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u3as across the movement will be taking part in Picnic in the Park on 1 June.
Photos courtesy of Third Age Matters magazine, photographed by David Seller
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Dear <<First Name>>,
Happy 40th Anniversary. We are in the middle of our spectacular anniversary celebrations - and this newsletter is full of what we are doing together as the u3a family movement to celebrate our 40th birthday.
It is a spotlight on what u3a is all about, friendship, participation, sharing and community in the unique u3a way. It feels special to meet each other face to face at last and to share time together.
It is also a powerful reminder that in the middle of so much uncertainty in the world, the support , friendship and respect member to member remains constant and solid. We know we can rely on each other and your ideas and creativity continue to thrive. I wish you all very happy celebrations.
With very best wishes
Sam Mauger
CEO of the Third Age Trust
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Click here to open the newsletter in your browser, in which format you can zoom in to make it easier to read.
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In this issue...
What's Been Your Crowning Moment?
Roger Black's Message to u3a members
We're in the Guardian 😊
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Your 40th Anniversary Stories
Newcastle Emlyn u3a are having a picnic in the Rugby Club! The plan is to have games and activities available for people to take part in and then share our picnics together. There is a gravelled area for Petanque, grass for croquet and badminton and outdoor seating.
We are also planning a celebratory lunch the following week to celebrate our own 25th anniversary, the u3a 40th anniversary and the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Hazel, Newcastle Emlyn u3a
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What's Been Your Crowning Moment?
As we mark Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee year, we would love to find out what you consider to be your crowning moments since retiring from full-time work. Have you done something that you're really proud of; something you would never have imagined yourself doing before joining u3a?
Please share them with us by taking part in this short u3a-led survey.
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Cook Along with Jacqueline
In our latest #GenerationWOW tutorial with Specsavers, Croydon u3a member Jacqueline talks through her basic toad in the hole recipe. Watch it now on the #GenerationWOW hub.
Do you have a skill you would like to share? Get in touch.
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New Brand Guideline
Visit the Brand Centre to see our updated Brand Guideline with new imagery and language, based off the conversations we have had with you over the last two years about our brand.
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Your Stories
East Grinstead u3a at LOVE East Grinstead Day in March. It was lovely to meet some of our existing members, along with past members and members of other u3as. But we also wanted to meet some prospective new members and we did. We were surprised at how many people had never heard of the u3a but they have now and hopefully they will decide to join us.
The rain ceased by lunchtime, the High Street became quite busy and the Town Mayor paid us a visit and tried our handbells. I think we can safely say that a good day was had by all.
Audrey, East Grinstead u3a
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Picnic Blankets At The Ready!
It's less than two weeks until Picnic In The Park, when u3a members across the movement will be going to their local park, beach or farm and picnicking to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee and the u3a 40th anniversary. Thank you to everyone sharing their Picnic in the Park stories. It's not too late to get involved - find a planning form on our 40th anniversary page and please do let us know your plans.
We will be sharing photos and stories of your picnic on the day - so make sure you share any photos, videos with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
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Our special u3a 40th Anniversary Quilt is being revealed next month at the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester. Book your place here.
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From Bridge to Robots....
We have many events planned throughout the year so that every u3a member can be a part of the huge u3a celebration. There's a special 40th Anniversary themed Science Network Meeting, an in-person Research and Shared Learning Conference, Bridge Tournament and a Robot Constructor's Challenge, which is hosted by Gloucestershire u3a. Find out more on the u3a 40th Anniversary page.
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Your 40th Anniversary Stories
We will be celebrating the Queen's Jubilee and the 40th Birthday on Tuesday 7 June.
So far, 84 of us will be there for the buffet lunch and our local Mayor is joining us for tea and to cut our celebratory cake. We will be having a table top Jubilee Quiz during the lunch, a Nature Trail available for after lunch, and we will be doing community singing too.
Stephanie, Thatcham u3a
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Watch Roger Black's Message to u3a members
Roger Black is the latest celebrity to wish u3a a happy 40th anniversary.
