Welcome
From Sharon Parsons Editor
One Easter when I was in my early twenties, I went on a camping trip to the Lake District. It was pretty much my first experience of being totally immersed in the great outdoors, and I wasn’t sure what I’d make of it. We hiked up the Old Man of Coniston, which took ages (me moaning endlessly because my new walking boots were rubbing so much!), but when we finally reached the summit there was a reward like no other: laid out before us was an extraordinary landscape, which seemed to go on forever. I stood there overwhelmed, watching the shadows of the clouds sweep across the lake far below, listening to the birds circling high above, and breathing in that clean, earthy-scented air. I couldn’t believe the sheer magnificence of it all – I even stopped complaining about my boots! Suddenly I “got” what all the fuss was about – and ever since I’ve sought out those special places where nature reigns supreme. It really puts life in perspective. We know many of you feel the same, so in this springtime issue you’ll find a wealth of nature-inspired features, from wonderful walking spots and beauty trails (I’ve added several of these to my list!), to our members’ insight into the world of birds, bees and butterflies - and what we must all do to protect them. Finally, it’s a year since we relaunched u3a Matters, and we’d love to know what you think - and what else you’d like us to include. This is your magazine, so do fill in our survey. I hope this issue puts a spring in your step - enjoy!
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EDITORIAL
Editor Sharon Parsons
Sub-editors James Hundleby,
Amy Beveridge
DESIGN
Art Editor Yvey Bailey
Picture Editor Jessica Marsh
PRODUCTION
Jane Easterman
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Connections
News and views to share what's been happening across u3a
Lights, camera.. And – action!
Jill Kempton-Hayes, who heads up publicity for Syston & District u3a, takes us behind the scenes to explain how a very special video was made.
In summer 2024, with a backlog of this magazine to read, a sunny day and some free time, I settled down to catch up on all the different news and features packed into every issue. A piece from the Spring 2023 edition especially piqued my interest. It was about Calverton & District u3a making a video to promote their branch – and in effect the u3a – on YouTube. It was such a fantastic way of showcasing everything they did that I began to wonder if our own Syston & District u3a could create something similar. So I contacted the video’s producer, Michael Dobbs, to have an initial chat about how to go about it. It all sounded very achievable, so I put my submission before our committee, who gave their enthusiastic approval. One of my committee colleagues, Steve Kenney, volunteered his skills – he’s a bit of a tech wizard and heads up a photography group. After he’d discussed the technical aspects with Michael (and we’re so grateful to him for all his invaluable advice), it was time for lights, camera – and action! Our u3a has around 400 members, and our overall aim was to reflect the fun, friendship and laughter that we all have when learning something new, or engaging in a much-loved interest. Once we’d got the green light from our committee, we carefully planned the content of the video to include as many of our u3a’s activities as possible – everything from walking to kurling, singing to snooker, art to ukulele, and many, many more! Not least, we invited some of the members to present little segments with personal insights into why the u3a is so special to them. Luckily, our plan was met with great interest by our wonderful members, who all engaged with the project, not least when Steve turned up to film the various groups in action using a digital camera with video feature. It took around six weeks to bring the project together, and we spent several hours editing the complete video, adding the music and generally getting it all into good shape (luckily Steve has all the necessary software – I just made the creative suggestions!). Our committee members were invited to a video preview, and declared it “Oscar worthy” (they don’t get out much!), before it was featured during our u3a’s Christmas social meeting, and many members were able to see it for the first time. It was received to great acclaim, so then we posted it on YouTube – an exciting moment. It has since been viewed far and wide, not only in the UK, but in several countries overseas as well. We feel that our first successful video attempt is not only a great way of attracting new members to our local u3a, but also communicates the ethos and values of the entire u3a organisation. Not least, we can now add ‘video-making’ to our repertoire! If you’d like to see the film, go to our website (systonu3a.org.uk) and click on the homepage photograph, which will take you to the link. If you feel inspired, why not get together with members of your own u3a to make a video of your own? It’s much easier than you think!
- If you’d like to contact Jill about this great initiative, email her at:
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Calendars at the ready... Get set for u3a Week!
SAVE THE DATE: 20-28 September
Planning has already started for one of the most exciting weeks in the u3a calendar. It’s a time for all members to showcase the very best of what it means to be part of the movement, publicise their u3a within their local community, reach new potential members and display the activity, learning and fun that takes place across the organisation each day. Last year, u3as up and down the country got involved in activities such as afternoon teas, organised walks, open days and musical performances. Let’s make this year even better!
- Let us know how you are planning to celebrate the week at:
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Ready for school?
If you haven’t yet enrolled for this year’s u3a Summer Schools, don’t delay – the programmes are shaping up well! For more information about what’s happening and details on how to join in, go to the following:
YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER: yahru3a.uk
SOUTH EAST: southeastu3aforum.u3asite.uk
NORTH WEST: northwestregion.u3asite.uk
LONDON: lru3a.u3asite.uk/events
u3a CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMER SCHOOL: Contact:
THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAIR
Find the opportunities
Chair Allan Walmsley on being part of the wider u3a family.
