Hayling Island U3A newsfeed https://haylingu3a.org Newsfeed comprising recent news, articles and events from the Hayling Island U3A web site Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:52:00 +0000 en-GB hourly 3 Event: Longer walk: Exbury and Lepe https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-exbury-and-lepe/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:28:51 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-exbury-and-lepe/ Continue reading Longer walk: Exbury and Lepe →]]> Published in: Walking

We will arrange car shares to leave Hayling at about 8.45 a.m.

Park in the visitors' car park at Exbury Gardens, postcode SO45 1AZ, grid reference SU427002, in time for the walk start at 10.00 a.m. (Toilets available).

The walk goes eastwards then southwards to meet the coast at Lepe. We can enjoy coffee at The Lookout in Lepe Visitor Centre, which is built on stilts to provide a panoramic view across the Solent at its narrowest point to the Isle of Wight.

We return along the coast and then turn northwards back to Exbury.

The total distance is 7.0 miles, with 140 feet of height gain.

Lunch is available at Exbury Gardens (you do not have to enter the gardens to use the restaurant).

Many of us may want to pay to enter the gardens to see the rhododendrons and azaleas which are Exbury's speciality.

And/or to ride on the train!

This is the planned route:

Click to show the route

Download the GPX file

]]> News: U3A cycle ride on 7th April https://haylingu3a.org/news/u3a-cycle-ride-on-7th-april/ Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:04:16 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/news/u3a-cycle-ride-on-7th-april/ Published in: Cycling

I am suggesting a ride to the Bayside Cabin at Stokes Bay. There's more in the cycle group forum on the U3A web site. The weather forecast is looking OK.

You don't have to be logged in to see the discussion, but you do need to log in to respond to it.

Andy

]]> Event: Tuesday Bus Walk - Southsea Coastal Scheme https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/tuesday-bus-walk-southsea-coastal-scheme/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:30:39 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/tuesday-bus-walk-southsea-coastal-scheme/ Continue reading Tuesday Bus Walk - Southsea Coastal Scheme →]]> Published in: Walking

The latest section of the Coastal Scheme to be completed is now open!

This is the section from the Hovercraft Terminal to the Aquarium (including the War Memorial).

So let's take the bus to The Hard and walk down to take a look!

Meet at the Barley Mow at 9.40 and catch 31 bus at 9.47 to Havant. Catch 700 Coastliner at 10.22 to The Hard in Portsmouth, postcode PO1 3TZ, grid reference SU630001, arriving at 10.58.

We will follow the Millennium Trail ("rope walk") from the Spinnaker Tower to Spice Island then along the coast as far as Southsea Castle.

We will go to the D-Day Museum and stop for half an hour for a cup of coffee and maybe a quick snack.

We will return the way we came - missing out Spice Island on the way back.

There are plenty of lunch opportunities for anyone wanting lunch at Gunwharf Quays, after which there is a 700 bus to Havant leaving every 20 minutes.

The total distance is 5.4 miles, and minimal height gain.

 

 

]]> Event: Wimborne Care Home 2pm https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/wimborne-care-home-2pm/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:10:36 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/wimborne-care-home-2pm/ Published in: Ukulele Thursday morning

Meet from 1.30 to play from 2pm.

Set list 2026 gigs final

]]> Event: Pickleball 2 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/pickleball-2/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:28:19 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/pickleball-2/ Published in: Pickleball 2

This new group is currently accepting new members. If you would like to join this or a similar group please register your interest. This enables us to notify you if a space becomes available.

]]> Event: Pickleball 2 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/pickleball-2-2/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:48:04 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/pickleball-2-2/ Article: Guidance for group leaders https://haylingu3a.org/guidance-for-group-leaders/ Fri, 31 Jul 2015 08:37:08 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/?p=592 Continue reading Guidance for group leaders →]]> Published in: Hayling Island u3a

These notes are provided to help Hayling u3a group leaders run their groups. In practice, leading a HIU3A group is not intended to be onerous. Instead we hope you find it a pleasant and rewarding experience.

