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Linda from Seaham u3a painted these stones and wrote the details of how to join the local u3a on the back before scattering them for people to find.
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Dear <<First Name>>,
The sun is out (most of the time) and u3a members are too.
There are lots of lovely stories on social media about u3a members getting out and about and sharing the u3a message.
Celebrating our first u3a day was a great opportunity to share the joy of u3a with members and the public generally. It was impressive to have such scale of support for the day in these restricted times.
Our message on positive ageing is demonstrated in u3a life throughout the movement.
In other news, the election of the officers and those areas with Board vacancies are underway. Please read the full details in Ian McCannah's report further down the newsletter.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy June.
With regards,
Sam Mauger
Chief Executive
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In this issue...
u3a day
Thank you for your u3a eye photos
u3a member awarded BEM
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Your Stories
"u3a Bromley pulled out all the stops on 2 June to celebrate learning, laughing and living. The presenters ranged from one member who has been group convenor of Bromley u3a's Spanish group for 28 years to our Italian conversation leader who started more or less from scratch with Italian when he joined u3a.
The event was a good reminder of the range of talent, expertise and enthusiasm we have in Bromley. As restrictions lift and we can get back to some sort of normality we need to find ways of blowing the u3a trumpet good and loud. We’re worth it, folks."
- Susan, Bromley u3a
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u3a members were out in blue and yellow on 2 June to celebrate and publicise the u3a movement for u3a day.
u3a members yarn bombed, walked, painted pebbles, had performances from musical groups, held open Zoom meetings. See the range of amazing things that members got up to on our u3a day blog and on Sources.
We'll be coming to you for feedback to shape what happens in 2022 and beyond, including in a series of webinars available on June 27 and July 8 that you can book onto now.
Photos: Sherburn & Villages u3a photographed by Alex Svenson, Wigtownshire u3a photographed by David Gordon, pebble painting at Guildford u3a, Ravenshead u3a photographed by Peter Alvey, Teignmouth u3a, Wigan u3a photographed by Tony Cross, Brunswick, West Hove and Portslade u3a photographed by Mark Thomas.
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Download your Bitesize Newsletter
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Our Bitesize newsletter is a shorter, printable version of the newsletter to post for those not online - or to share as a snapshot of what the newsletter is all about for those not yet signed up.
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Fashion and Ageism
Thanks for your amazing response to our fashion and ageism survey. More than 5,000 of you responded in just over a day and a half that the survey was open.
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The fashion and ageism survey shone a light on our attitude to fashion as we age - and crucially how the general population feel about older adults wearing certain clothes. The survey forms part of our work on pushing back ageism and challenging some of the negative preconceptions around age. The survey press release is below.
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u3a movement in the media
The u3a movement secured over 64 pieces of coverage across the UK in the media this month – including many local pieces thanks to the enthusiasm, commitment and energy of u3a members.
Trustees, members and our CEO Sam Mauger could be heard on local radio throughout the country on the week leading up to 2 June and the day itself.
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Nationally the movement was featured with its fashion survey in the Daily Express, the Daily Star, Channel 5 and 5 Live Radio.
Picture: Wigtownshire u3a on the cover of The Galloway Gazette.
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Please join our Media Team
Thank you to our members who volunteer as PR advisers in the nations and regions. You are doing a wonderful job of liaising with your media and local u3as. This is a relatively new role within the Trust but already it is proving to be an invaluable way to help raise the movement's profile. If you have an interest or experience in Media and PR, please get in touch.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Thank you for supporting Run for the World
Thanks to all of you who have taken part in the Run for the World programme - you are not only staying active and keeping fit but you have raised nearly £1,500 for the movement.
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Run for the World is a virtual running organisation - it is great motivation to get running and best of all they donate part of all event entry fees this year to u3a to help support new groups and equipment.
Join this fantastic fitness community.
Learn more on Facebook and Instagram.
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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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June's u3a radio podcast is packed with great interviews, including a first experience of Glastonbury. We'd love to hear about your new experiences - get in touch.
