Mid-Bucks (Aylesbury) u3a Monthly Meetings
We meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Southcourt Community Centre, Prebendal Avenue, Aylesbury HP21 8LF.
We gather from 1:30pm for a 2:00pm start.
Meetings begin with a brief welcome and introduction from the Chairman, which includes notices about upcoming events and activities. This is followed by an opportunity to talk to friends and make new acquaintances whilst enjoying free refreshments.
There are also opportunities for Members to meet Group Leaders to find out more about their groups, and to sign up for activities.
The meetings continue with presentations by invited speakers on a wide variety of topics. Details of forthcoming speakers are below.
The Monthly Meetings Tea Rota can be accessed using the following link: Tea Rota 2026
Mid-Bucks (Aylesbury) u3a Monthly Meeting talks
17th September 2026 – Dr Stephen Goss – Opulence, Innovation and Intrigue – the history of the Orient Express
Dr Stephen Goss is an academic historian who has been published in peer-review journals, and has been a popular speaker in local historical societies and community groups for 15 years. Talks from Stephen give history based on the highest standard of research and analysis, presented in an engaging, witty and enjoyable way. He tailors his talks to suit the audience and guarantees that we will be fascinated with the insights, and hear humorous anecdotes which will stay with us. We look forward to hearing from him.
15th October 2026 – Nigel Crompton – History of the British Fire Service
Nigel Crompton has been speaking for over 30 years on a range of subjects to many different and varied audiences. These include Rotary Clubs, Probus, Schools and different associations and special interest groups throughout the UK. At the age of 55 he was invited to go to University for the first time and gained a Masters Degree in British History, specializing in First World War Studies. During his career in the fire service he undertook many presentations on the development of the Fire Service and other emergency services. Nigel is based in Buckinghamshire, but has travelled widely not only researching but assisting with exhibitions and displays as well as giving talks.
The talk will follow the development of fire fighting from the earliest known forms through social changes, the industrial revolution, two world wars and up to the modern day situation. Nigel will also highlight the role of women in fire fighting especially during the Great War.
19th November 2026 – Sara Shelby – 10 Years Inside
Sara Shelby is an ex Metropolitan Police Officer. She joined the Police Force in 1976. She was born in Islington and was posted locally to Bethnal Green in the East End. Since leaving the Police Force Sara has been a teacher, been in the prison service and has run her own business and much more. We shall look forward, once again, to her particular insights, this time about her time as a prison officer, not as a prisoner!
17th December 2026 – Sun Jester – A Christmas Entertainment
Sun Jester is a family business that offers a range of informal talks and entertainments for groups of all interests. They have been working in the field of Heritage Education for over 25 years.
We will be provided with a feast of anecdotes and music on a seasonal theme. Live performances of classic Christmas songs from the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals combine with humorous stories about the artistes. Sun Jester will also look at the origins of some of our Christmas traditions, and how one of them was (and still could be) illegal.
Other u3a Events
For more u3a talks and events please visit the following links:
u3a – Online Learning Events – visit here for more information about u3a events from the Third Age Trust.
u3a – Thames Valley Network – visit here for more information about the u3a Thames Valley Network events.