The latest news from the Groups will be published here as and when we receive it. Click on the title of the article to see full details and photos.
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Group Coordinators - please send any news and photos you have by using this form, or sending to webmaster@knoleu3a.org.uk.
16th February 2020
The Birdwatching Group enjoyed a trip to Nutfield Marshes on 7th February. They were guided by Michael, an old friend of the group who works for Surrey Wildlife Trust. We enjoyed a circular walk around the reserve and saw 39 species of birds including a wigeon, several snipe and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker at the top of a tree. The recent rain meant that part of the walk was waterlogged so most of the group wore wellington boots and we had to paddle though several puddles to complete the circuit. ...
24th January 2020
Several members of MOT2 and MOT3 attended a quiz at Hadlow Manor Hotel organised by Tonbridge Lions as a fund raising event and unfortunately our knowledge did not match our enthusiasm and we won the wooden spoon prize! But it was a fun evening and we enjoyed it. The questions, we felt, were...
18th December 2019
After the recent trips to fashion and jazz events, it was time to get into the festive spirit and have a few drinks! Some MOT3 members went to Westerham Brewery for a tour and tasting. We had tokens in exchange for our ticket,s which in turn could be exchanged for food, beer or wine - and then the...
11th December 2019
Our December jaunt was a 'Christmas lights and windows walk' around famous shopping arcades finishing at Handel's church, rounded off with a lunch at Davy's of St James (some retail therapy was undertaken!) We would like to recruit a few more members so if you are interested in visiting...
8th December 2019
On 8th December some members of MOT3 went to St Mary's church at Halstead for their Christmas Jazz Carol Concert which is an annual fund raiser for the church and it was packed with enthusiastic people ready to have a festive sing along to popular songs and carols which everyone...
5th December 2019
Another outing this time to the Fashion and Textile Museum to see an exhibition about Zandra Rhodes - another big influence on fashion. This exhibition is to celebrate her 50 years in the textile and fashion business and whether her style and designs apppeal to you there were some stunning...
5th December 2019
Knole’s Science Group has just completed its 7th year of organising and hosting a wide range of talks and the December talk by Dr Mel Draper CBE was particularly rewarding. Dr Draper gave us a thorough briefing about the research underway to develop innovative nuclear power reactors that offer...
4th December 2019
Knole started a new monthly seminar series last November using the Gresham College lectures - held on the second Wednesday of the month, 2-4pm at Holmesdale Bowls Club. The session starts with a viewing of a chosen talk, followed by a discussion and tea. The available lectures cover a wider...
4th December 2019
The Kent History Group aim to study Kent’s socio-economic and industry heritage through research, field studies and visits to sites across the county. The format of the meetings is that one or two members research a topic and then give a talk to the group. For their November and December...
27th November 2019
The November visit by London Studies 1 to the Old Royal Naval College, ably led by Anne Green, was a particularly fascinating educational experience as the group was given an excellent talk on the symbolism behind the painted interior of the Painted Hall. The Hall was built as a grand ceremonial...
20th November 2019
Several members of MOT 3 visited the Mary Quant exhibition at the V & A and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. For some of us it was looking back to the clothes we were wearing in the sixties and how Mary Quant together with Vidal Sasoon influenced fashion at the time to a huge extent and created a...
12th November 2019
The exhibition visited was ‘Bridget Riley’ - which brought together paintings, drawings and preparatory works of this innovative British abstract artist, spanning seventy years. The exhibition began by reflecting on the early influences on Bridget Riley of the techniques and colour used by...
5th November 2019
The half day walking group led by Janet Willcox enjoyed another circular walk of five and a half mile around Edenbridge in October. The countryside around Edenbridge is excellent walking country with a myriad of footpaths available to construct a number of walks of various lengths from just a few...
5th November 2019
The Homewood is a delightful, authentic modernist house in Esher, Surrey, KT10 9JL. Designed by architect Patrick Gwynne for his parents in 1938, and was given by Gwynne to the National Trust in 1999. Our visit to 'A House on Stilts' was enjoyed by all. Built and furnished in the classical...
5th November 2019
There are many walks in most National Trust managed woods and Petts Wood is ideal for a stroll at any time of the year. We particularly wanted to see the memorial to William Willett. It was his early work in 1907 that paved the way for the government to think of British Summer time. In 1914,...
5th November 2019
Despite the rain, London Studies 5 had a very enjoyable visit to Royal Hospital Chelsea late September. Their guide, Geoff, was very informative and entertaining too - especially as he's only been a resident for about 15months! The Royal Hospital is well worth a visit any time as either as a...
30th October 2019
The first of our London Studies groups, despite being established 10 years ago, is still managing to find fascinating places to research and visit. In September the group visited the new Rooftop garden at 120 Fenchurch Street (which is open to the public) and the Guildhall, to see the excellent...
15th October 2019
London Studies 8 have been meeting bi-monthly since starting up in the Spring of this year. We have now grown to 17 in number after the Open Afternoon in September resulted in a few new members, and held our planning meeting recently for 2020. It has been decided to meet on a more frequent basis...
19th September 2019
On Thursday 19th October some members of the evening dining group visited The Artisan Restaurant at West Kent College and had a really enjoyable experience. The students cook the food, wait on table and do all the things required in a Restaurant. Our waiter was a charming young...
5th September 2019
Our Italian group continues with strength (although our latest book reading has been a challenge for all of us as we battle to understand an adult novel by Natalia Ginsburg in 1973). We meet regularly and we would like to think that our Italian is improving. To this end we hijacked a native...
5th September 2019
As a change from our usual discussions we took an opportunity to visit Woodchurch Vineyard near Tenterden. Even there the shadow of Brexit was about, when Graeme Barbour our host explained that all wine making apparatus is imported including the bottles. Our grand day out concluded in fine U3A...
5th September 2019
Following his well researched talk on Water Mills of the River Darent to the Group, Knole member Lionel Parks was invited to give his talk to Eynsford Local History Group, which was also well received. An unexpected and exciting outcome was that the one of their members mentioned that she lived...
27th August 2019
Our group has read three very different books over the summer months, which may be of interest to other Knole members for their remaining summer reading and for the autumn. "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens A story of a young girl abandoned by her family, as one after another leave, to...
26th August 2019
In July, many members of our group went on a photo shoot trip to London meeting at London Bridge for a coffee stop. We then enjoyed several hours photographing the sights on our way to Tower Bridge. This has become a very well laid out tourist attraction with many information boards and...
22nd August 2019
A reminder on the wall of Provender House near Faversham to Princess Olga Romanoff that the burdens of royalty continue to weigh heavy long after the monarchy has passed. The Princess, the daughter of the eldest nephew of Tsar Nicholas II, was our guide when the Historic Houses Group visited her...
22nd August 2019
For its August visit the Garden Group visited the Restoration House and gardens in Rochester. The house is an amalgamation of two medieval buildings. Situated in the heart of historic Rochester the house takes its name from the stay of King Charles II on the eve of the Restoration. Over the past...
19th August 2019
For their August 10 mile hike, the intrepid Knole Day Walking Group explored the countryside south of Cudham to the North Downs above Chevening. This area although close to Knockholt and Westerham (and the M25), provides excellent walking country with fine views as you would expect in classical...
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...
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 well...
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 newly...
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 most...
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 to see...
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...
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. ...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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