St Austell u3a January 2026 Newsletter
Wishing all our members a happy, healthy and inspiring New Year.
2026 has certainly made an entrance! I hope that you have suffered minimum damage and disruption following storm Goretti.
For those who have yet to renew their membership, this may be actioned via bank transfer or in person at the next coffee morning which will be on 16th January from 9.30 – 11.30. (Please be aware that your membership will lapse on 1st February 2026 if payment is not received by then).
Speaker
Our next Speaker will be on Thursday 5th February. Jane Yeomans is from Penhaligon Friends a charity based in Redruth which supports bereaved children, young people, parents, and carers throughout the county. They offer children and young people the chance to meet others and share their experiences, as well as practical resources to help them cope with their grief. https://penhaligonsfriends.org.uk/
Social Group
The annual Ten Pin Bowling competition is on 14th January. Ray Smith will be defending his Champion title against some stiff competition!
Groups
Intermediate Spanish
The intermediate Spanish group held a special “end of year” meeting. They had a lot of fun as Anthony had bought in a game with a map of Spain and pictures which they each
chose one to talk about in Spanish. They learnt all sorts about Spanish traditions and history.
Sally had bought 12 grapes in for each member of the group. It is a tradition in Spain to eat a grape at midnight at each strike of the clock to encourage health, wealth and prosperity. Each grape represents a month of the year. So the challenge was undertaken with a recording of Big Ben striking midnight. Although they did not have the traditional Cava to help wash them down Carol had brought in some Pedro Ximenez which is a sweet desert wine used in sherry production and fantastic with Christmas puddings (very kindly provided for later by Jo) or ice cream. They also had some Turron which Janet had bought in.
Debating Group
There is room for more members to join. CONTACT:
Play Reading
This group has had a good start but still has room for more members. CONTACT:
Eucre
Starting on 14th January CONTACT:
Board Games
We’re still looking for members interested in this group to make it viable. CONTACT:
Travel/Holiday Group
For 2026 we need a volunteer(s) to help organise future trips. It would be such a shame if we can’t find a member who is prepared to co-ordinate them. Please let me know if you would like more information.
Long Walks
January’s walk is on Wednesday 14th at the usual time of 10.00. It is the Lanhydrock Deer Wall walk, which is 4.3 miles and takes in the wider Lanhydrock Estate, with features such as the Medieval Deer Wall, tin streaming remains and quarry, riverside walk and view over the Fowey Valley. It starts and finishes in the main car park and is over mostly even surfaces, with a few rougher sections. If you would like to join the group for future walks please contact:
Short Walks
The next walk is on 23rd January at Fowey.
Travellers’ Tales
The Travellers’ Tales group invites you to join them on Friday 6th February at 2pm in the Assembly Rooms at the Arts Centre for a talk on Western Australia plus some group discussion.
All welcome. Please bring your payment card. To be added to the group list for reminders, contact
Don’t forget to tell me of any interesting events your Group may have participated in and include photos whenever possible. I am sure all members would enjoy hearing about them in this newsletter.
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Chris Crane