If you are interested in starting a new group, click/tap here to find out what's involved.

Click/tap any of the following headings to see more information.

Support for running your group

Besides help available from the committee and the groups co-ordinator, you can get help by:

Sharing hosting

Some groups rotate hosting around members who are willing and able to accommodate meetings.

Appointing a deputy

Some groups have found it helpful to appoint a deputy group leader. A deputy is particularly useful if you are ill or away on holiday.

Delegating web site changes

If there's a member of HIU3A willing and able to help you manage your group's pages, you can authorise them to make changes on your behalf by adding them as an editor for your group. They don't have to be a member of your group so you can delegate to a friend, spouse or partner, for example, provided they are a HIU3A member.

There's more information about how to do that here.

If you're stuck, you can ask the Web site editor for help, or to make the change for you.

Learn from other u3as

The u3a Trust publishes details of u3as, their groups and events on its 'Oversights' page. You can use it to explore what other u3as are doing and look to collaborate, or learn what works and what doesn't for a given type of group. That's especially useful if you are considering a new group.

Creating a helpful group page on our web site

Our Group Co-ordinator will create your initial group page. You can then update it yourself.

Your group page is important because it:

  • Allows members and prospective members of HIU3A to find out about your group and how to get in touch if they'd like to join.
  • Lets prospective members see the breadth of what HIU3A offers and encourages them to join us. It's likely they'll review the group lists so your information will promote HIU3A even if they aren't interested in joining your group.

We've kept your group page as simple as possible. All we ask for is some basic information, a short description for group lists and a more detailed description for the group page.

Guidance about page content

When you update your group page you'll see a form where you can change:

  • The name of your group - you can change it if your group evolves over time.
  • A short description to be used in group lists. Typically a summary of your group's activity and an indication of when you meet. For example: "The cycling group arranges monthly rides of two to three hours' duration. Usually at 10.00am on the first Tuesday of each month."
  • A more detailed description of your group for the group page To get away from form filling, we give you a blank box so you can say as much, or as little, as you like. Consider including:
    • A bit more about the group including when and, if you meet in a public place, where you meet.
    • Some friendly words to encourage people to join.
    • Any constraints on membership, for example "This is not a group for people wishing to start to learn French".
    • Any costs involved.
  • Your group's type. This is shown in your group page and determines how your group appears in group lists and calendars. Typically one of:
    • Any member can attend
    • Open to new members
    • Currently closed to new members
  • Which activity/activities are covered by your group. Your selection drives the 'Groups by activity' page. Let the Group Co-ordinator know if you think the list should be expanded.
  • The maximum number of members you can accommodate or "No practical limit". This helps the group co-ordinator gain an oversight of how groups are doing.

If you want to learn how to lay out your detailed description, and add links and images, click/tap here.

How to update your group page

Log in to the web site and go to your group page (you can find it in the group list). The system will recognise you as a leader of the group (there can be more than one) and you'll see a blue button like this:

Click/tap it to update your group page.

Keeping track of your group's members

We ask you to keep an up-to-date member list on the web site. That's because:

  • You can easily email all members, or a selection of members, in your group (see next section). We automatically use the latest email address given us by each member so, if they update us, your list will update too.
  • Members of your group can contact each other easily via the web site.
  • Group members will see your group in the 'Your groups', 'Your calendar', 'News from your groups', and 'Articles from your groups' services, as well as electronic calendars and newsfeeds.
  •  Handing over your group to someone else is much easier if you have an up-to-date list - particularly if you become unavailable for any reason.
  • If a member of your group ceases to be a member for any reason, we notify you automatically by email and remove them from your member list. We can't do that if your list doesn't include them. That saves you the embarassment of continuing to email a past member or, worse, a member who has died.
  • As soon as a new HIU3A year starts, your member list shows which members have not yet paid their subscription. You can use this to help the Membership Secretary by reminding your members of overdue payments.
  • Our Groups Co-ordinator gets an oversight of how all our groups are doing, and the health of our u3a.
How to review your group's member list

Log in to the web site and:

  1. Go to your group page (you can find it it the group lists)
  2. Click/tap the 'Membership list and management' link to see your current list of members

If you want to make changes to the list, click/tap 'Manage group membership' or read on for more details...

