Penmaenmawr & District u3a
Newsletter No 349 May 2026
Registered Charity No: 1037437
Website: www.penmaenmawru3a.org.uk
Chair: Brian Bollington penu3a@gmail.com
Secretary: Eleanor Lancaster penu3a@gmail.com
Treasurer: Liz McGill treasurerpenu3a.@gmail.com
Membership Secretary: Kay McManus penu3amem@gmail.com
Newsletter: Ruth Connolly Newsletterpenu3a@gmail.com
MESSAGE FROM JANET DIBBLE
The nominated Charity for 2025/2026 is PAPYRUS UK. This Charity helps with the prevention of young suicide. They have an ongoing emergency appeal to help keep their life saving helpline open throughout the night. I am hoping to raise money to help keep open HOPELINE247 for young people who are in crisis during the darkest hours.
If anyone has any unwanted gifts or items that can be used for raffle prizes they will always be gladly accepted.
WEBSITE
Do you have any photos of our u3a events?
If you have a photograph of members enjoying an event or activity organised by our u3a please email them to penweb33@gmail.com to be used on our website.
These files are often too large to appear in the newsletter but the website gives us more flexibility. Thank you, Alan, and Liz McGill.
MAY SOCIAL MEETING
We are at Penmaenmawr Community Centre on Thursday 21st May 2026 at 2pm when our speaker will be Carl Lloyd. Carl is a representative from the RSPCA and will be talking about the welfare of animals in the Aberconwy area. This should be an interesting talk and we look forward to welcoming everyone.
TEA ROTA
21st May 2026 Bowls
18th June 2026 Bridge
JUNE NEWSLETTER
Please send any information for inclusion in the June 2026 newsletter to newsletterpenu3a@gmail.com by Monday 25th May 2026
IMPORTANT ADVANCE NOTICE
Please note that the July newsletter will not be sent out until 10th July.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - Thursday 23rd July 2026 2 to 4 pm.
To celebrate the summer months, we are hosting an afternoon at Pensychnant Conservation Centre, Sychnant Pass, Conwy LL32 8BJ.
What Three Words ///speeches.cursing.arranges
Many activities are planned during the afternoon including:
• a talk on the history and work of this nature reserve.
• an opportunity to visit the wildlife garden and this large Victorian Arts and Crafts house
• the scenic woodland walk
• live music performance by a local professional duo
• stalls including cake, bottle/tombola and outdoor clothing
• raffle on the day for our chosen charity Papyrus UK
• selection of Victorian games on the lawn
• national art exhibition
Of course, there will be plenty of time to meet up with friends and enjoy your tea/coffee and cake.
Tickets are available now from Janet Dibble 07733 415830 and Liz McGill 07891 497562. and at the May and June social meetings. Cost is £5 each, friends and family are welcome too.
We are looking for donations for the raffle and tombola and if anyone has any outdoor clothing or equipment they don’t need anymore, they can donate it to the stall. Janet or Liz can pick it up from people if they can’t get it to us.
All proceeds from the stalls will be going to our chosen charity Papyrus UK.
FIRST AID COURSE Thursday 24th September at 2pm
There is an opportunity to attend a 90-minute first aid session provided for Pen u3a by the Red Cross. No test or qualification, just an awareness of what we should do in the event of incidents such as heart attack, strain or sprain, stroke, choking, heat stroke, diabetic emergency. There will be a practical element to this session so numbers are limited to 15.
The cost to attend is £2 to cover the hire of the hall and light refreshments. If you are interested, please contact Liz McGill on 07891497562 or treasurerpenu3a@gmail.com
NEW WALKING GROUP
As from the 1st May the former “Friendly Ramblers” will be joining up with Pen u3a. We walk every Sunday, weather permitting. The walks start at 10.30 am. We offer a variety of walks, long and short and of different levels to try and suit everyone. Sometimes we visit a National Trust Venue or an Open Gardens Event instead.
We never know until a few days before what walk/activity we will be doing so we keep in contact with members via email and a WhatsApp group. Please get in touch with Eve or Janet to join the WhatsApp group. Can everyone make sure that you are a paid member of Pen u3a. As with all the walking groups we are always looking for new walks and for people to offer to help lead a walk or suggest places to go each Sunday.