Roger Black is known for winning silver medals in the 400m sprint at the Olympic Games in 1992 and 1996 and winning gold medals at the European and World Championships.
Hear what he has to say on our social media platforms - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
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Social Media Post of the Month - Ilkley & District u3a
Ilkley & District U3A
@IlkleyU3A
💙 We held a Thank You Supper for group leaders and other volunteers who keep our groups and activities going and work hard behind the scenes.
💙 Lovely buffet by @CFIlkley - thank you to Caroline and her staff!
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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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Every newsletter, we celebrate what's happening in your local u3as. Whatever you're doing, we want to know about it - get in touch with us.
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North Downs & Ards u3a Trip to North Antrim
The Nature group at North Downs & Ards u3a went for a two day outing to North Antrim, visiting Whitepark Bay, Ballintoy and Rathlin Island. Highlights included an ancient eolithic site, puffins and lime kilns.
Group leader Mary says, "We packed in such a lot in a day and a half, and the weather was kind except for the first half-hour. Very many thanks to Raymond, Rae and Michael– our co-leaders - and to Christine, Michael and Geoff our photographers. They made my life much easier and the outing more interesting."
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First Open Day for Harborough Welland u3a
Harborough Welland u3a, formed in 2022 from the merger of two previous u3as, held an Open Morning. It was a great success and 17 new members signed up on the day.
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Art Day Out for Belfast u3a
Belfast u3a's Art Appreciation Group had a guided tour at Ulster Museum of their latest Exhibition Renaissance to Romanticism.
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Creative Writing Competition Open for Third Year
In partnership with Bloomsbury, we're searching for the best short story written by a u3a member. The theme for 2022 is "Opening(s)" and submissions close on 16 June 2022.
The winner of the 2021 competition, Lynne, has since found success writing for 'People's Friend' and she partly attributes this to the u3a creative writing competition. Read more about Lynne's success on our news pages and enter now on our learning pages.
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May's edition of the u3a radio podcast features a u3a group whose activities range from axe throwing to juggling.
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Found in Nature
We have loved seeing the incredible images you've captured of nature as part of our new learning initiative. See the full gallery on our website, where you can share your photos.
Photos: Romsey u3a member Dave, Balsall Common u3a member Peter
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Work continues on the WordPress replacement for SiteBuilder. We are aiming to get the first site onto the new system by the end of the year, but will keep everyone updated about developments and the timescale.
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Chair of the Third Age Trust, Liz Thackray
Wow! How time flies. We are already a third of the way through 2022. Over the next few weeks, I will be attending a number of meetings, but as importantly spending time with u3a members – something I am really looking forward to.
Although I cannot accept every invitation, together with regional and national trustees, I am planning 2/3 day visits to a number of different localities. I do hope everybody’s plans are well in hand for all the different celebrations and activities this summer.
It is good to be able to meet together face to face rather than only on a screen. Looking forward to seeing the photos and hearing your stories of our anniversary summer!
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The Board met last week and had a workshop around how u3a can make an impact on local communities and our broader society. This is an exciting opportunity to develop the voice of the u3a movement. If you have any thoughts on the wider issues you would like u3a to be involved in, share them with us at impact@u3a.org.uk |
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A New Start After 60
Marian, who you may recognise as the Spotlight On from our March newsletter, spoke about how u3a enabled her to find friendship and independence in later life in The Guardian this week. Read it on The Guardian website. Have you changed your life after 60? We would love to hear your story.
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In Other News...
Crediton u3a member Lynne was interviewed by BBC Radio Devon (1h40minutes into the programme), and also featured in the Crediton Courier, about her writing success, prompted by the u3a creative writing competition. Lynne is not the only u3a writer who has gained attention recently; People's Friend's Writer of the Week was u3a member Cathy.
u3a's milestone of planting 8,000 trees has featured in Retirement Matters and The Abergavenny Chronicle.
