Our Groups

As Arranged

We aim to mix gallery visits with Hutton-based discussion meetings depending upon the interests of the group members. If you are interested please let me know so that I can include you in future planning.

Thu each week 10:00 - 12:00

We meet most weeks to paint, look at the works of famous artists and chat.  We are a small group, and we meet most Thursdays from 10-12pm. We use watercolour, acrylic, different types of pencils and gouache.  We learn a lot from each other!

Wed each week 10:00 - 12:00

We meet most weeks to paint, look at the works of famous artists and chat.  We are a small group, and we meet most Wednesdays from 10-12pm. We use watercolour, acrylic, different types of pencils and gouache.  We learn a lot from each other!

2nd. Tue monthly 14:15 - 16:15

2nd. Thu monthly

Corrinne has been a keen bird watcher for over 30 years including on holidays in Europe and the Americas. Her favourite birding area is North Norfolk.Ian has been birding in Britain since 1976 and more recently his hobby has taken him to many exciting destinations such as Alaska, South Georgia, Morocco and China. However, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly remain his favourite birding spots. This new group will meet on the second Thursday morning of the month. The first few meetings will be at Rainham Marshes where there is a good variety of habitats.  This group is suitable for all levels of expertise, including beginners.

2nd. Fri monthly 14:00 - 16:00

An informal afternoon playing various games with fellow Hu3a members. Bring along a favourite game or see what others have brought. Sure to be fun either way. 

1st. Thu monthly 10:00 - 11:30

We read a variety of fiction that are discussed at members homes.

2nd. Tue monthly 14:15 - 16:30

Our group has been running since October 2009 when Hutton U3A was inaugurated. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 2:15pm at my house. 

2nd. Tue monthly 14:00 - 16:00

We meet monthly to discuss one book and aim to cover a wide variety of fiction and non fiction. Please click on this card for more information.

1st. Thu monthly 14:00 - 16:00

3rd. Mon monthly 14:00 - 16:00

We will be experimenting with a wide range of techniques using paper-folding, inks, paint and so on.  The sessions will not be taught but will start with a basic idea each time and see where it takes us - learning from and inspiring each other.  No previous expertise or experience is required.

1st. Mon monthly 14:00 - 16:00

3rd. Mon monthly 14:00 - 16:00

3rd. Wed monthly

We will attend the silver screen showing on the third Wednesday every month and then meet in the café bar afterwards for discussion. The cost will be around £11, including drink and cake. Times vary. Screenings are announced about a week in advance so as soon as I have details I will book my seat and contact you by email with full details so that you can book yours. (If on-line booking is a problem for anyone you can also book by phone or at the cinema). As soon as you have booked please let me know so that I can compile a list of who to look out for. 

4th. Fri monthly (or as arranged)

Alex and John can provide help and training for all types of desktop PCs, laptops, tablets and phones.

3rd. Fri monthly 14:30 - 16:00

At the moment no vacancies.

4th. Tue monthly 14:00

Kimberley has been writing for a number of years and publishing her work online. Whilst she is not an expert she has learned that, whilst writing is a very personal medium, it is useful and interesting to speak to other people about their ideas and how to improve wordflow, the importance of editing to make a more interesting read.   Many people say they have a story to tell but never get round to writing it. This group will provide an informal and supportive chance to try. Meetings will be held monthly on either the second Wednesday in the month or the fourth Tuesday of the month dependent upon which is most popular with interested members.

3rd. Tue monthly 14:00

This Cribbage A group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 2pm in The Chequers pub in Hutton.  The group is full at the moment due to the size of the venue.  Please add your name to the waiting list if you would like to join us - no need for any experience of cribbage.  

2nd. Tue monthly 14:00

Cribbage B meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2pm in The Chequers pub in Hutton. The group is full at the moment due to the size of the venue.  Please add your name to the waiting list if you would like to join us - no need for any experience of cribbage. 

