As well as our Group Meetings, our Coffee and Quiz Mornings and our regular Monthly Meetings, Totton South u3a members were active in very many ways during the last year:
Visit to Fordingbridge Museum - 2into1 Group (Wed 22nd July, 2026)
The 2into1 Group went on a visit to the Fordingbridge Museum.
The Quarterly Group Coordinators' Meeting was held at Hanger Farm (Tue 21st Jul, 2026)
The ten members present shared news on the activities of Totton South u3a's Interest Groups.
‘The Unfriend’ - a play at the Vernon Theatre - Theatre Group (Fri 17th July, 2026)
"My Incredible Family History" - Talk at our July Monthly Meeting (Fri 17th July, 2026)
In a very interesting and emotional talk, 68 members & guests heard our presenter speak about how the families of his German Jewish mother ond Indian Muslim father were impacted by momentous events of the 20th century, most notably the Partition of India and the Holocaust.
River Rhone Cruise - six-night Totton South Holiday (Fri 3rd July, 2026 to Thu 9th July, 2026)
Twenty-three Totton South u3a members embarked on this holiday trip to France and with an early start - three coach pickups starting at 3.10am it was hardly worth going to bed the night before!
We had all had a previous audio-visual presentation on what not to forget etc and the airport procedure, with each member given a file with all the details, ensuring everyone was well informed.
The drive to the airport was pretty easy at that time of the morning and we had a bit of time to spare after check in and before boarding. The border control process at Heathrow was quite swift and we were soon finding our seats on the BA flight to Lyon. No dramas except for one member having her walking poles put in the hold, never to be seen again, and one other discovering she had left her walking stick in her son’s car (when mentioning this to the Rhone Cruise crew, they found her a walking stick)! The flight was good and we were met by a coach driver to take us to Lyon for a few hours, some of us to a pre-booked restaurant meal. Later in the afternoon we re-boarded the coach to be transported to our ‘home’ for the next six days, MS Camargue where we were welcomed by a cocktail reception followed by 3-course dinner and entertainment. The boat sailed through the night with morning cruising towards Avignon.
Saturday we had breakfast and lunch on board and for those who wished to, there was an afternoon guided tour of the Papal Palace, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. After a 3-course evening meal we enjoyed entertainment while sailing towards Arles.
Sunday morning, we explored the Provencal flatland of the Camargue visiting a Manade where bulls are raised and Camargue horses are trained and we also caught a glimpse of flamingos. We were transported around the farm on seated trailers pulled by a tractor! Returning to the boat we cruised through the French countryside towards Viviers until it was time for our 3-course evening meal but meantime there were free fruit juices, alcoholic drinks and water available in the lounge (the trip was ‘all inclusive’).
Monday gave us the opportunity of a guided tour of Viviers – a city which feels like an open-air museum! We returned on board for our 3-course lunch and in the afternoon had a panoramic excursion to the Ardeche Gorge returning to the ship at La Voulte for sailing towards Tain l’Hermitage while enjoying a Gala Dinner.
Tuesday gave the opportunity of a walking tour of Tain l-Hermitage with chocolate tasting before cruising back towards Lyon.
Wednesday, we had a guided tour of Lyon including tasting of delicious local produce, returning to the ship for lunch and cruising towards Challonges au Mont d’Or on the River Saone, and attending an evening gastronomic experience at Paul Bocusses’ Abbaye Restaurant at Collonges which was spectacular, not only for the 5-course menu and wines but also the magnificent venue and vintage electric organ which filled one whole wall of the enormous dining room. This was really a magnificent ending to our River Rhone Cruise.
Thursday – we had a short cruise into Lyon before disembarking at 8.30am to join our transfer coach and the return flight to Heathrow and finally our coach trip home.
The general opinion from all TS members on the trip was that it was one of the best holidays TS has organised, the food was great, the cabins were well appointed and of course the boat was all air conditioned, and with the attentive, polite and caring crew/staff on the MS Camargue and the camaraderie formed by the TS members, it was a holiday we won’t forget.
Monthly Walk – from Yarmouth, Isle Of Wight - Walking Group (Thu 2nd July, 2026)
Eleven members of the Walking Group met at Lymington Ferry for their trip to the Isle of Wight. We had a pleasant walk in beautiful sunshine along the old railway track by the River Yar before enjoying a break for refreshments at the “End of the Line” café at Freshwater. We returned to the bridge to walk on the opposite side of the river through the fields and some patches of woodland where we were grateful for some shade from the hot sun. Returning to Yarmouth, we were all pleased to have a rest and enjoy cold drinks and a pub lunch! Returning on the Ferry, we once again thanked Dave for organising another splendid day.
