In this edition:
- Notices
- Upcoming Events
- Groups Notices
- Local and National
Notices
Message from the Chair
I am delighted to open this bulletin with some genuinely encouraging news. Many of you will remember our recent appeal for volunteers to support the Social Team. Your response was outstanding. Thank you to everyone who stepped forward or expressed a willingness to help. Your support has reinvigorated the Team and once again demonstrated the strong community spirit that defines the u3a.
Volunteering remains the foundation of everything we do. Our groups, events, and activities all depend on members who generously contribute a little of their time to benefit many others. Your continued involvement is deeply appreciated by the Committee and by the wider membership.
Thank you once again for your tremendous support, goodwill, and readiness to help. Together, we continue to ensure that Chichester u3a remains welcoming, vibrant, and thriving.
Warm wishes,
Jacky
New Opportunities
Join Our Volunteers Bank Team
As we develop our organisational capabilities, we are strengthening our Volunteers Bank, coordinated by Caroline, our Vice Chair. We are now seeking a small group of volunteers to join her in maintaining and running this important resource.
This role is supportive, well-structured, and not time-intensive. The team will:
- Keep an up-to-date register of members willing to volunteer occasionally;
- Match volunteers to short, one-off tasks and upcoming events;
- Liaise with group leaders to understand needs;
- Help ensure a friendly, organised, and responsive process.
Estimated time commitment is 2–3 hours per month, mostly via email, with occasional short meetings. It is ideal for members who enjoy coordination, clear communication, and making a meaningful contribution without taking on a major role.
If you are interested, please contact: chair@chichesteru3a.org.uk
Opportunity: Monthly Meeting / Speakers Team
We are also seeking one or two members to join our Monthly Meeting / Speakers Team. This team plays a central role in shaping our programme of talks, helping to identify engaging speakers, confirm arrangements, and ensure each monthly meeting runs smoothly.
The role involves:
- Sourcing and contacting potential speakers;
- Assisting with scheduling and practical arrangements;
- Helping meetings run smoothly on the day;
- Contributing ideas to keep our programme varied and enjoyable.
- Occasionally welcoming the Speaker to the Assembly Room, introducing and thanking them, and helping them field any questions from the audience
Time commitment is approximately 2–3 hours per month, plus attendance at the monthly meeting if you are available. It is a collaborative and enjoyable opportunity for anyone who likes organising, communicating, and supporting events enjoyed by the whole membership.
If you are interested, please contact: secretary@chichesteru3a.org.uk
Technical IT Support Needed
We are also seeking a technically capable member to support the IT area. This role is to replace an existing volunteer who is stepping down. He is very willing to talk through the specifics of the role, the current setup, and the technical environment with anyone who would like more information.
Routine website updates will continue to be managed by our existing volunteer. The new role focuses on understanding the underlying structure and functionality of the website, including:
- JavaScript and associated front-end technologies;
- Website architecture, plug-ins, and custom scripts;
- Troubleshooting issues requiring technical insight;
- Advising on or reviewing technical changes when needed.
This is an occasional-need role rather than a regular operational commitment. Typical time requirement is 1–2 hours per month, with some months requiring no action at all.
If you would like to learn more or express interest, please contact the Web Editors
Upcoming Events
u3a Quiz Night, 27 November – 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.)
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!
BREAKOUT TABLE:
new U3A Fiction Book Group
Members’ Monthly Meeting at the Assembly Rooms on North Street, Chichester, Thursday, 11th December at 2 p.m.
Speaker: Neil Sadler
(Almost) Death in Paradise: pirates and rum.

(Almost) Death in Paradise: pirates and rum.
Working with police in Trinidad and Tobago
Life in Barbados. The fictional island of Saint Marie in the TV series: Death in
Paradise. The real Pirates of the Caribbean.
What time did pirates go to bed? What was marooning?
“The answer’s Rum… now what was the question?”
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.
Groups News & Notices
Strength and Conditioning Class – New members welcome
This class meets every Wednesday at the Westgate Leisure Centre at 1.55 and finishes at 2.40. We are a friendly and welcoming group. A small core of us attend most weeks, but there is no requirement to attend weekly. We exercise using light hand weights to build core strength and muscle tone – very important for our age group. The class is led by Melissa who is very knowledgeable and understanding about the issues we face in our senior years. She adapts exercises for those who have problem areas. Please come along and give it a try, we need some new members as the group size has fallen and we regular attendees don’t want the class to end due to lack of support. The Westgate Centre do require a minimal number for a class to be financially feasible. No equipment or special clothing required, simply soft-soled shoes. Any lapsed members, please consider giving it another try!
Please just come along, but if you have any questions you can contact the groups team via this link HERE.
Exciting News – New Book Group Launching!
We’re delighted to announce that we are trialling a new U3A Fiction Book Group which will start on Tuesday 27th January 2-4pm at St Paul’s. The group will meet every 4th Tuesday and the cost will be £20 for 5 months (non refundable to cover hall rental).
The new group will be welcoming, relaxed and very much for readers who enjoy good conversation without any pressure. Whether you’re already an avid reader or simply looking for a gentle nudge to read more, a book group is a wonderful way to discover new authors, share ideas, and enjoy lively discussion in friendly company.
Practicalities:
· Free parking at venue
· Small, heated, light meeting room
· Kitchen facilities available for making tea/coffee
· A warm supportive atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued.
The opening read will be the bestselling Precipice by Robert Harris – a gripping, elegantly paced thriller that blends political intrigue, human drama, and moral tension. Harris’s sharp storytelling and vivid characters make the high stakes feel personal, drawing in readers of all backgrounds. It appeals to both men and women because it balances action with emotional depth—pairing strategic, high-pressure scenarios with intimate character moments and ethical dilemmas. Its layered themes, timely questions, and twist-driven plot also make it an excellent choice for bookgroups, sparking lively discussion about power, responsibility, and the choices that shape our futures.
If this sounds appealing do register your interest at groups@chichesteru3a.org.uk or via THIS LINK.
Pilates group

As the new year approaches, do you want to kick start a healthier you?
The Pilates group is now established, the group meets on a Thursday morning from 10-11am in Chichester and classes are just £51 for a six week block (that’s £8.50 a session). From time to time there are vacancies in the group; if you would like to add your name to the waiting list or would like more information, please get in touch via THIS LINK.
Local and National
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-winter-2025-screenreader-edition
The next bulletin is due out on 5 December, so if you have an item to submit, you may use this link.
Links to our Website
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Best wishes, Miriam Knight
The Constitution of the Chichester U3A is available to view here, and its Terms of Use here.
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.