1st. Wed monthly 10:00

3rd. Wed monthly 10:00

This small group of beginners are learning the art of how to solve cryptic crosswords. Each week we focus on a different type of clue and then together challenge ourselves to complete a cryptic crossword puzzle.

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10 am for about an hour of fun.

2nd. Wed monthly 10:00

4th. Wed monthly 10:00

This small group of beginners are learning the art of how to solve cryptic crosswords. Each week we focus on a different type of clue and then together challenge ourselves to complete a cryptic crossword puzzle.

We meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 10 am for about an hour of fun.

1st. Fri monthly 13:30 - 14:30

3rd. Fri monthly 13:30 - 14:30

We are a group of mixed abilities who enjoy dance .U Tube is used to lead the content of the session, which includes musical keepfit and learning steps to various forms of line dancing Our main aim is to have fun 

4th. Wed monthly 10:00 - 12:00

We discuss a wide variety of subjects suggested by the group; it is usually a great deal of fun too.

2nd. Tue monthly 15:30 - 17:00

2nd. Mon monthly 14:00 - 15:30

The Family History group was set up to help people who are interested in looking into their ancestors and families.  There is a very great deal of information online and it can be difficult to know where to look and how to bring it all together.

The group members are a mixture of people with lots of experience of hunting down their relatives and those just starting on that path.  We share our experiences and will look at specific stories to see what we can uncover. 

The meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 2pm (though we postpone the meeting till the following week if the Monday is a bank holiday).

2nd. Fri monthly 18:00

Each meeting will have a different theme and everyone will bring appropriate contributions of food and drink. This could be recipes from different countries, using a particular ingredient or celebrating a chosen festival. All group members will have a voice in planning the programme. The fun and learning will be in trying new foods, sharing ideas and rising to the challenge of each theme. Members need to be willing and able to take a turn in hosting in their own homes.  

1st. Tue monthly 11:00 - 13:00

This group is about helping each other to enjoy our gardens: sharing ideas, problem-solving, swapping plants and seeds and generally learning together, providing inspiration and support. We hope that different members will take it in turns to host a meeting in their garden (but of course not everyone may be able to do this).    It is hoped our meetings will be outside depending on the venue and weather, and topics will vary according to season and interests of the group.  We meet on the first Tuesday of the month between 11am and 1pm and members can bring along their lunches to enjoy at leisure towards the close of the meeting.

3rd. Thu monthly 15:30 - 17:00

Our aim is to explore any period of history (in a non chronological way).

We meet at Hutton Community Centre at 3.30 pm -5pm on the third Thursday of the month. Parking available on site.

1st. Wed monthly 14:00 - 16:00

3rd. Wed monthly 14:00 - 16:00

New members are always welcome. It's a very friendly group with people at different levels of French knowledge. If you are interested and want to find out more I can be contacted via the details as published on the current contact list.

2nd. Fri monthly 14:00 - 15:30

We meet on the second Friday of each month from 2.00 till 4.00 pm this includes a coffee and biscuit break. Meetings are held in my home. We aim to improve our conversation skills working through a variety of topics. The session includes discussion, reading and a little grammar. We usually make a joint decision on the contents of the following monthly meeting.

We are a friendly bunch who enjoy the opportunity to speak German. If you are interested please do contact me. Patricia King

3rd. Thu monthly 15:00 - 17:00

1st. Tue monthly 12:00

The focus of this group will be on enjoying both good food and conversation in local restaurants and cafes. Members will take turns to choose and book the venues. 

2nd. Fri monthly 14:00 - 16:00

4th. Fri monthly 14:00 - 16:00

Mahjong is a tile-based game from China that is similar to the Western card game, Rummy. It is a game of skill, strategy and luck.  We currently play a simplified version of the game without scoring or incorporating some of the more complex intricacies.

4th. Thu monthly 11:30 - 13:00

Meditation is a simple practice that can reduce stress, increase calmness and promote well-being. This group offers members an opportunity to experience and practise meditation in a supportive environment. Meditation guidance is provided, though this group is not designed for complete beginners; members should have some previous experience before joining. We are also practising mindfulness together.

