10th April 2026

Line Dancing

11.30 am - 12.30 pm in the Village Hall.   £3.00 per session.  

Call Maud on 07941 759856 

11th April 2026

Pickleball

Every Saturday  11-12 am - Countesthorpe College Sports Hall, Winchester Rd

Age appropriate sport which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis. 

£4 per session. 

To attend or for more details call Sheila Pennington on 07703 290886

13th April 2026

Bridge

Friendly group seeks more members. Cards drawn for partners.

Every Monday, 2 - 4.30 pm weekly in Methodist Church. £3 inc refreshments. Why not come along?

Contact Alan Rooks : 07969 919857

 

13th April 2026

Fit for Life

11.30 am - 12.30 pm in Village Hall, Countesthorpe.  £5 per session.   

Open to all U3A members - just turn up with suitable shoes and loose clothing.     

Details from Diana on 277 9142   

13th April 2026

Ukulele Strummers

Every Monday : 11 -1 pm at a Member's Home. A Group for recent beginners to develop and improve basic ukulele skills.

Contact Sue Howard.  Email: sulizhow@hotmail.com

14th April 2026

Monthly Meeting

Doors open at 1.30 pm, so come along and book your outings and socialise with friends.

Why is Leicester the Space Capital of Britain.  Speaker : RD Cooper

plus usual refreshments.

The Speakers List for 2026 can be downloaded from the link below... 

Speakers List 2026 >

15th April 2026

Kurling

Every Wednesday 11 am - noon.   Village Hall.

NEW MEMBERS WANTED 
Come along and have a jolly hour being competitive as well as chatting and being sporty! Keep those steps up! You don’t need special equipment as we will provide all you need. If you have trouble bending we have an answer for that to.

Kurling is easy to learn and difficult to master (just ask us) We currently pay £5 per hour but that will reduce the more Kurlers we get.

Come and see for your self. Details from Ian Paterson on 07859 762422

 

15th April 2026

Ukulele

11:15 am - 12:30 pm in small lounge.   £1.  Details from David Wild on 277 5881  

15th April 2026

Carpet Bowls

THE SCOUT HUT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED, SO THERE ARE NO BOWLS SESSIONS AT THE MOMENT.

We will give an update when we have more information.

In the Scout Hut, as usual 2-4 pm.   

Contact Barry Hillyard on 0116 277 4187

15th April 2026

Literature

2 pm in Residents' Lounge, Brook Court.  50p for room, 50p for refreshments.

Reading choice : The Names by Florence Knapp

Details from Teresa Morgan on 07882 604263

For reading list, see the Activity Group page.

 

15th April 2026

Handbells

2-4 pm at Methodist Church, Wigston Street.   Each Wednesday

Contact : Zoe Paterson on 07495 768006 

16th April 2026

Hereford & Hop Pocket Craft Village

Explore the rich history and architecture of Hereford with its iconic cathedral, home to the 13th century medieval Mappa Mundi, and the 17th century chained library. Wander the historic streets or take a relaxing walk along the River Wye. We will then head to the Hop Pocket Shopping Village, a family-run garden centre with craft and gift shops, a food hall and farmhouse restaurant.

Cost £35   Leave VH at 8.00 am, then SQ, Coll, SW and MC by 8.15 am.  Arrive back home by 6.30 pm.     

Pay by 14th April

Book/pay at desk in small lounge or contact David on 0116 479 0945 / email: davidheb@talktalk.net

16th April 2026

Art

2.00 - 4.00 pm every Thursday in the Methodist church room, Wigston Street. 

£3 includes refreshments.  

17th April 2026

Line Dancing

11.30 am - 12.30 pm in the Village Hall.   £4.00 per session.  

Call Maud on 07941 759856 

18th April 2026

Pickleball

Every Saturday  11-12 am - Countesthorpe College Sports Hall, Winchester Rd

Age appropriate sport which combines tennis, badminton and table tennis. 

£4 per session. 

To attend or for more details call Sheila Pennington on 07703 290886

19th April 2026

Solo Sunday Lunch

Shoulder of Mutton, Foxton, LE16 7RB - 12.00 for 12.30pm. 

