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:
Totton South u3a Holidays in 2027 - a Planning Meeting was held (Thu 22nd Oct, 2026)
"Funny Girl - The Musical" - a film show at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Tue 20th Oct, 2026)
Walking Group Holiday in the Cotswolds - Walking Group (Sun 18th Oct to Wed 21st Oct 2026)
Nine of us (plus Peggy the dog) set out for a three night stay at the Royal George hotel in the village of Birdlip. This Greene King hotel has dog friendly rooms and the virtue of backing onto a beech tree woodland, within which is the Cotswold Way.
We assembled on Sunday afternoon and took a short half-mile walk along the Cotswold Way to the nearby viewpoint at Barrow Wake. The walk encompassed some small hills but we were in no hurry on a day of bright sunny intervals. The weather allowed excellent views to the northward horizon, and we could see as far as the Black Hills in Wales. That evening we retreated to the hotel Bar/Restaurant for pub grub, chatter and quizzing.
The next day continued the weather of warm sunny intervals with occasional fluffy clouds as we drove to the typically Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-water. This has the River Windrush running through it and is a mecca for Cotswold tourists. Bourton has plenty of shops, cafes and even a Motor Museum which is home to 'Brum' (the car in a kids tv series). Fortunately, the seven of us walking were soon away from the hubbub, exploring the local fields, sunken lanes and villages. These outlying villages are very 'chocolate box' charming and include plenty of rivers as well as a waterwheel. We had a stop mid-walk in a pub next a river and then completed the gentle circular route, arriving back at Bourton. Again, we all convened in the bar in the evening for replenishment, quizzing and conviviality.
Unfortunately, the pleasant weather didn't continue into Tuesday, which was rainy, misty, damp and quite cold all day. Consequently, our party split into three groups, one staying at the hotel for coffee, soup and Rummicub, another exploring nearby Stroud and the third venturing out walking. A circular route was planned for the day's walk which again would include some of the Cotswold Way. While the inclement weather precluded any appreciation of the vistas potentially earned by reaching the top of hills, it was still very atmospheric with the misty views of sunken roads and lone hillside trees. If you are able, it is always good to get out and about stretching your legs, as long as you have clothes appropriate to the climate. The holiday was finished off by catching up with everyone's day in the evening, enjoying the cosiness of the hotel.
"Thirty Years with Hampshire Constabulary" - Talk at our October Meeting (Fri 16th Oct, 2026) Our speaker gave an informative - and often humorous - recollection of her years in the Police. We had an attendance of 82 people at our meeting,
Holiday to the Isle of Man - seven-day coach/ferry trip - (Thu 1st Oct to Wed 7th Oct, 2026)
At a reasonable departure time by coach of 8am, forty-three TSu3a members started their journey towards the Isle of Man. Knowing what to pack was a bit of a problem in October so we had to cover all eventualities and maybe suitcases were a little heavier than usual – apologies to Ian, the coach driver!
After some comfort stops, we progressed to our first overnight hotel - The Imperial Hotel Blackpool - a Victorian Hotel where staff were very friendly and accommodating.
Next morning we went on our way towards the ferry at Heysham for a 2.15pm crossing. The previous day the weather had looked good for the Irish Sea crossing but this proved to be false and many of us succumbed to the effect of the very stormy sea. We were very pleased to arrive at the Ramsey Court Hotel just outside Douglas and several of us took to our beds rather than consuming an evening meal.
The next day included a half day tour to the historic mining village of Laxey, famous for the Lady Isabella, the largest water wheel of its kind in the world - followed by a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway. Some members walked right to the top of Snaefell which gave the chance to see the beautiful views. Afterwards there was the compulsory cup of tea and cake in the café!
Day 4 we had a circular tour of the Isle of Man including a view of the open-air Manx Parliament site, before moving on to the fishing port of Peel with its ruined castle. We then had leisure time in Ramsey.
Day 5 we had a half day excursion to Port Erin, which has an Edwardian feel and on to see the Calf of Man, where a ship was wrecked losing all hands. Some of us watched the seals laying on the rocks and playing in the sea. Castle Rushden in Castletown was the final visit of the day.
