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Notts Network finished u3a week with a bang in a day long event which included a flash mob and musical performances by Worksop u3a's Steel Band. See more on u3a week further down the newsletter.
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Dear <<First Name>>,
Thank you to everyone for all the hard work you have put into our many projects over the past year.
So much effort has gone into making our 40th anniversary and u3a Week a success. Following the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, some u3as, understandably, decided to scale back activities but there was still a lot happening across the UK which you can read about below.
As our anniversary celebrations come to an end, I am filled with pride when I look back and realise just how much we have managed to pack in. When I speak to CEOs of other charities, they are always completely amazed at how much you all do for u3a. Collectively, it has been a fantastic effort.
Many thanks to all who contributed to our book of condolence. It is now closed and will be passed on to the Royal Family to keep for posterity.
I look forward to meeting many of you at the Third Age Trust AGM 2022.
With very best wishes
Sam Mauger
CEO of the Third Age Trust
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In this issue...
u3a week
2022 u3a diaries now available
Join us at the RI
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News from across the Movement
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Armchair Discussion Premiering at AGM
A film which captures a discussion between Eric Midwinter, one of the co-founders of the u3a movement, and Liz Thackray, current Chair, will premiere at the Third Age Trust AGM 2022 on 6 October. The conversation will explore the origins and purpose of the u3a movement and its development.
Register to attend the AGM online. You can register in advance and you will be sent an email confirming your registration.
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The 2022 u3a diaries are now available. Get them on the u3a brand centre.
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Offers and Services for members and Friends
- u3a Click and Save
We're delighted to launch a new section in the newsletter highlighting special offers and services for the nearly 40,000 members and friends in our newsletter community.
We are delighted to offer a new scheme, u3a Click and Save where you will receive discounts when you spend money at places including Sainsbury's, Costa and Ticketmaster.
How do you access u3a Click and Save?
You can access the scheme by following these steps:
1. Create an account on the u3a Click and Save website.
2. Click on the link in the confirmation email and you will be in.
u3a Click and Save is a service operated by our partner Parliament Hill, along with Blackhawk Network.
Click and Save is just the beginning. Look out for more exciting offers and services coming your way in the coming months. If your friends, colleagues or family would like to make savings too, please encourage them to sign up to the newsletter.
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u3a on the wall
A huge thanks to all of you who have shown interest in a new u3a Hadrian's Wall Project, taking place on 10 May 2023. The primary focus for all the u3a activities on the day will be at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Allan Walmsley, Trustee for the West Midlands, is part of the project team and says, "This will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase u3a activity, from art, creative writing and drama to history, geology and walking - and much more.
We are still looking for members who can support the project so if you have ideas or would like more information, email TheWall@u3a.org.uk"
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Find out more about how we're celebrating on our 40th Anniversary page.
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u3a week
u3as across the UK have been celebrating u3a week in their own unique ways.
As an example, in Aintree there was line dancing (pictured) while a display of interest groups in Ilkley & District led to 20 new members. Both Dulwich & District u3a and Stratford-Upon-Avon u3a (pictured) had musical performances and members danced together for forty minutes in a national Zoom event.
Please keep sending us your stories and pictures to weare40@u3a.org.uk.
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Join us to explore science at the RI
Monday 31 October, 1.45 - 4.45pm
This hybrid event, exclusively for u3a members on our 40th, will explore space, chemistry and future power solutions. Tickets cost £20 to attend in person and £8.50 to attend online. Book your place here.
Photo: Paul Clarke
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Derbyshire Network's Photography Competition
To mark u3a’s 40th anniversary, the Derbyshire Network launched a photography competition to capture the spirit of Derbyshire and u3a. Visit Derbyshire Network website to see all the finalists.
Photo: Chatsworth by Dronfield u3a member Steve
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Every newsletter, we share news from your u3as. Whatever you're doing, we want to know about it - get in touch.
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Archaeological discoveries at training day
Burnham u3a Archaeological Group held a training day for u3a members from all over Essex, and even one from Norfolk, at their dig site in east Essex.
Trainees learnt skills such as finds processing, digging, metal detecting and surveying from the professionally trained group.
The trainees found a piece of medieval floor tile, medieval pot and several metal items and lots of new friends were made. It was so successful that ten signed up to become permanent members.
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Following on from our story in the last newsletter, Ian from Southport u3a has revealed that members from more than 80 u3as across the UK visited Southport Flower Show and almost 1,300 tickets were sold via the u3a discount code.
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"There's No Age Limit on Curiosity"
Physicist Jim Al-Khalili, known for hosting BBC Radio 4's The Life Scientific, appears in the September episode of the u3a radio podcast and discusses why he loves science and how you're never too old to learn.
Speaker to Peter Clift, he says, "It's not only important for our own mental health and wellbeing to keep our minds active, but there's no age limit on curiosity."
