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Photos by members of Bridlington u3a featured in an exhibition this month, including this photo by member Helena. See more in u3a news.
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Dear <<First Name>>,
I know these uncertain times in world events are troubling. We cannot but be moved by events that are unfolding, much of which may seem incomprehensible.
Along with coming out of the pandemic many of us are looking for some certainty. Throughout the last few years the value of the friendship and support provided member to member in u3as has been extraordinary. This culture of collaboration, respect and community is ever more important.
Despite everything u3a members continue to search out new experiences, enjoy new skills, and strengthen the community around them. What a movement to be proud of - how great it is to be part of it.
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...
A Message for Ukraine
Spring Learning Programme
Spotlight on Marian
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A message from the staff and Trustees of the Third Age Trust which supports the u3a movement:
Our thoughts are with u3as in the Ukraine, their members, family, friends and neighbourhoods during this terrible and unprecedented time. We know many of our members wish to make personal donations to the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. Please see the Commissions guidance for safe giving to Ukraine.
For any of you that wish to make a donation in your personal capacity, below is a link for The Disasters Emergency Committee which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to provide and deliver aid to ensure successful appeals. The charities include Oxfam, Save the Children UK, Age International, British Red Cross, Cafod, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief.
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
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Your Stories
When looking for something
In your spare time to do
There is an endless choice
To learn something new
But what I love best
Since joining the u3a
Are friends that I have made
Along the way
Jan, Epsom & Ewell u3a. Read full poem on our u3a blog, Sources. |
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Launch of New Spring Programme
Our new u3a spring learning programme is packed with member-led initiatives from across the movement, sharing skills and talents. There are lots of new things to learn. Find our new programmes and old favourites on our learning pages.
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Share Your Love of Reading
A new u3a Book Groups Forum will be led by Subject Adviser for Book Groups, Richard. We would love to receive book reviews from u3a groups or individuals and tips on how to run a good book group. Get involved.
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Try Kirigami
Each month, we will be celebrating a new craft form; showcasing your creations and guidance on how to get started. Learn the art of kirigami on our website. Why not get your u3a craft group involved and learn a new crafting skill together?
Photo by Forest Town & District u3a member, Bob
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Challenge Yourself with Crochet
Every month we will be setting a new challenge for crocheters or knitters to inspire you to create something unusual, and then sharing your photos in our online gallery. This project will also include workshops and links to help you elevate your knitting to the extreme.
Photo by Trust u3a member, Chris
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If you or your u3a group have any special expertise and would like to support our initiatives, please contact us.
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Get the latest updates from u3a straight to your headphones
In the March episode of the u3a radio podcast, the team hear about the Specsavers partnership with u3a, talk to u3a members who contributed to the 40th anniversary quilt and learn about the many usages of seaweed. Watch the subtitled video on YouTube or listen to it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcasting platforms.
Do you have a story you would like to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us.
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Connecting Through Our Film
We have loved hearing about the ways you have shared 'Do Something Brilliant Today' within your u3as. How are you using the film? Do get in touch and let us know.
The film featured in a recent national u3a Facebook campaign which resulted in over 3,000 clicks to our Join Us page.
In the next few weeks, we will be releasing our new series of short films based on the stories in 'Do Something Brilliant Today.' Make sure you don't miss out by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
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You Are Helping Shape The Future of Design
Thank you to the thousands of you in our newsletter community who helped us identify the 25 most frustrating everyday objects in your homes - with food packaging ranking highest.
Following your responses, we are putting together a report with the Design Age Institute (RCA), to encourage businesses to put older adults at the heart of design. To give the report impact, we need photos. Can you help us by sharing a photo of you struggling with an everyday object - you may need to get someone else to take the photo. Get in touch by 25 March, 2022.
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19.6 Million People Connecting with Sharing Skills Campaign
Our #GenerationWOW campaign with Specsavers has reached 19.6 million people and there have been 542 pieces of press coverage - showcasing the benefits of skill sharing and the wealth of experience within the u3a movement.
In the latest video, Edinburgh u3a member Judith demonstrates the benefits of laughter yoga. Watch it now on the Specsavers Hub.
