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Group News can be found here.
27th June 2019
London Studies 4 visit Ham House and Garden just south of Richmond. Built in 1610 it is one of the finest examples of Stuart architecture in England with unchanged interiors and a superb collection of paintings, furniture and wall hangings, most of which date back to the 17th century. ...
26th June 2019
One of the early London Studies 1 visits was to the quirky John Soane museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, on another outing we admired the memorial to his wife built in St Pancras churchyard. Almost 10 years later the group is still very active with many founder members and we have just visited...
25th June 2019
Tunbridge wells U3A are running a seminar on 13th August, open to all West Kent U3A members. For more details and an application form, please see the flyer - Science Seminar Flyer ...
17th June 2019
The June Day walk was not only memorable for another 10 mile stroll, and excellent views of the lovely countryside east and south of Sevenoaks, but the wonderful array of wild flowers either side of the paths we walked – even in woodland. Substantial patches of bilberries (with fruit already...
11th June 2019
The Gallery Group had a visit to the newly refurbished Queen’s House, Greenwich in June. This venue is free to visitors, but the groups paid for a guided visit, and were rewarded by learning about the interesting history of the building and its royal owners. Particularly wonderful was the...
3rd June 2019
The Strollers enjoy the sunshine during a walk in Willet Memorial Woods, Chiselhurst. The wood is named after a prominent Edwardian builder who lived in Chislehurst. He was a keen supporter of outside activities and was an early promoter of British Summer Time to encourage people to make the...
31st May 2019
Tucked away behind the children’s playground and some tennis courts in Otford are some typical allotments you might see anywhere in a village, town or city. Unlike most allotments though the Otford one boast some spectacular flowers grown by one of our members - Chris Towers. We were there...
29th May 2019
For its May meeting London Studies 1, guided by the very able Janet Willcox and Pat Jones, explored the environs of Cannon Street. The group were amazed to discover that Cannon Street is not named after the manufacture of cannons but candles! The Cannon Street area was initially the place of...
21st May 2019
Ably lead by Michael Harries, the Day Walking Group enjoyed yet another fine walk in May embracing the countryside south of Westerham. The walk had everything the group inspire to have for one of its day walks – fine views across the Weald, coming across fine medieval buildings, dry ground...
15th May 2019
The Sevenoaks Society is mounting a heritage exhibition in the Kaleidoscope Gallery in Sevenoaks Library as part of the Summer Festival. The Exhibition will depict with photographs and text, the history of the town, including its heritage buildings, farms, schools, pubs, churches, industry and...
14th May 2019
Interested in photography as well as railways? Why not come along to an Exhibition and Talk and about the restoration of Bat and Ball Railway Station in June and July respectively. Details below. Exhibition: Restoration Station: the Renaissance of Bat & Ball 2018-2019: photographs by Derek...
14th May 2019
Some members of MOT2 joined some members of MOT3 for a visit to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens Gardens in Sussex on 14th May and this is a good time of year to go because they have a beautiful collection of azaleas and rhododendrons and only re-opened to the public last year. It also has the...
10th May 2019
Book Group 1 has read two very different books recently which may be of interest, both have been on various best sellers lists in recent months. The first ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL by Sarah Vaughan is a political thriller which centres on a high profile marriage that begins to unravel when the...
24th April 2019
Despite being running for nearly ten years, London Studies 1 is still managing to find fascinating places to research and visit for its April expedition to the Capital. Ably led by Pat Jones, the group first visited City Hall known affectionately by some as the ‘Onion’. The building is well worth...
23rd April 2019
The Garden Group visited a really interesting and unusual garden this month. Penns in the Rocks is situated just over the border into Sussex, very near to Groombridge. It is not easy to find, hidden in deep countryside up a long drive but what a fascinating find! The house takes its name from...
23rd April 2019
Some members of MOT 3 visited Emmetts Garden on Tuesday 23rd and the bluebells are just perfect at the moment. Well worth the visit. ...
10th April 2019
A seminar entitled “Forensics: The Expert Witnesses" has been organised by the Sevenoaks U3A Science Group taking place on 5th June at East Malling Research Centre. All U3A members are welcome. If all tickets are sold then a waiting list will be established in case of cancellations. ...
8th April 2019
Members who may need a lift to a Knole U3A Event may like to login and check here! ...
