Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:45:42 +0000WeeblyMon, 26 Jun 2023 17:03:50 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/our-july-plan-is-as-followsHello MOTO,
 Thanks to everyone who attended the planning meeting today and thanks to those who hosted events in June
 
First Monday Meeting / AGM-   July 3rd -   1030 at Holy Trinity Parish Centre. Doors open at 10am
 
Monday Coffee in ‘The Snug’ at The Vivo Lounge – 1030am – July 10/17/24/31
July 31 will incorporate the planning meeting for August
No need to call, just turn up for coffee and chat.
 
Thursday 6 July – Lunch at Hub Box at 12.30pm
Back to our favourite burger joint this month
Bev is hosting, please email her to book  
 
Wednesday 12 July – Dinner at Cote Brasserie at 6pm
Vicky will be hosting this – please email her to book   
 
Tuesday 18 July 11am – Cinema - meet in the lobby at 10.50
Film will be Book Club – The Next Chapter
 
Wednesday 19 July – Walk around Radipole Lake
Meet at 11am at the RSPB Hut in the car park. A walk around the lake will be followed by drinks and snacks in the Café. There will some spaces in cars available for those needing lifts.
Andy is hosting, please email to let him know if you’re planning to come on the walk   
 
Tuesday 25 July – Brunch at Potters at 11am
Di is hosting, please email her to book  
 
Friday 28 July – Skittles followed by Lunch at The Colliton Club
Meet for coffee first at 1030.
Di will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming   
Di, Theresa, myself and several others now have our membership cards and can propose and second those who wish to join but you do not have to be a member of The Colliton Club to come to this
 
Sunday 30 July – Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge Farmhouse 1.30pm
Our regular end of month lunch at Pine Lodge with a change of time. Please email me to book  
Please remember – cash only they do not take cards
 
In the planning stage for September:
 
Visit to Holme Garden Centre near Wareham/Lulworth, more info on   www.holmeforgardens.co.uk
 
Walk and lunch at The Blue Pool, Wareham  www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk
 
Boat trip from Weymouth  Coastline Cruises - Jurassic Coastline Cruises and Ferry Services
 
Other Local Events :
 
Saturday 15 July – Encore Choir at United Church  at 7.30pm
This is the choir Jackie Cape sings in – free entry but there will be a collection supporting unpaid carers
 
Loads going on around the town in July so follow this link for more info
https://discoverdorchester.co.uk/events/
 See you all soon.
Kind regards
Chris Langthorne
]]>Sun, 28 May 2023 23:00:00 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/may-planWednesday 31 May – Skittles followed by Lunch at The Colliton Club
Meet for coffee first at 1030.
Di will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming 
Di, Theresa, myself and several others now have our membership cards and can propose and second those who wish to join. You do not have to be a member to come along.