How to add members to your group and remove them

Click/tap here for detailed step-by-step instructions (with pictures) for adding and removing members.

Note that you do not have to remove retiring members. The site does that automatically for you.

Letting your members know what's happening

You can keep members up-to-date in various ways. Click/tap any of the following to find out more:

Email

You should always send emails to group members through the web site rather than keep a personal list. The web site ensures you:

  • Use the latest address we have for each member.
  • Observe members' preferences for receiving circulation emails.
  • Do not email members who have retired from HIU3A; in particular those who have died.

You can email:

  • Individual group members
  • The whole group
  • Selected group members (you just tick which members will receive your email)

Click/tap here for more information about how to send emails through the site.

News articles

News articles appear in the sidebar on your group page. Depending on what kind of device people use, the sidebar is either displayed on the right or the bottom of the page.

Members of your group can see news items even if they have deleted your emails. Also, news items demonstrate to prospective members that your group is active.

Add a news item

To add a news item to your group page, log in to the web site and:

  1. Go to your group page (you can find it it the group lists)
  2. Click/tap the 'Add a news item or article' link.

You then enter a title for your article and the text for your news. If you want to can show the item only to members who have logged in to the site. Use this option only if your item includes personal information that should not be shown to the public.

Click/tap here for more information about adding and updating news items.

Having created your news item, you can send it as an email - that's an easy way to let everyone in your group know about it.

To avoid the group page looking stale, the site periodically replaces older items with a link that allows viewers to see archived items.

Meetings and other events

Every year, before the start of the HIU3A year begins in April, you will be asked to update your events for the new year. There are two types of event:

  • Recurring events - these all have the same title and description and automatically repeat throughout the year. For example, the 'first Tuesday of each month' or 'Every fortnight'. Most groups' meetings are set up this way. You can exclude specific dates (to avoid Christmas, for example) and add extra ones.
  • One-off events - each event occurs at a given date and time and has its own title and content. These are useful for groups such as Walking which goes to a different destination each time.

Or you can mix the two.

Your events automatically appear on your group page and in our site's calendars.

Click/tap here to find out more about adding and updating events.

Forums

Forums are a good way to conduct discussions within your group outside of meetings. For example, the Cycling group uses a forum to discuss destinations each month.

You can opt for the discussion to be visible to the public or only HIU3A members. In any case, people have to log in to contribute to a disussion.

Contact the web site editor if you'd like to set up a forum for your group.

Personal calendars and newsfeeds

Members can:

You don't have to do anything extra. The web site will automatically include relevant items.

You can also:

  • Send notices to the HIU3A editor for inclusion in our newsletters.
  • Post your group's details on display boards at monthly meetings.
  • Ask our Chair to make announcements at monthly meetings on your behalf.
Saving your group's work

If your group generates material that might interest people in the future, you can add it to your group page as an article. There are three types of article:

  • Featured articles appear at the top of article lists
  • Normal articles appear latest first
  • Archived articles do not appear on group pages but are available via a link to a page that shows all articles.

Ideally, people should be able to read articles without downloading anything. However, they can include links to documents and images. There is a limit to the size of items you can store in our web site. That means you will be unable to upload videos or high definition images. Instead you can link to external web sites such as YouTube or Dropbox. Contact the web site editor if you need help with that.

You have the option to restrict articles to HIU3A members who have logged in to the site, but making articles public might help promote your group and HIU3A as a whole.

Click/tap here for more information about adding and updating articles.