3rd April 2019
The April meeting of the Industrial Heritage Group had a fascinating, well researched talk about rope making by Lionel Parks one of the Groups members. Members of the group undertake research on a topic then present their findings in the form of a 45 minute talk followed by discussion. Lionel’s...
30th March 2019
On Saturday 30th March some members of MOT3 went to a Murder Mystery Evening at Weald Memorial Hall enacted by Sevenoaks Players and it was really good fun. First we saw the play in which the murder took place and then we were served with lovely main courses and discusssed the play. Some clues...
27th March 2019
Over the past 10 years London Studies 1 has researched and visited a large number of London’s most historical buildings, societies and communities. Their March visit, organised by Roz Gooding, was up there as one of the best, encompassing several hundred years of history at the Worshipful...
26th March 2019
Over the past few years the Garden group have visited many of Kent’s finest gardens and organised some fascinating talks from experienced, and often very well known gardeners. Its March meeting was especially memorable as one of Knole’s own members, Chris Towers, gave a fascinating talk about...
18th March 2019
Over the year the Day Walking Group clock up close to a 100 miles of walking and burn off some 150,000 calories (they probably put quite a few back on again as the walks usually include a pub lunch stop!). Their March walk from Bidborough to Penshurst via Speldhurst and back, with lunch at the...
13th March 2019
A few members of MOT3 went to The Space in The Pamoja Hall at Sevenoaks School to see a performance called Sevenoaks Swings (click the image to see the vimeo!) and we had a very entertaining evening with varied music. There were some talented performances and even beginners were included in a...
12th March 2019
Gallery Group 1 visited Tate Modern in March to see the Pierre Bonnard exhibition. The exhibition concentrated on the mature work of the artist, from 1900 – 1945, and attempted to reposition Bonnard amongst the top echelon of twentieth century artists. The exhibition was enjoyed by one of the...
9th March 2019
The House was originally built for the first Earl Spencer (1755-66) – and secretly used for the first time by his future wife, thus fulfilling her wish to spend Christmas in the house - they were then married as planned, one week later! Sadly the house fell into disrepair 1926 – 1985, and then...
7th March 2019
Knole’s industrial Heritage group has been running for around four years and its members have researched and presented talks on a wide variety of topics as diverse as broadcloth, windmills, tanning, brick and tiles, watermills, glass, brewing, cement, paper and much more - all former industries...
28th February 2019
The half day walking group ably lead by Christine Walls sauntered around Tunbridge Wells in February and as well as tackling the usual 5 mile walk decided to add rock climbing to their achievements! No doubt the appropriate risk assessment was done to ensure a group of senior members of our...
25th February 2019
For our February meeting we investigated a familiar friend, Trafalgar Square, and also one of the most exclusive areas of London, St James's. Apart from hearing some of the history of Trafalgar Sq, statues and surrounding buildings (did you know that Nelson's Column was destined for Berlin if...
18th February 2019
Knole day walking group set out from Lullingstone Visitor Centre on another of the exceptionally mild February days we have been experiencing. The group of thirteen set out walking up from the car park into the woods. After a while they came to the zip wire and it was suggested this might be...
14th February 2019
It is with regret that we have to announce our U3A lost one of its founding fathers last week with the death of Trevor Coley who helped establish Knole in 2009, and led the highly successful Golf Group from its inception. He also set up and chaired the very popular Computer Group which helped a...
7th February 2019
Science for All enjoyed a talk from Dr Nikki Gammons of The Bumblebee Conservation Trust in February and she told us amazing facts about bees and gave us an insight into research and conservation. There is concern that due to intensive agriculture and use of pesticides bee populations are...
25th January 2019
Have you had any experience of buying, selling or giving stuff away via the internet? If so, the Computer Group would love to hear about it! This is the topic of their next meeting, on 28th February - it will be a very interactive and informal meeting, open to all. Please come along and share your...
25th January 2019
The new MOT3 Group had their first outing together to The Beefeater Restaurant (4 of them) and then The Oast Theatre (7 of them) to see Ladies in Lavender and one of the members of the group was performing in the play. It was a very enjoyable evening. ...
24th January 2019
On 24th.January, London Studies 5 had a tour of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. What an amazing place it was, with marble columns, statues, and paintings, plus a wonderful decorative internal atrium called the Durbar Court. The FCO promotes the United Kingdom’s interests overseas,...
