Below are reports and photos of some of our past Events and Outings.
Click on any photo to show it full size
Exploring London Group 6 Visit
Photograph of our recent visit to the Grant Zoological & Petri Egyptology Museum
Solos Adventure Club
Another highly enjoyable and successful Sunday lunch date was held on 27th September at the King Harold’s Head, Bumbles Green, Nazeing.
This is being followed up with an informal lunch at the Leafy Oak café (on the B5012 near Hertford) on Tuesday 6th October at 1pm. All LVU3A Solos are welcome but we are looking for more men!!!!
Please contact our group leader Coral, if you would like to join us.
Plans are being made for lunch on Sunday 27th December and New Year’s Eve. Watch this space.
Eating Round The World Group - Noodles Galore
Last Wednesday, 23rd September, the Eating Around the World group met at the Taste of China in Hoddesdon for an amazing Chinese meal. Some of us shared the set meal - it was delicious and there was more than plenty, even though we were all greedy!
Others had curries and stir fried dishes, some even had room for ice cream afterwards. Why not join us next time?
Expanding Horizons
The theme for u3a week this year was ‘Expanding Horizons’ & we aimed to encourage members of the public to do just that by letting them know about Lea Valley u3a’s activities & groups and how they could try something new.
Thank you to our members who volunteered to help at our publicity stand in Hoddesdon library on Saturday 26th September.
Estate Planning Interest Afternoon
At our Interest Afternoon on 25th September at Barclay Hall, we had a talk and discussion with Kong-Chee Man, an Estate Planner and Will Writer with Co-Op Legal Services Ltd.
He talked about the main issues regarding Wills, in particular joint arrangements, and related property issues including tenancy-in-common.
Kong also touched on the complexity of Inheritance Tax planning and the fact that everyone’s circumstances could be somewhat different.
Members talked about their own concerns and issues from their experiences and Kong answered them sensitively and practically.
At the end of the 75 minute session, members were able to ask for a personal consultation, which was well supported.
Sunday Walking & Pub Lunch Group
Our very successful, September, Sunday walk was organised and led by Rose and Frank Streatfield.
The circular walk went from Dobbs Weir, Hoddesdon northwards along the river Lea and around Glen Faber lake.
September Main Meeting - Daisy, "Frank S" & Food!
Our September Spotlight meeting was one with a difference and very well attended. The history of the Easton Lodge Gardens and the colourful life of Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick was well presented by Gary Matthews.
Following the main talk, crooner Robert Habermann, serenaded us with a few Sinatra songs from his forthcoming show at The Spotlight, whilst our members enjoyed complimentary sandwiches & cake.
Join Robert Habermann along with the renowned 18-piece Phoenix Jazz Orchestra, as they sing the unforgettable songs from Frank Sinatra’s iconic albums. Award-winning singer Robert Habermann is performing his "Frank Sinatra Big Band Bash" at The Spotlight venue in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:30. Special £3 discount for u3a members: request when booking.
Publicity at Nazeingberries Summer Fayre
On Saturday 12th September Lea Valley u3a enjoyed advertising our Group to visitors whilst supporting another local charity.
We met & spoke to many interested people & we hope to be welcomingthem to one of our meetings soon.
Solos Adventure Club
LVu3a Solos Adventure Club met at Mantos Restaurant in Wormley on Bank Holiday Sunday for a superb meal, friendly and warm conversation. All fifteen of us spent a very enjoyable time together.
More events are in the diary, a day in the Cotswolds next Wednesday 2nd September and an informal lunch at The Glass Lounge in Hoddesdon on Tuesday 7th September. Other events are being planned.
For more information or to join us, please contact our group leader, Coral Spevack
Interest Afternoon - How I Became a Children's Author
Children’s author, Su Murley entertained us at our Interest Afternoon in August with tales on how she brought to life her character Shirley Murley and her dog Clever Trevor in her beautifully illustrated rhyming picture books.
Describing the process from her initial ideas to the finished book, Su gave an excellent insight into the life of an author as well as some very interesting facts about some well-known authors and their novels, some of which, were very surprising!
Garden Group visit Local Secret Gem
Dennis arranged a wonderful private visit to The Mount in Roydon, home for the last 27 years of David & Liz Davison.
Following a short video with a brief introduction to the garden by David, we leisurely explored the three acres of formal gardens split into nine distinct areas and five acres of woodland which had been planted in 2003.
The seasonal flowers were very much still vibrant, and many of us appreciated the scent of the beautiful roses.
Another feature of this delightful garden are the numerous statues & animal sculptures sourced from all around the world.
Our visit also included unlimited tea & cake which we could enjoy either in the grotto or at the many seating areas around the garden.
A very pleasant way to spend a summer’s afternoon.
Thank you, Dennis, for arranging.
Science & Environment Group
We had a very productive inaugural meeting of this new Group on Friday 14th Aug at which we discussed a large range of potential subjects to be either covered internally by members, or that we could invite guest speakers to cover.
An initial, exciting list of possible visits to venues related to these topics was also discussed. Next meeting dates are:
- Friday 11th September
- Friday 9th October
- Friday 13th November
If you’re interested & would like further details on times & venues, please get in touch with Tim Robinson, Laurence Cole, or Martin Benson via the "Contact Us" tab, and your message will be passed on.