Listen to the full interview in the September episode of the u3a radio podcast - on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
Jim is hosting an event for u3a members, The Arrow of Time, in October. Book your place now and see more online events further down the newsletter.
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All Our Yesterdays: Your Memories of the 50s and 60s
The Learning team are working with Trust Volunteer Carole Chapman to plan an initiative to collect members' memories about the 1950s and 1960s.
This was an eventful time in history with far reaching events such as the building of the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of President Kennedy and the birth of pop culture. These are the well-known events we have all heard of, but you may have more personal recollections that didn’t make the headlines.
If you're interested in taking part, please get in touch by emailing any initial thoughts to Janine Aldridge, Learning Officer on janine.aldridge@u3a.org.uk
Photos: Beatlemania, photo taken by West Midlands Police, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Kath from Wyre u3a transformed leftover decking into a fig planter
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Upcycling and Repurposing
We have launched our upcycling and repurposing initiative, encouraging our members to get creative and give old objects a new lease of life. This could be through crafting, DIY, or just using an item in a different way.
Find some inspiration and submit your repurposing entries on our website.
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Speaker Swap
And finally, don't forget to sign up to our speaker swap scheme - if you have a talk that you are willing to present to other u3as, you can then access a database of speakers and unlock new opportunities for your interest group. The subjects currently covered include history, art, wellbeing & lifestyle, science & technology, and popular entertainment. Sign up on the Speaker Swap webpage.
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Your Stories
Wellington Shropshire u3a gathered for an afternoon tea to celebrate the 40th anniversary of u3a and their 8th birthday.
The Mayor of Telford and Wrekin spoke of the importance of community groups and praised the formation of our u3a, which is the only one in Telford.
Sue, Chair of Wellington Shropshire u3a
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Here is a snapshot of some of the interesting events for members that are coming soon. See more on our online events page.
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Driving tips with IAM RoadSmart
Wednesday 5 October at 10am
Richard Gladman, Head of Driving & Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, will share hints and tips for speed management when driving.
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Holocaust Survivor Stories - Eva Cato
Thursday 6 October at 10am
Join Vivienne Cato to hear the remarkable story of how her mother, Eva, survived Nazi occupation.
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Join Celebrated Pianist Andrew Wilde at the Piano
Monday 17 October at 2pm
International Pianist Andrew Wilde plays from world famous piano classics and chats about all things musical.
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The Artist Who Made a Very Clever Move
Tuesday 18 October at 10am
This talk will explore work by the legendary Italian female artist Sofonisba Anguissola.
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Tai Chi Series
Thursdays from 20 October
A 6-week Tai Chi course integrating deep breathing and relaxation with gentle movement, with Peter of Melton Mowbray u3a.
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There are new Subject Advisers to help you - in backgammon, tennis, art history, local history, music appreciation, cruise club and guitar.
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As the AGM comes closer, we prepare to say goodbye to some of the Trustees who are stepping down. As a thank you, we have decided this and the previous newsletter to them.
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John Bent, Trustee, London Region
I became Trustee in 2017, after being Treasurer for my u3a for five very interesting years. The best aspects of the role have been meeting the varied u3as and feeling I’ve been able to help some of them, especially on financial matters. It’s also been rewarding being able to use my financial background on the Trust Board and present the Finance Workshops in different Regions – giving me an opportunity to help Committees and make friends. The set up and running of the online u3a also feels like a worthwhile achievement when we receive appreciative comments from members.
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u3a is developing the movement's voice to make a social impact and change, both nationally and in your local communities. Read about ongoing projects on our brand new Impact page on the website.
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Designing the everyday for a less stressful life
Earlier in the year, more than 2,000 members of u3a participated in a survey with Design Age Institute on the most frustrating everyday objects.
The findings have been compiled in a report, Designing the everyday for a less frustrating life, which is released today, ahead of UN International Day of Older Persons on 1 October and Silver Sunday on 2 October.
The report reveals the biggest stress factors identified in homes are packaging-related, with over 60% of all respondents choosing packaging as their main frustration.
You can read the report on our Social Impact page.
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Sandi Rickerby spoke at the Innovation SuperNetwork's Challenge North East Ageing Workshop. She talked about the u3a learning model, u3a voice and the contribution u3a members make to positive and successful ageing. As a result, she has been contacted by a variety of organisations who would like to collaborate in the future.
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Cave painting at Long Eaton and District
Brian demonstrated “cave painting ” today at our u3a art group. We were all a little messy, well done for showing what to do next . A couple of finished paintings too, more to follow next week 👍🎨
Long Eaton and District u3a use their Facebook to share the latest activities from their groups - including their results from a cave painting session. Check them out on their Facebook page. |
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Do you want us to showcase your social media in this newsletter? Email us or tag us in your posts - click the icons below to find our social media profiles.