Places to meet

If you need a place to meet, there's a list of venues we use here. You can use links we provide to find out which groups meet at each venue so you can contact relevant group leaders to find out more.

Handling money

All groups need to be self funding. Shared payments towards covering group necessities such as hiring of halls or equipment, sharing travel expenses, refreshments, etc should be mutually agreed by group members. If you expect contributions from members, you should provide details in your group's page (see above) so there are no surprises.

Apart from equipment belonging to HIU3A (see 'Grants for equipment' below) There is no need for your expenses to be audited or declared.

The Visits group has a system for recording its income and expenses which is visible to the HIU3A Treasurer. The group agrees a fixed price to cover all expenses inc. coach, travel, insurance etc, which is presented to and agreed by members when they buy their tickets.

If your group gets full

It's important for the health of HIU3A that we use opportunities to expand what we do. A full group indicates scope to do that. There are no hard and fast rules for what to do if your group fills up. Here are a few options:

Remove 'absent' members

If there are u3a members who have registered their interest in your group and are waiting to join, you should consider asking any current members, who are poor attenders, to leave and make room for them. It's an obvious courtesy to ask them first, but our committee has authorised you to remove a group member who has missed three meetings without giving a reason.

If your group has no 'absent' members

When you get to the maximum number of group members you can handle, use your group page to change your group’s status to 'Closed to new members'. That will automatically show a message on the page explaining the situation and inviting potential new joiners to register their interest in your group. You will be notified by email of any registrations and you can review them via the ‘Show registrations of interest’ link in your group page.

If someone contacts you directly wanting to join when you are full, you can register their interest on their behalf using the ‘Record an interest in this group’ option on the group page.

Split your group

This option is most appropriate if there's an obvious way to split the group. For example, the Ambling group split from the Walking group to support members who could no longer walk as far.

Similarly, a games playing group might split between better and weaker players, or advanced and beginners.

Support a new group

This option is most appropriate if there's significant interest in a new group - or if you suspect there might be.

Key is identifying a leader for the new group who is prepared to set it up. Someone who hasn't led a group before - especially if they are a new HIU3A member - probably finds the prospect daunting. You could help them by mentoring them through the process and, perhaps attending the initial meetings - or maybe a member of your group is prepared to do that.

Another option is for a member of your group to become the leader of the new group - with, or without, the eventual aim of handing leadership over.

Emergency contacts

Members can add their emergency contacts via their profile page. When members log in to the site they can see a link to their profile in the 'Member sevices' menu or at the foot of every page in the site. We also add a link to it from all emails sent via our web site.

Emergency contacts allow you to get in touch with relevant people following an incident. While you can usually contact a spouse or partner via a member's contact number, that might not be useful if:

  • The member lives alone
  • They use a mobile number as their contact number
  • Spouses and partners are involved in the same incident.

To reduce the stress of dealing with an incident, you should make sure your members have entered emergency contacts.

Once a member has stored their emergency contacts they are automatically avaliable to leaders and editors of all groups to which they belong. You should not rely on personal lists as they can quickly become out of date and are not visible to other group leaders.

In an emergency you can also contact one of:

  • The Membership Secretary
  • The Group Co-ordinator
  • The web site editor

All of whom have access to emergency contacts for all HIU3A members. You can get in touch with them via the site's organisation page.

More about profiles

Click/tap here for information about the profile page.

View a member's emergency contacts

Log in to the site and use menu options 'Member services' / 'Member lookup'.

Use the service to find the member in the HIU3A database.

You will then see their details. Even if the member has specified that information should not be visible, group leaders can always see their emergency contacts.

List emergency contacts

Useful if you want to:

  • See who has not yet provided emergency contacts.
  • Take a list with you if you are meeting outside your home.

To see the list use link 'Membership list and management' in your group page and then 'Members' contact details'. You can also use site menu options: 'Member services' / 'Group services' / 'Your group contacts'. If you lead more than one group, you will be asked to select which group you want.

