In this edition:
- Notices
- Upcoming Events
- Groups Notices
- Local and National
Notices
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Group Leaders at Coffee Mornings
Please note that most Group Leaders will not be present at our coffee mornings. With over 100 active interest groups, it simply wouldn’t be possible for every leader to attend — and we don’t want to place extra demands on our volunteers, who already give up their time to run these groups.
At the coffee mornings, you’ll still be able to find out plenty about what’s on offer. The groups represented at breakout tables will have information available, and our friendly volunteers at the Groups Information Table will be happy to answer questions or take your details if you’d like to find out more about a group.
So even if the Group Leader themselves isn’t there, please do come along — have a chat, enjoy some coffee and company, and we’ll make sure your enquiry reaches the right person afterwards.Please note, that most Group Leaders will not be present at our coffee mornings — with over 100 active interest groups, it simply wouldn’t be possible for everyone to attend! The groups that are represented at breakout tables will have information available and friendly volunteers at the designated Groups Information Table will be on hand to help answer questions or take your details if you’d like to find out about a group.
So, even if a particular Group Leader isn’t there, you can still come along, have a chat, and we’ll make sure your enquiry reaches the right person afterwards.
Upcoming Events
u3a Quiz Night – Get Your Thinking Caps On!
We had an excellent turnout on 30 October for the reboot of our ever-popular Quiz Night — thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such an enjoyable evening!
The next Quiz Night will be held on Thursday 27 November, at the Jubilee Hall, New Park Centre, from 18.30 to 22.00.
This time, we’re making a few improvements, including a better sound system, speedier rounds and a quicker entry process. All entries must be made via the U3A website HERE, where you’ll also be able to select your meal option in advance.
Meal options (all served with chips):
- Fish (GF available)
- Chicken
- Veggie burger
- Sausage
- Halloumi kebab
Prices (cash only, payable on the night):
- Food & Quiz: £12.00
- Quiz only: £2.00 per person
Please book your teams of six as soon as possible — numbers will be restricted this time to keep things running smoothly.
A few important notes:
- The evening is run entirely by volunteers, so please help with setting up and clearing away tables and chairs.
- Everyone must bring their own drinks, glasses, cutlery and crockery.
- Please take all rubbish home with you at the end of the evening.
For general quiz enquiries, contact:
chiu3aquiz@hotmail.com
(Please note: entries will not be accepted by email — use the website link above.)
Members’ Monthly Meeting at the Assembly Rooms on North Street, Chichester, Thursday, 20th November at 2 p.m.
Speaker: Mr. Malcolm Nelson
Forty Years of Catching Smugglers – Why do I always feel so guilty?
Malcolm was a Customs Officer working in many places in the UK, but mostly his career was based in London Port and Heathrow, however he also worked in St Petersburg, Malta and several airports in the EU. He has written two books about his career and he will be giving us insight into how Border Force Officers select people in the Green Channel who they think may be carrying prohibited substances in their luggage. What is it that gives them away? Why, sometimes, is there nobody in the Green Channel? Why do we feel that we’re being watched? These and your own questions will be answered.
Monthly meetings are completely free, and tea and coffee will be served after the talk when you will have the chance to chat with friends.
Doors open from 1.15 p.m. … no booking required.
Coffee Morning – Tuesday, 2nd December, 10am-12noon
Always on the First Tuesday of each month, so please mark your calendars!
Our Coffee Mornings are held in the Bar at the MINERVA THEATRE building, opposite the Chichester Festival Theatre. You can chat with our groups team and learn about current and new offerings, meet old friends and make new ones!
Groups News & Notices
A new choice for wine tasters
Two new wine tasting groups are in the process of being established – one on the second Wednesday of each month from 4-6pm and the other on the second Thursday of the month between 7 and 9pm.
Depending on the amount of interest the groups are likely to consist of around ten members each and take place in members’ houses.
If you would like to join one of these groups please let the groups team know via this link HERE.
New Android Help Group
We’re pleased to announce a new Android Help Group, starting on Tuesday 20 January. Sessions will be held on the third Tuesday of every month, 2.00–3.00 pm, in the Upstairs Meeting Room at St Paul’s Church.
