Chard and Ilminster

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Chard and Ilminster u3a Groups

Amateur Dramatics     

When Wed 17 Sep 2025 at 14:30 to discuss the formation
Venue Leader's home
Enquiries cidu3aamdram@gmail.com
Information This group has room for all, from young and old, experienced and complete novices. We hope to be able to put on plays, social events and drama evenings throughout the year. We need backstage crew, artists and set designers as well as actors, so please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to take the plunge into a new, fun group.

Badminton 1 Rusty Racquets     

When Tuesdays at 10:00-12:00
Venue Broadway Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries glynottery@gmail.com
Information A group for newbies and rusty racquet holders, formed for fun and to keep us active and fit. We play at Broadway Hall, Broadway on Tuesday mornings at 10 am until Noon. If you have a satnav, the postcode is TA19 9RE. New Members are welcome, or add yourself to our waiting list. By joining us, you agree to paying a monthly fee being the shared cost of the Hall rent.

Badminton 2     

  Note that Badminton 2 is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When Wednesdays at 12:30-14:30
Venue Broadway Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 12:30 to 14:30
Enquiries alec.britnell@btinternet.com
Information 

Badminton 3 Friday Group     

When Fridays at 10:00-12:00
Venue Broadway Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 09:55 to 12:00
Enquiries barb.mattey@gmail.com
Information We play at Broadway Hall, Broadway on Friday mornings at 10am until Noon. If you have a satnav, the postcode is TA19 9RE We are limited to 12 members. New members are invited to apply and join a waiting list, no experience is needed, but you must be physically fit and willing to commit to playing on a regular basis. By joining us, you agree to paying a monthly fee being the shared cost of the Hall rent, currently £5.00 for a normal 4-week month each.

Board Games     

When Tuesdays at 2.00pm
Venue Ilminster Bowls Club - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries barbaradgault@gmail.com
Information We play any board game, e.g. Rummikub, Scrabble, Quirkle, etc. Monopoly is ruled out because it can take ages! If there's a game you'd like to play, bring it along!

Book Choice     

When 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries m.d.edwards371@btinternet.com
Information Group members select books to read and discuss. One title allocated to each month of the year, for the calendar year.

Bridge Improvers     

When Tuesdays at 14:00
Venue Leader's home
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries learnlaughliveu3a@gmail.com
Information For beginners only.

Bridge Intermediate     

When Mondays at 10:00
Venue Ilminster Bowls Club - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries learnlaughliveu3a@gmail.com
Information Not for beginners.

Canasta     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Thurs10:00-12:00 except 1st week of Month meet Fri
Venue Ilminster Bowls Club - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries harryjacobson653@gmail.com
Information Must be social member of the Ilminster Bowls Club -currently £35 per annum. This entitles you to substantial discount on drinks, both alcoholic and non alcoholic ie tea, coffee etc and pays for itself very quickly. Meet every Thursday 10am to 12 noon except the first week of each month when we meet on the Friday 10am to 12 noon There is a £3 joining fee Tel: 07891 984838 or email Thank you Harry and Chris Thank you Harry and Chris Jacobson Latest: We are now full and will run a waiting list. If you with to be added to this please email harryjacobson653@gmail.com harryjacobson653@gmail.com

Chess     

  Note that Chess is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 14:00 2nd+4th Fridays Sep-Apr, no meeting May-Aug
Venue Leader's home
Normally meets 14:00 to 17:00
Enquiries jim.lobley1950@gmail.com
Information Our Chess Group meets at 14:00 2nd and 4th Fridays during the winter months (September-April) at the leader's home. In summer (May-August) the group does not meet. In addition to playing friendly chess games, we also examine interesting puzzles and occasionally grandmaster games or instructive videos.

Circle Dancing     

When 2nd Friday of each month at 14:00
Venue Chard Guildhall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:45
Enquiries lilly@newhaven4.co.uk
Information A gentle way of exercising through dance to music from all over the world. Great fun, come and join us! £2 per session - please bring along a drink and a snack if you'd like one for break time. Meeting: 2nd Friday in the month Time: 2pm Group Leader: Lilly Sell-Dunkley 07711 702460/lilly@newhaven4.co.uk

Crafting     

When Tuesdays at 10:00 - contact to check
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries cathyjwallis@gmail.com
Information This is a new group for Crafters of all types. Initially meeting in members homes we will be able to share our crafts, make things alongside each other, encourage each other... who knows?

