Study Days 2026
MARCH 2026
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH + NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH + NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
On Thursday, 26th March we took a coach load of members to my old College. Formerly, it was the Royal Naval College, but after the Navy left in 1999, it became the Old Royal Naval College. Still a National Treasure, it is now part of the University system of the country.
We left the Visitor Centre, by the massive bronze Turkish cannon taken from the Ottoman Navy, and with two very well-informed guides, we walked to the waterfront site of Henry VIII and Elizabeth’s Palace Placentia and were shown photographs of the 1973 excavations, now covered again by the lawns and walkways of the Grand Square, presided over by the statue of George II. Standing there, it was a place to appreciate what Sir Christopher Wren had conceived.
Then it was inside to see the two buildings that are the stars of the visit, the Chapel with its painting by Benjamin West, the “Raphael of America” and finally, the Painted Hall, where the dramatic paintings of Sir John Thornhill dominate the Hall. In TV and films, we’ve all seen where it has been used, but nothing really beats being there. Now there are seats one can lie on to take in the ceiling painting. As an old staff member, it brought back memories!
Then we dispersed for lunch, in the College or in Greenwich Market. Some found a traditional Pie and Mash shop. Afterwards, it was a visit around the Maritime Museum, the foremost museum of the sea in the country. One or two made it to the top of Greenwich Hill, with the Observatory and the Meridian Line and were able to see the spectacular view down the hill, over the Museum with the Queens House, the College, the Thames and the backdrop of Canary Wharf with its skyscrapers.
It was a great day with a lot of walking but well worth it. Report by Neil Lynn
We left the Visitor Centre, by the massive bronze Turkish cannon taken from the Ottoman Navy, and with two very well-informed guides, we walked to the waterfront site of Henry VIII and Elizabeth’s Palace Placentia and were shown photographs of the 1973 excavations, now covered again by the lawns and walkways of the Grand Square, presided over by the statue of George II. Standing there, it was a place to appreciate what Sir Christopher Wren had conceived.
Then it was inside to see the two buildings that are the stars of the visit, the Chapel with its painting by Benjamin West, the “Raphael of America” and finally, the Painted Hall, where the dramatic paintings of Sir John Thornhill dominate the Hall. In TV and films, we’ve all seen where it has been used, but nothing really beats being there. Now there are seats one can lie on to take in the ceiling painting. As an old staff member, it brought back memories!
Then we dispersed for lunch, in the College or in Greenwich Market. Some found a traditional Pie and Mash shop. Afterwards, it was a visit around the Maritime Museum, the foremost museum of the sea in the country. One or two made it to the top of Greenwich Hill, with the Observatory and the Meridian Line and were able to see the spectacular view down the hill, over the Museum with the Queens House, the College, the Thames and the backdrop of Canary Wharf with its skyscrapers.
It was a great day with a lot of walking but well worth it. Report by Neil Lynn
Thanks to Neil & Pat Lynn for organising this visit; to Neil & to Allen Thomas for the photos.
APRIL 2026
WIMBLEDON LAWN TENNIS MUSEUM & TOUR
WIMBLEDON LAWN TENNIS MUSEUM & TOUR
On Tuesday 21 April 2026, 40 of us travelled by coach to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club where we were split into two groups and taken on a really interesting ninety minute tour behind the scenes by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic Blue Badge guide. We were shown Number 1 Court, Centre Court and the rebuilding of the outside courts where we learned how the grass is grown, mown and cared for. A visit to the Media Centre, where international broadcasting companies gather was also included, as well as a glimpse of Henman Hill, known simply as 'The Hill' at Wimbledon! The whole area is beautifully maintained and we were told many interesting facts and stories as well as historical information.
Afterwards, most of us went down to the village to explore and have lunch. We then returned to look around the museum where there were interactive exhibits as well as many displays of historical events, fashions of clothing from the Victorian period to the present day, technological developments of tennis racquets and balls and displays of trophies.
There was a lot of great feedback from members following the trip. It was generally agreed to be "an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable day" and "a wonderful Study Day". Other comments include how fascinating and amazing the various exhibits in the Museum were and how much we learned during the course of our visit.
Afterwards, most of us went down to the village to explore and have lunch. We then returned to look around the museum where there were interactive exhibits as well as many displays of historical events, fashions of clothing from the Victorian period to the present day, technological developments of tennis racquets and balls and displays of trophies.
There was a lot of great feedback from members following the trip. It was generally agreed to be "an interesting and thoroughly enjoyable day" and "a wonderful Study Day". Other comments include how fascinating and amazing the various exhibits in the Museum were and how much we learned during the course of our visit.
Thanks to Rob & Deb Jones for organising this visit and for the report and photos.