Hello MOTO,
 Thanks to everyone who attended the planning meeting today and thanks to those who hosted events in May.
Our June plan is as follows:
First Monday Meeting-   June 5th  -   1030 at Holy Trinity Parish Centre. Doors open at 10am
Monday Coffee in ‘The Snug’ at The Vivo Lounge – 1030am – June 12/19/26
June 26 will incorporate the planning meeting for July
No need to call, just turn up for coffee and chat.
Thursday 8 June – Walk from Osmington to Ringstead and back
Meet at 11am near the public toilets above The Smugglers Inn for a gentle stroll of about 40 minutes along the coast to Ringstead. Then a sit down on the beach before a snack lunch from the simple Ringstead Café before walking back.. There is parking on the road. Will be cancelled if it’s raining
Cath will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming. 
Tuesday 13 June – Lunch at The King and Thai at 12.30pm
Bev is hosting, please email her to book  
Tuesday 20 June – Brunch at Walnut Grove at 11am
Andy is hosting, please email him to book 
Sunday 25 June – Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge Farmhouse 12.30pm
Our regular end of month lunch at Pine Lodge. Please email me to book
Please remember – cash only they do not take cards
Thursday 29 June – Skittles followed by Lunch at The Colliton Club
Meet for coffee first at 1030.
Di will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming   
Di, Theresa, myself and several others now have our membership cards and can propose and second those who wish to join but you do not have to be a member of The Colliton Club to come to this
Cinema – nothing planned for June
Cinema – Tuesday 18 July 11am – host to be arranged
Film will be Book Club – The Next Chapter
Also in planning for July :
Wed 12 July – Dinner at Cote Brasserie at 6pm – Vicky to host
Boat trip from Weymouth – Bev is researching this one and will host – date tba
Other Local Events :
Sun 4 June – Daisy Bo sent a message via her hoomum Di that it is her 3rd birthday
Sat 3 and Sunday 4 June – Plant Fair at Sculpture by the Lakes at Pallington
Sat 3 June – Charminster Fete 2 – 5pm
Sun 4 June – Thomas Hardy Victorian Fayre
High East and High West Streets from 11am until 4pm
June 3 / 4 - Wessex Folk Festival at Harbourside Weymouth
Sat 6 June – Coronation Picnic in Salisbury Fields
Bring your own picnic – starts at 5pm with Beacon Lighting at 8pm
Sat 17 June  – Market / Car Boot at the Old Prison  9am – 3pm
Sat 24 June – Dorchester Choral Society  - Borough Gardens at 7pm
Sun 25 June – Summer Fayre at Stratton
See you all soon.
Kind regards
Chris Langthorne



The MOTO mailing list currently has over 100 people on it and I only know about 30 of them
If you no longer wish to come to MOTO please just email me back and let me know and I will remove you from the list.
If I do not hear from you and you do not attend anything during this summer term, I will remove you from the list before we recommence in September.

See you all soon.
Kind regards
​Chris Langthorne]]>Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:31:15 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/april-planHello MOTO,

Thanks to everyone who attended the planning meeting today and thanks to those who hosted events in March.

Our April plan is as follows:

First Monday Meeting- April 3rd - 1030 at Holy Trinity Parish Centre. Doors open at 10am

Monday Coffee in ‘The Snug’ at The Vivo Lounge – 1030am – April 10 / 17/ 24
April 24 will incorporate the planning meeting for May
No need to call, just turn up for coffee and chat.

Monday 10 April – Walk in Dorchester
Meet at the Town Pump (Lloyds Bank end of South Street) at 2pm for a 45 minute stroll around the town and along the river with some local history thrown in as well, finishing up at Shire Hall Cafe
Kerry will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming. 

Thursday 13 April – Brunch at Walnut Grove, Durngate Street at 11am
Sandra will be hosting, please email her to book 

Tuesday 18 April – Lunch at King and Thai at 1pm
Bev is hosting, please email her to book 

Friday 21 April – Skittles followed by Lunch at The Colliton Club
Meet for coffee first at 1030.
Di will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming
Di, Theresa, myself and several others now have our membership cards and can propose and second those who wish to join. You do not have to be a member to come along

Sunday 30 April – Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge Farmhouse 12.30pm
Please email June who will be hosting this 

Cinema – no film decided so far for this month.
Thursday 18 May at 7pm National Theatre livestream – Best of Enemies – I plan to see this, please email if you would like to come as well and I’ll get some tickets organised 

***THIS WEEK***
Wednesday 29 March – Dorset for Singing – United Church at 7pm
This is Ronnie and Bev’s Choir. There is no admission fee but there will be a donations bucket.
Meet in the lobby at 6.50

Other local events :
Wednesday 5 April – Friends of DCH – pop up cake stall from 10am in the old hospital shop.
Quayside Music Festival in Weymouth 8/9 April, 29/30 April, 27/28 May
Sat 22 April – Max Gate Jumble Trail
Sat 22 April – St Georges Church Fair at Fordington Green from 1-4
Sun 23 April – Clothes swap shop in Brewery Square

Tea on the Quay at Weymouth 29 July and 26/27 August

In planning stage for MOTO walks:
May – Ronnie is planning a bluebell walk in Moreton – details to follow

STANDING ORDERS FOR u3a SUBSCRIPTIONS
If you pay your annual subscription by standing order, please remember to increase it to £20 in time for the payment due on 1st April

If you no longer come to MOTO and would prefer not to receive these emails please just email me back and let me know.