New Members’ Afternoon Tea
Our recent new members were invited to enjoy an afternoon tea and good company in the lovely garden of our Chair, Glynis.
It was a good opportunity to get to know each other and to talk to committee members. We all agreed it had been a very successful afternoon.
Solos Adventure Club
17 members of LVu3a met at "The Glass Lounge" in Hoddesdon for lunch and good conversation with friends.
Everyone is a member of the Solos Adventure Club which has a growing membership and all LVu3a solos are welcome to try us out.
We especially would encourage any men out there, don’t put it off, join us now!
Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser
One of our members opened up her home & garden for a wonderful afternoon raising money for Breast Cancer Research in August.
Friends from the Lea Valley u3a enjoyed tea & delicious homemade cakes whilst chatting & relaxing in the shade in Maureen’s lovely garden & supporting this worthy cause..
We guessed the weight of the cake & prizes were won on the tombola & raffle!.
Always good to support other charities in this way.
Exploring London 6 Outing
Exploring London Group 6 recently enjoyed a tour of the house and gardens of Camfield Place, the home of the late Dame Barbara Cartland, followed by afternoon tea in the lovely dinning room.
Tudor King visits the Lea Valley u3a
At our July main meeting, Tony Harris, aka King Henry VIII entertained us with his brilliant portrayal of the Tudor King.
In the King’s quest for a male heir, the trials & tribulations of his six wives were brilliantly portrayed in such a way that had us all laughing!
Eating Round the World Group
Mussels and muscles for the Eating Around the World group in early July.
We enjoyed a very relaxing and air conditioned evening meal at Fishy Delishy, Cheshunt.
Why not join us next time? Our meetings are open to all members of Lea Valley U3A.
PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOW BE TAKING A BREAK FOR THE 2026 SUMMER PERIOD. LOOK OUT IN SEPTEMBER FOR NEWS OF OUR NEXT MEAL.
Short Walks Group
On a hot day in June, the Short Walks Group completed an enjoyable Sunday stroll, lead by Martin, along the River Lea. On completion we all enjoyed lunch at The Bull in Broxbourne.
Stunning Stevington
Members of the Garden Group enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the gardens of Kathy & Simon Brown, in the village of Stevington near Bedford.
Having owned the Manor House & its gardens for more 30 years, over time, they have planted 250 trees and have several garden rooms inspired by artists including Hepworth, Mondrian & Monet.
Following our guided tour & talk on the history of the Manor House & gardens, we enjoyed a slice of delicious homemade cake with ingredients from the gardens & a welcome cup of tea or coffee.
Many thanks to group leader, Dennis, for organising such a lovely outing.
People Who Made Capel Manor What it is Today.
We were delighted to welcome Dr Steven Dowbiggin OBE to speak at our June Spotlight meeting. Steven was Head of College at Capel Manor in Enfield for 33 years.
Capel Manor has a very rich history dating back to the 13th century and, of course, Henry VIII had a part in its past too!
Steven entertained us with tales and anecdotes about some of the many well-known and famous people from TV presenters to recent members of the Royal Family who have helped, supported and shaped Capel Manor into the glorious gardens & college that it is today.
Heritage Group visit to Layer Marney Tower
In early June, 26 members of the Heritage Group visited Layer Marney Tower near Colchester, Essex. A Tudor Palace, and England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney was built in the 1520s as a statement house by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, who was Henry VIII’s Lord Privy Seal.
Built to the height of fashion in rich red brick, Lord Marney used stone coloured terracotta decorations on the windows with Italianate mouldings to make it one of the most sophisticated buildings of its time.
During the morning we enjoyed a guided tour by the present owner of Layer Marney which included a visit to the private side of the house. Following a pleasant lunch in the Long Gallery we were free to explore the Gatehouse and climb to the top to enjoy magnificent views across to the Blackwater estuary.
Our thanks to Joan for organising such a grand day out!
New Padel Group
Our newly formed Padel Group is underway and is proving to be great fun as we learn a new sport.
Sessions are on Thursday afternoons between 2.00 – 4.00 p.m. at Broxbourne Sports Club in Mill Lane, Broxbourne. Cost is £6 for the 2 hours.
Intermediate Walking Group
This photograph was taken during our 5 mile walk starting from The Feathers Inn in Wadesmill, on Friday 8th May, when we stopped for a coffee at Barwick Ford.
The group, run by Jill Dockley, walk once a month, usually on the first Friday. New members welcome.
Lea Valley u3a at Older Persons’ Fair
Members of Lea Valley u3a have recently been volunteering on our publicity stand at two local events:
Friday 10th April – Older Persons’ Fair organised by Lewis Cocking MP, at The Spotlight.
Saturday 18th April - Love Hoddesdon Spring Fayre & Heritage Day (see below)
Both were very successful and we had lots of good conversations with members of the public letting them know what the Lea Valley u3a can offer them. We’re looking forward to seeing some of them at our Spotlight meetings in the future.
Our thanks go to everyone who helped at both these events.
FRENCH BOULES GROUP
The French Boules group enjoyed playing in the spring sunshine at Rye Park.
For further information, please contact Jacques, the Group Leader