‘Charley’s Aunt’ - outdoor theatre at Furzey Gardens - Theatre Group (Wed 1st July, 2026)
"A Short History of Magic"- Talk at our June Monthly Meeting
Eighty-five members attended and enjoyed a very informative talk by Alistair, our visiting speaker, during which he also performed many magic tricks (Fri 19th June, 2026)
Our Monthly Walk – Woodland walk at Milford-on-Sea - Walking Group.
Twelve members of the Walking Group participated in the monthly walk from Milford and several members of the group enjoyed lunch at "The Smugglers Inn" on completion of the walk. (Thu 4th June, 2026)
Visit to NGS Terstan Garden near Stockbridge - Garden Group (Wed 3rd June, 2026)
Changing Colours Jazz Orchestra at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sun 31st May, 2026)
"The Christophers" - Cinema Group (Wed 27th May, 2026)
This was our chosen film for May at the Harbour Lights. A 2025 black comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ed Solomon, starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, and James Corden.
Totton South u3a Holiday to Warners Littlecote House (Mon 18th to Fri 22nd May, 2026)
On Monday, 18th May 2026, 33 members of Totton South u3a, the majority travelling by coach, arrived at Littlecote House Hotel for a short holiday. After checking in to our allocated rooms, everyone was free to explore the hotel facilities.
On Tuesday, most of the group joined the visit to Marlborough to enjoy the local shops, museums and, of course, the numerous cafes! Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, we enjoyed the various quizzes and other activities.
Many enjoyed looking around the market in Hungerford and walks by the Kennet canal on Wednesday, while others took advantage of the swimming pool at the hotel to enjoy a swim. Another popular venue at the hotel was the Coffee Nest for tasty snacks and drinks.
There was much to see within the extensive grounds of the hotel, including the remains of a Roman villa and a well preserved mosaic floor. Others also enjoyed tours of the old Elizabethan House.
Our last visit, on Thursday, was an interesting one to Lacock Abbey. Also the village, where various films and TV programmes had been filmed, including Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice.
The food was excellent, especially the evening meals, with a varied menu. The waiters, too, were extremely helpful and pleasant. Many of the group also enjoyed the evening entertainment by the Warner Theatre Company. After breakfast on Friday, we said our goodbyes. Those of us who came by coach, made the return journey and thanked Craig, our driver, for all his help and to make our visit so comfortable..
AGM and Talk on "Michael Ball" - Talk at our Monthly Meeting (Fri 15th May, 2026).
We had an attendance of 93 people at the meeting, which was our Annual General Meeting. Members elected our new Executive Committee (Charity Trustees) for the coming year, and presentations were made to three members who were leaving the Committee. Members voted to select our Charity of the Year for 2026-2027 - Minstead Trust's 'Hanger Farm Refurbishment Project'. After coffee & tea, we listened to an interesting talk entitled 'Michael Ball - the man and his music'.
New Totton South Interest Group started up - Smile, it's Breakfas" Group (Tue 12th May, 2026)
There was a grand start for the first meeting of this group in May, with 14 TSu3a members enjoying a good chat, coffee & eats. The group meets once a month at a local venue to enjoy breakfast and conversation. Visit the "Groups" webpage to join this group, if you are interested -
Per Piacere Orchestra at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sun 10th May, 2026)
Our Walk in May started at Holly Hill, Sarisbury Green - Walking Group (Thu 7th May, 2026)
Visit to Breamore House and Museum - Discovery Group (Wed 29th Apr, 2026)
The Quarterly Group Coordinators' Meeting was held at Hanger Farm (Tue 28th Apr, 2026) The 15 members present shared news on the activities of Totton South u3a's Interest Groups.
"The Good Life" - a play at the Vernon Theatre - Theatre Group (Thu 23rd Apr, 2026)
Trip to Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch - 2into1 Group (Wed 22nd April, 2026)
Don Quixote ballet at the Mayflower - Theatre Group (Sat 18th April, 2026)
Woodside Singers Spring Concert, Lyndhurst - Theatre Group (Sat 18th April, 2026)
"The Oakhaven Charity"- Talk at our April Monthly Meeting.
