Torrevieja u3a Groups Update
November 2025
Memorial: The presentation of Lewis Twist’s memorial bench was held at El Capitan, Punta Prima, on Thursday 30th October 2025. Lewis, a much loved and respected u3a member and group leader, tragically collapsed in January while playing pickleball. The bench was placed near the pickleball and padel tennis courts with over thirty members of the two groups along with Lewis’s wife, Alison, in attendance. An emotional and, at the same time, uplifting tribute.
Samba Canasta Group: This is a new u3a group although Harm Caspers, the group leader, has been running this group independently for a long time. Thank you Harm for choosing to make your group part of the u3a, within the board & card games category.
Spanish Improvers: The next Spanish Improvers Course will start on Monday 12th January 2026. Classes are held weekly, online via Zoom, starting at 15:00 hours. If you wish to join please contact Rosa, the group leader, as soon as possible as places are limited. Further information and contact details are on the website: torreviejau3a.org
Walking in La Mata: Many thanks to Ann Kelly for taking over the leadership of this popular and friendly walking group from 3rd November. Also, continued thanks to Ann for being our super Welfare Officer.
Family History: While James is still happy to offer advice and information about researching your family history his details have been removed from the website to stop him from taking on too much and becoming overloaded with research requests. James attends most of the CMO Meetings where he is available to answer questions and point you in the right direction.
Tenpin Bowling: Sadly, as this group does not have a group leader, it has been removed from the website and is no longer a u3a group.
GROUP NEWS
Cycling for Fun: The information below is from Roger, the group leader:
Do you cycle around the Torrevieja area but are not sure where to go? If so, we can help. We have many, mostly traffic free, cycling loops in the area that will take you places you have never been and offer views of where you live from viewpoints you can only get to on a pushbike. We use dedicated cycle tracks, the canal roads and quiet lanes through the orchards with occasional sections of gravel road. We are now mostly e-bikers and do rides from 10 to 20 miles (16 to 30 kilometers). We always meet, and have a break where there is food and drink available. We never leave anyone behind, we chat all the way and you are guided by me, your group leader, all the time. Come and join our happy little group.
Further information and contact details are on the website: torreviejau3a.org
You can also find us on Facebook: Torrevieja u3a Social Cycling Activity Group.
Walk & Talk: The 18th October walk and talk started a little further afield than usual in Santa Pola. 16 members travelled to meet Peter Stead, the leader for this walk, for a delightful wander and chat along the beautiful promenade, past the fishing boats and ferries to Tabarca Island to a café for a coffee stop before taking a leisurely wander back
COMING UP
Groups Fair: On Monday 26th January 2026 our annual Groups Fair will start the u3a new year off with a busy and lively display from many of our wonderful groups keen to share their passion and knowledge of their chosen activities with as many members and visitors as possible. So, please put the date in your diary NOW and bring your friends and family along for an interesting couple of hours at the CMO building in Torrevieja, doors open at 10:30 hours. We look forward to seeing you there.
OTHER NEWS
EXPO: The EXPO at the Torrevieja Auditorium was held on Saturday and Sunday 15th and 16th November. The u3a had a table on both days, handing out information, talking to lots of people and signing up quite a few new members. The event was very well attended by both exhibitors and visitors. In the first 3 hours on Saturday more than 2,000 people had already visited the many stands and exhibits.
Local Orphanages: Over the years u3a members have provided many gifts and donations for the orphanages in Elche and Orihuela. Last week my husband and I visited the Orihuela orphanage to deliver some wonderful games, toys and Primark vouchers very kindly donated by various members. Miguel, who met us, told us they look after and support nearly 100 children between the two sites, aged 6 to 17 years. He was extremely grateful on behalf of the children and commented that the older children particularly would enjoy spending the vouchers on items of their own choice. As our President said in his recent Newsletter, the u3a donations in December will be going to the children. If anyone wishes to make a personal donation or perhaps buy a Primark €10 voucher please bring them along to the CMO on 24th November or 8th December. Thank you all for your kindness and generosity.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ALL OUR AVAILABLE GROUPS & ACTIVITIES click on the Groups tab of our website: torreviejau3a.org Scroll down the groups page and click on any of the groups that interest you to see all the information and contact details.
OR you can email Michelle Johnson at: u3agroupsliaison@gmail.com
We love to hear about your group activities so please send me a few words and photos, with the permission of your members, to include in the groups’ updates.
The next Groups Update will be in January 2026 so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Michelle.