Trips and social dates contact Sandra Hurley
For more Information see EVENTS
Trips and social dates…. Sandra Hurley
(If you are booking a trip, please complete the form at the end of the newsletter or in LINKS (this website)
I am aware at times that we do arrive early at our venue, but with travelling into London especially we have no idea on the day what traffic congestion will be like. It is better to be a bit early and wait with our friends in a nice warm coach than miss the start of a show or be late for the meal.
Thank you for your understanding, we do normally have a toilet on the coach in case of emergencies.
Thurrock U3A Birthday Celebrations 2025
Wednesday August 27th saw One Hundred and Sixty Five of our members celebrate another Birthday for Thurrock U3A. the 23rd to be exact. I think most will agree it was the best yet. In fact, I have to say that “no one” was heard complaining about anything. In fact, just the opposite, it was compliments that where heard
We started off with our Chairman Paul Heasmer, welcoming everyone and giving out general information, we had soft background music whilst our Caterers Valentine’s Cuisine started to serve the food. The young waitresses and waiters did an excellent job of very professionally serving every one and the food was absolutely delicious.
Unfortunately for those who had finished their meal and decided to go, they didn’t know what they were about to miss. We had the best rendition of “The King - Elvis” I have ever heard. Know I must admit I am not a great lover of Elvis impressionists and wasn’t looking forward to it at all, however the moment he started to sing, just for once I changed my mind and really enjoyed it, fantastic.
Elvis at Tereza Joanne
Forty nine members spend an nice afternoon at Tereza Joanne enjoying afternoon tea while watching an Elvis impersonator This was a real success, every one up dancing and the afternoon tea was really top class with unlimited coffee and tea while we were eating.
The entertainment was top class.
Buckingham Palace
A day trip to Buckingham Palace. We left Grays and travelled to Kennedy's fish and chip shop in Clerkenwell, where we enjoyed freshly cooked fish and chips with mushy peas, followed by Apple pie and custard washed down with tea or coffee.
It was quite amazing to see all of the changes and different development in London. Driving along the A13 seeing all the high rise buildings. Gone was the old Rathbone Street market. Crisp Street market was a by gone era as well.
In a way it was sad to see the how London has changed. Gone are the rows of streets where some of us grew up. Tower blocks everywhere. Little space for children to play.
I know we had the best time growing up, many of us spending our school holiday playing with friends and only going home to eat our tea.
The Palace was quite spectacular, on arrival at the palace we all had Dictaphones that describe the artefacts in the rooms and their origin and purpose.
Music Evening
Sandra wrote this……….
Mel Lewis arranged a music evening on Friday 6th September 2024 for the benefit of all our members. Sadly, the attendance was poor, considering we have over 500 members.
Organising any event is hard work and time consuming and the only way to show your appreciation is by supporting us in these events.
We had Debbie Rainforth as our entertainment artist which had those present dancing the night away.
At first we had the same artists and I think people got fed up with them and then we have had different ones like last night.
When organising other entertainment we get a fair share of complaints due to popularity and spaces filling quickly. (Which can’t be helped.) Do any members wish to organise or have suggestions of a way forward
A BIG THANK YOU to Mel for all his hard work.
Now Mel says this………………
The organisers of the music events at Stifford Clays regret to announce that there will no longer be evening or afternoon gigs due to poor attendance which are not covering the expense of holding them.
This does not include the Barn dances which are organised separately.
The Social group would like to thank all persons who have supported us over the last couple of years.
However we will try to provide entertainment for special occasions, subsequently we are going to try to organise a Christmas party sometime in December. This will be ticket only to members and friends. I will be at the back of the hall when we have our monthly meeting on Wednesdays to take names of interested members.
Also to take names for a quiz evening planned for the end of October.
Any queries or to be put on list for either or both events contact Mel
and thanks again for all who support us in our endeavours to entertain you.
Trips and social dates….
If you have any mobility issues or special needs, please make sure you put these on the booking form so we can accommodate you. However, please appreciate that, although we will do our best, we will not be able to accommodate every request. Thank you for your understanding
Some of the things Thurrock have enjoyed recently
2023 - 2024 (Barn Dance and Country Legends aboard Tereza Joanne)
Barn Dance
A great time was had by all those who attended the recent barn dance.
These events are real fun nights with a great atmosphere and lots of interaction between the dancers and our caller - Tony Clarke.
For the first time, sashes were provided to be worn by one of the women if two were dancing together. The sash was to indicate that for one night only - she was a man !!!. This was an attempt to eliminate the confusion which would arise every time the caller told the men to move either left or right.
Subject to the availability of the hall, we hope to arrange the next event for November
The total number of raffle prizes was 17.
The 4th Thurrock u3a barn dance took place at Stifford Clays Social Club. Our Caller - Tony Clarke was on top form as usual and led the dancers through a series of different routines, which involved forming either straight lines, circles or squares. It was remarkable how the dancer's sense of direction disappeared when Tony was guiding them through the moves. He would tell them to move to the left and some would move to the right and vice versa. Needless to say, once the music started the situation can be best described as chaos and mayhem. As the dancers were alternating between trips to the dance floor and trips to the bar, alcohol must be considered a contributory factor.
Even if you do not want to take part in the dancing, come along to enjoy an evening full of fun
Any queries contact Mel Lewis see contacts