Our members enjoyed a talk about the work done by Oakhaven. This charity was our Totton South u3a "Charity of the Year" for 2025-2026, and a cheque for £850 was given to Oakhaven, to mark this. (Fri 17th Apr, 2026)
"Father Mother Sister Brother" - film at Harbour Lights - Cinema Group (Wed 15th Apr, 2026)
"CSI Crime Scene Improvisation" - play at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sun 12th Apr, 2026)
Visit to American Museum, Bath - Discovery Group (Sun 12th Apr, 2026)
IT Updating Courses - Two further courses were held at Colbury Memorial Hall, to give Totton South members the chance to update and extend their IT skills. (Thu 9th Apr, 2026)
"Victoria: a Queen Unbound" - Watermill Theatre, Newbury-Theatre Group (Thu 2nd Apr, 2026)
Circular walk: Lymington, Pennington & Oxey Marshes - Walking Group (Thu 2nd Apr, 2026)
Fourteen members enjoyed this walk on a lovely sunny day, ending with refreshments at the St Barbe Museum cafe.
"Mother's Pride" - Cinema Group (Thu 26th Mar, 2026)
This was our chosen film for March. A comedy drama about a failing pub, a divided community and a grieving family.
New Members' Meeting - Hanger Farm Arts Centre (Thu 26th Mar, 2026)
A Coffee Morning was held, to welcome new and 'nearly-new' members to Totton South u3a.
“In the Footsteps of the Spitfire” - Totton South participated in a tour from Woolston Memorial Garden to the Victoria Pub, Woolston - 2into1 Group (Wed 25th Mar, 2026)
Birdwatching at Eling Tide Mill - Birdwatching Group (Sun 22nd Mar, 2026)
Totton Festival of Drama - Totton South members visited this annual event at Hanger Farm Arts Centre - includes the only national eliminating One Act Play competition - Theatre Group (Sat 21st Mar, 2026)
"Johnny Remember Me"- Talk at our March Monthly Meeting (Fri 20th Mar, 2026)
Ninety members attended, and enjoyed a very informative talk by Jacqueline and Brian, our visiting speakers, which included some memorable moments of pop music from the life of Record Producer Joe Meek - also known as "Mr Telstar".
Visit to the American Museum in Bath - Discovery Group (Thu 12th Mar, 2026)
"The Red Shoes" - Ballet Play at the Mayflower - Theatre Group (Wed 11th Mar, 2026)
Wessex Cancer Support’s Totton-based"Sing for Life" mixed choir (Sun 8th Mar, 2026)
The choir (including several TS-u3a members) performed alongside Ocean Harmony at Colbury Memorial Hall
Walk from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard & back - Walking Group (Thu 5th Mar, 2026)
Fifteen members enjoyed the walk on a sunny day with coffee stop at the "Captain's Table" cafe.
An Illustrated Talk was given on a Member's Garden - Garden Group (Wed 4th Mar, 2026)
"AI & Genealogy" - Group attended a Zoom meeting - Genealogy Group (Mon 2nd Mar, 2026)
Visit to Shallowmead Garden Centre near Lymington - 2into1 Group (Wed 25th Feb, 2026)
"An Evening of Flanders & Swann and Hinge & Bracket" at Hanger Farm - The Theatre Group (Fri 20th Feb, 2026)
"Pop On The Box"- Talk at our February Monthly Meeting (Fri 20th Feb, 2026)
One hundred and ten members attended, and enjoyed a very informative talk by Jeff, our visiting speaker, which included some very memorable moments of pop music on television right from the early years of rock and roll.
IT Updating Courses - Two courses were held at Colbury Memorial Hall (Thu 19th Feb, 2026)
The courses gave Totton South members the chance to update and extend their IT skills.
February u3a Monthly Walk - Walking Group (Thu 5th Feb, 2026)
Seventeen members enjoyed a circular walk in Romsey, adjacent to the Redbridge & Andover Canal and Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserve, returning to Romsey town centre for refreshment at The Exchange Coffee Shop. It was a little wet underfoot, which led to the route being shortened slightly, but we completed our walk with only light showers.
Romsey Male Voice Choir - concert at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sat 31st Jan, 2026)
“Sleighed to Death” - panto at Vernon Theatre, Lyndhurst - Theatre Group (Thu 29th Jan, 2026)
The Quarterly Group Coordinators' Meeting was held at Hanger Farm (Tue 27th Jan, 2026) The members present shared news on the activities of Totton South u3a's Interest Groups.
"Sleeping Beauty" pantomime at the Plaza, Romsey - Theatre Group (Sun 25th Jan, 2026)
Totton Ukulele Band at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Tue 20th Jan, 2026)
"Joseph" by Dynamic Youth Theatre at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sat 17th Jan, 2026)
"Wildlife in the New Forest"- Talk at our January Monthly Meeting (Fri 16th Jan, 2026)
One hundred of our members attended, and enjoyed a very informative talk by Brian, our visiting speaker, which included some wonderful photos of animals seen in the New Forest.