18th January 2019
Knole U3A Members can now log in to see the January editions of both the National and Knole U3A Newsletters ...
15th January 2019
The Day Walking Group braved the late November weather to discover a great 10-mile across downland near Biggin Hill ably lead by Brenda and Lance. The chalk downland between Biggin Hill and Warlingham is surprisingly excellent walking country with fine views of rolling hills and wooded...
15th January 2019
Science for All Knole’s Science Group is now entering its seventh year of operation and for its January meeting its Committee thought it would try something new and have a Gresham College video talk – about the health benefits of Sunshine! Gresham College was founded in 1597 and has been...
15th January 2019
Industrial Heritage Group The Industrial Heritage Group is now well into its fourth year of operation and it has covered a surprisingly wide range of talks and visits. The philosophy of the group is that its members research a particular topic then give a presentation to the whole group. The...
15th January 2019
AMBLERS 2 WALKING GROUP – enjoy a well-deserved cup of coffee at Shoreham Golf Course on our recent walk which included Otford and Shoreham. We walk about 3-4 miles at a moderate pace on the 4th Thursday of the month in the morning. If you would like to join us, please contact...
14th January 2019
The Committee Minutes for January 2019 are now available in the Members' area. Members can log in and view them here. (If you have trouble logging in and/or have mislaid your login details, please email webmaster @knoleu3a.org.uk). ...
17th December 2018
Knole Science for All meeting - Thursday 3rd January 2019 For its first meeting of 2019 the Science Group will be showing a Gresham College video lecture by Professor Steve Jones about sunlight and its effects on health, on sleep, on memory and more: and why today’s twilight world of tablets and...
28th November 2018
London Studies get to eat in Brixton Prison London Studies programme of visits over the past 9 years reads like a bible of the best London has to offer in terms of its history, iconic buildings and examples of the depth and breadth of its culture. Its November visit to the Capital added an...
22nd November 2018
On Thursday evening several members of MOT2 visited The Artisan Restaurant at West Kent College for dinner. We went to reception and a young man came and escorted us to the restaurant on the 3rd floor via a lift. The restaurant is very nicely presented and has a pleasant atmosphere. The food...
17th November 2018
Knole U3A Members can now login to find the latest Newsletters (National and Knole U3A) and November Committee Minutes. ...
14th November 2018
The newly formed MOT3 (Members Out Together) held their inaugural meeting this afternoon (14th November) and have organised their first outing too! They will meet each month on the 3rd Friday in the afternoon in order to plan future outings, which can take place on any day, any time. If any Knole...
13th November 2018
In October the group visited Kettles Yard Gallery, established by Jim Ede, a curator and collector, and his wife in 1956, when they bought and restored a pair of tumbledown cottages in Cambridge. They encouraged visitors to come in the afternoons to see the collection of mainly 20th...
8th November 2018
Colin Obray, ‘tutor’ for both groups, organised four sessions of life drawing classes in October and November. This was a first time experience for many members, and was certainly a challenge. At the beginning of each class some very quick poses were adopted by the model, to get people work...
7th November 2018
The Industrial Heritage Group have covered almost the full range of industriesthat shaped much of Kent and the surrounding Wealden area over the past four years, but a few lesser known subjects still remain to be researched. For the October meeting Alan Heyes gave an account of the Kent...
31st October 2018
London Studies 1 visited the HQ of the Grand Order of Water Rats in October to hear all about the long history of this charity and be entertained by a senior Water Rat! This organisation was founded back in 1889 and its aim is to raise money for deserving causes. Past members have included...
29th October 2018
Canadian physician and poet Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, volunteered at the age of 41 to join a fighting unit of the British Army as a gunner and medical officer. ‘In Flanders Fields’ memorializes the Second Battle of Ypres 1915, in the Flanders region of Belgium, where the German army...
29th October 2018
London Studies 5 had a great day earlier this month to see how Remembrance Day poppies and wreaths are made. We visited the Poppy Factory in Richmond who makes millions of poppies and wreaths (not to be confused with the British Legion in Kent who distribute and sell them).The factory employs...
22nd October 2018
One of the joys of walking in Kent is not just the exceptional scenery, but coming across outstanding historical buildings. The October walk of the Day Walking Group was a particularly fine day for both scenery and some of Kent’s best vernacular buildings. The 10 mile stroll, ably led by...