Do you have a skill - from chess to DIY to golf - that you could share with others? Get in touch with us.
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New On The Brand Centre
There are new things on the u3a brand centre including membership cards, water bottles, picnic blankets and rucksacks.
Also on the brand centre is 'u3a in the Time of Corona', the book that chronicles u3a members' reactions to coronavirus and isolation through drawings, photographs, poems and diary entries. Read more about the project on the research page and find the book on the brand centre by putting 'u3a in the Time of Corona' into the search bar.
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u3a Members Step Up to Bat for International Women's Day
Yorkshire u3a all-comers and Leeds u3a women teams played in an all-womens walking cricket match to celebrate International Women's Day. The match was organised by the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation along with u3a Subject Adviser Mac.
The match was attended by Dickie Bird OBE, retired international cricket umpire who umpired in 66 test matches. Dickie has been supportive of walking cricket since it launched in 2019 and at the match, became an honorary member of Barnsley u3a.
Read the full story on our news pages.
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Sedgefield & District u3a Feature in Local Festival
Large scale artworks created by the photography and creative writing groups at Sedgefield & District u3a feature in The Festival of Minerva this weekend. The pieces, including this photo by u3a member David, were inspired by Hardwick Park where the festival takes place.
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Happy 21st Birthday Wymondham
Wymondham u3a celebrated their 21st birthday in February. Trustee of the East of England region Barbara said, "What a wonderful group of people. I had a really good time with a toast to Wymondham, a delicious afternoon tea and this magnificent birthday cake. My best wishes to everyone at Wymondham and keep up the good work."
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Showcasing Bridlington u3a's Photography Skills
A selection of photos by members of Bridlington u3a's Digital Photography group were shown at an exhibition this month. The group exhibited 96 images to five categories; Portrait, Landscape, Nature, Abstract and Macro/Close Up.
Photos: 'Gimme A Kiss' by David, 'Kirkstone Pass' by Marilyn.
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Our News for Networks newsletter is crammed full of stories from your networks - sign up now . Are you a part of a u3a network? Get in touch with us to share your recent network highlights.
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The Climate Crisis and Some Solutions
Wednesday 23 March, 10.30am
Cotgrave & District u3a member Brenda presents possible solutions to the climate emergency.
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Discover Japan
Tuesday 29 March, 10am
Following the success of the Japan series last year, Flintshire u3a member Hilary shares her sights and impressions of Japan in this repeat event.
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Picnic in the Park - Live Cookery Demonstration
Monday 16 May, 10.30am
Bruschetta; tasty pasta salad; Greek fritters with Tzatziki; mushroom pate; orange, lemon and pistachio cake - Chef Alex from 'Vegetarian for Life' will be creating the ultimate picnic recipes to inspire you for our 40th anniversary 'Picnic in the Park.'
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East of England: Diversity & Inclusion Workshop
Wednesday 6 April, 10am
All u3a members in the East of England Region are invited to join this Zoom workshop, led by a member of the u3a Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Invitations will be sent out to all committees in the region. To find out more, email eastofenglandregion.u3a@gmail.com.
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Scotland Summer School
Tuesday 16-Thursday 18 August 2022
Topics to explore at this year's Scotland Summer School include Ancient Civilisations of Mesoamerica; Creative Writing; Exploring Poetry; Immunology; Scottish History 1750-1850. Find out more on the u3a in Scotland website summer school page.
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This month's Board meeting included a workshop on climate change, delivered by the Trust u3a Countdown to COP27 group.
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Chair of the Third Age Trust, Liz Thackray
The next few months are going to be a busy time for all of us – and hopefully also enjoyable. There are so many interesting events being planned by u3as as part of our anniversary celebrations, between us we should be able to ensure everybody knows what u3a is – and also gain new members.
As we prepare to put on our blue and yellow displays, I am sure we will also be aware that the same colours represent Ukraine – and will be doing what we can to support those suffering the consequences of the war in that country.
A u3a member recently shared her concerns about her grandson, a young man of call up age living with his parents in Russia – this conflict has far reaching consequences! Let’s ensure we make the most of our anniversary whilst being aware of the needs of others.
