Event List

We will meet in the car park for 10.30am and go into the “Window on Wildlife” to observe the wildlife while sipping a fine cup of tea or coffee.
Bring your RSPB Membership card for free entry, non-members pay £3 at the door. Tea and coffee £1.
As usual, please let me know if you plan to be there.
All the best

Brenda

The outing is Wednesday 21^st February.
We plan to visit the knitted village made by the ladies of Cloughmills.
The exhibition is in Cloughmills Orange Hall where there will be a cup of tea and a scone.
I have a list of names, but if anyone wishes to join, please let me know so that I can confirm numbers for catering.
Meet at the Orange Hall at 10.30.
If anyone needs a lift please contact me at 07748061552.
Hilary

On this Wednesday 7th March we will walk along the Braid River at Broughshane, yes, that Broughshane, Village of the Year 2018 and the Garden Village of Ulster.
Meet at Houston’s Mill, 10 Buckna Road, Broughshane, BT42 4NG for 10am.
There is good car parking and a toilet.
Buttermilk bridge

This will be a good opportunity to compare the Braid River with our own Six Mile Water.
We will be spoiled for choice for a coffee stop, the cafes are very good.

More information of our group page.

This 19th century farmhouse has a remarkable collection of natural history specimens and items of local interest.
We will have a guided tour of the house on Wednesday 18th April, gathering in the car park for 2pm.
Entry per person in the group will be £2.50, and tea or coffee and a tray bake will be provided for £2.00 each.
Please let me know if you wish to join us.

All the best

Brenda

Titanic The Musical at the Grand Opera House
Organised by our new Theatre Group.
Contact Pauline Savage on 02894 439574 no later than 23/03/2018 to book.
Tickets £33.75

Fat Friends at the Grand Opera House Organised by our new Theatre Group.
Contact Pauline Savage on mob. 07767267692 no later than 27/04/2018 to book.
Tickets £36.75

Our next Natural History Group outing will be on next Wednesday 16th May 2018 to Broadwater.
We will meet at the Soldierstown Road car park at 10 am, where Bob Armitage will be our guide and I will endeavour to identify birds, flora and fauna. As usual, all help with ID is gratefully accepted and may even generate a bit of debate!

I understand there is a trip planned for Broughshane on the same day. That’s fine, take your pick. We are spoiled for choice!
As usual, please let me know if you will be coming along and we will look out for you.
This will be the last outing for this season. Next year’s programme is being planned.

All the best
Brenda

The Let's Go and Family History Groups are pairing up for a joint outing to Broughshane Museum on Wednesday 16 May. Meet at the Museum (Raceview Road) at 10.30.

Let either Hilary Beckett (94432018) or Katie Orme (94485181) know if you plan on going.

Please note: numbers for this are limited so contact Hilary Beckett (Tel. 94432018, Mob. 07748061552) as soon as possible if you plan to attend.

The next outing for the Let's Go group will take place on Wednesday 20 June. Members will meet at Randalstown Library, on New Street, at 10.30 for a Horticulture and History Walking Tour. This will be led by our own Linda Houston, who is also secretary of Randalstown Historical Society, and Helen Boyd, Chair of Tidy Randalstown and key player in the town's recent achievements in Ulster in Bloom, Britain in Bloom and various 'Best Kept' awards.

The walking tour will last approximately an hour. There will be some steps and a few uneven surfaces so wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather.

Afterwards we can go to ARCHES Community Hall for tea/coffee and scones. No charge for this but a donation to Tidy Randalstown would be appreciated.

Our outing this year will be to Lissan House, formerly the home of the Staples family outside Cookstown. The house has an interesting history and featured in the BBC's Restoration programme some years ago.

Travel will be by private car, sharing where possible. We will meet at Lissan House at 1.45 pm for a tour of the house, followed by afternoon tea in the ballroom. Afterwards people will be free to wander in the extensive grounds.

Cost per head - £20, payable to Thomina Ashenhurst at the monthly meeting on 25 May. Information on travel arrangements and directions will be provided after that.

Email: Thomina Ashenhurst Tel. 94464654

The next Theatre outing outing is on Thursday 2^nd August to the Grand Opera House for 7.30 pm, the show is Evita, tickets are £38.75.
Contact Pauline Savage on mobile 07767267692 or tel. 02894439574 no later than 11^th May to book.