See you all soon.
Kind regards
​Chris Langthorne]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:16:33 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/march-planHello MOTO,


Thanks to everyone who attended the planning meeting today and thanks to those who hosted events in February.
Welcome to Elizabeth who joined us for the first time today.


Our March plan is as follows:


First Monday Meeting 1030 at Holy Trinity Parish Centre. Doors open at 10am


Monday Coffee in ‘The Snug’ at The Vivo Lounge – 1030am – March 13 / 20/ 27
March 27 will incorporate the planning meeting for April
No need to call, just turn up for coffee and chat.


Friday 3 March – Brunch at Walnut Grove, Durngate Street at 11am
June will be hosting, please email her to book 


Tuesday 7 March – Lunch at Potters, Durngate Street at 1pm
Di is hosting, please email her to book 


Wednesday 8 March – Cinema – Cocaine Bear at The Plaza 6.30
Meet no later than 6.20 in the foyer and then we will get our tickets as close together as we can.
Andy will host, please email him if you plan to come 


Thursday 16 March – Walk round Radipole Lake followed by Lunch at The Palm House Cafe
Meet at the Swannery car park entrance to Radipole Lake at 11am. As with all our walks, we will split into 2 groups with a slightly longer walk at a faster pace going ahead then a slower walk with myself and Ruth for those who prefer a slower pace and a shorter route. 
There are lifts available if anyone needs one
Andy will be hosting, please email him if you’re coming and let him know if you need transport and he will sort this out 


Friday 24 March – Skittles followed by Lunch at The Colliton Club
Meet for coffee first at 1030.
Di will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming 
Di, Theresa, myself and several others now have our membership cards and can propose and second those who wish to join. You do not have to be a member to come along


Sunday 26 March – Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge Farmhouse 12.30pm
Please email me for this one 


Wednesday 29 March – Dorset for Singing – United Church at 7pm
This is Ronnie and Bev’s Choir. There is no admission fee but there will be a donations bucket.
Meet in the lobby at 6.50


Other local events :
4 March – Preloved Vintage Sale at The Corn Exchange
Quayside Music Festival in Weymouth 8/9 April, 29/30 April, 27/28 May
Tea on the Quay at Weymouth 29 July and 26/27 August


In planning stage for MOTO walks:
April – Kerry is planning a walk over the Easter weekend – details to follow
May – Ronnie is planning a bluebell walk in Moreton – details to follow


STANDING ORDERS FOR u3a SUBSCRIPTIONS
If you pay your annual subscription by standing order, please remember to increase it to £20 in time for the payment due on 1st April


If you no longer come to MOTO and would prefer not to receive these emails please just email me back and let me know.


See you all soon.
Kind regards
Chris Langthorne
]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:02:32 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/february-planHello MOTO,
 
Thanks to everyone who attended the planning meeting yesterday, together with a big thank you from me for taking care of the February planning yourselves as I was unable to be there.  I am very grateful to those of you that have sent me get well messages.
 
We have 11 new members this month. Welcome to you all.
 