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Your Stories
Thetford u3a are now up and running with Beacon, the management system for members.
We are processing advance renewals for next year and our Groups Coordinator is getting to grips with setting up the groups. It’s proving to be a really useful system and I am sure as we get even more familiar with it, we will find it even more useful.
We are particularly impressed with the onboarding advice and the quality of documentation.
Dave, Thetford u3a
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Find out the latest news and events on how we are celebrating our birthday, including the Picnic in the Park event, on our 40th anniversary page.
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The 'Great Reveal' of the 40th Anniversary Quilt
The 40th anniversary quilt will be revealed at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester on Friday 17 June. More details will be revealed in future newsletters and on the 40th anniversary page.
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Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Members may want to attend the Platinum Party at the Palace and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant to celebrate u3a. Tickets are on the Platinum Jubilee website.
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The Royal Voluntary Service have launched the Platinum Champion Awards to celebrate volunteers; why not nominate a member of your u3a who goes above and beyond?
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u3a "proves, if anyone doubts it, that older people are full of adventure, resource, creativity."
Dame Esther Rantzen is the latest celebrity to share a happy birthday message for the u3a 40th anniversary. Watch the video on our social media platforms, where we will be sharing these videos every month throughout 2022. Follow us to avoid missing out - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
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Facebook is a new venture for us in this last year and it drew much scepticism at first, but we are finding that our membership is growing and at least half of them are coming from the advertising that I do on all the local Facebook pages, as well as our own page. The energy that these new members bring is joyous.
Kathy, Parbold, Newburgh & District u3a
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u3a Social Media Post of the Month
Parbold, Newburgh & District u3a shared photos of a recent walk on their u3a Facebook page, which showcases their active members and groups.
The post was also shared on the u3a Keeping In Touch group, which is a forum for u3a members to connect with each other and exchange ideas. The group celebrates its second birthday this month - two years of members laughing and learning together. Join the group.
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We want to know how your u3a is using social media. Tag us in your posts - you can find our accounts by using the buttons below. You can also email us to tell us about your social media accounts.
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In the news this month...
Dame Esther Rantzen spoke about u3a members embracing technology in a recent article in The Guardian.
Trustee for Yorkshire & the Humber, Margaret Fiddes, spoke about u3a and the all-women walking cricket match for International Women's Day on BBC Radio Leeds. Listen to it on BBC Sounds - the interview is at 2 hours 46.
Chair of Teignmouth u3a, David, spoke about u3a and how it's never too late to do something new on BBC Radio Devon. Listen to it on BBC Sounds - the interview is at 1 hour 20.
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Bring Out The Bunting
Join Third Age Matters and u3as across the country as we celebrate our 40th anniversary and the Queen’s platinum jubilee with Picnics in the Park on 1 June. To help you get started, we have some picnic recipes in the Spring issue of TAM, out in April.
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Your Stories
During Covid, Colchester, like many other u3a’s saw the closure of interest groups. A couple of members of our knitting group were keen to get back together for their regular knit and natter. We decided to invite other crafters to join– including crochet, patchwork, card embroidery, and in fact, anyone who wanted to share their craft skills and knowledge.
Ruth, Colchester u3a
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There are lots more member-led stories on our u3a blog, Sources.
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This month on Sources, meet the members of Trust u3a's Countdown to COP27 group as they talk through their journeys to becoming more aware of climate change.
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Subject advisers are u3a members who volunteer to share their expertise on their specialist subject and members can contact them for advice on their subject. Discover more on the u3a Subject Advice page.
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Learning More About: Science with New Subject Adviser, Leigh
What do you love about science?
I love science because I was born insatiably curious, and science provides me with some answers. It also has the downside of throwing up even more questions, but I can’t let that deter me!
What does your new role as Subject Adviser entail?
As Subject Adviser, I am here to help Science groups to start in u3as and to provide ideas for adding variety to their activities. So if you would like to exchange ideas, or if you want some advice, please do get in touch.
What current topics may science groups want to look into?
I’m currently very interested in fuels, sources of energy and energy storage systems that are suitable for the future and that will allow humanity to stop using fossil fuels. Energy storage, and lots of it, will help us to make the most of the rapidly increasing capacity in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Contact Leigh through his Subject Advice page.