2nd. Thu monthly 14:30 - 16:00

Meditation is a simple practice that can reduce stress, increase calmness and promote well-being. This group offers members an opportunity to learn and practise meditation in a supportive environment. It is suitable for all levels, especially beginners. Meditation instruction and guidance are provided.

2nd. Fri monthly 10:00 - 11:30

This is a 'cuppa and chat' discussion group. There are no experts here, just people who want to be better informed about what is happening in our world. Following a vote in June 2025 we are sometimes extending our brief to include topics other than financial. Please add your name to the waitlist if you would like to join us, we are currently at full capacity but waitlisters are invited along when we have apologies in advance from regular members. 

3rd. Tue monthly 14:00

Jean has always enjoyed listening to music and has kindly offered to lead this new group for us.  Meetings will be held monthly in members’ homes and we hope that they will provide the opportunity to share and enjoy a wide variety of music in an informal setting.

3rd. Wed monthly 10:00 - 12:00

Nutrition, healthy eating and how this affects our health is a vast subject.  Life's journey can bring experience in this field and the aim of the group is to share these experiences.  A topic will be researched by group members for discussion at the next meeting so that more informed choices about diet can be made. If any group member has expertise in a matter chosen for discussion, they may lead the session on this subject if they are happy to do this.  Everyone will contribute to the planning of the programme. The venue for each meeting will be decided at the previous meeting but will be a member's home.  Although we currently have no vacancies, please add your name to the waiting list if you are interested in this group.

Mon each week 10:00 - 12:30

The Petanque Group known as the "Hutton Hurlers" plays every Monday from 10.00- 12.30 at the Ongar Petanque Piste situated in the Ongar Library Car Park. We aim to have laughter and fun at every game.

Pétanque is a French (Provençal to be precise) outdoor game played by two opposing teams trying to throw boules (metallic spheres the size of an orange) as close as possible to a little wooden sphere called a cochonnet, meaning piglet. 

2nd. Tue monthly 10:00

3rd. Tue monthly 14:00 - 16:00

The Photography Group provides an opportunity for members to share and develop photographic skills in a supportive and friendly environment where we can explore all aspects of photography.

No prior experience is required; all that you need is a camera, be that a film, digital, or smart phone camera. All are welcome.  

2nd. Wed monthly 14:30 - 16:00

4th. Wed monthly 14:30 - 16:00

Pickleball is basically a cross between badminton, tennis and table tennis. Pickleball is played either indoors or outdoors as singles or doubles. It’s played on a court similar in size and markings to a badminton court but players often use an actual badminton court or mark out pickleball lines on a tennis court. Players hit a light plastic ball across a net which is similar in height to a tennis net using lightweight “paddles" roughly double the size of table tennis bats.

The rules have been evolved to limit aggressive play and to encourage placement and tactics above strength and power. This makes the game perfectly suited to any age group but particularly for older players since it can be learned quickly, games last minutes rather than hours and skill is the winning weapon.

As Pickleball is very popular we ask that members only join 1 of the 2 available groups, this will enable the maximum number of people to join.

2nd. Tue monthly 10:00 - 11:00

4th. Tue monthly 10:00 - 11:00

Pickleball is basically a cross between badminton, tennis and table tennis. Players hit a light plastic ball across a net which is similar in height to a tennis net using lightweight “paddles" roughly double the size of table tennis bats.

The rules have been evolved to limit aggressive play and to encourage placement and tactics above strength and power. This makes the game perfectly suited to any age group but particularly for older players since it can be learned quickly, games last minutes rather than hours and skill is the winning weapon.

Pickleball is proving to be a popular game, therefore members are only allowed to join one group, either Pickleball or Pickleball 2.

Please note that members must provide their own bats and should have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.

4th. Tue monthly 10:00 - 11:30

We meet monthly to read aloud from a variety of modern scripts, mostly comedies and murder mysteries. These may include the works of established playwrights such as, Oscar Wilde and Ray Cooney, as well as amatuer writers. Our aim is to have fun and broaden our experience.