16th October 2018
The Members Out Together Groups (1 & 2) have proved so popular that another Group is being set up. The outings are very varied - they could be visits to gardens, houses, theatres, lunches - only limited by imagination! Members can find out more by logging on and clicking here If you are...
12th October 2018
On Friday 12th October several members of MOT2 visited the Plaza Suite at the Stag for the Stag Theatre Company Bitesize Drama and Buffet Dinner which was an evening of short plays, both funny and thought provoking, and very nice and plentiful food (we were offered second helpings!) and all for...
11th October 2018
A new group is being set up for Knole U3A, meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 2pm. The first meeting is planned to be on Tuesday 15th January at 2pm. Members can find out more by logging in and clicking here ...
4th October 2018
A brightly coloured male with a nesting box is a great catch for a female blue tit. One of the fascinating things that Martin Stenning from the University of Sussex told Science for All at their October meeting. He has conducted years of research into blue tit behaviour in the Woodland Trust’s...
27th September 2018
The minutes for the latest Knole U3A Committee meeting (September) are now available for members - please log on to see them here ...
26th September 2018
Digital Image Manipulation 1st Year Course Do you enjoy taking photographs and would like to learn how to alter them using a computer programme? For example change the colour, lighten/darken, straighten the horizon, crop, clone out an object, alter to black and white, etc.? We meet at...
23rd September 2018
On 19th September some members of MOT 2 (Members Out Together 2) visited Leeds Castle for the flower festival which is an annual event where top florists display their designs in various places around the castle and members of the public are invited to vote for the one they liked...
16th September 2018
The Birdwatching group had their first outing of the year last Friday at Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve. This was the first visit by the group and it proved to be a lovely location. Six members spent the morning doing a circular walk around the Grove Ferry end of the reserve, walking along the...
12th September 2018
The Day Walking Group clock up another 10 mile walk under their belts Knole’s walking groups are thriving and we now have 8 groups who walk a range of distances from 2-3 miles (Strollers) to the 10 miles (or more!) of the Day Walking Group. When groups become full we will create waiting lists...
11th September 2018
The September Newsletter is now available for Members here. ...
2nd September 2018
A holiday has been arranged for a weekend in May 2019. This includes tours of Liverpool and Chester with Blue Badge Guides, a canal trip over the spectacular Llangollen aqueduct, 2 National Trust properties and more. Members can see more details here. ...
30th August 2018
Garden Group Highlights Summer 2018 The garden group have had a busy and enjoyable time this year. We have made a great deal of use of the gardens open to groups in the National Garden Scheme. Our first visit in April was to a local garden, Hookwood House in Shipbourne. It is a delightful country...
23rd August 2018
Marlborough House London Studies 5 and invited members of London Studies 2 had a very enjoyable tour of Marlborough House, which stands on Pall Mall. The house was created by Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough. Sir Christopher Wren was the original architect. Descendants occupied...
10th August 2018
A few of MOT2 group went to see Bullfrog's latest production of Oklahoma and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having seen many of their previous productions I hoped it would live up to the usual excellent standard and was not disappointed. The young performers in the leading roles had...
8th August 2018
Some members of MOT 2 visited Parham House near Pulborough Sussex and it is beautiful house full of treasures and well worth a visit. There are flower arrangements all over the house and we were told that 40 buckets of flowers are brought into the house each week for this purpose. There are...
1st August 2018
Members can read the latest Knole U3A Newsletter by clicking here. ...
16th July 2018
The Industrial Heritage Group visited Chatham Dockyard in June following a well researched talk about the dockyard from John Stambollouian. The Royal Navy’s presence at the dockyard over several hundred years supported a wide range of industries to keep Britain’s Navy afloat, including rope...
16th July 2018
Our Walking groups have clocked up a good deal of miles since Knole started in 2009 and we are fortunate we have a number of groups covering walks to suit most of our members, from a gentle stroll on easy going ground to the more challenging, but nevertheless enjoyable day walks of some 10...
16th July 2018
London Studies is one of our U3A’s most popular activity with seven groups visiting London a month and studying the history of our capital city. For their June visit London Studies 1 members had their own researched guided tour of historic Bankside and Southwark. First up was a building few...
16th July 2018
Our Garden Group have visited a good many major gardens in Kent over the past few years but it is often the smaller gardens of that participate in the National Garden Scheme that prove to be of special interest.Their visit in June to the “Garth Pleasure Grounds” in Lingfield organised by Roz...
