u3a

Stanford-le-Hope & District

Advance News September 2026

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2026

Thursday 10th September 2026 is the Stanford-le-Hope & District u3a AGM. Please make sure you bring your membership cards so that you can vote.

We do not have a speaker today, but time permitting will organise a fun quiz for all present.

Kevin Brice is standing down as Chair for health reasons; Sandra Isaacson who has successfully enabled many groups to be created is standing down after 5 years; and Pam Tate because of family commitments.

Here are the proposed committee members for this year.

POSTNomineeProposerSeconder
ChairChris HendersonKevin BriceJoyce Brice
Vice-ChairDanni TateSandra IsaacsonSue Green
TreasurerMel FoxJanet DeeneyEileen Drewer
SecretaryJanet DeeneyDanni TateDick Fox
CommitteeEileen DrewerSusan MossDanni Tate
CommitteeSusan MossEileen DrewerDanni Tate
CommitteeMichael FarmanAnn BaileyColin Wale
CommitteeSue GreenAnn BaileyTina Smith
CommitteeSue DunnDanni TateSandra Issacson
CommitteeMarilyn EdgingChris HendersonKevin Brice
CommitteeDick FoxJanet DeeneyMichael Farman
CommitteeJean AngusVee PeacefulLesley Smith

Chess

Rob Morrison 

As the Chess Group is bit thin on the ground at the moment we would like some more players. It does not matter if you are a bit rusty or would like to learn how to play.  All levels of ability are most welcome.  The group meet at Corringham Library on the first and third Monday of the month from 10.00 am to 12 noon.  You can also purchase refreshments in the library. Come and give it a try. Please contact me Rob Morrison, if you would like more information or would like to join the group.

Annual 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 latest newsletter and on this website. See EVENTS.

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.

U3a Coach Holiday to Yorkshire

The Coach Holiday begins on Sept 28th 2026

(Romantic Journeys of Yorkshire with Cooks Coaches)

This is a 5-day trip taking in some of the beautiful scenery of Yorkshire.

u3a Cruise 2027

We still have spaces for the cruise in September 2027 with  Ambassador. If anyone has the brochure it’s cruise number A12724  Autumnal Legends of the British Isles. Requires £200 on booking – selling at each meeting.

Day Trips

Sue Dunn 

Sue Moss

Hever Castle

Tickets for The Hever Castle Christmas Spectacle will be on sale at the OCTOBER General meeting The cost is inclusive of  the coach, Castle tour ,Three-course Christmas Lunch and the Light show at 4 pm. The total cost will be £70
When booking we will want to know if you require a vegetarian / vegan option also please inform us of any food allergies so we can pass them on to the restaurant at Hever.
There are no trips on sale this month as Mel Fox will be taking names and money for the U3a Christmas lunch this meeting.

Deben River Cruise(s)

Reminder :These are the same pick-up times for both cruises on the Deben River on 17th & 24th September
9.00 Lampits Hill
9.10 Springhouse
9.20 The Oak

October 2026 Newsletter


Contributors to the Newsletter. Please Note that next month I am on the Yorkshire Holiday Trip and the Diocesan Print Officer is on holiday for ten days.

Therefore, I will need early contributions by 26th September. Sorry for this. If you send anything else I will print it in the next issue. Chris Henderson.

Christmas Lunch Menu

Christmas Lunch Tuesday 15th December 12.30 - 4.30pm Price £43pp

Mercure Thurrock Stifford Hall, North Stifford RM16 5UE 01708-719988

NAME__________________________________________________

TelephoneNo.__________________________________________

Sit with (2 Preferred Names) 1_____________________________________

2________________________________________

Special Dietary Requirements i.e. Gluten Free, Vegetarian ____________________

Starters Please select your preference

Butternut Squash Soup served with Herb Flat Bread

Chicken Liver Parfait served with Toasted Brioche

and a Spicy Cranberry Chutney

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 – form available from our website as well

NEWSLETTER HERE September 2026 Newsletter