Most recent Newsletter (February 21)
Previous Newsletter (November 20)
Latest Wetherby News Article (March 21)
Join Wetherby U3A Facebook Group This is a closed group – only open to members of Wetherby and District U3A. It’s a way to keep in touch and share information with other U3A members.
Have a look at our volunteering page where there are currently many opportunities to lend a hand.
Wetherby Foodbank, Appeal
The rise in the number of people who need to use foodbanks as a result of the current coronavirus crisis has been in the news recently. Many people donate to the food bank in Wetherby, however, as a result of the closure of churches and self-isolation, it is now more difficult to give but the need is more urgent the ever. Please, if you can, give food and other essential items.
The Wetherby Food Bank also accepts donations of money, if that would be easier. Details about how to do this can be found here.
U3A Quiz. There will be an on line quiz for all U3A members on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The next one will be on 14th April at 2:30. Click on this link to join in the quiz.
28th April at 2:30pm Wetherby & District U3A Open Meeting using zoom. The presentation entitled “Remember Then” will given by Dr Janet Few. Here is a link to the meeting.
30th June at 2:30pm Wetherby & District U3A Open Meeting using zoom. This month the talk will be given by Steve Dimmer on the subject of Alan Bennett. Here is a link to Steve’s web site.
WETHERBY AND DISTRICT U3A SCOTTISH HOLIDAY
13 – 18th August 2021
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic our 2020 holiday to Scotland this summer has been cancelled, disappointing many of us who were really looking forward to it – but the good news is that it’s on again for 2021! The Itinerary remains exactly the same and once again, we’ll be journeying from Wetherby with Deirdre Brown Travel, one of the U Ks most respected companies, renowned for their luxurious leather-seated coaches, with food and drinks on board, together with their high-end choice of affordable hotels and excellent food.
Very briefly, our itinerary includes a visit to:
- The famous Rosslyn chapel en route
- Scenic drives along the shores of Scottish lochs and visits to Scottish gardens
- Edinburgh, for a visit to Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament building and the evening Tattoo
- A day in Glasgow visiting the cathedral and a selection of museum and art galleries
- A Heritage train ride along the shores of the River Forth
- A visit to the Kelpies and the Falkirk wheel
We’ll be staying at the 3*Winnock Hotel in Drymen – a former Coaching Inn, north east of Edinburgh – for breakfasts and most dinners.
The cost of the holiday is £835.00 with a single supplement of £105.00.
Accommodation is in double or twin rooms and at present there are a number of single rooms available but these have proven to be very popular, so it is advisable to book these early.
For a full itinerary and any further information including a booking form, please contact me, Barry Atkinson, on 01423 331419 or email at john_barry44@outlook.com
(please note the underscore between john and barry!)
The committee, taking into account the continuing uncertainty re Covid, has reluctantly decided to cancel all events planned in celebration of our 10th/11th anniversary. We shall, however, participate in the 40th anniversary of the u3a in the UK, which falls in 2022.
The Anniversary Lunch is still scheduled to go ahead this year on Wednesday 22nd September at the Bridge Hotel. The price and menu will remain the same as will the speaker.
*This is subject to any Covid restrictions at the time.
Here us a useful list of venues which can be hired by U3A groups in the Wetherby and District area:
WiSE, Wetherby in Support of the Elderly are a long established local charity. Due to a long standing trustee moving from the area, they are keen to recruit a new trustee with an interest in reducing isolation in the elderly which in turn helps to improve mental health and independence.Anyone who would like more information should contact the Chair of Trustees, via the email address info@w-ise.org.ukDetails of the charity’s objects are available on the Charity Commission website and WiSE has its own website including activities and services available to people in the Wetherby area.
VE Day and VJ Day 75th Anniversary events
W&D U3A has been involved in the planning by Wetherby Town Council and Welcome to Wetherby for events in May 2020, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe – VE Day, and also in August to commemorate VJ Day – victory over Japan.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the uncertainty as to when it will be possible for large gatherings to again take place, a decision has been made to cancel both events and replace them with a single VE/VJ Day event on Monday, 3rd May 2021.
Before the onset of the crisis, it was initially planned that the very first event of the VE anniversary weekend would be Rex Stott and the U3A ukulele group performing a wartime themed singalong in the Town Hall. Rex and the group will now perform at the 2021 event.
Last year we received a presentation from Linda Glew highlighting a project led by Leeds Older People’s forum in partnership with Leeds City Council with the aim of building an more Age-Friendly Community. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
Age Friendly Ambassadors
Age Friendly Ambassadors are individuals from organisations, businesses or communities who can help us to make the communities of Leeds Age Friendly places.
Ambassadors may promote Age Friendly Leeds within their workplace, sports team, place of worship, with family and friends or anywhere in their community. You can find out more, watch our short film and sign up as an Age Friendly Ambassador here.
Alongside the guide, we have introduced a convenient online sign up for organisations to state what actions they intend to take and receive Age Friendly and Dementia Friendly stickers for their premises, free publicity, updates and support.
Shine Magazine
A new publication supported by Leeds City Council, the Shine magazine, has been created in response to the Coronavirus crisis. It shares the stories of older people in Leeds and is available both online and offline. The first three issues can be downloaded from the Shine magazine website – https://timetoshineleeds.
News Letter from YAHR covering COVID-19 guidance and two interesting creative opportunities