Cricket     

  Note that Cricket is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When Wednesdays at 17:00-18:00
Venue Lifestyle Fitness, Holyrood Academy - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 17:00 to 18:00
Enquiries jim.lobley1950@gmail.com
Information Our Cricket group meets indoors at the Sports Hall, Lifestyle Fitness, Holyrood Academy, Chard TA20 1JL, each Wednesday at 17:00 for one hour. Wooden bats are used with a plastic ball, so no pads or gloves or other equipment is needed. No previous experience is necessary and both men and ladies participate. Interested in participating in light-hearted, friendly cricket exercise for an hour? Then email jim.lobley1950@gmail.com.

Discussion     

When 1st Monday of each month at 14:15
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 14:15 to 16:15
Enquiries valalpal@hotmail.co.uk
Information The group usually deals with one topic per meeting. Topics selected by the group are introduced by one member and then opened to general discussion. Examples of recent discussions are: a) Is "not in my backyard" selfish and antisocial? b) Is "political correctness" incorrect? Meeting: 1st Monday in the month Time: 2.15pm Group Leader: Mary Coller

Family History     

When 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:00
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries yroskelly@gmail.com
Information The Family History Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the leader's home address.

Folk and Acoustic     

When 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month 14:00-16:00
Venue Leader's home
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries simonthomson1958@gmail.com
Information Commencing Thursday 3rd April 2025 The group will be playing a mix of traditional and contemporary songs and music, predominantly but not exclusively from the UK and other English speaking countries. We will try and make this interesting and fun with a mix of instruments. Where to find songs and tunes, writing and creating new songs and listening to others play and sing.

Friends of Chard Museum     

When TBA
Venue Chard Museum
Enquiries cidu3afocm@gmail.com
Information From DIY to gardening and meeting people to preservation and sorting, The Museum in Chard would love to see you. This group will initially meet to discuss the possible projects suggested by The Museum, from planting a new herb garden to upkeep of the grade 2 listed building. If you have any skills and an hour to spare each month, please do get in touch.

German Conversation     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Alternate Wednesdays at 14:00
Venue Boden Centre
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries jmarygts235@gmail.com
Information Any new member should contact the Group Leader in the first instance.

Golf     

When Varied - see group leader
Venue Cricket St Thomas
Normally meets 10:15 to 11:30
Enquiries brenda.lake@hotmail.com
Information There will be 6 x 1 hour sessions at Cricket St Thomas golf club driving range on the following dates in Sept.2nd, 16th, 23rd 30th and 7th October. cost £10 per session with golf pro. All equipment provided. Sensible shoes are important. So far we have 7 people signed up so there are only 2 places left. Refreshment available after in the club house.

Guitar Group     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Alternate Wednesdays of each month at 14:00
Venue Horton Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 17:00
Enquiries partridgerobert1@sky.com
Information Players of all standards, no lessons, just having fun and learning new songs. Bring your favourite songs to play. Contact Bob Partridge. 07967 057069 We are not taking new members at the moment as we are at maximum.

Harmony-Us     

When Tuesdays at 19.00
Venue Tatworth Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 19:00 to 21:00
Enquiries keda.horn@gmail.com
Information Contact Keda Horn Tel 07867 300795 keda.horn@gmail.com

Intermediate Acoustic Guitar     

When Alternate Tuesdays at 14:00
Venue Horton Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries walmsleypeter0@gmail.com
Information The aim of the group is get together and play a wide range of songs from folk, blues, jazz and contemporary music. For an intermediate level, players should be confident in playing at least 10 to 20 chords. So not for beginners, sorry.

Music Appreciation     

When 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10:00
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries inskipr@aol.com
Information The group aims to broaden understanding and appreciation of classical music by listening to recorded music selected in turn by a group member. Various aspects of the music are discussed by the group

Natural History     

When 4th Thursday of each month at 10.30
Venue Various Venues as advised by Leader
Normally meets 10:30 to 14:00
Enquiries stuartmusgrove@icloud.com
Information The Natural History Group Future plans are to have trips to interesting places throughout the year. A programme of events for the group in 2025 has been arranged and the details sent to group members by email.

Needlecraft     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 2nd Wednesday of each month at 14:00
Venue Eleos Cafe - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 00:00
Enquiries inklequeen@gmail.com
Information 

New To Writing     

When 3rd Friday of each month at 10:30
Venue Gamesmaster Cafe - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:30
Enquiries lizdaltonuk@gmail.com
Information This new group is aimed at helping people to start writing rather than people who already write.

News and views     

When 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries cliverobinson3001@gmail.com
Information Do you enjoy reading the news and airing your views? Our group does just that, with members bringing along any item of news, serious or trivial, that they have found interesting and would like to be the subject of a brief discussion. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10.00am.

