On the second Sunday of every month, something rather special happens at the Wesley Centre. There is tea, coffee and plenty of delicious cake but what keeps people coming back is something far more valuable – friendship.
The idea for the Sunday Tea and Cake afternoons began in early 2025 when a group of U3A members formed The Really Useful Group (RUG). Their aim was simple: to create a regular activity that everyone could enjoy. Feedback from members showed there were very few weekend events, particularly on Sunday afternoons, so the group set about changing that.
After plenty of discussion and creative thinking, RUG chose the Wesley Centre as the perfect venue. Bright, spacious and accessible, it offered just the right setting for a relaxed social gathering. The first Tea and Cake afternoon took place in April 2025 and since then members have gathered on the second Sunday of every month from 2.00–4.00 pm.
Behind the scenes, the afternoons are a real team effort. At regular RUG meetings, volunteers take turns to host each event. The host arranges the cakes and milk, with costs reimbursed by U3A so that the afternoons remain completely free for members. The system has evolved over time, with Janette now managing the stock of tea, coffee and cakes for both the Sunday gatherings and the monthly members’ meeting.
On the day itself, volunteers lay out the tables, prepare refreshments, keep the cake plates topped up and just as importantly, welcome everyone through the door. Newcomers are introduced to members already seated, ensuring that no one must wonder where to sit or who to talk to.
The result is exactly what RUG hoped for. Around 40 to 50 people attend each month, with a wonderful mix of new and long-standing members. Within minutes, conversations are flowing, laughter fills the room and new friendships begin to blossom. The volunteers don’t simply serve refreshments; they sit down, join in the conversations and enjoy the afternoon alongside everyone else.
People hear about the Sunday Tea through the newsletter and, increasingly, through word of mouth. As more members experience the warm welcome, they tell others, and the community continues to grow.
The group believes these afternoons also play a small but important role in tackling loneliness. Watching someone arrive on their own, be introduced to others and soon become part of a lively conversation is one of the most rewarding aspects of the event.
Of course, every gathering ends with the inevitable washing up. Once again, volunteers work together to clear away and leave everything spotless. After spending much of the afternoon on their feet, they head home tired—but with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped create something that genuinely makes a difference.
For Janette, the experience has also been personally rewarding.
“I feel I have grown in confidence over the past year and owe that to participating in these sessions. It is lovely to see people around town and in other U3A groups who we can now say hello to and proudly call friends.”
The Sunday Tea and Cake afternoons are about far more than tea and cake. They are about creating connections, offering a warm welcome and reminding us that some of the best conversations begin over a shared cuppa.
Why not come along? You’ll find a friendly face, good company and, of course, a slice of cake waiting for you.