By the time you read this, I’ll have been in the ‘hot seat’ for over six months, and soon we will have a new Board and u3a Council in place. But the work isn’t finished – in fact, it’s only just starting! Now we need to justify all the effort, and show u3as that the new structure is making a difference. Since my election, I’ve visited and spoken to many networks and u3as, and each one is a real learning experience. We know that each operates differently, but it’s also interesting to recognise what our CEO Iain Cassidy calls the ‘golden thread’ that runs through the entire movement – those common areas of interest, challenges and desires to make social connections and create learning opportunities. This is the glue that holds the movement together, and focusing on what connects us - rather than what separates us - will be a focus for me in the next few months. This golden thread has been recognised for some time. In recent years the Third Age Trust has promoted the value of being part of a single, collective movement. While most members join a local u3a and take part in local activities, there’s also much going on for those who want more. Networks and regional events are popular throughout the UK, and the national learning programme, subject networks, Interest Groups Online, summer schools and national events like last year’s u3a Festival are all opportunities to demonstrate to every member that they are part of a large family. Of course, some members aren’t especially interested in what’s happening beyond their own u3a... but there are many more who are! The challenge is that in some cases, such opportunities are not communicated within their own u3a, which in turn means these members don’t even hear about them. So my aim is to ensure that we are all joined by that vital golden thread to ensure that every member feels part of an enduring and evolving movement, and opportunities are available to everyone.
- My direct email address is:
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Keep on running...
Hilary O’Shea, a member of Berwick-upon- Tweed u3a, shares the pleasures – and achievements! – of her regular parkruns.
Back in March 2024, I turned 100, thankfully not in years (another quarter of a century to go) but in the number of parkruns completed. Unfortunately, the next celebratory t-shirt after 100 is 250, which means I need to keep going for a few more years, legs willing! Although my individual milestone failed to make national headlines, parkrun in general was in the news recently when it celebrated its 20th anniversary. This marvellous worldwide organisation started out quietly in October 2004 when Paul Sinton-Hewitt, a seasoned amateur runner, invited 13 friends to run five kilometres around Bushy Park in south-west London. Momentum soon picked up, and there are now over 1,200 different parkruns in the UK alone, with a grand total of over three million finishers and around half a million volunteers who ensure that each event runs smoothly. The idea is simple: you register free online, receive a barcode, then turn up at a parkrun of your choice at 9am on a Saturday morning in England and Wales (9.30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland). Anyone is welcome, including youngsters (some in pushchairs) and dogs (on a short lead), and you can even walk the whole way and still be cheered in at the finish. There is always a tail-walker, so technically you cannot finish last. Although in the early days most locations were indeed parks with firm footpaths, you can now do a parkrun entirely on trails, through forests and nature reserves, in spectacular settings like Fountains Abbey, the Severn Bridge, and the Eden Project. Many participants set themselves the challenge of completing parkruns beginning with each letter of the alphabet, although (as Eric Morecambe would say) not necessarily in the right order. Poland helps with the letter ‘z’. I came to parkrun very late in my running ‘career’ at the grand old age of 68 after a bad fall on ice that necessitated a hip replacement. Although I was hobbled for several months after the operation, I was never going to give up, as running was in my blood after 40 years of competing in over 30 marathons and hundreds of half-marathons. Parkrun gave me an incentive to get back into my stride, as 5km seemed a manageable target and I knew there would be a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Druridge Bay in Northumberland offered a flat and scenic course around a lake. I got round in 38 minutes and after a few months graduated to a personal best (for my age) of 29 minutes and first place in the 65-69 category. These days I am happy to finish in 32 minutes and come as the first (sometimes the only) in the Female Vet 75 category. There is scientific evidence that, quite apart from the physical benefits, running can also improve one’s mental health. This is one of the reasons the ‘couch to 5k’ app is recommended by GPs. The only danger is addiction to those wonderful endorphins that carry you through the week until the next parkrun!
- To find out more about joining parkrun in your area, go to: parkrun.org.uk
Life lessons
WORDS OF WISDOM
Nicki Murray of Omagh District u3a
shares her inspiring thoughts.
SEEK ADVENTURE
Buying a motorhome introduced us to a different way to travel and overcome challenges. With new confidence, we relocated from southern England to my husband’s birthplace, Northern Ireland, choosing an unfamiliar county. No one will knock and ask you to come out to play, so we joined various groups and have made many friends.
BE CREATIVE
As a child, I loved writing, and had aspirations to become a journalist. Life took another direction but the interest in words remained. Having once belonged to a writers circle, I decided to create another. Omagh District u3a now has a fledgling creative writing group, all eager to release their inner wordsmith.
TAKE EXERCISE
Exercise is crucial for health. Leisure centres have affordable membership schemes for all levels of fitness. The encouragement and friendship while exercising is immense. Who knew swimming was so sociable? Most u3a groups have a walking group, with so many benefits to mind, body and spirit.
- What are your Words of Wisdom? Send your three short and sweet thoughts and why to:
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A lasting legacy
Susie Berry OBE, trustee for the South East, sadly passed away in October 2024. Here, u3a chair Allan Walmsley remembers her.
