will be 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 are giving them a valuable learning experience. Please note that there are various security requirements, including being searched on arrival and no alcohol. The cost will depend on what you order
(probably £25-£40) but a £15 deposit is required beforehand. We have to arrive at the prison at 11.30am. We can travel together from Preston Road Station to Brixton Station and then get a bus to just outside the prison.
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 British Artists in London Galleries, with our guide Jennifer explaining the development of the galleries and their collections. as well as the technical methods used by the painters. We are looking forward to visits to Kenwood House, and further subjects later in 2024.
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.
Due to building work taking place at the Masonic Centre, the group have been out and about, enjoying the good weather. We spent a lovely July afternoon exploring the small but beautiful Rose Garden in Bushey, and on our way out we stopped and chatted to members of Bushey u3a! Two weeks later we held a communal lunch after the ku3a monthly meeting. We were blessed with good
weather, company and food. Thank you, Taj, for your hospitality. More visits and garden parties planned for late August and September. The next meeting is on
Wednesday 28 August at 2pm in the Bar Lounge, then 25 September (hopefully back in the normal Kenton Room). 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.