Read more about Leigh on our Sources blog.
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Research Request
Approved by the Research Committee. A post-graduate student at the University of Plymouth is undergoing an exploration of how older adults experience online dating. The researcher is looking for participants who use internet dating platforms for a virtual 1-1 interview regarding your experiences. To get involved, contact Melissa.
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Annual Return Method & Subscriptions
Derek, Treasurer of the Third Age Trust, says "Further to the first early warning in the last Newsletter we’d remind you again of the charges due shortly when we issue you the detailed Annual Return requirements. The main subscription charge will be £4.00 per member (excluding Associate Members) based on your membership level at end of March 2022. If your u3a uses our Beacon membership system then we are pleased to let you know there is no increase in the charge again this year and you will be invoiced at £1.00 per member SiteBuilder is still being provided for free. The distribution cost of Third Age Matters magazine is increasing (due to cost increases in fuel, distribution and postage) and will now be £3.35 (for the 5 issues per year).
We are automating the Annual Returns system this year which should make it easier for all. We are also introducing a third method of payment (using WorldPay). We hope this will all help to make the process simpler and we will offer support and assistance to all u3as should it be requested."
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At the recent meeting of the Trust it was decided to change the name of the Diversity & Inclusion committee to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion to bring it in line with current usage. Susan Parker has taken over as Chair of the Committee from Sue Southwell. Thanks so much to Sue for all the work she has done in the last year.
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It was brilliant. To a new u3a'er like me the workshop filled in a lot of the cracks that I was encountering - and to be honest - afraid to keep on asking about for fear of showing myself up.
Bill, attendee for Running your u3a workshop
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Calverton & District u3a were in full publicity mode at the 'What To Do In '22' clubs fayre in their local town. They had lots of interest and the next week, they had six new members at their General meeting.
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"As a working class child in the fifties, I was lucky enough to receive an excellent education entirely free. This enabled me to have a fulfilling and well-paid career in the chemical industry. I joined Action Tutoring because I wanted to help give other children the chances I had. As it happens I have enjoyed tutoring greatly. The kids are delightful and seeing their progress is ample reward for a little bit of my time."
u3a member Isabella who volunteers with Action Tutoring.
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Support Learning with Action Tutoring
Action Tutoring have reached out to u3a offering volunteering opportunities. They tackle educational inequality by offering free maths and English tutoring to disadvantaged pupils. If you would be interested in volunteering as a tutor for one hour a week at a school near you, or online, apply online at actiontutoring.org.uk
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Become A Phone Volunteer with Hullo
Hullo offer a phone service which people can call to have informal chats. They don't offer health or mental health advice but offer a space to celebrate the power of conversation. You can become a phone volunteer by emailing hullo@hullo.org.
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Your Stories
Could I and many members thank Hazel and the committee of Hale u3a for the contact made during the last two years. We have had regular chats on Saturday cafe zoom, Zoom meetings and Quiz nights.
Our spirits have been uplifted. Thank you
Lilwen, Hale u3a
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Marian, Saxon Shore u3a
At the age of 60 my husband left me, leaving me devastated. Added to which I had to move. Not a clever age or state of mind and emotions with which to make new friends.
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Luckily I plucked up courage to go along to my local u3a – Saxon Shore and I have not looked back since. I encountered a host of lovely, friendly folk who encouraged me to join in various activities and groups and I have made some fabulous long lasting friendships.
I volunteered to help members learn chess; joined a Creative Writing group and somehow even became the group leader; discuss gardening problems and swap plants with the gardening group; visit new places with the Bus Pass Outings group, continue my hobbies as part of the craft group; belong to the Family History group and am also refreshing my Spanish. I even found myself on the committee! That just about leaves time to take my rescue dog out for walks, spend time cuddling up with my three cats and having lunch out with my new girlfriends.
All I can say is ‘Thank goodness for the u3a – it pulled me out of a deep dark place and into the light!’
Read more on our Sources blog.
We want to hear your u3a story - get in touch.
Photo: Marian with her Mum.
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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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