Susie and I joined the Trust Board together in the autumn of 2020. I say ‘together’, but in fact at that time, our contact was all on Zoom where my limited head and shoulders view was of a woman of considerable experience who wasn’t afraid to say what she thought! It was only after we finally met in person for the first time some 12 months later that we really began to get to know each other. As our relationship developed, it became clear that she and I thought very much the same about most of the key issues affecting the u3a movement. It became almost a standing joke in meetings as we would both have our hands up to ask a question and when one would speak, the other would lower their hand saying something along the lines of: “Ah! That’s just what I was going to say.” Susie will be sadly missed throughout the u3a movement. Her passion as a trainer shone through as she led countless workshops and training events. The members who attended the u3a Festival in July last year may recall her donning her u3a tabard, authoritatively directing traffic outside the front entrance, or marshalling walkers to get them ready for their appointed start time. In the South East region, Susie will be fondly remembered as an indefatigable part of the regional team, visiting u3as and networks to promote the ideals of the organisation. Susie spent three of the last days of her life with her fellow trustees and former colleagues in Milton Keynes at the 2024 AGM. Even with evidence of health issues, she continued to push passionately in meetings to right the wrongs as she perceived them. That strength of character will be fondly remembered among her fellow trustees, but I also hope that her legacy is to inspire others to step up, speak common sense and show the same sort of commitment and dedication to the movement as she did.
Podcast news
Code of honour
Our popular podcast series provides a fascinating opportunity to discover more about the lives of u3a members. Here’s a preview of April’s edition, featuring a remarkable member from Barnet u3a.
Ruth Bourne, 98, knows how to keep a secret – especially when keeping information under wraps is vital for national security. Having grown up in Birmingham, she had originally planned to go to university to read English, but during the Second World War, Ruth joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) instead. In 1944, aged just 17, she was recruited to the team working for the top-secret code-breaking operation at Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. Here, mathematician Alan Turing, assisted by a team of cryptanalysts and other experts, created a machine called the Bombe that was used to decode encrypted German messages from the Enigma machine. The importance of that invention cannot be overstated: historians have estimated that the Bombe machines shortened the war by two years and helped save around 14 million lives. Although Ruth and her co-workers were kept in the dark about the Enigma machine, she recalls: “We were very proud of being part of the war effort.” Ruth’s work at Bletchley Park alternated between operating a Bombe machine and checking to see whether information had come through as ‘confirmed’. Describing the long shifts as “arduous”, duties included all the usual naval chores in addition to the normal shifts. “We were very tired but despite that, we had to scrub the floors, have our kitchens inspected and do firewatching duties,” she explains. It was, Ruth says, difficult to keep her job a secret when she visited her parents, but she always succeeded, despite probing by her curious mother. “I told her it was confidential secretarial work, and that’s all she ever got to know – she was a bit miffed,” she admits. In later years, more information gradually seeped out about the Bletchley Park operation. Indeed, the story of the Bombe’s invention was immortalised in the 2014 film The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing and Keira Knightley as his friend and fellow cryptanalyst Joan Clarke. This movie helped to bring knowledge and appreciation of the pivotal role played by the codebreakers at Bletchley Park to a much wider audience. Ruth’s story came full circle when, after a varied career that included teaching and working as a family and bereavement counsellor, she returned to Bletchley Park at the age of 68 to become a weekend guide, where one of her main duties was to demonstrate to visitors how the Bombe machine worked, using a modern replica. She fulfilled this role for an astonishing 24 years – and even now still does the occasional presentation. In 2018, Ruth was thrilled and astonished to be awarded France’s top honour the Légion d’Honneur for her wartime service. “I couldn’t believe it really,” she says modestly. “I feel very, very honoured, proud and lucky.”
- To listen to Ruth’s full story, which airs from 17 April, go to: u3a.org.uk/learning/ u3a-radio-podcast
Community matters
On the beach...
In south-west Scotland, a dozen or so members of Stewartry u3a’s Beach Clean-Up group are often spotted by the shore...
"Our Beach Clean-Up group meet up on Saturday mornings six times year,” explains Stewartry u3a’s secretary Eileen Johnson. “Our coastline stretches along the Solway Firth and we meet at different beaches which have been checked by the facilitator to make sure they are safe and have easy access. Our committee gave us a grant to purchase litter pickers, sack hoops and, not least, our hi-vis Stewartry u3a jackets – we’re easily seen! Dumfries and Galloway Council also provide us with litter sacks that they collect from a designated point when they’re full. We collect all sorts: along with small items and fishing line, there are random items of clothing, bottles and household goods – more flotsam and jetsam than visitors’ litter that has been left behind. Sadly, there’s never been a message in a bottle or pirates’ treasure – the most unusual thing we’ve come across is a fridge! It’s so interesting to discover more about the coastal environment here, too: last summer, a local marine biologist lead a beachcombing event so we learnt more about the shells we see when we’re doing the clean up. This is such a satisfying thing to do – not only is it important for the environment, but it is sociable and fun too, and sometimes people will stop and ask if they can join it. And after a morning on the beach, we always have a well-earned lunch together in a pub or café.”