Pre-orders required, menu will be in small lounge at next meeting

Call Hilary on 07539 523726 or Carol on 277 8999.    

20th April 2026

French Conversation

Note: There is no session on 4 May.

10-11 am on the first and third Mondays.   

USUALLY in small Lounge, Village Hall, but essential to check with Dorothy.  £2. 
Varied ability French speakers helping each other to improve, using a variety of means.  

Details from Dorothy on 07411 163396 or Gill on 0116 284 8171

20th April 2026

Fit for Life

11.30 am - 12.30 pm in Village Hall, Countesthorpe.  £5 per session.   

Open to all U3A members - just turn up with suitable shoes and loose clothing  

Details from Diana on 277 9142   

20th April 2026

Ukulele Strummers

Every Monday : 11 - 1 pm at a Member's Home.  A Group for recent beginners to develop and improve basic ukulele skills.

Contact Sue Howard. Email: sulizhow@hotmail.com

 

20th April 2026

Creative Writing

3rd Monday each month - 2 pm at Brook Court.   

Theme: Marriage

50p for refreshments and 50p for room.  

Details from Mikki on 277 5509

20th April 2026

Cryptic Crosswords

2 pm at at Ursula's home, 26 Shetland Way, Countesthorpe.

First and third Mondays in each month 2 - 4pm

New members who are interested would be welcomed, as support is available.  Call Ursula on 277 5881.  

20th April 2026

Bridge

Friendly group seeks more members.   Cards drawn for partners.   

Every Monday, 2 - 4.30 pm weekly in Methodist Church.  £3 inc refreshments.   Why not come along?  

Contact Alan Rooks : 07969 919857

21st April 2026

SWANS

Foxton Locks

Top (pay & display) CP

Details from Pauline on 277 9338 or 07936 555048

 

22nd April 2026

Kurling

Every Wednesday 11 am - noon.   Village Hall.

You don’t need special equipment as we will provide all you need. If you have trouble bending we have an answer for that to. Small charge to cover the cost of the venue.

Details from Ian Paterson on 07859 762422

22nd April 2026

Ukelele

Small lounge at VH.   11:15 am - 12:30 pm.  For details, please contact David Wild on 277 5881. 

 

22nd April 2026

Carpet Bowls

THE SCOUT HUT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED, SO THERE ARE NO BOWLS SESSIONS AT THE MOMENT.

We will give an update when we have more information.

In the Scout Hut, as usual 2-4 pm.   

Contact Barry Hillyard on 0116 277 4187

22nd April 2026

Handbell Ringing

From 2- 4 pm at Methodist Church, Wigston Street.  

Contact : Zoe Paterson on 07495 768006 

23rd April 2026

Luncheon Club

The Dovecote, Narborough Road

No choices necessary but please can you let me know by 17 April if you will be coming.

Sue Wyllie on 0116 284 9959 or susanvwyllie@hotmail.com.  

23rd April 2026

Art

2.00 - 4.00 pm every Thursday in the Methodist church room, Wigston Street.    £3 inc tea/biscuits.  

23rd April 2026

Sunny Afternoon

2:15 Matinee at Curve, Leicester.  £47, payable by 12 Feb 2026.  Leave Cosby Nook 12.45 pm, then VH, SQ, Coll, SW, then MC approx 1.05 pm.  Book/pay at theatre desk in small lounge or call Janine on 07970 648979 or Gill on 07757 007025

24th April 2026

Discussion

10 am - noon at Brook Court, Countesthorpe - residents' lounge.   

Topic: 'Recycle'

Details from David Fagg on 07775 730378 or Janine Tibbles on 07970 648979

27th April 2026

Isle of Wight

SOLD OUT

Warner Bembridge Coastal Resort, Isle of Wight.

Monday April 27th - Friday May 1st, 2026. 