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Your talent and skills are what make our learning initiatives so special. Below is a snapshot of some of the exciting things members can get involved with.
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Discover France Through Food
Join us on a culinary journey around the world on our Taste of Travel learning page. This time we're in France as Angela of Cheltenham u3a shares recipes from her time living there, including her Tour De France Tian, above.
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Learn, Laugh, Move is Ballroom Dancing
Head over to our Learn, Laugh, Move page, which this month is showcasing Ballroom Dancing, with tips and stories from our Subject Advisers for Ballroom Dancing.
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Contribute your stories to the initiative via our online form.
u3a Cockermouth Dance team at Bassingthwaite station.
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Your Photos Are Amazing
Did you know you've been sending in photos to u3a eye for over 60 weeks - that's 30 themes. We're now launching our 31st theme and we can't wait to see what you send us. Read more on our website, let us know if you have been using u3a eye with your photography group and share your photos with us.
Photos: Rosemary of North Norfolk u3a for '3', Ian of Witham u3a for 'Inside', John of Blackwater u3a for 'Pictures Tell A Thousand Words', Rosemary of Rugby u3a for 'Centre'.
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Kinder Transport
Since Arun East u3a member Steve Williams gave a talk about the operation to rescue 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi Germany and bring them to Britain, u3a members have come forward to share their stories with him. If you have a story you'd like to share with Steve, please get in touch.
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Summer Walking
Bernard, Terry and Kevin are our new Walking Subject Advisers. All three are excited to get back to walking with u3a and say, "Now is the chance for u3a members to dust off their walking boots and head outdoors for an organised u3a walk." You can download a Ramblers Association risk assessment form on the u3a website, behind your members' log in, and find out more about walking on the walking subject advice page.
Photo: Geology walk in Snowdonia, taken by Bernard.
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First Ever Pickleball Subject Adviser
David has become the Subject Adviser for Pickleball, a paddle sport which has elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton.
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David says, "Pickleball is fun, healthy and perfectly in tune with u3a’s “Learn Laugh Move” initiative. Learn more and see how to get involved with this new and exciting sport by going to my subject advice page."
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New Subject Adviser for Piano Playing
Barnet u3a member Keith has become the Subject Adviser for Piano Playing. He has been a pianist for many years and runs a group at his u3a.
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Keith says, "Within our group there is a wide range of experience and abilities. We take our learning seriously but also have a lot of fun on the way." Find out more on Keith's Subject Advice page.
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Exploring World Faiths
Peter, the Subject Adviser for Exploring World Faiths, is holding sessions for members currently running Exploring World Faiths groups in their own u3as or thinking of doing so.
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The next session will be held on Zoom on Wednesday 8 September at 10am. If you are interested in attending, please contact Peter through his subject advice page.
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Birdwatch with us - and share your photos on our learning page. Photo: Brian, Belfast u3a.
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Chair of the Third Age Trust, Ian McCannah
"Voting for the Trust's new Board of Trustees is well underway. There are two candidates for the Chair and Vice Chair roles and one for Treasurer – Beryl Shepherd and Liz Thackray are running for Chair, Michaela Moody and Sue Southwell for Vice Chair and Derek M Harwood for Treasurer. National and Regional Trustee elections are also taking place in the East Midlands, London and Wales. Details of the candidates, and their presentations, are on the national website. u3a Committees hold the votes on behalf of their members and they are encouraged to exercise them.
Despite the imminent board changes, work continues on several key projects - a Strategic Plan for the movement post pandemic, a Digital Strategy for the Trust and the future of Trust u3a. It is hoped that this initial work will allow the new board to hit the ground running with these projects when they first meet in the autumn.
One of the many examples of the u3a spirit during these difficult times arrived in my inbox. 'GB5UTA will be on air 1-28 June promoting #amateurradio among the 450,000 @u3a_UK members.' Hear it by searching GB5UTA on http://QRZ.com – it is well worth a listen in a few spare moments."