Our February plan is as follows:
 
Monday Coffee in ‘The Snug’ at The Vivo Lounge – 1030am – Feb 13 / 20/ 27
Feb 27 will incorporate the planning meeting for March
No need to call, just turn up for coffee and chat
 
Thursday 9 February – Walk followed by Lunch at The Sun Inn 11am
Meet in the Sun Inn car park at 11am. As with all our walks, we will split into 2 groups with a slightly longer walk at a faster pace going ahead then a slower walk with myself and Ruth for those who prefer a slower pace and a shorter route. I suspect I may still be hobbling as it’s only 9 days away but we’ll give it a whirl and see how far I can get.
There are lifts available if anyone needs one
Andy will be hosting, please email him if you’re coming and let him know if you need transport and he will sort this out   
 
Saturday 11 February – Lunch at Hub Box in Brewery Square at 1pm
Bev will be hosting, please email her if you would like to attend     
 
Friday 17 February – Skittles followed by Lunch at The Colliton Club
Meet for coffee first at 1030.
Di will be hosting, please email her if you’re coming   
Di, Theresa and I now have our membership cards and can propose and second those who are going to join.
 
Wednesday 22 February – Brunch at Shire Hall 11am
June will be hosting, please email her if you wish to attend  
 
Sunday 26 February – Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge Farmhouse 12.30pm
Please email me for this one      
 
CINEMA – expect a mid month update for this when we know what’s on at The Plaza.
If anyone has a suggestion then please let me know and I’ll get it organised
 
If you no longer come to MOTO and would prefer not to receive these emails please just email me back and let me know.
 
Finally, could I please remind you of the FMM next Monday 6 February which will be preceeded by a very short Special General Meeting at 1020 for the vote on the proposed increase to the subscription.
If you are able to attend in person please do so, you do not have to stay for the FMM and just 10 minutes of your time is all that is required. Our Constitution requires that 10% of the Membership must be present to vote in person and it is really important for the future of Dorchester u3a that this vote is carried.
 
See you all soon.
Kind regards
 
Chris Langthorne]]>Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:47:57 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/decemberjanuary-planHello MOTO,

Thanks to everyone who attended the planning meeting today. I do appreciate your effort as I know several of us are interested in the proposed Local History Group and our meeting clashed with the exploratory meeting for that. As I write this I haven't been able to get hold of Peter Scaife. As you know, he was supposed to come to the Vivo Lounge after his meeting to brief those of us that couldn't attend. I will keep trying and make sure that we get the information to join this group.

A big thank you to Di, Bev and Kerry for hosting in November and a warm welcome to those who attended for the first time.

Our December and January plan is currently as follows:

Thursday 1 December - Plaza Cinema at 1.30pm
This is to see Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical. Meet by the entrance at 1.25. No need to email, just turn up and we'll all go in together.

Saturday 3 December - 'Encore Singers' at The United Reform Church 7.30pm
Jackie Cape's choir. This is a charity event supporting Julia's House. There is no entry fee but a donation into the bucket would be appreciated. We will meet at 7.15 and hopefully sit ourselves all together. Please email me if you plan to come

Wednesday 7 December - Dorset for Singing at The United Reform Church 7pm
More singing - this time it's the choir that Bev and Ronnie are in. Donations in the bucket but I've forgotten which charity Ronnie told me they were supporting. Meet at 6.45. Please email me if you plan to come.

Tuesday 13 December - Skittles followed by Christmas Lunch at The Colliton Club
Skittles - meet for coffee first at 1030 - please let Di know if you're playing   

Lunch - Need your orders by tomorrow Tuesday 29 November and need the full payment by Thursday morning when Di, Theresa and I will be going to the club to hand in the orders and payment. This is non refundable and there are 2 spaces only left on the table, so please be quick. Please phone or email me if you would like to come. No need to play skittles first- lunch will be just after 12.00

Please note, there will not be a brunch or Sunday Lunch in December

Christmas Day Lunch at St. Georges Church Hall
If you are alone and would like to join with others for an inexpensive and friendly traditional Christmas Day Lunch please email Geraldine for more details. You do not need to be a Church member. I did check out St Georges Pews News and couldn't find any more info but Gerry will be able to help.

