Category Archives: Group Reports

Reports from local U3A group activities.

Bowling Group return after Covid

Indoor Bowls has re started but at a new start time of 9.15am to start bowling at 9.30am, this is to allow cleaning to take place before the next session ( Covid 19 precautions).

The session started with a minutes silence to allow bowlers to pay their last respects to
Margaret Lloyd who sadly passed away during lock-down.

The days remain the same Monday, Wednesday & Friday but time is now 9.15am
We are only allowed a maximum of 16 players per session so if you wish to attend a session you will need to ring me THE DAY BEFORE ON :- 01646 663623 to book in. It will be on a first come first served basis.
Everyone agreed it was great to be back playing again as we had all missed the social and exercise elements of the game.

Below a few photos of the resumption of play.

Stay safe
John Hodge
Group leader U3A Indoor Bowls Group.

Garden Group North’s Visit to Pam and Stan Steer

Our July meeting took us to the garden of Stan and Pam Steer. In the knowledge that Pam has won the cup for the most points gained at the U3A Horticultural Show for the past three years, we knew we were in for something special. When our hosts purchased the plot they were advised to forget the garden because nothing would grow in the heavy clay soil. How amazed the neighbour must be to see this verdant corner of the cul-de-sac. Much hard work, compost and chicken manure has produced a beautiful garden.

Shed and Pond

The clematis was in full flower and the flower bed, full of alstroemeria, was charming, with the delicate colouration of the flowers, such a pity it is to go to be replaced by a Dahlia bed! I cannot describe this garden without making reference to Stan’s Dahlias. Exquisite, the care and devotion taken has certainly been worthwhile. One has a Japanese name which one of our group was able to translate to Messenger from the Moon – it certainly was out of this world.

Alstromeria

The fish in the pond have certainly grown since the group’s last visit and certainly drew everyone’s attention. Along the wall of the bungalow stood pots of Chrysanthemums too early as yet for blooms but the autumn I am sure will see some stunning flowers. The weather this year has been challenging for gardeners but that was not apparent from this garden except perhaps for the lawn! A lovely afternoon spent in a beautiful garden.

Penny Thomas

12^th July 2018

U3A TABLE TENNIS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018

Firstly a huge thank you to everyone who came to Cardiff, smiled their way through 8+ hours of an extremely hot and stuffy Jubilee Hall and played magnificently.

This year the competition was open to teams from England, was very much bigger and we met with a lot of serious and dedicated league players. There were 34 teams and everyone played an average of 9 matches. Overall we took 7^th place (Gaynor Evans & Tony Tiffen) and 9^th place (Chris Harries and myself), and the trophy for Group 4 went to Pauline Tiffen & Geraint Williams. John Healey partnered Pat Mason who kept going even though still recovering from an injured wrist, and Ray Lockyer was partnered by Margaret Carter, our newest member. All of them did us proud.

Receiving their trophy from Ron Davies board director of Table Tennis Wales,
Pauline Tiffen and Geraint Williams

The Sophia Gardens cafeteria provided very good breakfasts and lunches. Thanks go to Chris who organised a Portuguese meal on Monday night, and to Gaynor who took us back to last year’s Italian restaurant on Tuesday – both excellent meals. Thanks also to Muriel who was unable to play but stayed with us all day and gave help and encouragement. Last but not least we owe thanks to Phil Avery who gave the time and effort to organise the competition.

Pembrokeshire U3A vs Narberth U3A quiz

Six teams from Pembrokeshire U3A entered the Narberth U3A annual general knowledge quiz on 18th November, & answered questions on ten subjects ranging from “quotations” to “food & drink” to “music” to “inventions”.

We gained revenge for the result at our own quiz in May, when teams from Narberth finished 1st & 2nd, with our team of David & Chris Pinch, Helen Kift & Peter Brown finishing first by a whisker from Anne & Derek Church & Marcia Heaviside.

This is the third year of these successful events, & once again we were made to feel very welcome by our hosts. Chairman Penny Thomas thanked Narberth for their hospitality, & in particular organiser Juliet Burgess for her hard work

Pembrokeshire U3A Annual Quiz

On the afternoon of Friday 20th May fourteen teams off quiz enthusiasts assemble at the Neyland Athletics Club for our Annual Quiz. We were under the experienced supervision of Peter and Ann Brown.

As you can see from the scoreboard above we were joined by four teams from Narberth U3A and in a closely fought contest the appropriately named “Narberth Know Alls” were victorious. Chair of the Pembrokeshire U3A, Penny Thomas, thanked Peter and Ann for devising the quiz and organising such a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.

Geoff Winterman