Either way, you will see a list of your members. Click/tap any of them to see their contact details including their emergency contacts; or use the 'Expand all' button to see everyone's contacts.

Personal transport

It's OK for members to offer lifts to other members to attend HIU3A events. Members can accept voluntary contributions, but formal charging is illegal.

Members offering lifts should check their personal insurance, but offering lifts for social purposes is usually covered.

Businessmen's Club minibus

We have had a wonderful offer from the Hayling Island Businessmen’s Club. Its community bus has been a familiar sight on the Island for many years. It is used mainly by senior citizens' groups for transportation to and from their regular weekly meetings and has proved to be invaluable to those Islanders who might otherwise have difficult in leaving their homes.

Whilst the bus is normally booked for most week days there are times when it is not in use and particularly at weekends. The Businessmen’s Club would therefore welcome the opportunity of offering the facility to us for whenever the bus is available. This could be ideal for:

  • The Visits group for future trips where there are limited numbers and the high cost of coach transport is not warranted.
  • Other u3a groups for social or other use. E.g. field visits for the camera or art groups.

The Businessmen’s Club does not provide a driver but a u3a member can drive (see below) or there are other volunteer drivers who may be available.

The Bus: Up to 17 seats including driver. Disabled adaptions and defibrillator are on board.

Driver: Must be between 21 and 70 holding a suitable and clean licence with a D1 licence code. Drivers over 70 can be considered subject to insurer’s approval. A copy licence to be provided to the Club for approval. HIBC will give training on use of the vehicle if required. Drivers are unpaid volunteers, any donation is left to the discretion of the user.

Cost: User responsible for fuel cost. This is not a hire vehicle so no charge but a donation to the charity is always appreciated.

Insurance: Full comprehensive insurance cover is provided. There is a minimum £250 accidental damage excess which is normally borne by the Club. In the event of a “fault” claim a contribution is left to the discretion of the user.

Grants for equipment

You can request a grant for any equipment your group might need. Contact our Groups co-ordinator in the first instance. As a minimum, they will want to know:

  • What you want to purchase
  • How you intend to use it
  • The likely cost
  • Any maintenance costs

Note that purchased equipment is the property of HIU3A, so:

  • It can be used by any group at the HIU3A committee's discretion.
  • You must keep track of where it is.
  • In the first instance, you should consult the Groups co-ordinator about maintenance, repair, disposal and replacement of the equipment.
  • When requested, present the equipment to a member of the HIU3A committee for inspection.
What if there's a problem?

If you run a group from your home, it's prudent to have a simple first aid kit available. Having said that, it's prudent even if you don't lead a group.

If you run an outdoor group, consider also carrying a space blanket which can keep someone warm while waiting for help to arrive.

If an incident should occur during your group sessions (eg. an injury, damage to property, physical assault), you should complete a u3a Trust Incident Form.

Please notify the HIU3A Chair and Group Co-ordinator within 48 hours of the incident, they will provide support and assistance for dealing with it. You should submit your incident form to them as soon as you can.

The latest version of the form at the time of writing is available here as a Word document and a PDF version (printable without needing extra software).

The very latest version is available from the members' area of the u3a Trust web site. It's unlikely to change significantly, however.

u3a insurance documents and incident forms

We've asked for direct, permanent links to the u3a Trust web site, but apparently that's too difficult.

To get to the forms, you have to:

  • Go to the u3a Trust web site
  • Click/tap 'Login' in the header
  • Either login or, if you don't have a u3a Trust username and password, use the 'Don't have an account?' link to register with the site, then login
  • Use menu options: 'Members Area' / 'Support for u3as / 'Advice and Guidance'

That takes you to a page that provides various documents. Insurance documents are in the Insurance section. Incident forms are in the 'u3a Policies and Procedures' section.

Handing over a group

There will be occasions when, for many different reasons, a group's leadership will need to change. The group will need to agree on who they feel will best take over the role.