This is a drop-in help session – no regular commitment needed. Just come along whenever you’d like a bit of guidance with your Android phone or tablet. The group will be led by Barry Easton and Simon Sherrington, who’ll be on hand to answer questions, offer demonstrations, and help you get the best out of your device.
It’s the perfect chance to ask all those questions you’ve always wanted to – whether it’s how to tidy your home screen, use WhatsApp more confidently, manage photos, or explore those mysterious “settings”! You’ll find a friendly atmosphere, practical advice, and plenty of shared learning.
Everyone is welcome – just bring your device and your curiosity!
If you have any questions, please contact the Groups Team HERE.
Short Tennis – Wednesdays, 2.00–4.00pm
Come and join our Short Tennis group at the Westgate Leisure Centre, where there are vacancies for new members!
We play every Wednesday from 2.00–4.00pm in a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere. Short Tennis is easy to pick up, great exercise, and suitable for all abilities — whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the game. Rackets available.
There’s free parking, and you simply pay at the Westgate reception desk on entry – no need to book or let anyone know in advance. Enjoy a coffee and chat afterwards, making it a sociable and welcoming way to spend an afternoon.
Come along and give it a try — we’d love to see you!
If you have any questions, please contact the Groups Team HERE.
Table Tennis – Tuesdays, 10.00am–12.00pm
Our Table Tennis group meets at the Westgate Leisure Centre every Tuesday morning from 10.00–12.00, and we’re looking for new members to join in.
It’s a friendly, informal group that welcomes all abilities — from confident players to those who haven’t picked up a bat in years. It’s a great way to keep fit, have fun, and enjoy some lively games in good company.
There’s free parking, and you just pay at the reception desk on arrival – no need to let anyone know beforehand. Afterwards, many of us stay for a coffee and chat, which is all part of the fun and friendly spirit of the group.
Come along and see what it’s all about — everyone’s welcome!
Local and National
Local Events
The Spirit of Ukraine: Ukranian Cultural Festival – Saturday 15th November,
1.00-4.30pm at St. Paul’s Church, Chichester
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Ukrainian culture at our festival with traditional music and dance, craft and more:
1.00 -2.00 Dessert Fair & Art Exhibition
2.00-3.30 Concert (Ukranian & English music)
3.30-4.30 Craft Fair & Folk Dance Workshop
Children’s corner all afternoon
All proceeds go to Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice
Presented by: The VOYLA Art Community Group
Oxford University Society (W. Sussex) & St Anne’s Society South
present a talk by BBC TV broadcaster, author and adventurer TRISTAN GOOLEY – “THE NATURAL NAVIGATOR”
11.00am, Friday 21st November 2025
Boxgrove Village Hall, The Street, Boxgrove, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0EE
Tristan specialises in interpreting nature’s signs for use in our everyday lives. He has been called by BBC Radio the “Sherlock Holmes of Nature”. Tristan’s illustrated talk follows the publication of his new book and Sunday Times bestseller “The Hidden Seasons: A Calendar of Nature’s Clues and Signs”. This talk is a must for all nature lovers, walkers and cyclists.
Admission is by pre-booking and £12 per person, including refreshments, served from 10.30am. There is free parking at the hall and in the road outside. To book your places, please email Susan at ouswestsussex@gmail.com with names and numbers and she will give you bank account details for payment.
National u3a
There is a wealth of information on the National u3a website – www.u3a.org.uk , including online groups, u3a Radio podcast, upcoming events, and the latest issue of Third Age Matters, the monthly national u3a magazine.
The link to the current version is: https://www.u3a.org.uk/news/u3a-matters/screen-reader-editions/u3a-matters-summer-2025-screenreader-edition
The next bulletin is due out on 21 November, so if you have an item to submit, you may use this link.
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Enquiries If you wish to write to the Chichester U3A, then the correspondence address is: U3A Chichester, Box 809, MailboxesEtc., 26 The Hornet, CHICHESTER, PO19 7BB. If you wish to discuss something then please call 07490 654524 (and be prepared to leave a message if not answered), or contact the membership secretary.