National u3a Week will be celebrated by HWu3a from Monday 22nd – Saturday 27th September with 5 days’ worth of events – and they’re all free! This is a great opportunity to show what HWu3a is all about and also an opportunity to attract new members. All we ask is that members PARTICIPATE and VOLUNTEER. Here’s what’s happening and how you can take part:
Saturday 20th September: ‘Parkrun’ or ‘Parkwalk’ (8.45am) Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning in Welland Park. If you would like to have a go, or simply find out what it’s all about, join us outside The Cafe in Welland Park. HWu3a volunteers will be there to explain what it’s all about and will walk or run with you. Maybe join us for a coffee afterwards, too? Before the day, you need to register: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ Print your code or save to Google Wallet. For further information, please contact Helen Salisbury publicity@hwu3a.org.uk
Monday 22nd September: The ‘Harborough Welland Get Together’ (10.30am) This will take place as usual in the Methodist Church where our very own ‘Movie Group’ will present a film about ‘The Millennium Tapestry’ in celebration of its 25th Anniversary. Entertainment will also be provided by the ‘Ladies Choir’. Don’t worry, there should still be time for refreshments and a chat.
Tuesday 23rd September: ‘Croquet comes to Harborough’ (11am – 3.40pm) In partnership with Leicester Croquet Club, four one hour sessions will be held at 11am, 12pm, 1.40pm and 2.40pm at the former Grass Tennis Courts, Welland Park. We are looking for HELPERS and PLAYERS.
If you are interested you will need to pre-register via email – daviddpm1954@gmail.com – heading your reply PLAYER and including one or two preferred sessions. Only 36 places are available, so you’ll need to be quick!
If you would like to help and have a rudimentary knowledge of the game, please reply HELPER and give a couple of times. If we are short of players, you might be asked to make up the numbers as well as advising the novices.
Wednesday 24th September: ‘Petanque in the Park Afternoon’ (2pm – 4pm) Fancy trying your hand at a game that is simple to learn and fun to master? The new Petanque area in Welland Park is attracting a lot of interest and the HWu3a ‘Petanque Group’ would like to invite you along for a free taster session. Group members will be around all afternoon to help get you up and playing. It’s a very friendly, sociable game for people of all ages and abilities. We are running four 30 minute sessions and can take up to 8 people each session. All equipment is provided, just wear sensible shoes.
To book your 30 minute taster, please email Kev Millard, kevinamillard@gmail.com indicating your choice of starting times – 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, or 3.30pm.
Thursday 25th September: ‘Walks Day’ (10am, 11am, 2pm) Whether you’re a keen walker, rambler or stroller why not try one of the local walks on offer? All walks will start from and return to Welland Park café. Different distances will be on offer, setting off at staggered times.
Walk 1 (6-7 miles) will start at 10am. Pre-booking is required with Steve and Louise Elsome – chair@hwu3a.org.uk
Walk 2 (4-5 miles) will start at 11am. A volunteer Walk Leader is required. You don’t have to be one of HWu3a’s Walking Group Coordinators – if you can read a map and are familiar with walking routes in the local area, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact chair@hwu3a.org.uk
Walk 3 (3+ miles) will start at 2pm. Dave Martin will lead an urban walk, no stiles. No need to pre-book – just turn up. Please ensure you have appropriate footwear/clothes suitable for the conditions on the day. Post walk meet-up could be at Welland Park Cafe, the ‘Admiral Nelson’, ‘The Three Swans’ or the hostelry of your choice.
THANK YOU to all those who have already volunteered – but we need more! HELPERS are needed at the Welland Park events being held on Tuesday (Croquet), Wednesday (Petanque) and Thursday (Walks) to distribute magazines, flyers, membership forms and, most importantly, to chat to people and spread the word about HWu3a. You’d be under cover in our gazebo and close to the cafe – what’s not to like? Please contact Peter Saunders at groups@hwu3a.org.uk using the heading VOLUNTEER and say which date and time you can offer help.