Wednesday 11 January - Skittles and Lunch at The Colliton Club 
Meet for coffee at 1030 followed by skittles and lunch.
Please email Di if you are coming      

Friday 13 January - Walk - Oasis Cafe to Greenhill and back
Meet at The Oasis Cafe at 11pm - This is weather dependant and will be cancelled if its heavy rain, snow or bitterly cold.
Email me please if you're planning to come

Thursday 19 January - Brunch at The Colliton Club - 11am
We are going to try this out and if we all enjoy will make this a regular venue for a few months as we did with Shire Hall until we tired of it. Please email me if you are planning to come

Friday 27 January - Lunch at The King and Thai at 1pm
Please email Bev if you would like to come to this lunch     

Sunday 29 January - Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge at 1230
This will be the first of our regular Sunday Lunches at Pine Lodge. I will forward book the last Sunday of each month on an ongoing basis. Please email me to book for January

Monday Coffee at The Vivo Lounge - 1030
Other than 26 December and the FMM on 5 Dec and 9 Jan, we will continue to meet on Monday at 1030 in The Vivo Lounge, with the last Monday in every month being our planning meeting for the next month.

January Cinema 
I'll send out details when they announce what's showing during January

Sunday 4 December - Trumpet Major 10-2pm
There will be a pre-loved sale at the pub

Dorchester November/December free parking
https://www.dorchesterdorset.com/blog/park4free-parking-dates-2022/

Dorchester Christmas Cracker Event - Sunday 11 December 11-4pm

ADVANCE NOTICE
Plaza Cinema Thursday April 20 at 7pm
The National Theatre are streaming a play called Good starring David Tennant. Please let me know if you're interested. Anne Denholm and I are planning to go and would like to get a few more of us together if we can. Please email me asap. These events tend to sell out very quickly.
For further info    https://www.plazadorchester.com/ ;   

See you all soon.
Kind regards

Chris Langthorne]]>Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:08:51 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/november-planHello MOTO,
Thanks to everyone who came to the planning meeting yesterday, it was great to see so many of you.
Thanks also to Kerry for hosting the walk and Diane for the skittles in October.
Our November plans so far are as follows :

Wednesday 9th November - Skittles at The Colliton Club
Meet at 1030 for coffee, followed by Skittles and then Lunch
Di will be hosting, please email her to book        

Thursday 10th November - lunch at The King and Thai  - 1.30pm
Bev will be hosting, please email her to book        

Tuesday 15th November - Cinema 2.30 at The Plaza
The movie will be 'Living' starring Bill Nighy
I will host so please let me know by Sunday 13th at the latest and I will get the tickets all together

Wednesday 16th November - Brunch 11am at Walnut Grove
Change of venue this month. Booking is ESSENTIAL so please email me
Cut off date for booking is Friday 4th November, early I know but 8 booked yesterday. Will try and book for 12 so there are still 4 spaces. From January onwards, we are planning to move brunch to The Colliton Club which offers plenty of room, easy parking and sensible prices.

Friday 25th November - Walk along Weymouth Seafront 2pm
Kerry will host and we will meet  2pm at The Oasis Cafe. There will be lifts available.
Please email to book      

Sunday 27th November - Lunch at Pine Lodge 12.30
This monthly Sunday Lunch is proving to be our most popular outing. I have a table for 12 booked and 8 of those places were snapped up at planning yesterday. If you would like one of the four remaining spots please whistle and email off to me asap.
Remember cash or cheque only - NO card payment system at Pine Lodge

Saturday 3rd December - 'Encore Singers' at The United Reform Church​
This is Jackie Cape's choir. This is a charity event supporting Julia's House, There is no entry fee but a donation into the bucket would be greatly appreciated. We will meet at 7.15 and then hopefully we can sit ourselves together, Please email me if you plan to come.