All on board
Our CEO Iain Cassidy recently announced that the new Board of the Third Age Trust has now been elected. “I’m delighted to introduce the newly elected Trustees who have joined Allan Walmsley and Derek Harwood on the Board,” he says. “They will oversee governance of the Trust, and work with the new Council to ensure members’ voices are at the heart of all that we do. This is the start of an exciting journey for the u3a movement, and I’m very much looking forward to working with this brilliant group of people and finding out what the future brings. I’d like to offer a huge thank you to all of you who have engaged with this elections process – your support has been invaluable.” The newly elected Trustees are: John Bent, Barnet u3a; Pauline Green, Stansted Mountfitchet u3a; Alan Russell, Worcester u3a; Laurence Wale, Worcester u3a.
- To find out more, go to: u3a.org.uk/newboard
Sad news
We were very sorry to learn that u3a’s Subject Adviser for Metal Detecting, Roger Mintey, passed away recently. Many members enjoyed reading about his fascinating subject in ‘Experts on Call’ in the February edition of u3a Matters – not least, his memories of discovering the famous Reigate Hoard. We pass on our sincere condolences to Roger’s friends and family.
Out and about
Heading for the hills
We love to hear about the trips and events your u3a are planning. Here, Di Smith of Winchcombe Area u3a shares plans for one of their much-anticipated excursions.
"As the tour organiser for our u3a, I arrange outings for members every month, and we’ll soon be heading off to the RHS Malvern Spring Festival ( 8-11 May). This annual event, established in 1986, marks the beginning of the Royal Horticultural Society’s show season. Set against the picturesque Malvern Hills, the 2025 festival’s theme is ‘Plants and People’, highlighting the profound impact plants have on our daily lives - from nutrition to mental wellbeing. We’re looking forward to exploring show gardens designed by both established and emerging talents, especially the RHS-judged Indoor Show Gardens – a first for the festival – demonstrating creative indoor plant displays. It’s not all just looking at plants though – we’ll be learning from horticultural experts and watching live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs. As this is our first venture to a garden show, our fingers are crossed that we have good weather!”
- What shows and events do you and your u3a plan to visit this year? AND DON’T FORGET... members of u3a Friends Extra can take advantage of great discounts on fantastic trips and days out.
Friends Extra celebrates its first birthday!
Yes, it is hard to believe that a whole year has passed since the launch of this fantastic initiative last April. The purpose of Friends Extra is to help you through life - on your adventures, for entertainment, your wellbeing and at home. Our major benefits programme has been designed to offer the Friends of u3a a wide range of savings, choices and ideas – all intended to make day-to-day living better, along with those occasional investment buys where finding that great deal is to be welcomed! Here are just a few examples to remind you of some ideas and real savings – but as a Friends Extra member, you’ll discover many more!
FOR YOUR ADVENTURES:
Family days out (including MerlinAttractions).
Holiday Exclusives VIP Club (save up to 65%).
Eurocamp (save 25% - 35%.
FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT:
Cinema savings nationally.
Theatre savings.
Magazine subscription savings.
National book token savings.
FOR MOTORISTS AND CYCLISTS:
(you and your family)
Breakdown cover and vehicle maintenance options (e.g. 15% saving).
Worldwide Car Rental company (e.g. 20% saving).
Halfords discounts.
New car lease/ purchase (some incredible savings.
FOR YOUR HOME:
Arena Flowers ‘Ethical flower’ provider.
Hotpoint, Indesit and Whirlpool (e.g. save up to 40%).
Philips domestic appliances (e.g. save up to 25%).
... AND LOTS, LOTS MORE!
NOT SIGNED UP YET?
If you’re not yet set up with Friends Extra, you’re missing out on fantastic choices, savings and ideas! But don’t worry - it’s never too late. Just register to become a Friend of the u3a at u3a.org.uk and you will receive a link to join in!
Diary dates
Online learning events
u3a runs a programme of web talks, workshops and events, as well as online initiatives such as competitions, memory collections and puzzles for you to get involved with. There’s something for everyone, so share these highlights with other members of your u3a too.
Mindfulness and meditation continuation session
THURSDAY 17 APRIL, 10AM
Join in by practising meditation, mindful movement and informal mindfulness
in this monthly online event with the u3a Subject Advisers for Mindfulness and
Meditation, Dr John Darwin and Mike Pupius. (And find out more about the work
and ideas behind this practice in Experts on Call).
The assassination of President Kennedy
FRIDAY 25 APRIL, 2PM
With over three decades of research, Pete Mellor (Oldham & District u3a) talks us through witness testimonies and sworn evidence from US government commissions, together with photographs and film of that seismic day in Dallas - 22 November 1963.
Get to know your device: try a raft of simple adjustments and learn how to adapt
TUESDAY 13 MAY, 2PM
Learn how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs in this talk from AbilityNet.
- For more events and to book those above, go to: u3a.org.uk/events
Learning activities
To participate in or contribute to our learning activities, please go to: u3a.org.uk/learning-activities
u3a Factual Essay Competition
Do people say you are argumentative? Do you enjoy making a case and backing it up with facts? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Enter the u3a Factual Essay Competition and showcase your skills. u3a members are invited to write an essay of 1,000 words or fewer on the topic: “Make the case for a person, policy, invention or idea having a positive impact on society.” The deadline for submissions is Friday 9 May. To find out more, visit our learning activities page: u3a.org.uk/learning-activities Test your powers of persuasion and see if you can convince the judges!
