General Meeting - Thursday 13th August 2026
PLEASE NOTE We have been advised the temperature on meeting day will be too hot so the dogs will be unable to cope. We have arranged a fun quiz as an alternative.
Our speaker is Gemma, Events Co-ordinator for Essex therapy dogs presenting, “Everybody Loves our Paws”. Essex Therapy Dogs is an award-winning volunteer organisation that brings comfort, calm, and connection to people of all ages through carefully assessed therapy dog visits. This charity supports individuals who may be unwell, isolated, anxious, or in need of companionship, including children in schools, patients in hospitals, and residents in care homes and hospices Each visit aims to lift spirits, reduce anxiety, encourage communication, and provide reassurance during difficult times.
2026 AGM
Thursday 10th September 2026 is the Stanford-le-Hope & District u3a AGM. Please note that are no new members offering to stand for the committee.
Membership
At the time of writing, 22 members have not picked up their 2026/2027 u3a membership cards. Members can be asked to show their membership card at any time. You MUST have a current membership card to attend a general meeting or an interest group, book a trip and vote at the AGM.
Day Trips
Tickets on sale at our August General Meeting for a visit on the 23rd October to Old Naval College at Greenwich followed by an Afternoon Tea. For more details please see Old Naval College at Greenwich Please complete a trip booking form for before Queuing
Christmas Lunch
Mel Fox 01375679643
Carol Smith
This year’s Christmas lunch will be held at the Mercure Thurrock Stifford Hall
North Stifford on Tuesday 15thDecember 25. 12.30 for 1pm sit down – 4.30pm.
Cost is £43 pp and we will be taking booking and payment for Lunch from 1.30pm at September’s General Meeting.
Menu and booking forms are available at the back of the printed newsletter. A link below allows you to download and print a form.
Anyone parking at the hotel will need to register their car at reception upon arrival. If this is done, there will be no charge for parking.
Menu
~ Starter ~
Butternut Squash Soup served with Herb Flat Bread
Chicken Liver Parfait served with Toasted Brioche and a Spicy Cranberry Chutne
Prawn & Salmon Fishcake with a Chilli &Lime Dip
~Main Course ~
Breast of Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing & Pigs in Blankets
Herb Crusted Salmon Fillet with a Lemon & Dill Hollandaise sauce
Fricassee of Asparagus & Wild Mushrooms in a Filo Pastry Case
All served with golden roasted potatoes and winter vegetables
~ Dessert ~
White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake
Traditional Christmas Pudding served with Brandy Sauce
Cherry & Chocolate Tart served with clotted cream
~ To Follow ~
Tea / Coffee & mince pie
Click here to print offf a Christmas lunch menu
August 2026 Newsletter
Click to view the August 2028 Newsletter Website edition