Afternoon Tea at Shire Hall in December
More info and a date to follow on this when I've sorted it out. Please take a look on the Shire Hall website and let me know if you fancy doing this        https://shirehalldorset.org

Plaza Cinema - ongoing throughout the year
The cinema streams live theatre, ballet, opera and concert events throughout the year.
Please take a look at the website. If there is anything you would like to see please let me know. A few of you have mentioned attending some of these events so we'll see what we can put together   https://www.plazadorchester.com/  

See you all soon
Chris Langthorne
]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:58:20 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/october-planHello MOTO,
Thanks to June and Diane for hosting events this month. A big thanks to all of you who came to the planning meeting this morning.  Here is the summary of our planned activities for the rest of September and October.

Skittles - Wednesday 28th September at The Colliton Club
This event is now fully booked

Day Trip - Thursday 29th September
The day out and lunch in Weymouth is now CANCELLED

Monday Coffee
I understand that some of you are unhappy with the Vivo Lounge but this is the 4th venue that we've tried and I do feel wherever we choose not everyone will be happy with it. For the time being, we will continue as we are. Unless they have an event planned, we can use that little side area. 

Next Monday is October 3rd and so we will be at the First Monday Meeting at the Parish Centre.
The following 4 weeks , 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st will be at the Vivo Lounge at !0.30. These are 'free' events apart from the 31st which will be the November planning meeting so the 50p u3a attendance fee applies.

Cinema Trip  - Thursday 6th October -  50p u3a attendance fee
Trip to The Plaza in Trinity Street to see Mrs Harris Goes to Paris. Starts at 4.45 . Meet outside at 4.35 
please email me if you're planning to come 

Cerne Abbas Walk - Saturday 8th October  - 50p u3a attendance fee 
Meet Kerry outside of Abbots Tea Rooms at 2pm. The walk will last about 1 hour and part of it will be alongside the river which does have some uneven ground. Back to the Tea Rooms for a well earned cuppa afterwards.
Kerry has kindly offered a lift from Dorchester for 2 people .
This walk will be cancelled if it's wet.
Please email Kerry if you plan to attend 

Skittles - Tuesday 25th October  -  50p u3a attendance fee
Meet for coffee at The Colliton Club at 1030, followed by Skittles and then lunch.
Please email Diane to book 

Brunch at Shire Hall - Wednesday 26th October  - 50p u3a attendance fee
Meet at Shire Hall Cafe at 11am
Please email me to book   

Sunday Lunch at Pine Lodge - Sunday 30th October at 12.30 - 50p u3a attendance fee
Please email me to book   

Other suggestions include :

Saturday 1st October - St Georges Church Hall
St Georges are continuing their Lunch Club, £4 per head. You don't need to a Church member or be connected to them to attend.  Several of us went on 10th September and it was all very nice. Bangers and Mash and a choice of dessert, then tea or coffee.   Excellent value.
Ring 265177 - booking is essential

Shire Hall
take a look at their website, lots going on
www.shirehalldorset.org

Walnut Grove
Some of you were interested in the supper and bingo nights that are held monthly at Walnut Grove.
Sandy went and saw them. October is fully booked but there are still vacancies for Friday 18th November.
Let me know if you're interested and I'll try and put a group together.

Christmas Lunch
Opinions are divided on this one. Some of you would like a Christmas Lunch and some of you aren't interested.  Please email me if you would like me to organise something

