Do you want to join a new U3A orchestra in Kingston? Contact: Liz Bartlett on 8974 5453 or lizbartlett@brightnet.co.uk			Could you start a new U3A group? Contact Elaina Gardiner 8977 1720 if you can help New groups desperately needed
MONTHLY MEETINGS Clarendon Hall, York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham Meetings start at 14:30 hours - £1 for members Visitors welcome - £2 on door Do come and join us!
Tuesday 21^st February – at 2:30 ** NB: PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE **
	AGM and In-House Event Following the AGM, U3A Committee members Jane Wardle and Jim Davidson will give an illustrated talk entitled “What Richmond U3A got up to this Anniversary year”.
Tuesday 27^th March – at 2:30
	Women Behind the Burkha: A Story in Photographs Afghan mountain village women are generally illiterate and innumerate – but don’t get misled by the idea that they are therefore unintelligent. U3A member, Yvonne Hughes, will give an illustrated talk about her work with Merlin (Medical Emergency Relief International) in Afghanistan that shows just how eager these women are to learn about maternal and child health in order to improve the health of their sisters and children.
Wednesday 18^th April – at 2:30 **NB Please note meetings now on Wednesdays **
	Historic Royal Jubilees In this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, U3A member, Dr David Allen, will give a talk on significant Royal Jubilees of the past.
Wednesday 30^th May – at 2:30
	How We Age – and Why! Dr Tony Maisey will take a light hearted look at our inevitable condition! Have you thought about why we age? Do we simply wear out? Could we live a lot longer? The real question is: would we want to? Dr Maisey will discuss these topics, which are important at our time of life.
PUB LUNCHES
Wednesday 15^th February – from 12:30
	The Clock House High Street, Teddington R68, 33 buses
Wednesday 21^st March – from 12:30
	The Hand and Flower Ham Common, Ham 65 bus
Wednesday 18^th April – from 12:30
	The Fox Church Street, Twickenham Various buses
CINEMA GROUP
Sunday 19^th February – 2pm Watermans, Brentford
	'The Descendants' (cert 15, 115 mins) The director, Alexander Payne, previously acclaimed for 'About Schmidt' and 'Sideways' is described as, 'the master of mature despair and the tangled skeins of comedy that surround it.' (Jenny McCartney,Sun Telegraph)  In the film, Hawaiian land baron Matt King (George Clooney) takes his two daughters on a trip to confront the real estate broker who has been having an affair with his wife.....a bonding trip with ambiguous intent....
The film will end before 4pm and there will be an opportunity for discussion in the restaurant for those who would like to stay. Watermans is becoming a very popular venue once again, particularly the cinema, which has been sold out the last few times I have been. I suggest that if you are coming on the 19th you reserve your seat the week before to avoid a wasted journey. Members are responsible for buying their own tickets.  Seats can be reserved in advance by phone on 020 8232 1010 and paid for on the day. Ticket prices are £7.00 for ‘seniors’ or £6.00 for Friends of Watermans. (Concessions are not available on-line, and there is a booking fee).
	Waterman’s Cinema, Brentford Box Office:020 8232 1010 or www.watermans.org.uk Early booking is advised, and members need to purchase their own tickets. (The lift has been repaired, so all floors are more accessible)
Enquiries : judycraik@hotmail.com or 020 8892 1410
BIRD WATCHING
Bird Watching Walks have now finished for this year Group Leader: David Knight: 8898 2961

ART GALLERY VISITS

All are welcome and no need to book. Meet at Gallery entrance at 11 am
Friday 24^th February 2012 11 am Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1
	British 20^th century art. Optional guided tour with gallery guide. Meet at Millbank entrance, top of staircase. Nearest underground Pimlico, or Vauxhall BR and walk across river.
Friday 30^th March 2012 11am Mall Galleries, The Mall, SW1
	The Wapping Group – London and its river. Contemporary. Nearest underground Leicester Square or Charing Cross BR
Friday 27^th April 2012 11am Cortauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand
	Impressionist and post-impressionist. NB Small admission charge
Friday 25^th May 2012 * NB* 11:30 am John Soames Museum, Lincoln’s Inn Field (museum specifies time for group visits)
	Eclectic – private collection. Donations welcome. Nearest underground Holborn
Friday 29^th June 2012 11am Serpentine Gallery, West Carriage Drive, Kensington Gardens
	Yoko Ono Exhibition. This will be followed by an optional picnic in the park Bus 9 or 10 from Hammersmith to Royal Albert Hall, then walk.
	Group leader is Mary Hodgson. All are welcome and there’s no need to book. If you do need any more details, please contact Mary on 020 8878 7742

VISITS TO PLACES OF INTEREST

Wednesday 15^th February 2012 11am £10.00 Victoria & Albert Museum, SW7
	“The History of Tea”. We have a one hour tour exploring the history of tea drinking, from its origins in China and East India to its popularity in Victorian Britain. Afterwards members are free to explore the many galleries in the V&A.
Tuesday 27^th March 2012 10:30am £13.75 Wimbledon
	“Tour of Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club”. We will have a Blue Badge Guide to take us on a tour of the Club, and entrance to the Museum is included. If you plan to arrive early and would like tea/coffee/biscuits for £2.50 before the tour, please let me know as it has to be ordered in advance.
Thursday 26^th April 11am £6.50 Hogarth’s House, W4
	“Visit to Hogarth’s House”. The house, bought by the artist William Hogarth in 1749 as his country home, has recently had a major renovation and examples of his work are displayed.

If you would like to join a visit please state which and send a cheque payable to “Richmond U3A” plus s.a.e., or email address, to Jane Wardle, 2 Sydney House, Woodstock Road, London W4 1DP (Tel: 020 8994 8231 jmwardle@tiscali.co.uk). You will receive booking confirmation plus directions to venue by public transport and details of specific meeting place.