The winner of the u3a essay writing competition is...
Pictured, clockwise: Runners up Guildford u3a member Diana, Chester u3a member Liz,
and winner Claudette who is a member of Bridgend and Porthcawl u3as.
The results of u3a's first ever national essay writing competition have been announced.
The competition was open to all u3a members and asked for essays which celebrating a person, policy, invention or idea that has had a positive impact on society. It followed on from the success of the national u3a short story and poetry competitions. The submitted essays explored a wide range of topics that have impacted society demonstrating the breadth and depth of knowledge possessed by u3a members.
The event was opened by Susannah, Head of Learning and Volunteering at u3a, who said, 'u3a is all about learning and sharing and trying new things. This competition embodies that."
The winner is Claudette, a member of Porthcawl and Bridgend u3as. The winning essay, The Spark Behind the Sizzle, focussed on inventor Albert Marsh who created nichrome power, which since its invention has powered many modern inventions, from the toaster to the hairdryer.
Claudette, talking to attendees of the ceremony, said, "Firstly, I'd like to praise u3a and especially the writing groups who helped me forge my writing journey."
She continued, "A few months ago, I caught a tv show about the air fryer. It mentioned Albert Marsh, who discovered nichrome in 1905, which proved to be such a game changer. I became curious, who was this man whose invention has touched almost every aspect of modern life? As I started researching, I found I had stumbled across a story which just kept giving. One of quiet perseverence and innovation. Now that tiny wire is everywhere. I set the task to take Albert Marsh out of the shadows and to give him a recognition he deserves. I wanted to tell the story in a way that was warm and accesssible - without Albert Marsh we'd still be stumbling along using open flame."
The two runners-up are Diana of Guildford u3a, with The Revolutionary Road Traffic Act of 1934, and Liz of Chester u3a, with Let’s Cut To The Chase! Diana's essay was inspired by her journeys taking her granddaughter into school where she wondered about the safety measures that keep her, and other road users, safe. Meanwhile Liz's essay explores the invention of scissors, which have a place in almost everyone's home.
Read all twenty shortlisted essays on the learning pages.
We'll be launching our annual Short Story Competition in September. To stay up to date with learning opportunities, sign up to the u3a Friends newsletter.