February Newsletter

February Newsletter
A Happy New year to one and all Another year, another set of new year’s resolutions! Hopefully your u3a can help you to make them a reality. We have lots of activities up and running, more events planned and definitely something you can participate in and enjoy. Remember its YOUR u3a so if you have suggestions for activities and/or event please let us know and we will explore how we can get these up and running.
On the subject of it being your u3a, another plea for new committee members. A number of officers have completed their term and we have vacancies so if you are interested come and chat. There are still members who have email difficulties that prevent them receiving these newsletters  If you know of anyone who is having difficulties can you let them know that a copy can be found on our web site…..https://www.u3aarmagh.org/
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Given the great time had at the Xmas lunch we are keen to make out-to-lunch events a more regular thing. There is one this week at Dungannon and given this was “sold out” less than a day after being advertised we are actively planning for another in March. Remember to get in quick as these always have limited places and are very popular with members.

A quick reminder to all who have reserved seats for the Armagh Theatre Group performance of My Brilliant Divorce on Friday 10th February at 7.30pm in Abbey Lane Theatre, Abbey Lane, Armagh. The doors open at 7.15pm. You need to pay £10 at the door and this covers a glass of wine/Schloer at the interval.  IMPORTANT NOTE – If you do have places and find you are unable to make it please let Tim know ASAP. This event is currently sold out but you can still apply to be put on the reserve list as it is likely there will be drop-outs. For both eventualities contact Tim at timbohanna1953@gmail.com.

After the enforced COVID break and long search for a venue, the much missed Monthly Meetings are back on the schedule. These will take place on a Friday morning in the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Memorial Library. The opening event will be on the 24th February. As before this has coffee from 10.30 am with the presentation starting promptly at 11.00 am. Fittingly, the first talk will be given by the Library Director,  Roddy Hegarty on the library and its collection. So come along for a chat and to be entertained.

Oh, just in case you thought we’d forgotten, we certainly have not. There are plans for one of our popular coffee mornings but it still in the planning stage and we are aiming for early March. More details as soon as we have definite news.
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February  Calendar
Hill Walking Group
This group complete walks along country lanes, in forest parks, hills, and mountains. Walks are usually 2-4 hours.They meet weekly on Thursdays at the Armagh Palace car park by the children’s play park and depart promptly at 9.30 am.  For more information contact, Caroline at cbgood@doctors.org.uk and add your mobile number to join the WhatsApp group.

 Tuesday Walkers
For those seeking a more gentle walk and talk. The schedule for this month is…….Feb 7th   – ArgoryFeb 14th – RossmoreFeb 21st  – Portadown TowpathFeb 28th  – Clare Glen The group meets on Tuesdays at the Palace car park near the children’s playground at 10.00 am.For more details contact, Patricia McConville at patriciamcconville@btinternet.com.

Cycling group. 
Given that poorer weather is likely over winter the group will probably meet infrequently.  Those interested or requesting date information should contact Peter Good at pdgood@doctors.org.uk and add your mobile number to join the WhatsApp group. Cycling is mostly on secondary or minor roads, occasionally on major roads. Distance cycled is approximately 30-35KM (3hours) with a coffee stop along the way. Members must have their own bikes, helmets and Hi-Vis tops and be comfortable with cycling on roads. Communication is by a WhatsApp group.

Pilates­
Classes are underway once more with 2 classes each Wednesday (10.30am and 11.30am). At present these are full but we often have vacancies so if you are interested contact Margaret. For more information contact Margaret at tro111@hotmail.com Bridge – Online Group The online sessions are held on a Wednesday at 7.00 pm using the BridgeBase Online platform that is very easy to use, for full details of how to play online contact, 
Dennis at denu3a@gmail.com

 Bridge – Face-to-Face Group
The face-to-face sessions are each Monday held in the Cardinal Tomas O Fiaich Memorial Library between 2.00 and 4.30pm. We have a beginners group who are starting from scratch and a playing group for those with a little more experience.
If you are interested please come along or contact, Patricia at patriciamcconville@btinternet.com
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u3a Choir 
The choir meet at 9 vicars Hill on Wednesdays between 3.30 and 4 30 pm, so come along and get those vocal cords working!If you are interested contact Kathleen at Kathleen.daly41@icloud.com. 

Possible Tai Chi Classes 
In the dim and distant past we ran Tai Chi classes and we are currently exploring possibilities of resurrecting this activity.  Note this is not primarily an exercise class but a mind-body discipline originating from ancient China, where it started as a famous martial art. These days, it’s practised around the world as an effective exercise for health. Tai Chi can be many things for different people, but regular practise will improve your wellbeing. At the heart of it, Tai Chi is a moving meditation in the form of a series of gentle exercises that create harmony between the mind and body. If it helps 20 million Chinese live to well over 85 years-old then I’m in 😋.  
Also interested? Then tell us by clicking on the button below and leave your details.­
I’m interested in Tai Chi­