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Downe u3a Gardening Group have been tending to the gardens of a local countryside centre for several years - and a banner was put up to recognise their efforts.
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Dear <<First Name>>,
As we draw 2022 to a close I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the newsletter. It has a wide and diverse range of stories which reflects so well how we all work together as one; u3as, the Trust Board, the staff team and volunteers.
Like everywhere else, we all have challenges in getting things right from time to time, but what we can count on in this movement is sharing our collective ideas to find common ground and to make progress.
Certainly we have all learned how listening and sharing brings great dividends. As the last monthly newsletter of 2022, I would like to pay a special tribute to Nelly our newsletter editor and Liz who oversees each newsletter's journey to publication.
Their dedication ensures that each newsletter is filled with the events, discoveries and initiatives from right across our u3a world.
Wishing you all a warm and well December.
With very best wishes
Sam Mauger
CEO of the Third Age Trust
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In this issue...
Meet Jane
u3as hitting the headlines
Where were you when Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon?
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Meet Jane
To conclude our Do Something Brilliant Today series of films - Jane from Edinburgh u3a and u3a Online Across Scotland, has kindly shared with us her experience of what it means to be part of the movement. Thank you to Jane and all our wonderful members who took the time to talk about what u3a means to them. You can see all the films on our YouTube channel
You can read more on poetry further down the newsletter under Learning News
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Conversations With ....
- a new series of interactive sessions
In the new year, the Trust will be starting a new programme of 'Conversations With' sessions where the movement can come together, ask questions, share ideas and start a conversation about what's important to you within the u3a.
The first of these will be with the Internal Services team from u3a office and will take place on Tuesday 17 January. Book your place now.
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How will your u3a be celebrating Off The Wall?
Our event at Hadrian's Wall on 10 May 2023 is starting to take shape. We have a new logo (see above) and our first events have just been confirmed.
These include talks by Andrew Birley FSA, CEO and Director of Excavations of the Vindolanda Trust and Rob Collins, Senior Lecturer Archaeology at the University of Newcastle.
Ann Keating, who is helping to organise the day, says “This event will only be successful if members step forward and take part. The Trust will be there to help and support but we need you to get out there and make this a really exciting occasion."
Register your interest in the day by emailing thewall@u3a.org.uk
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Create an ornament for your home or Christmas tree
Wendy from Plymstock u3a shares how you can use air dry clay to make ornaments for your home - whether that's a trinket bowl or a Christmas tree decoration.
This is the latest in our series of skill sharing videos with Specsavers. Watch the full video on the #GenerationWOW hub.
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The u3a woodland featured in The Express this month thanks to Elise, our Press and PR officer. Read the article on The Express website, and support our woodland by donating a tree on the u3a brand centre.
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u3as hitting the headlines
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"u3a is full of people who want to learn new things, or even teach. They join because they are still learning, or they enjoy teaching other people. And, incidentally, they find a group of like-minded people and find themselves with a whole new community.
Of course, it takes courage to reach out and join something. But try to focus not on feeling lonely, but on what you'd like to achieve."
- Esther Rantzen in the Daily Mail
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The chair of Purbeck u3a featured in the Guardian's New Start After 60 series - talking about meeting the love of her life at 72. The article featured a link to u3a - which resulted in an additional 1,500 sessions on our website.
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Tenby - one of the best places to retire according to The Times - has a thriving u3a
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In an article in the Sunday Times, listing the top ten locations for retired people to live, having a thriving u3a was directly linked to a place being a good place to retire. Tenby, Rutland and North Berwick u3as were all mentioned.
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Our PR and Press Officer Elise is always busy sending out press releases and contacting journalists. If you have a story to share, whether about your u3a group, the impact u3a has had on your life, or changes you've made in your later life, get in touch with us.
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u3a is developing the movement's voice to make a social impact. Read about ongoing projects on our Impact page.
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Future Lives Programme of Events
The Future Lives group, which aims to inspire and inform members on ways to maintain our independence and quality of life, has got an exciting line up of events coming soon.
There's still opportunity to book onto an event later today (Tuesday 13 December, 4pm) where Sir Muir Grey CBE will give a talk, 'Learning is the Elixir of Healthy Life', which will explore ideas for living well as we age.
In January, a talk by Janet Sutherland, 'Our Homes in the Future' will start the year's programme of events. Book your place onto both events on the Future Lives page and stay tuned for more information on upcoming events in our next newsletter.
Photo: Centre for Ageing Better Image Library
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Have you taken our housing questionnaire?
It will help you think about your current home and options if you think you may wish to move at some point. We hope that if enough u3a members respond, we may be able to influence the choices available to us. Take the questionnaire.
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Are you missing out on extra cash?
u3a is encouraging members to find out about the Pension Credit they may be missing out on. On average, a successful Pension Credit claim could provide an additional £3,300 a year and act as a gateway benefit, so could activate additional help. This includes reduced heating bills, rent and council tax, free NHS dental care and free TV licences for the over-75s. Find out more on the pension credit website.