More details on the Theatre Group page.

Meet at Antrim Station to catch the 9.47 train. The plan is to see the Guildhall, the Cathedral and the walls. Returning trains run every hour.

We will meet at the Ballymartin park and ride, bunk up and head for Newtownards. Please be at the car park for 9.30am.
More details on the Group page

Enjoy a cocktail in the observatory overlooking Belfast at night
This will be an à la carte menu from which you can have as little or as much as you like, it’s up to you.
We will meet at the Ballymartin bus/car park at six o'clock and take the airport bus to Belfast.

Dear Arabella Marie Jones drama
Deadline for booking and paying for tickets (£15) 26/09.

A visit to Archana’s in the Dublin Road.
This is the oldest Indian restaurant in Belfast.
It has a wide range of Indian food which Bob has sampled over the past 15 years.

We will meet at the Northern Ireland Family History Society Research Centre.

Located at Unit C4
Valley Business Centre
67 Church Road
Newtownabbey
BT36 7LS
We will meet there at 2 o’clock (if you have commitments come later when you can – we will probably be finished about 4 o’clock). We will learn about the purpose of the Centre, the work they do, the resources they have and how we can further our own research. There should be plenty of time to do some research of our own.

Let Katie (Tel. 9448 5181; Mob. 07935 924892) know asap if you plan to attend or if you need directions or transport.

Postponed due to weather forecast.
We will meet at the Ballymartin Park and Ride car park, Templepatrick for 09.30 am.
The plan is to explore Portmuck and Browns Bay, Islandmagee.
The outing will finish in Whitehead where we will look for Peregrine Falcon and then adjourn to the Old Tea House for a warming cuppa.
All the best
Brenda

Visit our Group Page for reports of previous trips.

We will meet at 15 Coyle Court (Katie’s home)
Bring something of interest from your family’s past – it could be an object, a photo, something completely different, or even something Christmassy!

Let Katie (Tel.94485181; Mob. 07935 924892) know if you plan to attend

On the Shelf Northern Irish comedy
Deadline for booking and paying for tickets (£15) 25/10

If you plan to attend please let Bob Armitage know. Tel. 07734867470.

The cost is £20 and this should be paid  (preferably in cash) no later than the November monthly meeting on Friday 23rd.

Want to do something that lifts the spirits ( and inspite of its name it is uplifting)?
If so put this in your diary.
Thursday 10/01/2019 @ 2:30pm. Day trip to Dublin to see Les Miserables at Bord Gais theatre.
Cost approx euro 52. Deadline for booking and paying a deposit of £20 ...... 15/10/2018.
Sorry about the tight deadlines but tickets are selling fast.

French cuisine in a Titanic themed restaurant.
More details on the Fine Dining Group page

Jake O’Kane Satirical comedy
Deadline for booking and paying for tickets (£27) 1/11/2018

Meet at Antrim Station to catch the 10.14 train or be at Botanic Station for 10.44.
The plan is to see the Leonardo da Vinci "A life in drawing" exhibition and the Game of Thrones tapestry

Botanic Gardens, Palm House, Tropical Ravine and the Museum
Our next trip is to the Botanic Gardens Belfast, on Wednesday 20th February, meeting up at The Palm House at 10am.
The train from Antrim at 09.14 will arrive at Botanic station at 09.44. The walk to Botanic Gardens will take 5/10 minutes.
The plan is to walk around the gardens, through The Palm House and the Tropical Ravine and on to the Museum. There is a very nice coffee shop!
See you there

Asian Fusion Restaurant
The next Fine Dining experience is on the 21 February 2019 and it is the Asian Fusion restaurant 31 University Road. We will meet at 5.45 at the Ballymartin car park (6.15 at the Europa bus station)

This is an interesting restaurant as all the food is cooked on a hot plate in front of you. Apparently this is called “papanyaki” I have no idea how you spell it but that’s how it sounds. Should be an interesting experience!

Anyone interested in going please phone Bob Armitage @ 07734867470
email:bobarmi@btopenworld.com

WOW
WOW, RSPB’s Window On Wildlife, and beyond towards Holywood

Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant

Portmore RSPB reserve and Oxford Island

Browns - Bond Hill, Derry - Restaurant

Larne and Glynn Halt

Hi Everyone
Next month’s field trip will be on Wednesday 22nd May 2019 and will be, by popular request, to Larne and Glynn Halt.
We will meet at the Railway Station car park in Larne Town, just off the “Crown” roundabout at 10am.