Holiday includes travel from Countesthorpe, return ferry crossing, buffet breakfast and evening dinner.
Warners entertainment and activity programme.
Excursions include a visit to Whippingham Church & Osborne House (plus other excursions t.b.a.)
£530pp. Deposit of £50 p.p. to secure asap. £10 non-refundable. Balance by 10th Feb. 2026

More details on the Booking Form below, which will be available in the small lounge at the Monthly Meetings.

Bembridge 2026 Booking Form >

27th April 2026

Jazz Appreciation

Last Monday in each month, 3 - 5 pm at Malcolm's home, 17 Linden Avenue.   Details from Joan on 277 5369.

30th April 2026

Walking (CARE)

Meet at the Village Hall at 9:30, leaving in shared cars to travel to the Chandlers Arms in Shearsby. The walk is likely to be about 5 miles. Contact for the walk is Robert Hancock 07946 095176.

General info from Jenny on 277 3396 or Malcolm on 277 2599. 

 

1st May 2026

MEMBERSHIP

To join as a NEW member, please click on the attachment and download the form.  All instructions are on the form 

Subscriptions for 2025/6 are £20 for full membership.  Associate membership (with proof of full membership of another U3A) costs £10 

To RENEW your membership FOR 2025/6  

1   Renewals due from 1 June 2025  There is no need to complete another membership application form.   If you have changed your phone number, address or email, please advise Barry to enable us to keep in touch with you.   

2   BANK TRANSFER:   Payee:  The Countesthorpe U3A.  Sort Code:  40-12-35    A/c no:  01402889   It is IMPORTANT that you use your U3A membership number as the reference, FOLLOWED by your name.  If you do not know your number, call Barry who will be able to help.     

3   CHEQUE:  payable to "COUNTESTHORPE U3A", to our Membership Secretary, Mr B Hillyard, 35 Station Rd, Countesthorpe, Leicester LE8 5TA.  You can also use the U3A's deposit box at the Library/Parish Office.  

4   CASH:  To our Membership Secretary, Mr B Hillyard, 35 Station Rd, Countesthorpe, Leicester LE8 5TA. 

IF YOUR MEMBERSHIP HAS LAPSED, THEN PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW MEMBERS AS ABOVE.  fees are as above.   If you are unsure whether your membership lapsed, then please contact Barry on 0116 277 4187.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS will not be issued, as little use is made of them.   Proof of membership can be provided on request to Barry, if this is required.

Membership Form >

4th May 2026

French Conversation

NO SESSION ON 4 MAY - Next one is 18th May

10-11 am on the first and third Mondays.   

USUALLY in small Lounge, Village Hall, but essential to check with Dorothy.  £2. 
Varied ability French speakers helping each other to improve, using a variety of means.  

Details from Dorothy on 07411 163396 or Gill on 0116 284 8171

4th May 2026

Cryptic Crosswords

2 pm at Ursula's home, 26 Shetland Way, Countesthorpe.  

First and third Mondays in each month 2 - 4pm

New members who are interested would be welcomed, as support is available.  Call Ursula on 277 5881.  

5th May 2026

Classical Music

First Tuesday of each month

Meet at Barry's home (35 Station Rd) at 7 pm.    

6th May 2026

Scrabble

First Wednesday in each month

2-4.30 pm in Residents' Lounge, Brook Court.   Call Carol for details on 277 8999  

7th May 2026

Birdwatching

Coombe Abbey. Meet at VH 9.30, shared cars.
Lunch at The Bull, Brinklow.

Details from Janet Easey on 277 2544.  

13th May 2026

Flower Arranging

Second Wednesday of each month 2.00 - 4.00 pm in small lounge, Countesthorpe Village Hall.  £3

13th May 2026

Flower Arranging

Second Wednesday of each month 2.00 - 4.00 pm in small lounge, Countesthorpe Village Hall.  £3

19th May 2026

Ashbourne & Tissington Well Dressing

Experience the historic Well Dressing Event in the Derbyshire village of Tissington where each well is decorated with flowers on a Biblical theme. We then pay a  visit  to the beautiful market town of Ashbourne in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales.  