A story about the u3a 40th Anniversary Quilt also featured in the South Downs National Park newsletter which goes out to hundreds of parish residents and 10,000 individuals. Read it here (page3.)
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Your Stories
Rickmansworth u3a celebrated our 20th Anniversary in style with a cream tea with ‘bubbles’. The hall was decorated with u3a bunting, balloons and tables all in blue and yellow.
Today we have 405 Members with 61 Active Interest Groups. Our thanks go to all the Group Co-ordinators, to our Technical Team for providing the sound and vision for our monthly meetings, our faithful committee and of course, not forgetting our members.
When we bring all this mix together, we end up with learning, fun & friendship for us all to enjoy.
Jean, Rickmansworth u3a
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Picnic Recipe Inspiration
As members get ready to celebrate the 40th Anniversary with Picnic in the Park, recipe writer and home economist Beverley shares picnic recipes in the Spring issue of Third Age Matters. Have you made any of the recipes? Let us know.
Photographs by David Seller
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Subject advisers are u3a members who volunteer to share their expertise on their specialist subject. Discover more on the u3a Subject Advice page.
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Members of Sandra's Tweedale u3a local history group in a workshop with Historic Scotland
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Learning More About: Local History with New Subject Adviser, Sandra
What got you started in local history?
It came out of an interest in my own family history and developed when we moved to the Scottish Borders and joined u3a. The local history group helped me to get under the skin of our new town. Local history groups are in a great position to contribute and understand local heritage.
What is your favourite local history group activity?
It’s the variety that I enjoy. We’ve visited archives, organised training sessions, shared learning events with groups including the local Civic Society and recorded oral history for the national archives. I especially like when members contribute five or ten minutes each on a particular theme, such as transport. There are too many ‘favourites’ to mention them all here!
What kind of subject advisor will you be?
Supportive: I'm keen to encourage groups to and to try out different activities. Facilitative: I’ll find ways to put people in touch so that they can support one another and share experience. Listening: I’m looking forward to hearing from groups (or people wanting to set up a group) about what they do, what they can offer, and how I can help.
Read more from Sandra on our Sources blog.
Get in touch with Sandra through her Subject Advice page.
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Your 40th Anniversary Stories
The members of Sandwell u3a in the West Midlands got together on Monday 9 May for a celebration of the Platinum Jubilee and the u3a’s 40th Anniversary. Around 70 members enjoyed the celebrations that included a singsong and of course the obligatory cakes!
Allan, Trustee for the West Midlands
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Every month, we run a programme of special events for members - many hosted by u3a members themselves. Here is a snapshot of what is coming up - see more on our online events page.
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Japan: Lasting Impressions
Tuesday 24 May, 10.30am
In this talk, Flintshire u3a member Hilary and her son Dan - who will be zooming in live from Japan - will provide an insight into Japanese life and culture.
The talk will compare and contrast work, school and personal life in Great Britain and Japan.
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How to Get Published: Some Practical Advice
Monday 6 June, 2pm
In the lead up to this year’s Creative Writing Competition u3a members are invited to a special talk by Alysoun Owen, Editor of the bestselling book Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook.
Alysoun will be sharing her insight on the publishing process and the options available to authors.
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Coffee Morning
Wednesday 25 May 10.30am–12pm
Are you interested or curious to find out more about Equality, Diversity & Inclusion? Please join us to share experiences, raise awareness and help us all increase our knowledge and understanding. Book your place now.
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Your Stories
The A Train is a jazz band taking its repertoire from a range of Jazz standards, songs from the musicals and from The Great American songbook.
We are performing at open mic nights:
The Brown Bear, 14 The Square, Braughing, SG11 2QF - 3 May - 8pm
The Chequers, London Road, Barley, SG8 8JQ - 8 May - 4pm
Duxfest Jubilee Festival, Duxford Community Centre, Hunts Road, CB22 4RE - 4 June -3.15pm
Buntingford Arts Festival, Layston Gardens, Buntingford, Herts - 19 June - 2.30pm
- The A Train Jazz Band, Cheshunt u3a
Follow us on Facebook -@theatrainjazzband
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On our Sources blog this month, Burnham-On-Crouch u3a's Archaeology group discuss their current projects - from searching for a vanished Elizabethan range to looking at an eroded Roman Villa site.
