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Adult - Leisure, Recreation & Social

Adult Education

Cartoon of a brown owl sitting on a book

Blackbourne U3A

Lively programme of lectures. Wide range of special interest groups. Unlike other U3As, adults of all ages are welcome to join. A waiting list may be in operation. 

More info: Blackbourne U3A website

West Suffolk College

Leisure learning, skills for employment, literacy and numeracy, computer skills, sector specific skills, access to higher education. Some courses take place in Thurston. 

Phone: 01284 701301
Email: info@wsc.ac.uk
More info: wsc website

Art

Watercolour Art Group

Vector graphic of artist's palette and paintbrush

Friendly art group. All levels of ability welcome. 

When: Wednesday p.m.
(31 March - 31 October)
Where:

Thurston Library

Phone: Library 01359 235048
More info: village events diary

Baking

Last Tuesday Baking Club

Vector graphic of a cup cake with a swirl of pink butter icing on top

Friendly baking group. Different theme each month. 

When: Last Tuesday of the month
Where:

Thurston Library

Phone: Library 01359 235048
More info: village events diary

Bingo

Bingo Nights at New Green

Picture of a bingo card and bingo balls

Eyes down for a fun-filled night. Opportunity to win prizes!

When: 2nd Saturday of the month
Where:

New Green Community Centre 

More info: village events diary

Book Club

Thurston Library Book Club

Vector graphic of young blonde woman, sitting cross-legged, reading a book

Each month features a different book for discussion at our next meeting. Max 10 places. A waiting list may be in operation. Please phone beforehand. 

When: 2nd Wednesday of the month
Phone: Library 01359 235048

Bridge

Cavendish Bridge Club

Photograph of a deck of playing cards

Friendly, informal bridge club. 

When: Wednesday p.m.
Where: Cavendish Hall
Phone: Nick Hall 07594 761309
More info: village events diary

Christian Organisations

Mothers' Union: Great Barton & Thurston 

Outline drawing of a Christian cross

Society that does charitable works to support families and mothers in the UK and abroad. 

When:  2nd Tuesday of the month (usually)
Where: meetings alternate between Great Barton & Thurston
Phone: Jill Rood 01359 231647
Email: theroods@waitrose.com
More info: village events diary

 


Coffee Mornings

Church Coffee Mornings

Illustration of a steaming cup of coffee

An opportunity to socialise with friends old and new. 

When: monthly
Where: St. Peters’ Church
More info: Facebook

Thurston WI hold occasional coffee mornings. Details are posted on the village events diary.


Family History

Ancestry Club

Graphic depicting a tree with a family tree diagram superimposed over it

Step into the past to find out about the people who helped to make you, you! No experience needed. 

Where: Thurston Library
When: 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month
Email: Jayne thurstonancestry@gmail.com
More info: village events diary

Fundraising

Vector graphic of a sack of money surrounded by golden coins

Friends of Thurston Academy

Group of parents who organise many fun events throughout the year to raise extra funds for the school. 

More info: Facebook

Thurston Library Friends

Organises social events and other activities to raise funds for the library.

Phone: Richard Fawcett: 07889 427476

Peter Robinson: 07814 946841
More info: Thurston Library Friends website

Environment & Nature

Thurston Hedgehogs

Photograph of a hedgehog eating food that has been put out for it

Online discussion, advice and information about hedgehogs in the village and how to support them. Private Facebook group. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. 

More info / apply to join: Facebook page

Gardening

Thurston & District Gardening Club

Cartoon of young woman doing the gardening

Talks on gardening-related topics. Occasional trips and social events. 

When: 2nd Monday of the month
Where: New Green Community Centre
Phone: 01359 230457
More info: village events diary

Language Classes

French Circle

Silhouette of France filled with stripes in the colours of the French flag

Advanced level conversation course. A West Suffolk College course. You need to enroll to take part. Registrations for academic year 2021/22 are closed. 

When: Friday a.m. (term-time only)
Where: Cavendish Hall
Phone: West Suffolk College

01284 701 301

Email:

info@wsc.ac.uk


Lunches

Soup 'n' Chat

Bowl of soup

Open event hosted by Thurston WI. Non-members welcome. Men can come too!

When:

3rd Thursday of the month (autumn to spring)

Where:

Cavendish Hall

Phone: 

Vicky: 01359 231465
Lynne: 01359 232645 

More info:

village events diary

Thurston Lunch Club

Diagram of knife, fork and spoon on a plate

Extends a warm welcome to new members over 55. 

When:  2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month
Where: New Green Community Centre
Phone: Helen 01359 231196
More info: village events diary

Needlecraft

Friday Sewcial: Social Sewing Group

Vector graphic of a sewing machine

Bring along your latest project for a morning of sociable stitching. 

When: Friday a.m. (term-time only)
Where: Thurston Library
Phone: Library 01359 235048
More info: village events diary

Knit & Natter: Thurston Knitters & Crocheters

Illustration of ball of green wool and knitting needles

Welcomes new members, including absolute beginners. 

When:  Tuesday a.m.
Saturday a.m.
Where: Thurst Coffee Shop, New Green Community Centre
More info: village events diary

Parents & Carers of Under 5's

Tiny Toes Thurston: Baby & Toddler Group

Picture of four cartoon children holding up letters spelling out the word 'play'

An opportunity for adults to socialise while children play.  First week free!

When: Thursday a.m. (term-time only)
Where: Cavendish Hall
Phone: Zoe Foreman  07896 340266
More info: village events diary

The Children & Young People page gives details of other groups where you can befriend others who look after small children. 


Politics

Scrabble tiles spelling out the word 'politics'

Bury St Edmunds Liberal Democrats: Thedmere Branch

Phone: Penny Otton 01449 738482

Green Party: Thurston ward

Email: austindavies31@hotmail.com

Conservative Association: Thurston, Beyton & Hessett Branch

Phone: Roger Bowden 01359 2700084

Pregnancy, Birth & Early Parenthood

Drawing of two mothers pushing babies in buggies

Details of clubs and organisations that run sessions that are beneficial for the health and wellbeing of new and expectant mums can be found on the Adult: Health, Fitness & Sport page.

Toddler groups and other activities for young children where you can socialise and befriend other parents are listed under Children & Young People in the Clubs & Organisations section.


Singing

Self Love Vocal Group: Choir

Vector graphic of choir singing

Fun, relaxed pop choir. Love to sing? Come and join like-minded people. All welcome. No auditions. 

When: Mondays
(term-time only)
Where: New Green Community Centre
Phone: Savannah 07879992666
More info: Facebook

Women's Institute

Thurston WI

Vector graphics depicting head and shoulders shot of three women

An opportunity to make new friends, build new skills and take part in a wide variety of activities. 

When:

1st Thursday of the month

Where:

Cavendish Hall

Phone: 

Vicky: 01359 231465
Lynn: 01359 232645 

More info:

village events diary

(all images on this page courtesy of Pixabay.com)