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The Oxford Mail ran a feature on the unveiling of the u3a 40th Anniversary Quilt at The Blanket Hall, Oxford.
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Warsop u3a were branded 'heroes' in a story on the Mansfield District Council website for their role in yarnbombing two bicycles to celebrate the Tour of Britain cycle race going through the district.
Shelagh, from Chepstow u3a, discussed the impact of rising energy prices and NHS waiting lists on older adults in a report on the BBC News Wales website.
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Eryll, Chair of Tunbridge Wells, wrote a letter to The Pensioner, the magazine for members of the Civil Service Pensioners' Alliance, suggesting that u3a could be recommended as a mitigation to loneliness.
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This section puts a spotlight on the staff who work at u3a office and what we're doing.
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Meet Elise
I’m Elise, the press and publicity officer.
My job is to seek out all the brilliant stories that showcase what an amazing organisation u3a really is, and promote them in the media. The aim is to show potential new members the exciting things they could be doing if they joined u3a.
If you have a story to share, please get in touch at communications@u3a.org.uk
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The Autumn edition of Third Age Matters is out now. In this edition, celebrities celebrate Southport u3a’s show garden triumph, Dame Esther Rantzen challenges ageism; pictures from your u3a Picnics in the Park and win a two-night break in a Scottish hotel.
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Third Age Matters is the magazine for u3a members, published five times a year. If you do not currently receive Third Age Matters but would like to, talk to your u3a committee.
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Where are you reading your newsletter?
No matter where you are in the world, we know the u3a community likes to stay connected.
I read the August newsletter while in Slovenia. I have recently returned from having visited that beautiful country for my granddaughter’s wedding.
Yvonne, Plymouth u3a
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See all the latest advice on our advice pages, including Risk Assessment FAQs, Risk Assessment Checklist templates, Insurance FAQs, Insurance Overview and Environmental Policy. Also on the Advice section is our programme of workshops.
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New Environmental Policy
A sample Environmental policy for u3as to use is now available.
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Workshops to help you run your u3a
In addition to the regular national workshops that members can attend, regions, Networks and u3as can request workshops to be run for their members. Find out more about the workshops on offer and submit a request on the workshops page.
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Causeway u3a Nordic Walking group photographed by Ken Ward
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Beacon Continues To Grow
More than half of u3as in the UK are now using Beacon to manage their u3a, representing over a quarter of a million members.
The Beacon Team are continuing to develop Beacon to make it even easier to use and meet u3a needs. They are currently working on the Group Finance Management system and will be delivering Focused Training courses starting late October and through November.
Frank Bailey, Beacon National Support Lead said “I would like to thank all members for their feedback in helping us improve the system and also to those who have let us know how much you value the help widget, the help desk and the availability of directly delivered training. Knowing the support system is working for you is much appreciated”. If you would like to talk more about Beacon, contact the team at info@beacon.u3a.org.uk
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WordPress Replacement for Sitebuilder - Can You Help?
Work is progressing on the WordPress replacement for SiteBuilder. We are looking for volunteers to work on all aspects of the project, including coding, hosting and provisioning, user support, documentation and training. If you have skills in these areas and are interested, please contact Alan, Chair of the Steering Group on alan.russell@u3a.org.uk.
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Your Stories
Leigh Estuary hosted a summer lunch in August. Sea shanties were sung at the end by the Hoy Shanty men.
The photo shows me the Chair on the left, and Maire and Bob who were responsible for organisation of the event. There will be a big shopping through the last 100 years exhibition in September and we have bought trees too to mark the 40th anniversary.
Barbara, Leigh Estuary u3a
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Trevor, Wyre Forest u3a
Trevor recently set up a website, Grand Nature, to help grandparents connect with their grandchildren through nature
In my career, I was an astrophysicist. Now a member of Wyre Forest u3a, I'm a member of the Environmental Concern Group. We’d had a number of projects but I wanted to do something more.
Fast fashion, cheap flights, throwaway society – the younger generation have grown up with these things and to make that change is a big thing to ask of them.
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People who live in urban areas and spend a lot of time online or in front of the television have very little contact with nature. This is where we can help.
Many people in u3a have grandchildren and I asked myself, ‘how can we work together to tackle climate change?' Children spend significant amounts of time at their grandparents’ homes and really enjoy it. So how can we get them more interested in nature – because that will make all the difference.
Many grandparents have leisure time and gardens, and are in a good position to introduce their grandchildren to nature. There is a real opportunity here.
Visit Trevor's GrandNature website for tips on how to connect with younger generations through nature. Trevor is hoping to hear from u3a members who have expertise in areas such as geology, birds and plants and are interested in contributing. If you think you can help, contact Trevor through the website.
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This is an easy way to share the newsletter. Click this link and copy and paste the URL to share on other platforms, including Beacon.
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