Other stories include Meditation and Mindfulness Subject Adviser, Nancy, who recently featured in our #GenerationWOW campaign, sharing the benefits of the practice and Calverton & District u3a member Len discussing the connection between storytelling and music.
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There are lots more member-led stories on our u3a blog, Sources.
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This is a new section putting a spotlight on the staff who work at u3a office and what we're doing.
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Meet Charles
Hello! I’m Charles, the Website and Digital Officer for Third Age Trust. I am part of the Communications Team and have worked here part-time since August 2021. My role is to support the organisation across our digital platforms. My responsibilities include making updates to u3a.org.uk, working closely with our web developer, fixing issues with content and bits of code, and generally being as useful as I can helping Trust staff and Trustees with everything digital!
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We’re constantly making improvements to our website and other digital platforms and will continue to take feedback to provide the best support we can to members online.
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u3a office celebrate Picnic in the Park in the sun
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A small working group has been set up to investigate environmental issues relevant to the Third Age Trust and individual u3as. Barbara Cordina, East of England Trustee, has been appointed to coordinate this work with a team of 7 individuals.
The main priority initially is to produce a sustainability policy for the Third Age Trust and a further advisory policy for the u3a movement, in alignment with national regulations, policies and standards. These will be provided to the Board for their consideration and ultimate adoption. Environmental issues generally will also be considered with a view to providing support and advice for all individual members, on all platforms.
If you require any further information please contact barbara.cordina@u3a.org.uk
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Digital Strategy
The Digital Strategy is a new initiative to support the development of a broad long term strategy for the u3a movement. Chair of TATTL, Clive Grace says, "Phase 1 of this Digital Strategy initiative has been running as three workstreams supported by volunteers and staff, which will create a foundation of information to underpin this strategic thinking.
"We are now collating the results from the three Workstreams and shaping the next phase. It is not a quick job, but by summer we’ll publish an update." You can read Clive's full update on the Digital Strategy on our Sources blog.
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Your 40th Anniversary Stories
Leigh Belfairs u3a celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our movement by having a fun musical afternoon. The delicious cake was made and decorated by our very own member Christine, who runs the Sugar Craft Group. Even the flowers were hand made by Christine from sugar paste. To commemorate the occasion we have donated a Hydrangea which will be planted in the church grounds.
Leigh Belfairs u3a Committee
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Tutorial Dates in June
We run workshops to support your u3a every month, all of which can be found on the online tutorials page. These are the dates for June:
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Volunteers Week is next month (1 - 7 June) and we want to hear about your experiences - are you a committee member or group leader? What prompted you to become involved and what do you love about your role? Get in touch.
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Viju, Slough u3a
I worked in accounts and I retired in 2016. Some of my friends said ‘you’ll get bored’ and encouraged me to get a part time job. I really didn’t want to do any more work, I worked for 47 years. I thought now I can look after myself and do my thing.
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That’s when I joined u3a. I’m not bored at all. I do lots of activities; gardening, bridge, art appreciation, walking, scrabble, badminton, outings and the local history group. Just recently I joined the play reading group – so loads and loads of things and I'm very happy with that.
Bridge is a new skill that I’m still learning with u3a. It is very good and quite social. I had never really done sports before, and now I’m enjoying badminton which is nice. I also enjoy art appreciation. In September, we went on a trip to Birmingham and that was really lovely. You do learn a lot more when you’re with other people. You enjoy things more when you’re with others.
I’m just so happy there is a wide variety of things you can do and learn and make loads of lovely friends. I never ever thought I would be playing bridge or playing badminton. Never, ever - especially at this age to take something up and do that.
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