St Austell u3a December 2025 Newsletter
As the fairy lights twinkle and the mince pies disappear faster than they can be baked (or bought), I want to take a moment to celebrate the spirit of friendship, learning and community that makes St Austell u3a so special.
Thank you for making our u3a such a lively welcoming place. May this festive season bring joy, peace and warmth to you and your loved ones.
I look forward to another year filled with shared experiences, new discoveries and continued pride in being part of such a wonderful group.
Our next coffee morning at the Arts Centre will be on 8th January which will be “renewals day” when those who have not been able to renew their membership on-line, can pay by card in person. Doors will open at 9.30, free tea and coffee will be served as usual.
Christmas Event
Many thanks to Elaine Hyde-Linaker for organising the event and to all those who took part. It was great to see a “full house” on 4th December. Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Travellers’ Tales, Creative Writing, Ukulele and Singing for Fun groups, all took part and the audience participation was impressive!
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The challenge for all groups is to think how you could participate and showcase your group next year!
Groups
Many groups have held their own group Christmas events. Here are a few:
Theatre Group
73 members met for a festive carvery at the Lanhydrock Hotel, where Linda was presented with a bouquet, wine and a signed card.
French Group
They enjoyed a French quiz Danielle had prepared and sang some French Christmas songs ending with “a picnic” of food and drink contributed by members of the group.
Wine Appreciation
41 members had a festive 3 course meal at The Cornwall Hotel & Spa.
Debating Group
The first meeting was held on 19th November with 9 members. The subject was “Do we have a moral obligation to move to Net Zero by 2050?” The discussion was lively, with various views expressed. The next subject will be: “Is assisted dying a good thing and if so is the government’s approach the right way forward?” 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 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.
Short Walks
The short walk on Friday 28th November was at Padstow. It was a lovely mostly sunny and dry walk along the coast. It was quite windy, not cold but Cornwall rewarded them with a cloudburst just before they reached their cars!
The December walk is on the 19th December and will be a walk at Trelissick of approx. two and a half miles which will take around one and a half hours.
u3a Council Elections
A message from Marian Luck South West Region Council Representative.
“At the end of March 2026 there will be 1 vacancy for the South West Region on the u3a Council, as Susan Parker’s term of office will come to an end. Therefore, we are asking for people to volunteer to take her place, so our region has 2 representatives. We are a large geographical region and trying to cover all of it with one person would greatly diminish the service that I could provide to u3as across the region on my own.”
This is an important role for u3as as the Council is the conduit between u3as and the Board and will be involved in helping to decide the way forward for the u3a movement.
This is position is open to all u3a members in the region so I would ask you to think about whether you could come forward to engage with u3as and networks in the region, representatives from other Regions/Nations and the Trust.
If you would like more information you can contact Marian at or phone her on 07480 643775 or Susan on , who would be very happy to answer any questions.
The dates for the election process will be as follows for the vacancy, and the elected candidate will become Council Representatives from the 1 April 2026 and join us for their first meeting on the 23 April 2026.
• 8 January 2026 – Nominations open
• 3 February 2026 – Nominations Closing
• 17 February – Elections Open
• w/c 2 March (TBC) – Hustings
• 24 March – Elections Closing
• 1 April – Newly elected Council Representatives start in post
• 23 April – First in person Council Meeting in London
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.
If you are a Social Media user please follow St Austell u3a on:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/StAustellU3A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staustell_u3a/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/@StAustellU3A
Please don’t forget to: Follow, Like, Share and Repost.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chris Crane