PLEA FROM DRAMA GROUP
We are particularly short of men in the Drama Group and are sure there are potential members out there. For our next production (Murder/Mystery) there are no lines to learn so how about giving it a go? Please contact Pat on 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com to have a chat - no actual arm twisting! Apart from productions there are also social events to be enjoyed through the year.
Another production for your entertainment. On Friday 12th June at 7.30pm we will be putting on a Murder Mystery at Penmaenmawr Community Centre. Come along for a bit of fun and brain teasing - usual glass of wine included in the reasonably priced ticket at £6.50. Tickets can be obtained from drama group members or Pat on 01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com
A ‘THINKING OF YOU’ CARD
If you know of anyone who is ill, in hospital, bereaved, or celebrating a special anniversary please contact Chris Bryant on 01492 592335 or 07845 181060. She will send them a card on behalf of the u3a.
GROUPS
IMPORTANT ADVANCE NOTICE FOR ALL GROUP LEADERS
The July newsletter will not be sent out until 10th July.
AWAYDAYS - Pat Greenhill 01492 516463
Any suggestions? Any interest in a trip to London?
BOOK GROUP – Liz McGill 07891 497562 treasurerpenu3a@gmail.com
This month we are meeting at The Gladstone in Dwygyfylchi Thursday May 7th at 2 p.m. We have been reading "The Air Raid Book Club" by Annie Lyons. Contact Liz if you would like to join us.
BOWLS – Denise Sambrook 01492 622289 denise.sambrook45@btinternet.com.
Bowls have a full complement of members now but if you would like your name on the waiting list please contact Denise.
BRIDGE – Chris Bryant 07845 181060 or chris.b15@outlook.com
Meet at The Split Willow, Penmaenmawr Rd, Llanfairfechan every Wednesday 10-12 noon. If you wish to join us, please get in touch with Chris.
CROQUET – Sarah Andrew 07962 234857 sarahm.andrew.sa@gmail.com
We meet at Llanfairfechan Croquet Club, West Shore, LL33 0BP at 10am every Tuesday. We are a friendly, fun group and absolute beginners are most welcome. We play some easy croquet and have tea/coffee and biscuits. The cost is £6 per person green fee. Contact Sarah on 07962234857 or sarahm.andrew.sa@gmail.com or just turn up.
DRAMA - Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 patty43@btinternet.com
READ THROUGH for Murder/Mystery Friday 8th May 2.30pm - this will be the basis for casting so please come along.
REHEARSALS for M/M start Tuesday 19th May then each Friday and Tuesday at 2.30pm up to and including Tuesday 9th June.
PERFORMANCE of M/M Friday 12th June in the evening.
Don't forget the Skittles session on Friday 10th July - free for established members - £14 otherwise to include bar meal and three games.
FILM and THEATRE GROUP – Janet Dibble 07733 415830
The next meeting of the film and theatre group should have been on Thursday May 7th at 1pm at the Gladstone but has been cancelled. I am not able to attend the meeting and because the WhatsApp group is doing so well, we will not have a get together in May. We can discuss on our WhatsApp group, anything that is worth watching at the Theatre, Cinema or on TV. Please get in touch with Janet Dibble on 07733415830 if anyone would like to join the WhatsApp group.
HOLIDAYS - Pat Greenhill 01492 516463 Nothing in pipeline - suggestions?
JAZZ APPRECIATION - Mike Howard 01248 208914 or 07881591415
Every Monday at the Penrhyn Arms, Penrhynside 7.30.p.m. Traditional Jazz one week and Modern Jazz the next. A contribution is expected. Great atmosphere and wood-fired pizzas available.
Also the first Tuesday in the month Modern and Mainstream Jazz at The Gladstone pub Dwygyfylchi. Free admission. For more details contact Mike
PICKLE BALL – Eleri Evans 01248 680408 or 07525 652399 eleri.evans@btinternet.com We meet once a week - every Thursday 10-12noon in the Town Hall Llanfairfechan. Pickleball is a very popular, energetic, and fun sport, consequently we are now up to capacity. There is a waiting list and if anyone should leave then Eleri will be in touch. However, if anyone wanted to start another group, they would be very welcome and Eleri would be happy to speak to them about this.
POETRY READING – Pauline Stacey 01492 621243
The next meeting of the poetry reading group will be on Monday 18th May in Penmaenmawr Library from 10am until noon. The topic will be Food and Drink. If you think you would like to join the group, please phone Pauline for more details.