There, after checking for birds on the lagoon, we will take the train to Glynn Halt where a small estuary beside the platform attracts birds and mammals and a good variety of wildflowers will be found along a lane on the other side of the road.
This will be the last outing of this year.
Please let me know if you plan to join me.
Best regards,
Brenda

Tel. 93323657. Mob. 07708205593. Email Brenda

Let's Go Group

For the group's next outing we will be visiting Ulster University at the York Street site to see the Art College Degree Show. This is an end of term display by the final year students.

Please note the change of date. Meet at the Airbus stop beside the University at 11.00 a.m.

We will be going to the EDÕ restaurant in Upper Queen Street and meet at Templepatrick car park & share (opposite the Templeton Hotel) for the 17.45 bus which leaves the airport at 17.40.
EDÕ is a European restaurant with a Spanish slant where you can have the sharing Tapas style or the traditional starter and main course if you prefer.
EDÕ uses a Berta oven which allows the chef to cook using apple and pear wood to give the dishes a distintive smokey flavour. Sounds good!

Next month's Fine Dining is on Thursday the 21st of November 2019
We will be going to The Ivory Restaurant in the Victoria Square Centre and will meet at Templepatrick car park at the usual time 17.45
The Ivory is a chic & contemporary Restaurant and Bar, which offers fantastic food and breathtaking views in stylish surroundings
As usual if you would like to go text Bob

Bob Armitage Tel. 07734867470

A trip is planned to the Lyric on Thursday December 5^th to see Driving Home for Christmas.

Would you be at all interested?
The theatre are prepared to book a block of tickets and hold for 14 days. Any indication of interest at this time does not constitute a contract it just helps me to get an idea of numbers. Please also indicate if we go if you are interested in a pre theatre meal.
More informaton on the Theatre Group page

This years Christmas Lunch will be at the Massereene Golf Clubhouse. We will meet at 12.30 for 1 o’clock on Friday 13th December 2019. There will be a full menu to choose from with some veggie and gf choices, the cost will be £20 per person. The menu is available below and at the October 25th meeting. Anyone wishing to go should choose their meal on the menu and give it, together with their £20 to Bob Armitage at the November 22nd meeting
Christmas Menu 2019

Details on the Fine Dining Group page

Meet in the Museum foyer at 12.30
An in-depth look at the outfits anad inspirations behind the Ulster Museum's latest fashion exhibition Vice-Versaa - the influence of menswear on womenns' fashion and vice-versa.

Details on the Fine Dining Group page

Details on the Fine Dining Group page

The Inter U3A Bridge tournament.
Details are here.

Who would like to go on an adventure? We all like to act a little foolishly sometimes so I’m organising a trip to Westport Co. Mayo on Wednesday 1st April 2020.
Details can be found here.

Join us on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 for the first NI Writers Day, celebrating Northern Irish writers and writing.

This free online day of events, hosted by The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, will shine a spotlight on our acclaimed poets, playwrights and authors.

This is the first time that the RSL has joined with the Arts Council to host an event like this in Northern Ireland and the planned programme has been designed to appeal to both readers and writers.

The day's proceedings will be hosted by award-winning Belfast-born writer Paul McVeigh. In conversation with Director of the RSL Molly Rosenberg, they will discuss the RSL Open Fellowship Programme, why a community of writers is important, and how to recommend a writer to the programme.

At lunchtime, award-winning poet and Chair of the RSL, Daljit Nagra, will deliver a free hour-long workshop. Open to all, whether you have recently started writing or are regularly performing work, Daljit's writing exercises and infectious energy will encourage writers to experiment with form and imagination.

Tickets for NI Writers Day are free and can be booked via the RSL website,
As numbers are strictly limited for the poetry workshop with Daljit Nagra and, early booking is strongly advised. From this afternoon, booking will be opened up to RSL subscribers across the UK. So book today to avoid disappointment.