MAY 2026
BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORD
BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORD
On Wednesday 13th May, 47 Paddock Wood u3a members set off by coach from Putlands at 7.30am!! for the trip to Blenheim Palace. It was a cloudy day but we hoped it would stay dry..... The journey sadly took us just over 3 hours as the traffic was so bad. We had a break at Cobham services after an hour and a half.
Blenheim Palace is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Today, the Palace is still the actual home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, as it has been for all the other Dukes in the past 300 years. However, over the years the Palace has also been used as a hospital during World War I and as a boys’ school during World War II. The 10th Duke of Marlborough opened it to the public in 1950.
After we arrived at Blenheim and collected our tickets, there was a short walk or shuttle bus ride to the palace. Arriving at the palace we had to wait for our audio guides, as they didn’t seem to have enough.
Then we started our tours individually following the audio route.
First we entered the magnificent Great Hall with huge classical columns around the sides and marvelled at its 20-meter painted ceiling. Then on to the Long Library (housing over 10,000 books), and tapestries illustrating the 1st Duke of Marlborough's victories. We also visited the exhibition about Winston Churchill and the room where he was born.
We visited some beautifully decorated rooms with lavish furnishings and interesting occupants....Look through the pictures below and see if you can you spot any u3a members enjoying themselves!!
After a very busy and interesting day, we had a good journey home, arriving back about 7pm.
Blenheim Palace is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Today, the Palace is still the actual home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, as it has been for all the other Dukes in the past 300 years. However, over the years the Palace has also been used as a hospital during World War I and as a boys’ school during World War II. The 10th Duke of Marlborough opened it to the public in 1950.
After we arrived at Blenheim and collected our tickets, there was a short walk or shuttle bus ride to the palace. Arriving at the palace we had to wait for our audio guides, as they didn’t seem to have enough.
Then we started our tours individually following the audio route.
First we entered the magnificent Great Hall with huge classical columns around the sides and marvelled at its 20-meter painted ceiling. Then on to the Long Library (housing over 10,000 books), and tapestries illustrating the 1st Duke of Marlborough's victories. We also visited the exhibition about Winston Churchill and the room where he was born.
We visited some beautifully decorated rooms with lavish furnishings and interesting occupants....Look through the pictures below and see if you can you spot any u3a members enjoying themselves!!
After a very busy and interesting day, we had a good journey home, arriving back about 7pm.
Thanks to Wendy Wollen & Linda Fearnley for organising this visit; to Linda for the report and to Linda & Philip Easom for the photos.
JUNE 2026
THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA
On Wednesday 17th June, fifty members boarded the coach in Paddock Wood for our Study Day visit to The Royal Hospital Chelsea and I am pleased to say fifty members came back!
After fighting through the London traffic, we arrived at the Royal Hospital in time to meet our guides, Sergeant Dave and Corporal Bob. Dave and Bob are what are termed In-Pensioners, which means they are resident in The Chelsea Hospital, rather than Out-Pensioners who reside off-site. Dave and Bob looked truly resplendent in their iconic red dress uniforms. After being divided into two groups of twenty five, we were given a brief history of this unique institution patronised by King Charles II and designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It took ten years to build and opened in 1692, seven years after King Charles II died, so he didn't see the opening of the splendid Hospital, which was his legacy for the old soldiers who fought for king and country. The first resident was a ninety year old veteran of the English Civil War battle of Edge Hill, fifty years earlier.
The Royal Hospital sits on a 66 acre site and includes Grade 1 listed buildings. We saw what the accommodation was like, being very bijou; three metres square which remained in use until the 1950s. The Hospital now boasts hotel standard accommodation and currently accommodates 283 residents but can accommodate 312. Female pensioners were admitted in 2009 and now it houses six female residents. A new hospital wing was built in 1988, financed in part by the then PM, Margaret Thatcher. The infirmary can accommodate 35 pensioners and boasts having its own GP in residence. We visited the Great Hall which also acts as the dining hall, also the chapel with a marvellous ambience and where it felt so peaceful. The Hospital is set with a central building and two identical east and west wings, along with the adjacent later hospital and accommodation wing. You could see that Dave and Bob take enormous pride in being Chelsea Pensioners and were so proud of their Hospital, such a unique and worthwhile establishment. After visiting the Wellington on-site museum, members had free time to explore and have lunch in the Royal Borough of Chelsea, with some of the group visiting the National Army Museum next door and the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden.
At 4pm we returned to our coach and our driver Gary to make our way home through the heavy London traffic, crossing the Thames at last over Putney Bridge. Gary did a great job in getting us back to Paddock Wood only 30 minutes after the expected time of arrival, after a thoroughly interesting day and fascinating insight into the life of the Chelsea Pensioners - and the sun shone!
Thanks to Michael Smith & Barry Ednie for organising this visit and to Allen Thomas, Sue Ednie & Deb Jones for the photographs.
THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA
On Wednesday 17th June, fifty members boarded the coach in Paddock Wood for our Study Day visit to The Royal Hospital Chelsea and I am pleased to say fifty members came back!
After fighting through the London traffic, we arrived at the Royal Hospital in time to meet our guides, Sergeant Dave and Corporal Bob. Dave and Bob are what are termed In-Pensioners, which means they are resident in The Chelsea Hospital, rather than Out-Pensioners who reside off-site. Dave and Bob looked truly resplendent in their iconic red dress uniforms. After being divided into two groups of twenty five, we were given a brief history of this unique institution patronised by King Charles II and designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It took ten years to build and opened in 1692, seven years after King Charles II died, so he didn't see the opening of the splendid Hospital, which was his legacy for the old soldiers who fought for king and country. The first resident was a ninety year old veteran of the English Civil War battle of Edge Hill, fifty years earlier.
The Royal Hospital sits on a 66 acre site and includes Grade 1 listed buildings. We saw what the accommodation was like, being very bijou; three metres square which remained in use until the 1950s. The Hospital now boasts hotel standard accommodation and currently accommodates 283 residents but can accommodate 312. Female pensioners were admitted in 2009 and now it houses six female residents. A new hospital wing was built in 1988, financed in part by the then PM, Margaret Thatcher. The infirmary can accommodate 35 pensioners and boasts having its own GP in residence. We visited the Great Hall which also acts as the dining hall, also the chapel with a marvellous ambience and where it felt so peaceful. The Hospital is set with a central building and two identical east and west wings, along with the adjacent later hospital and accommodation wing. You could see that Dave and Bob take enormous pride in being Chelsea Pensioners and were so proud of their Hospital, such a unique and worthwhile establishment. After visiting the Wellington on-site museum, members had free time to explore and have lunch in the Royal Borough of Chelsea, with some of the group visiting the National Army Museum next door and the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden.
At 4pm we returned to our coach and our driver Gary to make our way home through the heavy London traffic, crossing the Thames at last over Putney Bridge. Gary did a great job in getting us back to Paddock Wood only 30 minutes after the expected time of arrival, after a thoroughly interesting day and fascinating insight into the life of the Chelsea Pensioners - and the sun shone!
Thanks to Michael Smith & Barry Ednie for organising this visit and to Allen Thomas, Sue Ednie & Deb Jones for the photographs.
JULY 2026
WHITSTABLE
Our day trip to Whitstable was very enjoyable. We were dropped off in the town by our driver, Gideon, to explore the many varied shops which we found to be very different from the usual run of those in seaside towns. Members also enjoyed looking at the art and craft galleries. It was a very hot day and we especially appreciated the delightfully cooling sea breezes along the beach and by the harbour.
After lunch we walked up to the castle, split into two groups and were shown around by the guides who explained the castle is not really a castle but a manor house. The guides were very good, enthusiastic and informative, as they explained the history of the castle / manor house. Afterwards we made our way into the Mallendain Room for a delicious cream tea where the young staff worked really hard getting us all served.
After tea we sought the shady parts of the gardens round the castle and we were not looking forward to the short walk back to the town for the coach. However, following a stroke of genius by one of the group, to our great relief it was arranged for the coach to pick us up at the castle.
All in all, it was a great day out, enjoyed by everyone in spite of the weather being so hot. I wrote to Kirsty the general manager to thank her for all the hard work put in by the staff, including the guides, to make this all possible, particularly with the weather being so hot.
Thanks to Trevor Sampson for organising this visit and for the report. Thanks also to Trevor and to Allen Thomas for the photographs.
WHITSTABLE
Our day trip to Whitstable was very enjoyable. We were dropped off in the town by our driver, Gideon, to explore the many varied shops which we found to be very different from the usual run of those in seaside towns. Members also enjoyed looking at the art and craft galleries. It was a very hot day and we especially appreciated the delightfully cooling sea breezes along the beach and by the harbour.
After lunch we walked up to the castle, split into two groups and were shown around by the guides who explained the castle is not really a castle but a manor house. The guides were very good, enthusiastic and informative, as they explained the history of the castle / manor house. Afterwards we made our way into the Mallendain Room for a delicious cream tea where the young staff worked really hard getting us all served.
After tea we sought the shady parts of the gardens round the castle and we were not looking forward to the short walk back to the town for the coach. However, following a stroke of genius by one of the group, to our great relief it was arranged for the coach to pick us up at the castle.
All in all, it was a great day out, enjoyed by everyone in spite of the weather being so hot. I wrote to Kirsty the general manager to thank her for all the hard work put in by the staff, including the guides, to make this all possible, particularly with the weather being so hot.
Thanks to Trevor Sampson for organising this visit and for the report. Thanks also to Trevor and to Allen Thomas for the photographs.
"All the Study Days we have joined have been extremely interesting and well organised"