"Marty Supreme" - Cinema visit - Cinema Group (Thu 15th Jan, 2026)
Our first chosen film for 2026 was 'Marty Supreme'. A drama and romance with a background of top class table tennis.
Totton South u3a New Year's Lunch (Wed 14th Jan, 2026)
Sixty of our members attended the New Year Lunch at Wellow Golf Club and enjoyed an excellent three course meal with good service. Another very good social occasion organised by Sue and Mo.
Circular Walk from "Bolton's Bench", Lyndhurst - Walking Group (Thu 1st Jan, 2026)
Twenty members gathered on New Year's Day for our regular monthly walk. Led by Ann, we had a very enjoyable morning, on a beautiful, sunny winter's day.
"Christmas Entertainment" (Fri 19th Dec, 2025)
A rapid change was made for our December monthly meeting. When we arrived at Colbury Memorial Hall, we discovered that the entry road was being dug up for road works! Fortunately, we were able to move the meeting to Colbury Church Rooms instead, to enjoy the planned Christmas food and drink. 86 people attended and were entertained by our fellow members with Christmas songs, poems and readings.
Walking Group Christmas Meal at "The Happy Cheese" - Walking Group (Thu 11th Dec, 2025)
Twenty-five members of the Walking Group held a Festive Lunch at the Happy Cheese, Ashurst where good food, conversation and laughter was enjoyed. A tombola was provided by two members of the group, which included prize contributions from other members of the group. In addition, the sum of £40.20 was raised, which will be donated to Oakhaven Hospice - this year's nominated charity. A presentation was also made to Dave and Zena for all their hard work throughout the year.
Circular Walk from Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh - Walking Group (Thu 4th Dec, 2025)
Nine members of Totton South Walking Group took part in this enjoyable walk, which included a visit to the Stoneham War Shrine and Refreshments at the "Cricketers Arms", North Stoneham.
Garden Group's Christmas Tea & Quiz - Garden Group (Wed 3rd Dec, 2025)
"Nuremberg" - film about the WW2 War Crimes Trial - Cinema Group (Tue 2nd Dec, 2025)
Visit to Christmas Tree Festival at St Thomas', Lymington - 2into1 Group (Thu 27th Nov, 2025)
"Reminders of WW2 in the New Forest" - Talk at our Nov Monthly Meeting (Fri 21st Nov, 2025)
We had an attendance of 106 people at our monthly meeting to hear this talk.
First Aid Course for Group Coordinators at Colbury Church Rooms (Thu 20th Nov, 2025)
New Forest Big Band at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sun 16th Nov, 2025)
"The Choral" - War-time tale of a Yorkshire Choral Society - Cinema Group (Thu 13th Nov, 2025)
Visit to "Clarks Outlet Village" in Street - Discovery Group (Thu 13th Nov, 2025)
Circular Walk from Milkham - Walking Group (Thu 6th Nov, 2025)
Fourteen of us took part in a very pleasant walk. We were also joined by some others, for lunch at The High Corner Inn, Linwood
Visit to Otter Nursery, Lymington – Garden Group (Wed 5th Nov, 2025)
"Alice the Musical" - Fawley Royal British Legion - Theatre Group (Sat 1st Nov, 2025)
National Theatre: "Mrs Warren's Profession" - Hanger Farm - Theatre Grp (Tue 28th Oct, 2025)
Birdwatching Walk at Eling - Bird Watching Group (Sat 25th Oct, 2025)
Guided Tour around the Royal Albert Hall, London - Discovery Group (Thu 23rd Oct, 2025).
Guided Talk & Tour around Old Southampton - 2into1 Group (Wed 22nd Oct, 2025)
"Quiz Afternoon & Tea" - SW Hampshire u3a Network event (Tue 21st Oct, 2025)
Several of our Totton South u3a members formed a team, to compete in this Quiz Afternoon.
"Great British Bake Off Musical" - Play at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Sun 19th Oct, 2025)
"The Body Through The Porthole" - Talk at our October Monthly Meeting (Fri 17th Oct, 2025)
We had an attendance of 103 people at our monthly meeting to hear this talk.
"The 39 Steps" - Play at Vernon Theatre, Lyndhurst - Theatre Group (Thu 16th Oct, 2025)
Cotswolds Walking Holiday - Walking Group (Sun 12th Oct, 2025 to Wed 15th Oct, 2025)
Fourteen members went on a "Getaway Break" Walking Holiday, staying in Birdlip, Gloucester.
