![GARDENING GROUP – HELPING THE COMMUNITY](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GAR-.jpg)
![GARDENING GROUP – HELPING THE COMMUNITY](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GAR-.jpg)
![Tea at the Museum – Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DOR-6-1080x675.jpg)
Tea at the Museum – Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum uncovers moving and important stories of everyday people’s interactions with the justice system since the late 18th century. It shows how the law affects all of us, and how we can also affect the law. The Museum makes this extraordinary building and these fascinating stories available and enjoyable for all.
![Spies, Pies, Lies and Disguise](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/5-scaled-e1702737073191-1080x675.jpg)
Spies, Pies, Lies and Disguise
A big thank you for Yesterday – Spies, Pies, Lies, and Disguise was a wonderful end of term entertainment. We all laughed so much.
Peter’s script, Rita’s direction and the dedication and enthusiasm of all the cast and backstage supporters made this a fantastic afternoon. Kevin Bradley stepped in as No1. Peter had been in Hospital but we were delighted he made it to the performance and the cast did him proud.
![scan_20231216143140](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/scan_20231216143140-scaled-e1702735824544.jpg)
![SATURDAY WALKS 2ND DECEMBER](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WALK-2ND--1080x675.jpg)
SATURDAY WALKS 2ND DECEMBER
Yesterday 19 hardy U3A members turned out at Moors Valley for the December Saturday walk. Considering the cold weather this was a truly brilliant number who all donned winter coats and set off from Potterne Park in Verwood to walk the mile and a half to the Moors Valley visitor centre – and more importantly the cafe ! – before taking an alternative route back to Verwood.
An added bonus was catching sight of all 5 of the steam trains preparing for the “Santa Special” rides taking place that day – there was more than one member who would happily have jumped on board!
Everyone said they thoroughly enjoyed themselves despite the temperature!
The next walk will be on Saturday February 3rd and will be at Ashley Heath and led by Keith & Janet Banks. Further details will be sent out nearer the time.
Clare Clayton.
![WALK 2ND](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WALK-2ND--scaled.jpg)
![KNIT & NATTER: TRAUMA TEDDIES](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ted-scaled-e1701282058348-1080x675.jpg)
KNIT & NATTER: TRAUMA TEDDIES
Our knit and natter group meets once a fortnight and along with our own projects we also knit for to support others. This term it has been to support STAR with their teddy appeal.
The Trauma Teddy initiative started out initially to comfort children who have been sexually assaulted, In the summer the STAR TEAM put out an appeal calling for people to send in handmade knitted teddy bears. The organisation has since received almost 500 trauma teddies, which have been given to children during their counselling sessions. “It’s just something that makes that person feel special, believed and heard.”
If you would like to support STARS in this important work, download the knitting pattern or crochet pattern and pick up your needles! Please email info@starsdorset.org once your teddies are ready for service.
![LINFORD BOTTOM](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-1024x675.jpg)
LINFORD BOTTOM
On Friday 17th November 18 intrepid walkers set off for a stomp from Linford Bottom ( just off the A 31). After the unprecedented amount of rainfall in recent weeks the sun shone and the forest looked beautiful. The walk was a mix of gravel tracks through forest and open heathland with lots of mud and water! We met a few ponies and cows along the route to keep us company. If you have never been to this part of the New Forest we would recommend a visit, but choose drier months as it is susceptible to being extremely muddy in places. It I was a lovely way to spend a couple hours with friends in the Autumn sun. The colours were stunning.
![3](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3.jpg)
![2](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2.jpg)
![1](https://ferndownu3a.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1.jpg)