Letter from the Chair – February 2026

Dear Friends
Here I am again trying to be inspired about what to put in my monthly letter to you all. The weather is frustrating, very wet with a bit of snow in between the downpours. The fields look saturated with water standing in the ridges, and my garden looks bedraggled. The bird food I put out in a flower pot saucer for the ground feeding birds keeps turn into ‘soup’. All the water containers are full to overflowing, when not frozen solid. Stop whinging Julie and think of the nice things!

What have I been up to? Well musically I have been lucky enough to attend two different offerings. Enjoyed a production of Carmen at the Hippodrome in Darlington, with some lovely voices in the company. Then a complete change, going to the Witham to see the Blues Band, a great evening, and hope I look as good as Paul Jones at 83 years old. Will have to get taller and slimmer.🤣. Must get myself organised to go and see some more shows I fancy at The Witham. In addition, like several other U3A members, I am a member of the Community Choir and we are madly learning and practicing our music for the March concert. Must practice more, using the choir’s shared space and YouTube.

I joined Kate Bailey and Celia Chapple at the February Coffee and Chat in Henry’s bar at the Witham. Another lovely catch up with people, I think we numbered about 11 including us three. A sociable and enjoyable hour and half that just sped by. Do try and join us at the next one, Thursday 12 March, 2.30-3.30, Winters Cafe Middleton-in Teesdale.

Other U3A activities I have enjoyed recently is the lunch group, we went to Bowes Café at the museum and the first Garden Group meeting of 2026. The speaker was Ady Davis from Ushaw Historic House. An excellent speaker, read all about it in the following pages in the Garden Report by Kate Keen.
News on the ways to make U3A payments. We are hoping to soon launch a card payment option for the monthly meetings, membership and trips. Another way to reduce the amount of cheques and cash we handle in these changing banking times. Watch this space.

I am looking forward as usual to seeing many of you at the monthly meeting and catching up with all that you have been doing.

Bye for now
Julie