If you have appointed a deputy, and you are unavailable, they will either oversee the transition, or take over leadership.

It helps if at least one member of the group, besides the leader, knows how to manage aspects of the group that are not obvious. For example:

  • How a book group orders new books from the library
  • How hall bookings are made

The prospective, new group leader should be directed to the 'Guidance for group leaders' page (the page you are reading now) in the Articles section of our site to find out what is involved. They should take further advice from our Group Co-ordinator if necessary, before making their decision to take on leadership of the group.

Implement a change of leadership

As current group leader you can update the leadership of the group yourself.

The new leader must be a group member. If not, you will have to add them to your group. See 'Keeping track of your group's members' above.

To change your group's leader, log into the site and:

  • Go to your group page (you can find it it the group lists)
  • Click/tap the 'Change group details' button
  • In the 'Leadership' section, click/tap the 'Change leader(s)' button
  • Select the new leader(s) and, if appropriate, deselect existing leaders(s)
  • Click/tap 'Update group leader(s)'
  • Click/tap 'Submit your change' to complete your update

If you remove yourself as leader your ability to manage your group's information on the web site is automatically revoked. You might want to consider retaining a leadership role for a while so you can help the new leader.

A change of leadership is a good opportunity to review the group's page. See 'Creating a helpful group page on our web site' above.

If the previous group leader cannot make the change

Our Group Co-ordinator and Web site editor can make changes for any group.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Group Co-ordinator who will be happy to help.

]]> Event: Group Leaders Meeting https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/group-leaders-meeting-4/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:17:29 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/group-leaders-meeting-4/ Published in: HIU3A

Open Day Organisation

]]> Article: Should I get solar PV and/or battery https://haylingu3a.org/should-i-get-solar-pv-and-or-battery/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:31:51 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/should-i-get-solar-pv-and-or-battery/ Published in: Science and technology

This document contains the slides presented by Chris Skerry at the S&T meeting on 25th February 2026. It also contains some follow-up material.

]]> Event: Longer walk: South Harting and Buriton https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-south-harting-and-buriton/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:07:53 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-south-harting-and-buriton/ Continue reading Longer walk: South Harting and Buriton →]]> Published in: Walking

We plan to organise car shares in advance, so will not meet at West Town Car Park.

If driving to South Harting via Petersfield on the B2146, it is possible to stop by the White Hart pub to use the public toilet.

Park in the west end of Tipper Lane as close to the B2146 as possible, postcode GU31 5LH, grid reference SU785192, for walk start at 10.00 a.m. at the latest.

We set off on the path towards the Downs and soon start climbing. About halfway up, we turn westwards and are rewarded by a panoramic view over South Harting and its green-spired church. We join the South Downs Way after a mile of climbing – the biggest climb of the day.

We keep to the SDW with occasional panoramic views over the West Weald then join the Milky Way to descend gently to Buriton. The track here is firmer than its name suggests! We can stop at Buriton to sit and admire the pond by the church.

We return to South Harting through the lowland under the Downs via Pircroft Lane and Old Ditcham. We spend literally 2 minutes on the busy narrow road between Petersfield and South Harting and are then rewarded by the sight of the pretty Mill Dam at Nurstead.

We cross the fields to Putnams then pick up a woodland path through wild garlic on the side of Torberry Hill. We then rejoin the busy road but this time we have a wide verge and can soon escape into a playing field then the small road to Church Farm where a path brings us back to South Harting church.

There are no steep climbs or descents although the first mile is uphill most of the way.. The total distance is 9.1 miles with a total ascent of 800 feet.

The route was not muddy on the recce (March 2026) after a dry week following the wet winter.

Lunch is booked for 2 p.m. at the White Hart (2-course lunch £19.90 served till 5 Mon-Fri). Pre-orders might be required (but have not been requested yet).

This is the planned route...