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Your Stories
I was invited to join members of Canvey Thamesside u3a at their meeting on 25 November and what a welcome I received from everyone. The members joined in with my talk about the Third Age Trust and told me what they do in their u3a, which they all clearly enjoy.
The chair, Diane, and other committee members are very proactive with their plans and understand their membership well. I enjoyed my visit to ‘The Island’ and plan most definitely to return, hopefully in the summer months when I can take a look at the coastline.
Trustee for East of England, Barbara Cordina
Read more about Barbara's meeting with Canvey Thameside u3a - and Dunmow u3a - on our u3a blog, Sources.
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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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Selsey u3a celebrate a decade of learning
Members of Selsey u3a gathered together for a celebration of 10 years of their u3a and 40 years of the movement. It was a ‘Magical Hog Roast’, with delicious food, anniversary cake, and entertainment provided by a local magician. Selsey u3a Chair, Maureen, says "It was good to meet up again with members who were there at the very first meeting back in October 2012 as well as get to know others who have found us more recently."
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Mawdesley u3a dig deep for the future
Mawdesley u3a planted a tree earlier this year to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee. Garden Group Leader Karen chose crataegus laevigata (more commonly known as Paul's Scarlet) for its spring blossom and autumn colour.
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You can read lots more festive stories from u3as across the movement in our special newsletter express going out on 25 December.
If you know u3a members who might benefit from receiving this - please do encourage them to sign up via our website.
Do let us know how you and your u3a have celebrated the festive period by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
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Do you remember where you were when Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon? Or the other big moments from the 1950s and 1960s? Get involved with our All Our Yesterdays Initiative on the learning pages.
Photo: Wikimedia commons
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Memory Collecting Initiatives
u3a members have been sharing their memories of the '50s and 60s as part of our All Our Yesterdays initiative. Read a recent learning news article about what other memories we’ve collected previously, and how you can get involved. If you would like to help collect memories from another period of History, get in touch.
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Sharing Talks
u3a members across the movement have been swapping their online talks with each other - on topics as diverse as, 'The History of Shoemaking', 'Danish Resistance to the Nazi's Invasion of Denmark', 'Animals and their Architectural Achievements' - and more.
If you have a talk to offer, or would like to receive one for your local u3a, please sign up to take part on the Speaker Swap learning page.
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Unleash Your Inner Poet
Here's your chance to have your poem published in Third Age Matters - our u3a national poetry competition is open now. Read the rules and enter your work on the learning pages, and you can also attend a poetry workshop with author Sophia Blackwell of Bloomsbury publishing - book onto that on our online events page.
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Liz Thackray (middle) with Jacqui, Chair of Ilkley & District u3a and Margaret Fiddes, Trustee for Yorkshire and Humber region.
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Liz Thackray, Chair of the Third Age Trust
One of the frustrations of the past 12 months has been making arrangements to meet u3a members and then having to cancel plans due to Covid, train strikes and other events beyond their control.
That said, I have just returned from the twice postponed, long time planned visit to Yorkshire and Humberside with opportunities to meet people from a number of different u3as. They were all enthusiastic about what our movement has to offer and, whether large or small, have similar challenges. Recruiting new members is not the problem but persuading people to take up committee roles is often less easy.
One thing that is clear is like any large family, we have different ideas about what the u3a should and should not be doing and how we should be doing it, but we all know that what we have to offer is something we value and want to share with others. I have visits to Northern Ireland and South West England in the diary for next year and look forward to meeting many more u3a members then.
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Your Stories
u3a Scotland celebrated the 40th Anniversary of its formation and Three Brethren u3a celebrated 15 years since it was formed at a party attended by around 80 members and guests.
The different groups were showcased - these included plate bell ringing, Astronomy, Archaeology and Heritage, Gaelic and many more.
The enthusiasm for learning was tangible in the room as once the presentations were finished, guests immediately sprung to life to sign up for their favourite groups and could be heard bell ringing, playing recorders and holding discussions with the group leaders.
Julie, Three Brethren u3a
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Painting with Salford u3a
Our very creative Paint & Sketch group meet every other week in Walkden. If these samples of their work inspire you to join us, please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.
https://salfordu3a.com/groups/paint-and-sketch/
See more of what Salford u3a have been up to on their Twitter 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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Do you have experience with social media? Join our team of u3a member moderators on one of our Facebook groups - find out more by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
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Christmas flower arranging with Canvey Island u3a
Kay from Canvey Island u3a's Flower Arranging Group has shared the method to the group's latest festive creations on our Sources blog.
Also this month - read about Trustee for East England Barbara Cordina's visits to u3as in her region, and one u3a member's exploration of his family history.
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Here is a snapshot of some of the interesting events for members that are coming soon. You can book onto all of these events on the online events page.
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Learn Digital Life Skills: Photos Week
Friday 16 December, 2pm
Explore the possibilities of taking photos on your phone.
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Cryptic Crosswords Explained
Monday 19 December, 10am
Their history, how they work, who does them and why – a talk by u3a subject adviser Henry.
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Relativity - Numerical Illustrations
Wednesday 18 January, 10am
In this talk by Bromley u3a member David, members will learn about the strange relativity effects in space and time, and how to calculate these with everyday maths.