RECORDERS – enquiries Penrecorders@hotmail.com
Meet 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 2-4pm at Noddfa Retreat Centre.
SNOOKER – Mike Round 01492 244103
Meeting every Monday 2 p.m. in the Penmaenmawr Community Centre Snooker room. Anyone interested please ring Mike.
TAI CHI KUNG – Yvonne Ede 07897 659830
Tuesdays 10.45-11.45am at the Community Centre in Penmaenmawr.
TABLE TENNIS - Chris Wensley 01248 680637 or cdwensley.u3a@btinternet.com. Fridays 10-12noon in the Community Centre, Penmaenmawr.
UKELELE - Sue Wensley 01248 680637 or cdwensley.u3a@btinternet.com
Wednesdays 10.15-12.00 noon fortnightly in The Split Willow Llanfairfechan.
WELSH CONVERSATION - Eleri Evans 07525 652399
Group meet on Thursdays 12.15-1.15pm at The Seagrass Restaurant Llanfairfechan.
WALKING GROUPS
SHORT WALK Pat Greenhill 01492 516463.
Wednesday 13th May
Meet at 10.30 a.m. on Upper Promenade Road, Colwyn Bay (behind The Toad PH). We will walk part of the Prom, the Pier, other paths and of course the beach on that lovely sand - total approx. 2 miles. Move cars and eat at Sheldons in Penrhyn Road, Colwyn Bay. Bring a drink for sitting on the pier (hopefully not in the rain). Any queries to Pat.
PUB GRUB WALKS Jean Dorsett 07984610959 & Kay Preston 01492 544558
Wednesday 6th May
Meet at 9 a.m. under the Flyover, if car sharing. Drive to Bodfari, near Denbigh & park in the Dinorben Arms car park - Sat Nav: LL16 4DA, for a 3/4-mile circular walk. Spectacular rural views. Walking over woodland paths & fields. Some lane walking. There are a couple of steep & awkward stretches in woodland that will not be suitable for some walkers – but we would love you to join us later for lunch. Please contact the leader/s if in doubt. There are 10 stiles which are in good condition. May be MUD!
Lunch at the Dinorben Arms at 1.30 p.m. Numbers are needed, could you please contact the Leader/s in advance if you wish to join us. (The current Menu will be sent to walkers before the walk).
Leaders Kay Preston 10492 544558 & Jean Dorset 7984610959
Wednesday 3rd June
Meet at 8.45 a.m. under the Flyover, if car sharing, then drive to The White Eagle pub, Rhoscolyn, LL65 2NJ & park in their car park for 10 a.m. We will then walk a 5-mile circular route along lanes & coastal paths around Silver Bay. Flat, 1 stile. May be mud. Gorgeous sea views. We will need numbers & choice of menu a few days before 31st May. (The menu will be shown to walkers after 20th May - see Kay (01492 544558).
Leader Sue Lavery 07519 423510/01492 209240
BUS/TRAIN WALKS Maria Duda Tel: (01492) 879074
Wednesday 27th May
Catch the No. 5 bus from the Flyover at Llandudno Junction/Conwy at 9.50 a.m. alighting at Aber bus shelter. Walk down to the shore and then follow the coast to Llanfairfechan - total 5 miles approximately on the flat. Please bring picnic lunch, return by No. 5 bus - leader Pat Greenhill (01492 516463 or patty43@btinternet.com).
MEDIUM WALKS Eve Webster 07751499817 & Janet Dibble 07733415830
Wednesday 20th May
7 mile walk starting at 10am from middle car park on Sychnant Pass, to Llangelynin Old Church. Steep ascent near start, fields & tracks across sheep land with 9 stiles (maybe 10) & possible (probable) mud. Wonderful countryside views. Please bring drinks and snacks and a picnic lunch and make sure you have adequate footwear and clothing. Walk leader Sonia Williams 07726208086
If anyone can lead a walk please get in touch with the walk leaders. You do not have to do it on your own, we can help you recce it and help on the day. It would be nice if we could have different people helping, instead of the same few all the time. Even if you feel you cannot lead a walk on your own but have a walk-in mind, please get in touch with the walk leaders and we can discuss options.
It is a condition of our insurance that all participants of walks are equipped with walking boots or shoes together with adequate clothing. Please also carry “in case of emergency” contact details.