Click to show the route

Download the GPX file

]]> Event: Portsdown Hill and Cosham https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/bus-walk-on-hayling/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:28:07 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/bus-walk-on-hayling/ Continue reading Portsdown Hill and Cosham →]]> Published in: Walking

Meet at the Barley Mow at 10.10 and catch 31 bus at 10.17 to Havant. Catch 20 bus from Havant at 10.45. The route starts with a scenic tour of Leigh Park so it takes about 35 minutes to reach our stop at Farlington Avenue, postcode PO6 1BB, grid reference SU671064.

This is a 2.7 mile walk with no height gain, but 280 feet of descent, and no stiles.

We admire the panoramic view over Portsmouth and the two harbours then take the grassy path gradually down and along the side of the hill to meet the main road close to QA Hospital. We take Widley Road, Park Lane and an urban footpath to the shops at Cosham, cross the railway at the level crossing, then take the underpass under the motorway to Hilsea. There are various possibilities for lunch e.g. the Toby Carvery in Hilsea or the Casements Cafe in Hilsea Lines for a pizza, panini or cake.

We will be on chalk down for most of the first mile, which was not at all muddy on the recce (3rd March), soon after a wet winter, We are on pavement or tarmac for rest of the walk.

Catch the 700 coastliner (1 every 20 minutes) from Hilsea back to Havant.

This is the planned route...

Click to show the route

Download the GPX file

]]> Event: Longer walk: Thorney Island Circuit https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-thorney-island-circuit/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:51:15 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-thorney-island-circuit/ Continue reading Longer walk: Thorney Island Circuit →]]> Published in: Walking

This route was recce'd on saturated ground on 8/2/26 after a wet January and early February and there were many muddy stretches, especially (but not limited to) the half-mile or so to the south of the gates onto the Thorney defence establishment.

This walk may go ahead in September 2026 if it is dry, or may be rescheduled to late Spring or Summer 2027.

More details to follow

]]> Event: Hayling u3a open day https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/hayling-u3a-open-day/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:44:33 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/hayling-u3a-open-day/ Published in: Ukulele Thursday morning

Playing on stage at the Community Centre from 11am for about 45min

Set 2026 gigs final

 

 

]]> Event: The Wedge https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/the-wedge-2/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:32:00 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/the-wedge-2/ Published in: Ukulele Thursday morning

About 6 of us playing for 45min using the 2026 final gig set.

Other dates to follow

]]> Event: Longer walk: Deers Hut and Longmoor https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-deers-hut-and-longmoor/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:46:26 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-deers-hut-and-longmoor/ Published in: Walking

More details to follow.

]]> Event: Longer walk: Alice Holt Forest https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-alice-holt-forest/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:50:45 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-alice-holt-forest/ Continue reading Longer walk: Alice Holt Forest →]]> Published in: Walking

We plan to organise car shares in advance, so will not meet at West Town Car Park.

Park at the Bluebell Inn, Batt’s Corner, Dockenfield or on nearby Boundary Lane if not staying for lunch, postcode GU10 4EX, grid reference SU819410. Meet at the gate to the pub car park for walk start at 10 a.m. latest. Possibly pre-order lunch.

We start by walking briefly into Abbotts Wood Inclosure then to the Visitor Centre in Willow’s Green Inclosure, where there are toilets (about 1.5 miles into the walk). We then walk to Lodge Pond (possibly sighting a Gruffalo on the way) then cross the A325 into a quieter part of the forest. We circle back via Holt Pound.

We then go in to the Bluebell Inn for lunch (served till 2.30).

It should be generally dry underfoot – most of the paths are hardcore, and if we meet a muddy or very wet area it should be relatively easy to backtrack to find a dry route.

The total distance is 7.6 miles with 400 feet of height gain, and no steep sections.