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Your Stories
"Just a note to say thank you to all the members of Fleet and District u3a who turned out in blue and yellow for the first ever National u3a Day. I saw a handmade yellow flower brooch, a chap in a yellow tee-shirt and a blue tie and lots of yellow and blue scarves draped artistically around necks and one tied on a blue wheelchair.
It was great to chat with everyone who called at our stall. Isn’t it wonderful to see people in real life again? In fact, one or two committee members had never met until yesterday. Appreciation and thanks must go to Adrian and his team who did all the hard work in planning."
- Paddy, Chair of Fleet u3a
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June Issue of Third Age Matters, Out Now
In the Summer issue of our members' magazine, Third Age Matters, Jay Blades from The Repair Shop opens up about life growing up in poverty, dyslexia and how he was helped to come back from a breakdown; members trace the history of theatres where stars such as Dame Judi Dench first trod the boards and we look at the fashions of the 1960s and 70s. Plus, we review new film The Father, for which Sir Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for playing a man with dementia and we have tickets to win to a Gilbert & Sullivan festival.
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There's so much on Sources this month - more of your u3a day stories, a u3a published poet explores age, Caterham u3a's murder mystery event (above) and a member of Stroud u3a talks about the joy of his u3a creative writing group.
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Connect with us on social media
This was a great month on social media, with so many of you connecting with us via our Facebook groups, our Twitter and our Instagram to share the interesting things you've been up to.
With all the wonderful photos you've shared with us, it's been an especially great time on our Instagram - if you don't follow us yet, please do.
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Click the buttons below to see our social media profiles and follow us.
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Your Stories
"Stourbridge u3a Knitting & Crochet group have mastered Zoom sessions. As well as supporting Teddies for Tragedies and a project in Africa, we now make knitted and crocheted toys and blankets for Crafting for Communities, a local West Midlands group."
Brenda Smith, Stourbridge u3a
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u3a member awarded British Empire Medal
The Vice Chair of London u3a has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Honours List for Services to Education.
Amalia Michaels has been Vice Chair of London u3a for more than 10 years. Amalia says, "I feel privileged to be part of a talented and dedicated team and that we all work hard together to keep our u3a going."
Read more on our website.
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u3a Diary Project Book
In the first few months of the pandemic, members shared their thoughts and experiences as part of the u3a diary project. This was turned into a book which is available again to buy through our u3a diary project page.
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Interest Groups Going Online
Over the last year, u3as have been hugely responsive in adapting their interest groups to work without face-to-face restrictions. Paul Martinez, Chair of the Recruitment and Retention Working Group, hopes that this will continue post-pandemic. He says, "there are an almost infinite amount of potential learning resources online for your interest group, mainly on YouTube. It only takes about two minutes to set up Zoom; another minute to create your YouTube account and as little or as long as you want to spend finding resources for your interest group."
For a general introduction to zooming for interest groups, see the video Zoom – why should I bother? and also watch Every interest group can go online!
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Your Stories
"u3a Day for Great Oakley and District u3a consisted of an Open Day at Corby Heritage Centre. We had display boards highlighting some of our groups, a PowerPoint presentations running continuously throughout the day highlighting the work of our u3a, and a rolling program of members playing ukulele.
Our event was well publicised by Corby FM Radio, and the Northants Evening Telegraph. The event was very successful and as a result we have managed to recruit a number of new members."
- Phil, Great Oakley and District u3a
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A Historic Hour with Southwark Cathedral
Monday 28 June, 10.30 am
Please join us for an illustrated talk by three Cathedral Guides about the history of Southwark Cathedral, some of the people connected with it, and its architecture, stained glass and monuments.
Photo: Southwark Cathedral
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Howzat: The Word Cricket Rankings, Ted Dexter and Me
Thursday 1 July, 2pm
Mathematician Rob Eastaway talks about a lunch with Ted Dexter In 1987 which eventually led to the official ICC World Rankings, and how it all started with a dice game he played as a child. Along the way he touches upon mathematical curiosities in cricket rankings and other sports.
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Discovering Japan
Tuesday 6 July, 10.30am
Our Japan talks have been really popular and we are repeating the most recent one, which included a live link with Japan.