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The Story of Motown Records: A Four Week Course
Tuesdays at 2pm, 10 - 31 January
A series of four talks covering the history of one of the world’s most successful independent record labels from Lee of Thanet u3a
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u3a Offers and Services is a new section of the newsletter offering discounts to u3a members and friends.
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Thank you for your support of u3a Click and Save
Thank you for the incredible response to the u3a Click and Save scheme - over 1,700 of you have created accounts. The scheme gives u3a members discounts on retailers. This might help with last minute Christmas gifts. All you need to do is sign up on the u3a Click and Save website.
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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 Julie
Hello, I'm Julie, Special Projects Officer. I have been working at u3a office for 17 years.
My role includes working on different national projects and events. Many members may have met me at some of the events I have organised over the years. I enjoyed meeting with you all very much.
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The recent project has been working on the 40th Anniversary. It has been wonderful receiving such great stories from your picnic in the park, u3a week and other celebratory events. I also got to organise and attend events like the unveiling of the 40th Anniversary quilt (you can see me with it in the picture.)
We have lots of new and exciting projects and special events planned for 2023 – such as the Hadrian's Wall study day on 10 May. All these events help to raise the profile of the u3a and extend our reach to new communities and potential new u3a members.
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Learning More About: the u3a walking exchange scheme with Subject Adviser, Terry
What is the u3a Walking Exchange Scheme?
This is a new initiative and some early adventures have been undertaken by Jacky and others from Southport u3a while walking in the Peak District with Buxton u3a (pictured). In addition, other u3as have joined the scheme and exchanges are taking place.
Who is organising the scheme?
The scheme will be managed by the u3a National Walking Advisory team, working with u3a office, who are keeping a database of u3as willing to host others and/or who would like trips away.
How can u3a members get involved?
If you fancy a walking break or even a one-off walk when passing through an area, please contact us outlining the area you would like to visit and the types of walks you are seeking. The more u3a’s that register the more variety of walks will be available. So, if your u3a would like to walk some “pastures new” we encourage you to register.
Register for the walking exchange and contact Terry on his Subject Advice page.
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Could you help u3as across the movement?
We have an exciting opportunity to volunteer on the Third Age Trust advice line. By volunteering, you’ll be supporting u3as nationally with your personal knowledge and experience of what it means to be a u3a member. Find out more about the role by clicking the blue button below. If you are interested in volunteering, please register your interest by emailing u3a.office@u3a.org.uk
Photo: Centre for Ageing Better Image Library
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Growing your u3a
As we begin to look forward to the new year you might be thinking about how you can recruit more members to your u3a. If you would like to meet other u3a members and hear more about growing your u3a, then this workshop is for you.
“This was a very helpful workshop with a good mixture of presentation and interactive elements. I have been a committee member for a year, and this workshop gave me lots of ideas about recruitment to take back to my local group.”
A recent attendee of the Growth Matters workshop
The next workshops are taking place on Friday 20 January and Monday 6 February. Book your place on the workshops page.
Photo: Brunswick, West Hove and Portslade u3a
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Finance News Extra
Derek Harwood, Treasurer of the Third Age Trust, has started Finance News Extra - a community for u3a treasurers in which they'll receive content to help them with their roles. These will go out quarterly to u3a treasurers and the first went out this month. Read November's Finance News Extra.
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Development Committee - Helping to Support Your u3a
The Development Committee, made up of u3a members across the movement, supports existing u3as and the launch of new ones by providing materials, advice and workshops that help all those who volunteer in the u3a movement.
The committee are looking for new members who have:
- A desire and enthusiasm to assist in the development of u3as and ideas for the future
- Experience at Network/u3a committee level
- Up to date knowledge of the u3a movement
To find out more or if you might be interested in joining the committee, get in touch with Chair of the Development Committee, Jean Hogg at jean.hogg@u3a.org.uk
Photo: Jean Hogg at an event hosted by Ravenshead u3a
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Peter, North Downs & Ards u3a
Peter recently set up a national u3a Film Unit– if you’re interested in film or have a film group at your u3a, read more on the u3a Film Unit page.
In my working life, I worked for the BBC in London – which was great fun, especially in the ‘60s. Then I came back here to the BBC in Belfast, where I started a career in editing - I did tape and computer editing.
When I retired, I continued the interest and it’s still a lot of fun and keeps the brain active.
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Last December, I thought, maybe I’ll see if there’s enough people interested in starting a u3a film unit at North Down & Ards u3a. Eight or nine people have joined. None have any experience and it’s a big learning curve for us. People are taking their camera out and getting used to operating the camera and filming for the first time. Even I had little experience in shooting footage. We’ve had some disappointing results but we just go out and do it again. It’s just a matter of getting experience and doing things. We’re a lot more confident now.
The u3a Film Network was suggested to me to see whether we could do something else to get other u3a film units involved. I’ve set up a YouTube channel which other u3a members can join and add their own films to. We’ll see how it develops.
I think [the benefit of u3a] is social connections, it’s meeting lots of people, meeting friends. I just think it’s brilliant for health – keeping physical and mental health going.
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