New members are very welcome and we now have vacancies, you are welcome to come along to see if you would like to join us. No prior experience is required. 

2nd. Wed monthly 14:00 - 16:00

'The poetry of earth is never dead' wrote John Keats and we do our best to keep it alive at our monthly meetings. We choose a topic (could be a particular poet or genre) and investigate it during the month before meeting when we read the results of our findings, together with relevant poems. Subject matter can be as diverse as 'The Romantics'to 'London Underground Poems'.

1st. Wed monthly 19:00 - 21:30

2nd. Wed monthly 11:15 - 13:15

4th. Wed monthly 14:00 - 16:00

We play every 2nd Wednesday in the month in the morning and 4 th Wednesday in the month in the afternoon.

4th. Tue monthly 10:00

Rummikub On-line is played using a computer application written by one of our members. At the same time we use a form of communication to make it a social event as well, usually Zoom or WhatsApp.

2nd. Thu monthly 14:00 - 16:00

1st. Fri monthly 14:00 - 16:00

If you're an experienced scrabble player we'd be delighted to welcome you to this friendly group.

1st. Mon monthly 14:00 - 16:00

3rd. Mon monthly 14:00 - 16:00

The group meets monthly to share and develop interest in and enthusiasm for all aspects of Shakespeare's work. We read a chosen play aloud together, discuss it and view performancess of it on screen. 

4th. Wed monthly 15:00 - 17:00

This group meets to discuss and hear any topic relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics. A presentation is usually given by a member of the group followed by questions and discussion. Occasionally we will watch a video lecture.

We meet once a month at Bishops Hill.

Thu each week 19:00 - 20:00

We meet weekly for an hour at the Hutton Community Centre every Thursday at 7:00pm with the objective of ensuring that all participants have a good time.

2nd. Mon monthly 10:00 - 11:30

At least 6 trips a year (but probably more) will be organised for Hutton u3a by the Trips and Visits Sub-committee.  Membership of the group costs £10. Members get early information and booking for all trips. Details are emailed to them at least five days before booking is opened to the wider membership of Hutton u3a. Anyone who comes on a trip but is not a member of this group will be subject to a surcharge of £3 per event.  Please note: in the event of a cancellation a refund will only be given if the trip is full and someone else is found to take the place.

Please enter your 'In Case of Emergency' contact information (ICE) on the Hutton u3a website.  In fairness to those leading groups, for all Trips and Visits advertised after 1st April 2024 the completion of ICE information is a requirement of participation - no refund will be made for any monies paid.

1st. Thu monthly 14:00 - 15:30

3rd. Thu monthly 14:00 - 15:30

We meet at Hutton Community Centre.

Learning from each other rather than being taught.

1st. Mon monthly 10:00 - 12:00

3rd. Fri monthly 10:00 - 12:00

Our walks are usually 2-3 miles, last about an hour, and end up at a cafe if at all possible. Group members take turns to choose and lead the walks if they are willing.

4th. Fri monthly

Our aim is to explore London on foot and using public transport.

Thu each week 10:00

Our walks are mostly circular,  starting at 10 AM most Thursday’s.

We stop for a packed snack and drink at about half way and after the walk we usually find a local establishment for a cuppa, although this may become difficult if too popular.

Distances vary but usually average 7 to 8 miles 

Wed each week 12:30 - 13:30

This group is a NON CONTACT sport for men and women of all abilities. We have adapted the rules to make the game suitable for any player despite age, size, ability or experience. 

Please note that we will be meeting every Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30 at Hutton Community Centre. There will be no sessions during the month of August.

4th. Thu monthly 14:30 - 16:30

The group will meet in members’ homes, taking turns in hosting, selecting and presenting wines. We will sample 4 bottles of wine each meeting and each member will contribute £5.00 to cover the cost.  Each meeting can be themed to sample wines of various countries/regions or different grape varieties.  We will research the wines sampled and keep a wine score and a league table of favourite wines. This is a fun way of expanding our knowledge and trying new wines.