Book Now

2nd December a special national event.
A presentation followed by conversations with Kindertransport refugees and their families, with Dame Esther Rantzen.
Steve Williams, of Arun East u3a, will be delivering his engaging and informative presentation which gives context to the events of 1939. Steve will present some of the key people, many with a u3a connection, involved in rescuing 10,000 children from the threats of Nazi occupation. He will also be introducing some important figures who are less well known. After a break, Dame Esther Rantzen will be talking to u3a members whose lives were saved and transformed by the Kindertransport migration. Hear about their different experiences, from those who lived through it, from the next generation ensuring their family’s remarkable past is not forgotten, and from the British hosts, who have grown up with Kindertransport foster siblings.

Book your place at this special u3a learning event, and many other opportunities, via our online events page.

Christmas Dinner,Friday 10 December at 12.30pm in the Dunsilly Hotel. Numbers are limited to 40, so it has to be first come first served.
Christmas Dinner 2021
Please send cheque to :- Bob Armitage at 9 Bridge Park, Templepatrick, Co. Antrim
BT39 0AE or phone 07734867470

NI Opera will be holding its annual lunchtime Christmas Concert performed by members of the NI Opera Studio.

Tickets are free, the seating is first come first served and doors will open at 12.45pm.

There are COVID-19 restrictions which will need to be observed by the audience - details of these and the concert are in the link below.
https://niopera.com/performances/christmas-concert/

You must register to attend

“The book of lost names” by Kristin Harmel

General Meeting with tea or coffee from 10.30 am.
The speaker is Dr Stephanie Conn, an award winner poet.

“Light on Snow” by Anita Shreveport

Annual Outing
Brownlow House, Lurgan
2.00 pm Talk & Tour
3.00 pm Afternoon tea
Cost £20

Mindfulness and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle

You must register to attend.

“The Black Dress” by Deborah Maggach

Meet at the Barbican gate at 10.30am.
A leisurely stroll to see the Clockwork trees and enjoy some light refreshments.
No registration is needed for this event.

Please sign up at the next meeting, or contact Hilary at becketth@hotmail.co.uk.

Hello everyone,

This season’s opening meeting of Massereene u3a will take place in Antrim Library on Friday 23rd September. You are welcome to bring visitors or prospective new members.

Come along from 10.30 to enjoy a cup of tea and a catch up chat.

Our speaker,Joanne McConville,who is the daughter of one of our members will share the story of her experience when her parachute failed to open.

A meal has been booked at Barnaby’s Restaurant for 6pm followed by a visit to Ballyearl Courtyard Theatre to see “Strictly for the Birds” performed by Rosemary Drama Group. Please contact Bob Armitage if you wish to join the outing (07734867470)

This will be in Greystone Community Centre at 2.30 and will meet on a fortnightly basis. All welcome- no need to sign up.

A talk and cookery demonstration with Judith Calvin (dietician).
Places are available so need to contact, just turn up.
Contact for further information contact Hilary.

Mob: 07748061552
Hilary Beckett.

We will be going to the “3 Levels Fusion Restaurant” on the University Road. We have been to this restaurant before and it was quite exciting and it has very good reviews.
Details on the Dine Out page

Nuala McKeever will lead this session.
Places area available so no need to contact, just turn up.

Enchanted Garden walk in the Castle Grounds at 6.30pm.
Cost £6.
If you did not sign up for this event at our last meeting you will need to book individually for 6.30pm but then be welcome to join the others later for refreshments.
Tickets can be booked online or in person at the Giftshop in Clotworthy.

Adrian Ross will explain the intricacies of cameras and give guidance on framing subjects. Although this applies mainly to cameras, everyone is welcome.

Meet at at the ship in Titanic Quarter.
Please let Hilary know if you plan to come as tickets may be booked online for £8.

AGM of Massereene u3a in Antrim Library.
This will be a brief meeting followed by a Speaker from the Ulster Scots Agency.

At the meeting, the treasurer would welcome the annual membership fee of £18 and the programme for the incoming season will be available.

Ulster Aviation Centre, Maze,Long Kesh.
We will meet at the Centre at 2pm.
Please contact me if you wish to attend.
Car sharing can be arranged, if necessary.
Hillary 07748061552

Encore Screening of the ballet “Don Quixote” from Royal Opera House, London. It is showing at Antrim Omniplex cinema at 7.15pm.

Meet at cinema around 7pm, if interested.

Make a Christmas table centre with Gillian.
This will be on Wednesday MORNING at 10.30
Gillian will provide all the materials and the cost will be £21.
Please contact me if you are interested.