That's about it. Please email me if you have any queries

Kind regards
Chris]]>Mon, 29 Aug 2022 20:32:29 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/september-planHello MOTO,
Wonderful to see so many of you at the Monday Morning Coffee get togethers. 15 of us for the planning meeting today, so here goes with a summary of those plans………
Monday Coffee
Coffee mornings will continue every Monday at 1030 apart from the first Monday of every month when we will all be at the Holy Trinity Parish Centre for the First Monday Meeting.
Our numbers are now too big for Walnut Grove and we made the decision to move to The Junction Pub. That was a great idea until I found out that they don’t actually open until noon each day.
We talked about alternatives this morning and thought the Colliton Club would fit the bill but then discovered that they are closed on Mondays.
Plan C is The Vivo Lounge in Brewery Square – lots of room and open from 9am. From Monday 12th September onwards, this will be our regular venue. The 12th and 19th will be ‘free’ events but the 26th will be our October planning meeting and will carry a 50p U3A attendance fee.
Brunch
Wednesday 21st June at 11am at Shire Hall.
Please email June to book
Sunday Lunch
Pine Lodge, Sunday 25th at 12.30
Please email me to book 
Skittles
Here’s a pic from August Skittles
(pic removed)
In September we will meet at The Colliton Club at 1030 on Wednesday 28th, have coffee, play some skittles and then have lunch.
Please email Di to book 
Weymouth Trip
Thursday 29th we are having a wander round Weymouth and then a fish and chip lunch. Meet at the beach side entrance of Marks and Spencer at 11am. No need to book.

Other suggestions from the group are as follows :
Saturday 10th September.
St Georges Church have re-started their Lunch Club £4 per head. You don’t need to be a Church Member or be connected to them in any way. 
Ring 265177 – booking essential
Shire Hall
Website is www.shirehalldorset.org
Far too much going on over the autumn to list here – take a look at their Whats On Page for info .
If there’s anything you fancy and would like some company, let me know and I’ll whistle off an email to everyone.
Dorset County Show
This coming weekend Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September
Website for all the info is www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk
Heritage Open Days – 9th 18th September
Again, far too much going on to list here but the website is 
https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/printable-area-lists/town/Dorset

Thinks that’s about it. Please call or email me if you have any questions.
Chris Langthorne]]>Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:19:31 GMThttps://www.dorchesteru3a.org.uk/moto-blog/august-updateHello MOTO,

As you may already be aware, there is to be a new RUMMIKUB group within U3A. It has been decided to use the MOTO slot in the lower classroom at HTPC on the first Wednesday at 2pm for this new group.

The attendance at MOTO planning meetings between April and July has been very poor with only single figures every time.
However, the Monday morning coffee meeting is into double figures each week. Having talked all this through with those of you who attend MOTO events regularly, the planning meeting for the following month will now take place during the coffee meet up on the last MONDAY of every month - NOT Friday as printed in the email from Janet you should have received in the last couple of days.

Next Monday 29th August, we will meet at Walnut Grove at 1030 and have coffee and plan for September and I will send a newsletter out to you all with that plan by Monday evening.

The following Monday 5th September is the FMM at the Parish Centre and therefore there will not be a coffee meeting.

There will then be a change of venue for Monday Morning Coffee and from September 12th onwards we will be meeting at The Junction Pub at the bottom of South Street, still at 1030 with the final Monday of each month incorporating the next months planning meeting.

Attendance fees - 
With such a poor attendance at the old planning meeting, MOTO has contributed very little to the U3A coffers over the past 4 months.
Rooms need hiring, insurance needs paying, newsletters need printing and equipment needs buying, to name just a few of the many expenses U3A incurs. Again, having talked this through with regular attendees and also having discussed it with Peter Scaife, the following decision has been taken.
From September onwards, all of our regular events, i.e Skittles, Monthly Lunch, Sunday Lunch, Brunch, Walk, together with anything else we may arrange, will require you to pay a 50p attendance fee. 
Monday coffee will remain a casual pop in and chat and will not require a payment apart from the last Monday of every month when the planning meeting happens and that will require a 50p attendance fee.

For those coming to next Mondays meeting, please put your thinking caps on, it would be good to have something different to do in September.

For those who can't make the meeting but do have something they would like included , please either email me or give me a call before Monday. It would be great to hear your ideas and include them.

I hope all the above makes sense. I've tried to explain the changes as clearly as I can but please give me a call if it's not coming over that way.

Kind regards,
Chris ​]]>