- Contact
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you require assistance accessing any of the above or would like help to set up a learning activity or give a talk.
Readership Survey 2025
It’s been a year since u3a’s membership magazine was relaunched with new content and a fresh design – and we’d love to get your feedback to ensure it’s everything you want it to be!
Is the content interesting and relevant?
Do you enjoy the design and photography in the magazine?
What subjects would you like to see covered regularly?
Would you also like to read additional articles?
Do you think the magazine reflects u3a and the u3a community?
To take part in our survey, go to: b.link/u3a-survey-2025
(the survey closes on 6 June 2025). Everyone who takes part is in with a chance of winning one of two £50 M&S vouchers. All answers will be anonymous and used for u3a Matters research purposes only.
Interests
Nature
On a wing and a prayer
Our birds, bees and butterflies face an existential threat – but there is a lot we can all do to protect them and help them thrive...
As the seasons change, our birdwatchers, beekeepers and butterfly enthusiasts are out in force, but alongside their dedication comes a warning: the wildlife in this country is in danger. From climate change and polluted waterways to intensive farming, species are struggling to adapt. Birds continue their “alarming decline”, according to Defra, with wild bird numbers dropping by 2% since 2018. Numbers of farmland birds have plummeted by 61% since 1970, while woodland species have fallen 35%. The British Trust for Ornithology reports that climate change is disrupting migration patterns. Bees, crucial for crop growth, show some signs of recovery, with certain species increasing – largely attributed to conservation efforts – and a greater number of managed beehives. However, more selective species are still declining, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. And then there is the butterfly. With a near 50% drop in sightings over the past year, Butterfly Conservation reports the lowest numbers on record in this country. But it is not all bleak. Organisations such as Rewilding Britain, Friends of the Earth and the RSPB are making huge efforts to reverse the trend, and the signs are positive. Comprehensive initiatives are all aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action, and in turn increasing biodiversity. Here, three u3a members share their passion for these fascinating winged creatures, and explain how all of us can do more to protect them...
Nature watch
Bring back the butterflies
Roger Newman of Witney u3a studied environmental conservation after retiring from an international life sciences company, and is an enthusiastic nature lover with a particular interest in butterflies.
Our butterflies are facing an emergency. Eighty per cent of butterfly species have declined in the UK since the 1970s, moth numbers have fallen by a third in that same time, and Butterfly Conservation’s annual citizen science survey – the Big Butterfly Count 2024 – saw the lowest numbers in the count’s history. Those u3a members with gardens or outdoor spaces may have noticed that once common butterfly visitors are now struggling. Perhaps butterflies have all but disappeared from your local meadows, parks and woodlands – or you may have even started seeing species you weren’t expecting, as they respond to changes in the climate. But this isn’t just a problem for those who admire butterflies and moths as beautiful and fascinating insects – it is a problem for us all. Lepidoptera play a crucial role in the food web on which so much of the UK’s wildlife depends. They also provide vital pollination for plants – from the flowers in our gardens to the food we eat. Butterflies are also highly sensitive indicators of the health of the environment, acting as an early warning system for us: when butterfly numbers fall, we know this usually means there are problems in the wider environment. Species spreading into new areas or arriving on our shores and sticking around might signal changes to our climate, which could have wide-reaching implications for people and wildlife. The good news is that we can all do our bit to help the UK’s butterflies and moths to thrive once more.
Create a habitat
If you have an outdoor space at home, you can create a habitat for butterflies and moths. A window box or patio planter full of flowers that provide nectar is a great way to support adults – some good options to include are lavender and scabious, and herbs such as rosemary and marjoram. If you have a larger space, or perhaps you’re involved in looking after a community garden, consider creating meadow areas by letting the grass grow long or sowing wildflower seeds – choose UK varieties as this will support more of our species. There is a lot of great advice at: wild-spaces.co.uk
Become a citizen scientist
To help better protect butterflies and moths, scientists need to understand as much about them as possible, and citizen scientists have an important role to play in collecting this vital data. Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count 2025 ( 18 July to 10 August) is a great place to start. Simply spend 15 minutes in your garden or local green space and count the number and type of butterflies that you spot. Identification guides and simple recording forms will be available online nearer the time. If you want to get more involved, you can also submit your sightings of butterflies year-round using the handy iRecord Butterflies app or join Butterfly Conservation’s ongoing Garden Butterfly Survey. To find out more, see details below. Records are needed across the whole of the UK, but would be particularly welcome from more remote areas in Mid Wales and the Scottish Highlands, as well as Lincolnshire. You can find out more about records in your local area by contacting your local recorder. Details are on the Butterfly Conservation website, which also lists volunteering opportunities across the UK. There are local branches of Butterfly Conservation across the UK, which run events and offer talks and activities throughout the year for you to find about the butterflies in your area. Another good reason to learn something new – and protect and enjoy our ever-changing environment.
- For further information, go to Butterfly Conservation: butterfly-conservation.org To listen to Roger’s u3a podcast about butterfly conservation, go to: u3a.org. uk/learning/u3a-radio-podcast
‘Birdsong is the soundtrack to my perfect day’
Juliet Hancox is the group leader of the u3a birdwatching group at Balsall Common in the West Midlands.
