In a surprise move that aims to “reinvigorate the academic prestige” of the u3a movement, the National Office has issued a mandatory directive for all local branches regarding the conduct of their 2026 Annual General Meetings (AGMs).

Starting this year, in honour of our “University” roots, at least 20% of all formal proceedings must be conducted in Classical Latin.

A spokesperson for the “Committee for Classical Standards” stated: “We felt that the ‘University’ part of the u3a had become a bit too informal. By reintroducing the language of Cicero and Caesar, we believe that discussing the 2026 financial accounts will take on a much-needed sense of gravitas.”

What This Means for You

At our November AGM, members will notice several changes to the agenda including:

• The Vote: Instead of a show of hands or saying “Aye,” members must stand and clearly state “Affirmative” (for yes) or “Negat” (for no).
• Refreshments: Our traditional tea and biscuits will be served under the name ‘Gustatio’. In keeping with the theme, the committee has decided to replace the usual biscuits with Fig Rolls, which are historically more accurate to the Roman era.

Note from the Chair: Before you start dusting off your old school textbooks or shopping for togas, please take a quick look at today’s date. Happy April Fools’ Day! We promise the AGM will be held entirely in plain English—and the Digestives aren’t going anywhere.

For tickets come to the Events table at the next General Meeting

New virtual group using WhatsApp

The March 2026 newsletter is here…

You can access the newsletter from this post or from the email the majority of our members will receive by the 7th March 2026.

If you haven’t told us your email address or if it has changed… to avoid missing out send your updated email details to membership@westwoldsu3a.org.

If you would like to make comment on this newsletter or submit an article for the next issue then please send details to newsletter@westwoldsu3a.org by Friday 27th March 2026.

We would really like to hear from you about any events your groups are involved in. The Newsletter is only as good as the articles submitted by members. We relish any feedback.

Here are some photos from the Digital Photography Groups challenges from February, based on a theme of ‘Boundaries’ plus a favourite of the month. This selection was voted on at our Digital Photography Group meeting. These four photos came out tied for top position in the voting in their themes.
 

If you are interested in Photography, why not join us at the New Life Church on the first & third Mondays of the month.

For further photos taken by our group through the months go to our challenge page https://westwoldsu3a.org/?page_id=32438

Boundaries Theme 1

Market Rasen Closed

Taken by

Terry Francis

Boundaries Theme 2

Roadsign

Taken by

Steve McCarthy

Favourite 1

Trunk Reflection

Taken by

Steve McCarthy

Favourite 2

Passing Thru

Taken by

Michael Coupland

Come to see us at the March Meeting to get the last tickets for this event. Refreshments included.