07748061552 or email becketth@hotmail.co.uk

On Wednesday the 7^th February it will be the Massereene U3A’s 10th Anniversary and we are going to have a dinner to celebrate. It will be held in the River room Dunadry Hotel with a 7pm for 7.30pm start. There is a 3 course set menu (exceptions for allergies etc) at £38.00 per head. Please text or phone me if you would like to go, so I have some idea of numbers and if you are going, bring your money to the 26^th January 2024 monthly meeting when we hope to finalise the programme.

Last year we had a very successful spring break in Westport so I thought this year we would head east rather than west and go to Gorey in Co. Wexford I have arranged a 3 night bed and breakfast with 2 evening meals at the Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey. The cost of the deal is around £200/euros per person sharing a double/twin room. We will be going on Tuesday 12th March and coming home on Friday 15th March ( avoiding St Patrick’s Day) we’ll travel by the Dublin Enterprise train from Belfast to Dublin O’Connell Street where we’ll change to the Wexford train to Gorey (no need to go to Hueston)and all being well arrive in Gorey around 3.30pm (senior citizens pass free). The Amber Springs brochure is on the Massereene U3A web site showing all it’s attractions and amenities which I thought pretty extensive.
Coming home on the Friday, I thought the 2pm train from Gorey getting us home in Belfast at 7.00pm.
Is that busy enough for you?
Text me 07734867470

Regards,
Bob

Hi everyone, this month’s “Dine Out” is on Thursday 21 March and is going to be “Edo’s Restaurant" 3 Upper Queen St. Belfast.
We will catch the 5.57 Airport Bus as usual at the carpark opposite The Rabbit.
Text me if you would like to go 07734867470
Bon appetite
Bob

Meet in Library foyer

Anyone requiring a lift, or willing to car share, please meet in High Street church car park at 1pm.

Otherwise meet at Hillsborough Castle car park at 2pm.Normal entrance charges will apply.

Bank Square Brasserie, Berry Street, Belfast.

Bus from Templepatrick at 17.57.

Please contact Bob.(07734867479)

On Saturday 20 April we are joining other groups and individuals in a litter pick in Rea's Wood on the shores of Lough Neagh. This event is being organised by Keep NI Beautiful in conjunction with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. You can register via this link.

A talk by Matthew Allen on electric cars at Antrim Library at 10.30am. Used electric car prices have fallen significantly in the last year and Matthew will talk about his experience of owning an older electric car, as well as the issues and benefits for the environment.

Hi everyone, this month’s “Dine Out” is on Thursday 16 May 2024 and is going to be “Malmaison restaurant and Grill” 34-38 Victoria St, Belfast.
We will catch the 5.57 Airport Bus as usual at the carpark opposite The Rabbit.
Text me if you would like to go 07734867470
Bon appetite
Bob

Trip to Portmore Lough and Montiaghs Moss nature reserves near Aghalee.
Anyone wishing to go should meet at Portmore Lough car park at 11.00am or 10.15am in Bridge Road car park in Antrim (for car sharing). Bring picnic lunch.
For more information contact Graham Seymour (07798 600093).

Hi everyone, this month’s “Dine Out” is on Thursday 20 June and is going to be at Hilton, Templepatrick.
Numbers are required by 17^th June.
Please text Jane Adam, 07724068761, if you wish to attend.

Outing to Killymoon Castle on Friday 28th June at 2.00pm with tour of castle and afternoon tea.
Meet in High Street church car park at 12.45pm to depart at 1pm.
If making own arrangements for transport please let us know (028 94464654).

A talk and presentation on Recycling by Claire Evans of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council's Waste Management Team.
This will be a chance to find out what happens to the plastic, paper and cardboard that we put in our blue bins.
The talk will be held at Antrim Library starting at 10.30am.
There will be a charge of £3.00 per person to cover the cost of the room and for tea/coffee.

A get together at Langtry Garden Centre, Old Portmore Road, Moira
Meet at Garden centre around 11am for Coffee, lunch or just a chat.
Nothing has been booked so feel free to come.

6-7pm A talk by local author James Murphy.

Live screening of the opera Wolf, Witch, Giant Fairy, (a.k.a. Red Riding Hood), from Covent Garden.
Lasts only 1 hour 5 minutes

David Bell is our volunteer speaker explaining the purpose and work of the Woodland Trust.