When I retired I bought myself a pair of binoculars: I thought birdwatching would be a great hobby alongside my love for rambling. I visited RSPB sites and the people there were very patient when I asked questions, but I thought it would be better for me to join a local group. I set one up through the u3a network, and three years later we have over 20 members. I lead the trips and we go on monthly birdwatching excurisons to reserves, from secret spots to RSPB and Wildlife Trusts sites. I do a recce on each site beforehand to find the best place for the starling murmuration or to spot bitterns and kingfishers – I like to surprise the group with different places. Increasing my knowledge and sharing it with others brings me great joy. My perfect birdwatching day is simple: I love a picnic sitting in woodland or by water, listening to birdsong. In fact, birdsong is the soundtrack of my day, and I’m fascinated with identifying new calls using the Merlin app. My favourite is the song thrush, and as the season progresses, the songs become more complex because they borrow bits of calls from other birds. We used to say to feed the birds in winter, but evidence suggests this spreads disease. It’s better to focus on creating a habitat, and the birds will come to you. Feeders should be cleaned regularly to avoid diseases such as trichomonosis, which has decimated greenfinch and chaffinch populations. With climate change, new diseases appear all the time. My family bought me a garden bird camera for Christmas, and I’ve had blue tits and a great spotted woodpecker in my nest box. For anyone starting out, visit an RSPB reserve and hire binoculars – someone will always help you identify birds. During spring, listen out for woodpeckers drumming, the first of the returning summer warblers and a tiny brown bird called a chiff chaff. Also keep an eye out for swallows, swifts, sand martins and bitterns, which are a real breeding success story in the last five years. Conservation is becoming more collaborative, so the Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) might try to create a corridor for migrating birds with Wildlife Trusts reserves. We need to connect habitats with hedgerows and waterways: otherwise, we can’t disperse and expand bird populations, or any sort of wildlife. Biodiversity requires connected habitats to thrive. The good news is many farmers are being incentivised to do more wildlife farming, particularly focused on soil health – ongoing dialogue is vital. If you’re looking at a biodiversity pyramid, everything starts with the soil. We’ve got to be able to grow the plants and produce the seeds to support the insect population, which in turn supports the wildlife.
- To find out more, go to the RSPB: rspb.org.uk
‘Bees can teach us all so much’
Chris Slade is a member of Dorchester u3a in Dorset and has been a beekeeper since the 1970s.
About 50 years ago, self-sufficiency was all the rage – we all remember The Good Life. I had a small garden and allotment and wondered what else I could do with it, so I signed up with my local beekeepers’ association and enrolled on a course at agricultural college. I got my first swarm in 1978, and I’ve been keeping them ever since. The more you learn about bees, the more you realise you don’t know, so I try to work with them rather than against them. They’re very intelligent with a sensitive sense ofsmell, so instead of wearing gloves to protect me from being stung, I put a drop of clove oil on my hands, which they don’t like very much, and it makes me far less clumsy when handling the hives. You often see beekeepers use smoke to mask the pheromones that bees release when they sense danger, but I haven’t used smoke for about five years now, and I’ve had no more stings than I did previously. Bees are also very sensitive to movement, so you have to move very gently when you’re around them. The worst thing you can do is try and swat one away. I’ve got 10 hives that contain about 50,000 bees each during peak season in July or August. I keep local bees, and there are plenty of local colonies around. We all know local bees are best. They are used to the climate, the crops and the pests. Imported bees, because they’re not locally adapted, distort the gene pool. Bee numbers always change, but beekeeper numbers are higher than ever. There are about 590 of us in Dorset alone, and the positive press around biodiversity and food production has certainly helped. Beekeeping is a little like mindfulness – when you’ve got a hive open, everything else disappears from your mind, and you think about nothing else: you learn so much just by watching them because they’re such fascinating creatures. I do take the honey, but whereas most beekeepers harvest it around August time, I leave it until October or November. By then, the colonies have reduced their brood and spread the honey they need to keep the winter cluster warm, so they survive. There are fewer pesticides than there used to be, thanks to the publicity surrounding them, but weedkiller is still an issue, as are large open fields where there’s no variety of nectar for the bees to feed on. We’ve also got to be wary ofvarroa mites, a pest imported around 50 years ago that decimated our colonies. My bees seem to be thriving quite well despite it, but there are always various pests on the horizon that could be disastrous when they arrive, such as Asian hornets. The best thing we can all do to support bees is sow lots of wildflower seeds, and instead of green lawns have multi-coloured areas with different flowers. If you want to get involved in beekeeping, join your local association and carefully observe what they do... you’ll soon know whether it’s for you or not!
- For futher information, go to the British Beekeepers Association: bbka.org.uk
LIVING WELL
How to make simpler, better - and more enjoyable.
Time to refresh
Bring Nature In!
Refresh your winter-weary home with interior ideas inspired by the great outdoors.
You may have already felt inspired to do away with the cobwebs and clutter that has accumulated in your home over recent months with a good spring clean, but if the light now flooding in through those sparkling windows is highlighting the need to refresh your space in other ways too, look to nature as a starting point to revitalise a room or two – and make yourself feel better in the process.