Cost £30   Leave VH at 9.00 am, then SQ, Coll, SW and MC by 9.15 am.  Arrive back home by 6.00 pm.     

Pay by 12th May

Book/pay at desk in small lounge or contact David on 0116 479 0945 / emaildavidheb@talktalk.net

20th May 2026

Literature

2 pm in Residents' Lounge, Brook Court. 50p for room, 50p for refreshments.

Reading choice : TBC

Details from Teresa Morgan on 07882 604263

For reading list, see the Activity Group page.

 

23rd May 2026

Breathing Corpses

At Market Harborough at 2.30 pm with free time in the morning. 
£35 payable by 10 March. Leave Cosby Nook 9.30 am, MC, SW, Coll, VH and SQ approx 9.45 am. 

Book/pay at theatre desk in small lounge or call Janine on 07970 648979 or Gill on 07757 007025

9th July 2026

York

Step back in time in York. Discover York Minster’s soaring spires, wander through The Medieval Shambles, walk along St Petergate, with its quirky shops, welcoming taverns, and a buzzing café scene. View York from the historic City Walls or take a boat trip down the river Ouse.

Cost £35   Leave VH at 8.00 am, then SQ, Coll, SW and MC by 8.15 am.  Arrive back home by 6.30 pm.     

Pay by 9th June

23rd July 2026

Waitress

At Curve, Leicester Thursday 23rd July 2026, 2:15. £48 payable by 12th June. Leave Cosby Nook 12:45 then VH, SQ, Coll, SW then MC approximately 1:05

Book/pay at theatre desk in small lounge or call Janine on 07970 648979 or Gill on 07757 007025

3rd September 2026

Barnum

at Curve 2:15

£50, Pay by 3rd July 2026

Cosby (The Nook) at 12:45 pm, VH, SQ, Coll, SW then MC approx 1:05 pm.

Book/pay at theatre desk in small lounge or call Janine on 07970 648979 or Gill on 07757 007025

15th September 2026

Royal Windsor

A Royal Borough with a mix of history, culture & heritage, with Windsor Castle dominating the town. Explore the town and castle, then take a short walk over the footbridge into Eton, famous for its college or enjoy a river trip along the Thames.  Much see and plenty of places to enjoy a meal.

Cost £35   Leave VH at 8.00 am, then SQ, Coll, SW and MC by 8.15 am.  Arrive back home by 6.30 pm.    

Pay by 8th September

20th September 2026

Dunoon

Sunday September 20th to Friday 25th 2026.

This Holiday is now fully booked - if you would like to add your name to the waiting list, please email Jill at travel.cu3a@gmail.com

This is based in Dunoon staying at the Esplanade Hotel, from where we will explore the west coast of Scotland.
Excursions planned are a tour of the island of Bute and a visit to Mount Stuart House and Gardens. A drive through the magnificent scenery of the Trossachs to Luss where we will have a boat trip on Loch Lomond. This will bw followed by a visit to Hill House designed by Rennie Macintosh in Helensburgh. A day in Glasgow to explore the city. Visit the Kelvingrove Museum, the Burrell collection or chill out in the Macintosh Willow tea room.

Further details and booking form are on the attachment (or in the small lounge at the Monthly Meetings).

Dunoon Booking Form >

21st November 2026

Ely Cathedral and Christmas Market

Visit one of the country's most unique and atmospheric locations for a Christmas Fair. For four days only Ely Cathedral's magnificent nave, Lady Chapel and its surrounding grounds will fill with stalls- the perfect place to pick up something special for your loved ones (or yourself!). Having left the Cathedral behind, enjoy a walk around this historic Fenland city.

Cost £30   Leave VH at 8.00 am, then SQ, Coll, SW and MC by 8.15 am.  Arrive back home by 6.30 pm. 

Pay by 10th November

11th March 2027

Annie

At Curve, 2:15. 

£52 payable by 29th Jan 2027. 

Leave Cosby Nook 12:45 then VH, SQ, Coll, SW then MC approximately 1:05. 

Book/pay at theatre desk in small lounge or call Janine on 07970 648979 or Gill on 07757 007025