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Sun 12th – A group of 14 members of TSu3a returned again to the Royal George Hotel in Birdlip, near Gloucester, for a three-night stay. After settling into our rooms, most of us had a leisurely walk through the woods adjoining the hotel, onto open fields to the Birdlip Viewpoint. This gave wonderful views of Gloucester and surrounding hills despite some lingering mist. After returning to the hotel, we later met in the bar for a drink before enjoying our tasty roast dinners! Afterwards, several of the group enjoyed Canasta, Rummikub and Scrabble.
Mon 13th – After breakfast, most of the group drove to Bourton-on-the-Water for the start of our walk. Although the morning was rather damp and drizzly, we walked through the village along the River Windrush before taking paths across open fields and through the woods. Arriving in the attractive village of Lower Slaughter, we stopped for welcome refreshments at the Slaughters Country Inn! We returned to Bourton along a different track, where several of us stopped for tea, scones and cake – undoing all the good we achieved with our walk!! Two other members of the group had enjoyed their day exploring the villages around the area. Returning to the hotel, we again enjoyed our meals, followed by a quiz set by one of the group, with mixed results! Tues 14th – While four of the group explored other parts of the towns and villages, most met at Minchinhampton, where we enjoyed a circular walk around the Common. Although it was rather misty in the ‘valleys’, it didn’t affect the views of the glorious orange, gold and deep red autumn colours of the Beech, Oak, Silver Birch and the lovely bright red berries of Hawthorn bushes. After climbing a couple of stiles through the woods, we stopped for a short break on a convenient bench. Continuing across the Common, we passed a number of Highland cattle which are allowed to graze – in the same way that the ponies and cattle roam free in the Forest. Returning to the town, some stopped for a snack, while others drove to a nearby pub at Rodborough for drinks and snacks. We returned to the hotel for our final meal together and once again thanked Dave, and Zena, for all their hard work in organising another splendid break. Weds 15th – After a final breakfast together, some left to begin their journey home whilst a few went for a short walk on Leckhampton Hill before making their way back to Totton. |
Visit to Carlo's Ice Cream Parlour in Wellow - Discovery Group (Mon 6th Oct, 2025)
Walk from Norley Wood to the Coast and back - Walking Group (Thu 2nd Oct, 2025)
Thirteen members had a very enjoyable walk from Norley Wood to the Coast and back. Afterwards, the group had lunch at Fairweather's Garden Centre in Beaulieu.
New Forest Garden Visit - Garden Group (Wed 1st Oct, 2025)
Harrogate & Yorkshire Dales - Totton South u3a Holiday (Mon 22nd to Fri 26th Sep, 2025)
42 of our members went for an enjoyable holiday in Yorkshire.
The coach pick-ups for our holiday to Yorkshire began in Lyndhurst at 8am, moving on to Rushington, then central Totton, and with 42 of us on board plus luggage we started our trip to Harrogate. We had two-hourly refreshment stops and arrived at the Crown Hotel, Harrogate in the late afternoon. We had time to relax before dinner and our first experience of the great food that we would receive during our 5 day stay.
Tuesday was our first trip out, and was a step back in time into the world of James Herriott in Thirsk, followed by a tour of the beautiful Dales scenery plus Nidderdale before our return to the hotel.
On Wednesday, we had a full day in York, with the freedom to see the sights we wanted to visit, which included York Railway Museum, the atmospheric Shambles, the Jorvik Museum and York Minster.
The following day was Thursday, and we visited Skipton and enjoyed a relaxing cruise along the Leeds/Liverpool canal followed by a trip in a reserved 100+ year old renovated railway carriage on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey railway.
Several evenings were spent doing quizzes, prepared by Clive & Sheila, The hotel staff were very accommodating in providing a room set out for us with chairs/tables.
On Friday, the morning of our last day most of us spent walking round the beautiful gardens in Harrogate before boarding our coach home,
It was a very varied holiday, the weather was good and there was so much to see and do and it was great to be amongst u3a friends.
"Andrew Lloyd Webber – the man, his music and memories" - Talk (Fri 19th Sep, 2025)
We had an attendance of 102 people at our monthly meeting to hear this talk.
Walk from Milford-on-Sea to Keyhaven and back - Walking Group (Thu 4th Sep, 2025)
Fourteen members of the Walking Group went on a memorable walk on a very blustery day - we started in a rain shower but ended in warm sunshine. We encountered waterlogged paths, waves crashing onto the shore and we used a public footpath through a field of sweetcorn, which stood much taller than any of us. We finished with a pub lunch at the Smugglers Inn, at the centre of Milford On Sea, where we thanked Dave for arranging such an interesting and enjoyable walk.
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