15th July 2018
For its February meeting Knole’s Science for All talk, was by Dr Stuart McDonald of Bart’s Cancer Research Institute. The talk on ‘Why is Cancer difficult to treat” was followed up this month by a visit to his research laboratory for a half day seminar and laboratory tour. Following a...
13th July 2018
Sevenoaks Literary Festival 2018 September 21 – October 05 Another stellar line up is set to shine at this year’s Sevenoaks Literary Festival. From bestselling novelists to music scholars, there will be something to suit all tastes. The Festival is especially excited this year to introduce...
12th July 2018
Our three books groups seem to get through a sizeable library each year and many will be of interest to a wider audience. A few of the ‘road tested’ books for summer reading are listed below. " The Muse " by Jessie Burton. This was her second book following "The Miniaturist". The book...
30th May 2018
Knole U3A Computer Group is looking for members for 2018/9. Sessions, 4th Thursday of the month, are intended to cover computer and digital technology related subjects for the beginner to the experienced. Sessions will mainly be led by the Group members themselves. Please complete the...
25th May 2018
Members can read our latest Newsletter by clicking here . ...
25th May 2018
There are a few spaces available to Knole U3A members - see details here. ...
18th May 2018
Since its formation some three years ago as a spin off of the Science Group, Industrial Heritage Group members have undertaken a substantial amount of research on past industries of Kent and the Wealden area. Topics have included the iron industry, Tanning, Glass making, Kent windmills, the...
17th May 2018
Sevenoaks U3A are hosting a Science Seminar on Wednesday 13th June, open to all U3A members. Book early to avoid disappointment - log in and see Calendar for full details. (Deadline for booking 18th May) ...
15th May 2018
We have received news of a free event being held locally which you may be interested in (see flyer HelenScales preferred 3.pdf ). Marine Biologist Helen Scales (Recently on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Start the Week’) and whose book on seashells, Spirals in Time was a Radio 4 book of the week and a book of...
15th May 2018
One of the great pleasures of being a member of a London Studies Group is you get to see a fantastic range of buildings and sites in London. For their April trip London studies had a backstage tour of the National Theatre organised by Roz Gooding – particularly interesting if you are a regular...
9th May 2018
Sevenoaks U3A are organising a trip to Folkstone and the Battle of Britain museums on September 12th. This will be a popular trip, so please do book early if you are interested. Details in the attached flyer.Battleof britain Visit.pdf ...
3rd May 2018
Sevenoaks Police have Tweeted the following - please be aware of these incidents. ...
1st May 2018
South East Forum Conference news article The South East Forum Conference is open to all members in the region. It will be held on Wednesday 16th May at Meridian Hall, East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead RH19 3LT. The day will start at 9.15am with registration. More details...
28th April 2018
Members may be interested in reading the latest edition of the West Kent Neighbourhood Watch news-sheet (Watch Out), which contains information about several scams that are catching some people out and causing financial and/or emotional distress. Click here to find out more. You may also...
27th April 2018
Earlier this year the Historic Houses Group visited Charterhouse in London. Walking around Charterhouse Square, it’s difficult to believe that this was once (14thC) a ‘plague pit’. A Carthusian Monastery was founded here in 1348, only to be closed again in 1537, after the Reformation. It was later...
9th April 2018
Knole’s Industrial Heritage Group members undertake research on a topic and then present their findings in the form of a 45-60 minute presentation to other members. To date their research has focused on the former industries in Kent and the wider Wealden area. For her third talk since the...
5th April 2018
The Science Group talk in April by Dr Peter Dixon (a member of Knole), took us through some of the vital chemicals used in the complex supply chain to produce the humble soft drinks container for a well known brand of tonic water. Fortunately, we did not have to understand the chemistry behind...
22nd February 2018
The Computer Group hosted an extremely useful presentation given by a representative from the Serious Crime Directorate about Cyber Crime/Bullying. The slides used for the presentation are well worth looking at and can be found here . We were also left copies of a useful booklet -...
22nd January 2018
We are looking for someone who would be willing to organise future holidays for Knole U3A members. So far we have enjoyed holidays in Northumberland, North Wales, Cheshire and the Welsh Borders and Shropshire. In May 2018 we will be visiting Devon. These holidays have proved to be great fun...
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