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In this talk, Hilary Jones talks about her experiences visiting family in Kawasaki, before Daniel Mater, joining via a live link from Japan, gives a personal insight into living and working in Japan - from the typical working day to business culture, manners and family life.
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For our 40th anniversary, we're creating a quilt from u3a's submissions. We're also running workshops on this. Find out more about the project and get involved on our website now.
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We were contacted by a new series for the BBC, which is looking for singers and musicians that are 65+
To find out more and apply, email rockofallages@rdftelevision.com and if you do get onto the show, please let us know.
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Digital Support
Our partnerships with Click Silver and Barclays Digital Eagles continue to support u3a members across the movement.
We have more Barclays Digital Eagles sessions this week, including Internet Basics, Internet Next Steps (for Intermediates) and Entertainment Online. You can book your spot now on our online tutorials page.
Click Silver is here for any members who want extra support to get onto the internet and use a computer. You will be linked with a mentor who will use the phone to help you with your digital questions. To find out more and register, please contact the u3a office on 020 8466 6139 or you can email u3a.office@u3a.org.uk
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Zoom Tutorials
We continue to run zoom tutorials and have now included a “How to use Zoom for Tablets", with an extra date – 28 June and 5 July. Book here.
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NetFest
The Third Age Trust have just finished a week celebrating Networks. Hilary Jones, Vice Chair of the Third Age Trust, said, "The theme was Celebrating, Connecting, Communicating. We certainly did that. Everyone was very generous with sharing what they had done, what they have planned and and things that bother them. To me ‘sharing’ is what networks do, the good, the bad and the support." Find out more about networks on our website.
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Your Stories
"Grimsby and Cleethorpes u3a met for the first time since the pandemic, as an open air meeting. We took our own chairs and a picnic lunch and sat in a large circle on the grass and talked, ate, and drank, tea and coffee of course. Every one had a great time and the weather was very kind to us.
The croquet group have already met in the park, the singing group hope to start again in July and the ukulele group are looking forward to 'tuning up' again in August if the pandemic rules permit."
- Sid, Grimsby and Cleethorpes u3a
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The Listening Place - Volunteers Needed
The Listening Place, an award winning registered charity in London, has been in touch to ask for our help to find volunteers to provide support for suicidal people.
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No formal qualifications are necessary, just the desire to help. Training is given and volunteers would need to travel to London. Visit their website or email them for more information.
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Your Stories
"Brecon u3a has a close relationship with the Cultural Cafe at Theatr Brycheiniog, which has just reopened. An art installation depicts the organisations that have supported the Theatr over many years; this includes hangings on which are portrayed characters from these various organisations. u3a members are amongst those hanging.
The installation has been designed by Harry Pizzey.
Photography by Velvet Cole of Velvet Images 2021."
- John, Brecon u3a
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I am an ex teacher - I retired in 2012 - and was always shocked at how dismissive many pupils and parents were of 50+ people, not always aggressively but more of a view that they were past it and not ‘up to date’ in their views. Many older people have so much to offer younger people and society generally, this is increasingly important in context of pandemic. Like much prejudice and general thoughtlessness, ageism sometimes seems pervasive, the source and reasoning hard to pin down. So Push Back against Ageism is a good slogan!
Personally the u3a movement has enabled me to develop new interests, maintain old ones and to meet new people with many diverse life experiences.
I joined the local committee last year and feel that I have been able to contribute to this bigger picture by taking on the role of Zoom coordinator. I have hosted a twice monthly Zoom lecture programme for our members as well as two virtual AGM’s; initiated a Zoom Drop In for members to attend for a coffee and a chat and finally, organised a training programme in Zoom skills so that our members could use the platform to maintain contact with friends and family over lockdown as well as attend, and sometimes host, u3a events.
None of this would have been possible without the help and support of our Web Admin, Keith - another thing the u3a is about is supporting each other!
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John, Swanland u3a
As part of our u3a day celebrations, we had a meeting on ‘Positive Ageing’ with a local Councillor, a retiree with extensive experience as a volunteer and a national u3a speaker.
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