Not Quite Authors     

When 2nd Monday of each month at 10:30
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:30
Enquiries denisefarringdon@gmail.com
Information Members choose subjects for all to write about and discuss the following month. Creative criticism is encouraged. Meeting: 2nd Monday in the month Time: 10:30 Group Leader: Denise Farringdon

Open Meeting     

When 3rd Monday of each month at 14:00 (varies Jun-Aug)
Venue Chard Guildhall or Horton Village Hall
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries cidu3achair@gmail.com
Information Group to allow Open Meetings to be scheduled and appear in the public calendar.

Open Meeting 2025-09-15     

When Monday 15/09/25 at 14:00
Venue Chard Guildhall - Streetmap - Google maps
Enquiries NULL
Information 

Past Times     

  Note that Past Times is full and you will be added to a waiting list.

   
When 3rd Thursday of each month at 14:00 (not Aug, Dec)
Venue Horton Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:30
Enquiries jim.lobley1950@gmail.com
Information There is usually a talk on a particular historic subject followed by a short piece on "Anniversaries" (i.e. events, births, deaths on a day in history). We also have excursions to historic houses or other places of interest. Recent examples include Weymouth Time Tour, Sherborne Castle and Lyme Regis Museum.

Play Reading 1     

When 1st Wednesday of each month at 11:00
Venue Eleos Cafe - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:00 to 13:00
Enquiries keda.horn@gmail.com
Information The group reads one-act plays, usually comedies, that are chosen by members. Each person has the chance to read a main character. We meet at the Eleos Cafe in Chard, on the first Wednesday of the month. The maximum number of members I can admit would be 9

Play Reading 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11:00
Venue Eleos Cafe - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:00 to 13:00
Enquiries keda.horn@gmail.com
Information The group reads one-act plays, usually comedies, that are chosen by members. Each person has the chance to read a main character. We meet at the Eleos Cafe in Chard, on the third Wednesday of the month. The maximum number of members I can admit would be 9.

Poetry for Pleasure     

When 3rd Wednesday of each month at 14:00
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries gillianmacdonald19@gmail.com
Information Meets at Members homes on 3rd Wednesday each month, We all choose poems by established poets round a theme we have chosen, and then go round the room reading them in turn.

Rambling 1     

When 1st Friday of each month at 10:00
Venue Countryside
Normally meets 10:00 to 13:00
Enquiries archibaldbell@hotmail.com
Information A variety of leisurely walks are undertaken, usually taking about 2/3 hours and finishing at a pub for lunch. Meeting: 1st Friday in the month Time: 10am Venue: We assemble in the Crowshute car park Chard and then decide how many cars are required to convey the group to the starting point of the walk Group Leader: Archie Bell

Rambling 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Friday of each month at 09:30
Venue Countryside
Normally meets 09:30 to 13:00
Enquiries longwalks4me@gmail.com
Information The group walks on the 3rd Friday of the month. The walks are between 5 and 8 miles long. All information about the walks is sent out each month via email. If you would like to come along, please contact Paul Ebdon

Reading for Pleasure     

When Last Wednesday of each month at 14:30
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 14:30 to 16:30
Enquiries robinsonanne45@gmail.com
Information Group members all choose a book, which must be cheaply and freely available to borrow or buy. We mostly read modern novels, but classics, vintage novels, or nonfiction are all welcome. Books are discussed in a very relaxed way, with the emphasis being on enjoyable reading and an interesting exchange of views.

Scrabble     

When 4th Thursday of each month at 19:00
Venue Leader's home
Normally meets 19:00 to 21:00
Enquiries judith.minter@icloud.com
Information Meeting at group leaders house every fourth Thursday in the month at 7pm.

Short Tennis 1     

When Thursdays 14:00-16:00
Venue Broadway Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries d.edwards371@btinternet.com
Information Short tennis is played on a badminton court with normal sized rackets and a soft ball. It is great fun and helps to keep you mobile! We don't take it too seriously, just enjoy playing and the social aspect of the group. There is only one court at the venue, so we play doubles, and the rest of the group are entertained watching the matches and disputing line calls! As not everyone attends every week we need a minimum of 10 members to make the group viable. No equipment is necessary as it's all provided. Just bring yourself and a drink. There is a weekly £1-£2 fee per person to cover the cost of hiring the hall, depending on numbers.

