Our monthly meetings take place on the first Monday of each month, or the second Monday when the first Monday is a bank holiday.
The meetings are held at the Charis Centre in Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2JZ.
Doors will open at 1.30pm and our guest speaker will normally start at 2.15pm.
Please do not arrive before 1.30pm as it makes it very difficult to get the hall ready for the meeting. Group leaders are invited to attend from 1.00pm to set up their tables.
There is step-free access into the main hall via double doors.
We have a hearing loop located on the far right wall when looking from the stage area.
Our Speakers for 2026
Our short Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held before our Speaker on Monday 5th January.
Sir Frederick Gibberd - His Life, Work and Garden - Cherith Lowry
Monday 5th January
The Gibberd Garden is an inspirational and fascinating Grade II listed garden. Created between 1957 and 1984 by Sir Frederick Gibberd, Master Planner of Harlow New Town and leading post-war architect. The garden is acknowledged to be one of the most important 20th century gardens in the country.
Wildlife in Zambia - Mary and Graham Brace
Monday 2nd February
Mary and Graham are wildlife photographers and conservationists who give presentations about the countries they have travelled to. They return to Thorley u3a after their popular talk last year about British and European Wildlife.
Ant & Dec, The W. I. and Me - Lindsey Barrell
Monday 2nd March
In this fabulously funny, heart-warming and interesting talk Lindsey will tell you all about how she appeared on primetime TV shows and won, not one, but 2 fabulous free holidays!
Fraud & Scam Awareness, Keeping You Safe - Susan Farrugia
Monday 13th April
Susan Farrugia from Barclays bank will be updating us on how to steer clear of the latest scams. You can read all abut their advice on their website here: https://www.barclays.co.uk/fraud-and-scams/
Dad's Army, The Nation's Favourite Comedy - Charles Garland
Monday 11th May
Charles delivers a fascinating, and predictably amusing talk. It includes anecdotes and personal insights about the writers, the cast, and what sets Dad’s Army apart from the rest of the TV comedy archive.
Old Movies Saved My Life - Mel Byron
Monday 1st June
Whilst her friends were sneaking into nightclubs underage, Mel Byron was spending her weekends learning about life from the films of the 30s, 40s and 50s. From these she learnt about life, if not entirely accurately.
My Adventures in Helicopters - Duncan Bickley
Monday 6th July
A talk about various trips and adventures I experienced whilst flying customers about the UK and Europe. These include flying in London, Paris, the French Alps, Mallorca and the entire coast of mainland UK.
The National Garden Scheme, Mount Garden - David Davison
Monday 3rd August
When we moved to the Mount in 1998 it had been used as a nursery with greenhouses, boiler room and chicken runs. There was no planting and some rough area of lawn, so we began our plan to turn it into a home and garden.
Adventures of A Ghost Hunter - Damien O'Dell
Monday 7th September
Personal experiences of ghosts and haunted houses, spanning over 40 years of paranormal investigation. I lead my own group, APIS (Anglia Paranormal Investigation Society). Included is a section ‘Local Haunts’, which varies depending on where I’m giving the talk.
Churchill's Intervention in the Russian Civil War - Andy Stuart
Monday 5th October
Officer's mutinies and volunteers for Churchill's North Russian Relief Force. Recruiting from the prisons - what could possibly go wrong? Exploring a forgotten period of British history and Churchill's involvement in it.
Sing a Song of Christmas - Danielle Barnett
Monday 2nd November
You’ve sung them whilst clutching cups of hot cocoa, cosying around a fire. They are played constantly in shopping malls, churches and parties – but do you know why some of the best known Christmas songs were created? Join me for a fun and enlightening sing-a-long talk!