Colour connections
There’s no doubt that colour affects our mood. Colour therapy – or chromotherapy – was even practised by the ancient Egyptians who used colour for its healing qualities (blue, for instance, the colour of the sea and the sky, was thought to treat depression and pain). Hardly surprising, then, that we instinctively seek out shades that make us feel good – and nature offers endless inspiration. In spring, lighter, fresher shades like green, blue, yellow and pink promote a release of the feel-good hormone serotonin, which bring a sense of hope and invigoration, and it’s exciting to think that in just a few hours, a tired dull room can be completely transformed – and relatively cheaply – with just a lick of paint. But while bright, clean springtime hues are instantly refreshing, you still need to consider longevity, cautions interiors style director Diana Civil. “When you’re decorating, don’t choose paint shades or textiles that nod so much to a season that six months later, when the light and the weather change, they will somehow jar,” she says. “Choose subtler nature-inspired shades that will act as a comfortable backdrop to a room scheme rather than dominate. You can always introduce pops of seasonal colour and patterns with different accessories, soft furnishings – even artwork – that can be swapped around at different times of the year. It keeps a room looking fresh and interesting.”
Bring in the light
Light affects mood as much as colour: many homeowners refuse to turn on ‘the big light’ in a room except in emergencies, because it can feel so harsh and unwelcoming! Experts recommend three types of lighting – ambient, which generally illuminates a space; task, required for work and activities; and accent, which highlights features, from architectural details to artwork. You can control a main light source with dimmer switches, of course, but choosing warm white light bulbs rather than cool makes an astonishing difference to the ambience in a room. And with rechargeable and wireless options – from table lamps to under-shelf strip lights – becoming evermore stylish and easy to install, adding a glow to dark areas without an electric socket is easy. Not least, of course, don’t forget about natural light as the longer, brighter days arrive. “If you can, leave windows unobstructed, but otherwise consider swapping thick curtains, dense blinds or fussy nets with floaty voile drapes or filmy blinds that allow light to filter through,” suggests Diana. “You could also look at window film, which is really easy to use, or even invest in slatted blinds or shutters which offer privacy when needed.”
Natural edge
It goes without saying that natural materials, such as linen, wood, clay and stone, will work effortlessly in a nature-inspired scheme. They are not only authentic, but add texture too. “There’s something about the textural quality of natural materials that is really pleasing,” Diana says. “I always say to clients: don’t buy something just because it looks right – you should want to touch it too.” If you are planning to invest in new, buy carefully. Check for FSC or PEFC certifications that indicate responsibly sourced wood, for example, and if possible opt for locally sourced materials, such as stone, to reduce your carbon footprint. Also consider second-hand (or pre-loved to use a current phrase!). “There’s a trend in 1970s-inspired décor at the moment that makes great use of renewable materials such as cork, bamboo and rattan,’ Diana says.
Tonal tricks
Have you ever wondered why some room schemes – despite having impeccable décor – can somehow feel flat and uninspired? “That’s often because there’s no change in texture or tone,” explains Diana. “If you study a nature scene – in a garden, say - you quickly realise that there is a wealth of shades and ‘surfaces’, be it a velvet-green lawn, shiny leaves or rough-textured bark. On a practical level, look at an image of a simple white or neutral scheme, and you’ll notice that many finishes and tones have been included, from textiles with different finishes, to surfaces and items that reflect the light. This sort of layering gives a room scheme depth that is so effective.”
Fresh ideas
Plant power: Houseplants have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years: during the pandemic, greenery was a way of bringing the outside into our homes, and plants are increasingly recognised for their wellbeing benefits. “Plants make a real statement when they’re grouped together rather than dotted around,” says Diana. "Look for a ladder-style plant stand, or one with open-shelving to create a vertical display – a great focal point.”
Scent sense: Smell is the most powerful of all our senses, so introduce those that engender good feelings into your home. There are plenty of nature-inspired room home scent options, but do your research. Choose non-toxic soya wax melts or candles rather than those that contain nonbiodegradable
paraffin (natural options burn more slowly and cleanly too), and always choose natural essential oils to use with an electric diffuser. Not least, don’t forget the invigorating power of a blast of fresh air when you throw open those windows!
Sound effects: The sound of nature –
birdsong, rainfall, ocean waves –
has been proven to be every bit as relaxing as a massage. There’s a wealth of apps available that have nature-inspired recordings (or just ask Alexa or Siri for an instant hit!) And check out our Smart Ideas section for further recommended nature apps, together with podcasts that celebrate the natural world: a lovely way to make the most of these lighter evenings.
Smart ideas
Great buys and clever tips.
Tap in to nature
Get more from the world around you with these inspiring podcasts and apps that help you learn about our planet.
1.The Wild with Chris Morgan. For a walk on the wild side, join British-American ecologist Chris Morgan on his hugely successful podcast as he tracks everything from grizzly bears to orcas and pythons.
thewildpod.org
2.The Nature Podcast. A podcast from Springer Nature, with topics as diverse as cultivating cannabis (yes, really!) to how birds see colour. Expect dramatic stories from journalists on either side of the Atlantic.
nature.com/nature/ articles?type=nature-podcast
3.Rooted by Nature.