Day 6 was return to England day - we were all quite apprehensive about the weather for the crossing, but it was a smooth ride this time across the Irish Sea. The last night was staying at Stoke on Trent at the Hilton Double Tree hotel.
After breakfast the next morning, we visited the World of Wedgwood – beautiful ceramic Wedgwood, at a price!! Some of us indulged in tea and cake served in Wedgwood cups & saucers and the cake on Wedgwood plates with bronze cutlery. For a few moments we believed we were the gentry.
Our coach trip home resumed and apart from hold-ups on the A34 owing to an ‘incident’ causing us to take a detour and a compulsory stop for the driver, where we all were grateful for a cup of tea. We all arrived home safely around 7.30pm that evening.
It was sad saying goodbye to everyone after spending a week together, but we would see each other again at our next Totton South u3a general meeting or group.
We look forward to future Totton South u3a holidays in 2027!
Visit to Gilbert's Dahlia Garden - Sherfield English - Garden Group - (Wed 7th Oct, 2026)
"Turandot" - filmed outdoor opera - at Hanger Farm - Theatre Group (Tue 6th Oct, 2026)
Monthly Walk - from High Corner Inn, Linwood - Walking Group (Thu 1st Oct, 2026)
"Sense and Sensibility" - film at Harbour Lights - Cinema Group (Wed 30th Sep, 2026)
Visit to Longstock Water Gardens, near Stockbridge - 2into1 Group (Wed 23rd Sep, 2026)
"Relative Values" by Noel Coward at Romsey Plaza - Theatre Group (Sat 19th Sep, 2026)
"The Dentaid Charity"- Talk at our September Monthly Meeting (Fri 18th Sep, 2026)
Our members appreciated this talk, which was about the work done by the Totton-based charity, DENTAID, which provides dental care to those in need, both in the UK and abroad. We had an attendance of 85 people at the meeting,
Visit to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea - by members of the Discovery Group (Thu 17th Sep, 2026)
"Pressure" - a film at Harbour Lights Cinema - Cinema Group (Wed 16th Sep, 2026)
Paulton's Park Open Day - attended by members of the Garden Group (Thu 10th Sep, 2026)
U3a SE Region Summer School held at University of Chichester (Mon 7th - Thu 10th Sep, 2026)
Monthly Walk - Fishlake Meadows, Romsey - Walking Group (Thu 3rd Sep, 2026)
New Forest Bus Tour - ten members of the Discovery Group participated (Wed 26th Aug, 2026)
Visit to Furzey Gardens - 2into1 Group (Wed 26th Aug, 2026)
Defibrillator Training - the first of 5 sessions at Colbury Memorial Hall (Wed 26th Aug, 2026) The committee advised that 38 of our members have taken up the option to attend this course.
Annual Afternoon Tea - Instead of our usual monthly general meeting, sixty of our members attended an Afternoon Tea, which was held at Copythorne Parish Hall (Fri 21st Aug, 2026)
"She Stoops to Conquer" - open air play, Furzey Gardens - Theatre Group (Mon 17th Aug, 2026)
BBQ at Lyndhurst u3a - to which Totton South u3a members were invited (Wed 12th Aug, 2026)
Monthly Walk - from Brookley Road, Brockenhurst - Walking Group (Thu 6th Aug, 2026)
"The Odyssey" - a film at Harbour Lights Cinema - Cinema Group (Wed 5th Aug, 2026)
Visit to the Fordingbridge Museum - 2into1 Group (Wed 22nd July, 2026)
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 and guests heard our presenter speak about how the families of his German Jewish mother & 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 (Fri 19th June, 2026)
Eighty-five members attended and enjoyed a very informative talk by Alistair, our visiting speaker, during which he also performed many magic tricks
Monthly Walk – Woodland walk at Milford-on-Sea - Walking Group (Thu 4th June, 2026)
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.
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. A 2025 black comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh & written by Ed Solomon starring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning, 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 Breakfast 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)
Monthly Walk - from 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 (Fri 17th Apr, 2026)
Our members enjoyed a talk about work done by Oakhaven. This charity was Totton South u3a's "Charity of the Year" for 2025-2026 and a cheque for £850 was given to Oakhaven to mark this.
"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)
Monthly 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
Monthly Walk - 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.
Monthly Walk - Romsey - 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.
Monthly 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)
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