]]> Event: Mexican Train https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/mexican-train/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:45:37 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/mexican-train/ Event: Longer walk: Woolbeding Common https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-woolbeding-common/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:21:44 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-woolbeding-common/ Continue reading Longer walk: Woolbeding Common →]]> Published in: Walking

This walk was postponed three times in February-March 2026, because of rain.

We plan to organise car shares in advance, so will not meet at West Town Car Park.

Park in North Street car park in Midhurst, postcode GU29 9DW, grid reference SU887218 for walk start at 10.00 a.m. at the latest. Car parking charges are very reasonable - £1.40 for 4 hours and £2 for 5 hours (as at Dec. 2025).

The walk starts eastwards and turns north-east by Cowdray Castle, then turns north-westwards and starts a slow and steady climb to Woolbeding Common. There is a glorious view westwards from there of the South Downs as far as Old Winchester Hill, the Hangers and the Greensand Ridge inbetween. We then return southwards across the heathland, with good views of Cocking Down and Heyshott Down. We take Hollist Lane back into Easebourne and cross the River Rother back into Midhurst.

There are no steep climbs or descents. There is one steep climb on a staircase with some missing treads but the handrail feels sturdy, and there are 4 stiles. The total distance is 8.2 miles with a total ascent of 750 feet.

The route is all on either greensand or tarmac and was not muddy on the recce (December 2025) despite nearly an inch of rainfall two days previously.

Lunch will be in Kemaelli's in North Street, Midhurst, just up from the car park. They will appreciate a pre-order of food.

This is the planned route:

Click to show the route

Download the GPX file

]]> Event: Longer walk: New Forest https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-new-forest/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:48:15 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-new-forest/ Published in: Walking

More details to follow

This is the planned route...

Click to show the route

Download the GPX file

]]> Event: Chit Chat with 80th birthday https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/chit-chat-with-80th-birthday/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:11:13 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/chit-chat-with-80th-birthday/ Published in: Ukulele Thursday morning

Community centre, playing for an 80th birthday of Norma. Arrive from 1pm to play from 1.30pm.

Set tba to include Irish Rover, Whisky in the Jar and Wild Rover

]]> Event: Pickleball https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/pickleball/ Fri, 13 Jan 2023 21:12:40 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/pickleball/ News: Monthly newsletter - April 2026 https://haylingu3a.org/news/monthly-newsletter-april-2026/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:38:03 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/?post_type=u3anews&p=14342 Continue reading Monthly newsletter - April 2026 →]]> Published in: Hayling Island u3a

In this newsletter:

  • Renewal fees are now due
  • HIU3A open day
  • News and announcements
  • Dates for your diary
  • Short story - Berry Court
  • Fun page
  • True family history - Admiral Sir John Balchin
  • Monthly moan

(more…)

]]> Event: Bus walk: Havant and Rowlands Castle next the railway https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/bus-walk-tba/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:40:07 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/bus-walk-tba/ Continue reading Bus walk: Havant and Rowlands Castle next the railway →]]> Published in: Walking

Meet at the Barley Mow at 9.40 and catch the 31 bus at 9.47 to Havant Bus Station (toilets available in bus station).

We go across the railway then turn eastwards and take the pedestrian route back over the railway into Warblington. We cross back to the edge of Havant and pick up a footpath leading north through the countryside to Rowlands Castle, with yet another railway crossing on the way.

This route is totally different to the one we used on our walk in February.

The path is tarmac or packed hardcore throughout except for one horse field whose exit could be tricky after rain. The walk is 4.5 miles with 1 stile and 100 feet of ascent.

A pub lunch is anticipated at The Robin Hood, with the bus back at 13.50.

]]> Event: Longer walk: Arundel and Amberley https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-arundel-and-amberley/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:12:58 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/longer-walk-arundel-and-amberley/ Published in: Walking

More details to follow

]]> Event: Bus walk: The Ashlings https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/bus-walk-the-ashlings/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:36:15 +0000 https://haylingu3a.org/events/event/bus-walk-the-ashlings/ Published in: Walking

More details to follow

]]>