Short Tennis 2     

When Wednesdays 10:00-12:00
Venue Broadway Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries keithtrayling@gmail.com
Information The games are played indoors on a badminton court at Broadway Village Hall. All the necessary equipment is supplied including racquets which are extremely light. Larger soft red balls are used. They travel slower and bounce less than standard tennis balls. The hall has a high ceiling and is well lit. There is plenty of free parking. Sessions cost approx £6 per month per member.

Skittles 1     

When 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10:30
Venue Haymaker Inn, Wadford
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:30
Enquiries valalpal@hotmail.co.uk
Information The bookings are only available on the basis that lunches will also be taken as the pub has to be opened up much earlier than normal and someone has to be paid for extra hours.

Skittles 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 4th Tuesday of each month at 10:30
Venue Haymaker Inn, Wadford
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:30
Enquiries valalpal@hotmail.co.uk
Information The bookings are only available on the basis that lunches will also be taken as the pub has to be opened up much earlier than normal and someone has to be paid for extra hours.

Spanish     

When 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 14:00
Venue Members' homes
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries cidu3agroups@gmail.com
Information Conversational Spanish for improvers. Participants take part a variety of exercises and games to improve their vocabulary.

Sunday Lunch Club 1     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 1st Sunday of each month
Venue Various Venues as advised by Leader
Normally meets 12:00 to 16:00
Enquiries 1theheights@gmail.com
Information This group meets on first Sunday of each month for lunch at a venue organised on a rotational basis amongst members.

Sunday Lunch Club 2     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When 3rd Sunday of each month
Venue Various Venues as advised by Leader
Normally meets 12:00 to 16:00
Enquiries valalpal@hotmail.co.uk
Information This group meets third Sunday of each month for lunch at a venue organised on a rotational basis amongst members.

Table Tennis 1     

When Tuesdays at 10:00
Venue Tatworth Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries barbaradgault@gmail.com
Information If you feel the need for some company and some gentle exercise then join the Chard, Ilminster and District u3a Table Tennis group. We welcome everyone from complete beginners to more experienced players. Our group is going from strength to strength to the point where we have now started a third group on Friday mornings. We have a lot of fun and some of our more advanced players come along from 9-10 on Thursdays and Fridays to play singles to a higher standard. The rest of us just enjoy a bit of exercise and a good laugh. There are 3 groups The Tuesday Group Location: Tatworth Memorial Hall, Kent Road, South Chard, TA20 2QA Time/Date: Every Tuesday 10am-12pm The Thursday Group Location: Tatworth Memorial Hall, Kent Road, South Chard, TA20 2QA Time/Date: Every Thursday 10am-12pm (except 2nd Thursday of the month) The Friday Group Location: Tatworth Memorial Hall, Kent Road, South Chard, TA20 2QA Time/Date: Every Friday, 10am-12pm

Table Tennis 2     

When Thursdays at 10:00
Venue Tatworth Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries maggiechubb@mypostoffice.co.uk
Information If you feel the need for some company and some gentle exercise on a Thursday morning, then join the Chard, Ilminster and District u3a Table Tennis 2 group. We welcome everyone from complete beginners to more experienced players. Location: Tatworth Memorial Hall, Kent Road, South Chard, TA20 2QA Time/Date: Every Thursday 10am-12pm (except 2nd Thursday in the month) Group Leader: Maggie Chubb

Table Tennis 3     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Fridays at 10.00
Venue Tatworth Memorial Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries mike.card50@btopenworld.com
Information Singles and doubles according to numbers attending 10:00-12:00

Theatre     

When TBA
Venue 
Enquiries carolynpaulls27@gmail.com
Information We are about to advertise in September our first organised trip to Bristol Hippodrome to see The Bodyguard in August 2026.

TV Discussion     

When Temporarily inactive
Venue Leader's home
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries cmaureen05@icloud.com
Information The TV programs the group members should watch are agreed the previous week.

Wine Appreciation     

When 1st Thursday of each month at 14:00
Venue Donyatt Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries melissa@modmirage.com
Information We are the u3a Wine Appreciation Group and we are looking for new members to join our friendly meetings. We meet once a month to discuss particular wines, the vineyards and wine area, types of grape etc., including tasting a selection of wines chosen by the members. Once or twice a year we have a visit to a vineyard or a supplier to the trade for example Somerset Apple Brandy, we also have occasional talks by experts in the wine trade such as growers or specialist wine merchants. For more information please contact Melissa Riche, email: melissa@modmirage.com or via mobile: 07749 021 583

Yoga     

  We regret that this group is full.
   
When Thursdays at 10:00
Venue Combe St Nicholas Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 11:30
Enquiries kaymendlson12@gmail.com
Information Contact Kay Mendlson on kaymendlson12@gmail.com