Stay-at-home mum turned podcaster
Samantha Sear presents an enchanting exploration of the natural world filled with seasonal slow living and self-care tips. One to make a morning cuppa to.
rootedbynature.buzzsprout.com
4.Ramblings. This BBC Radio 4 podcast series follows Clare Balding and guests as they take a stroll in different parts of the British countryside covering wildlife, nature, art, literature and more.
bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006xrr2
5. Wild About Wellbeing. The Wildlife Trusts produces regional podcasts for various areas of Britain, but its Wild About Wellbeing series focuses on nature and health.
wildlifetrusts.org/podcasts
6. The Rewild Podcast.
This inspiring series, presented by nature photographer and filmmaker James Shooter (great name), follows stories of rewilding projects from across Europe featuring everything from the Eurasian Lynx to Britain’s breeding birds.
rewildingeurope.com/the-rewildpodcast
Apps to track
BirdNET. FREE iOS/Android.
From the wonderfully named ChirpOMatic to Warblr, apps identifying birdsong are ten a penny. However, none are as clever as BirdNET, which uses AI to identify around 3,000 common species.
PlantNet. FREE iOS/Android. What BirdNET does for birdsong, PlantNet does for flora and fauna, identifying plants from a picture taken on your phone thanks to a citizen science project on biodiversity.
Seek. FREE iOS/Android. It sounds like a dating app, but Seek sits somewhere between BirdNET and PlantNet by using your pictures to identify the plants and animals around you — including creepy crawlies.
Animal Tracker. FREE iOS/Android.
Apps tracking everything from turtles to sharks are readily available, but Animal Tracker opens up a far bigger world by following wildlife with GPS tags on every continent.
Go Jauntly. FREE iOS/Android. (upgrade to premium features subscription: £3.99 p/m). In a slightly different take on the average map app, Go Jauntly unearths the greenest, quietest, least polluted and most nature-filled walks in your area ready for you to explore.
Recipes
New shoots
With spring in the air, we celebrate one of the season’s finest vegetables
The recipe I return to.
Asparagus with Parmesan and walnuts.
Serves 4.
Bernie Rogers of Ashford & Wye u3a makes this dish frequently in the springtime.
“I particularly like this recipe because it is quick and easy – but it looks and tastes impressive! It makes a delicious starter with fresh crusty bread on the side, and it’s lovely with salmon fillets as part of a main course. Another reason I like this recipe is that my son is a vegetarian, so it’s easy to adapt for him too.”
Ingredients
500g asparagus spears
25g butter
50g walnut pieces, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper
4 tbsp double cream
40g Parmesan cheese, grated
(or similar vegetarian cheese)
Method
1. Bend each asparagus spear carefully so it naturally breaks where the woody part finishes and the juicy asparagus begins.
2. Cut each spear diagonally into 7cm lengths, then steam or cook in boiling water until just tender – about 3-5 minutes. Drain well.
3. Lay the spears in a heatproof serving dish. Dot with butter, sprinkle with the walnuts, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the cream over the top and sprinkle with the cheese. Place under a preheated hot grill for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Another one to try...
Chicken and asparagus stir-fry
Cookery writer Beverley Jarvis from Ashford & Wye u3a suggests another asparagus dish to enjoy.
Serves 4
Fresh and flavoursome, this delicious and healthy recipe is perfect for the new season – and is so quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
1 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp cold water
200ml chicken stock
2 tsp runny honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
Ground black pepper
For the stir-fry:
3 tbsp olive oil
600g chicken breast fillet, diced and blotted dry with kitchen paper
200g asparagus trimmed of woody
stems, then sliced into 3cm pieces
1 red pepper, sliced
3 young carrots, sliced
2 tsp freshly grated root ginger
2 cloves garlic, crushed
100g fresh or defrosted peas
To serve: 2 sliced spring onions, chopped coriander and sesame seeds
Method
1. To make the sauce, combine cornflour and water in a small mixing bowl, then add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir well. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan or wok. Add half the chicken, and stir-fry for 3 -4 minutes over high heat, until golden on all sides. Remove using a draining spoon and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
3. Reduce heat to medium high. Add remaining oil. Add asparagus, red pepper and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add ginger and the garlic. Stir- fry for a further minute or so, until aromatic.
5. Stir sauce ingredients again and add to the pan. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring. Then add the chicken and peas. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring, until the mixture comes to the boil and has slightly thickened.
6. Sprinkle with the spring onions, coriander and sesame seeds, and serve with rice.
Hello, asparagus!
While you can buy asparagus all year round these days, chefs and foodies unanimously agree that British asparagus in season is not only the best in the world, but should be eaten as fresh as possible. The season is short, though – from St George’s Day on 23 April to midsummer’s day on 21 June when traditionally growers stop cutting - so make the most of it while you can!
Roast asparagus: Preheat oven to 200C, 180 fan, gas 6. Break off woody parts of the spears and discard. Arrange the asparagus in a roasting tin lined with foil. Rub with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with crushed garlic, salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with Parmesan or chunks of goat’s cheese.
Asparagus and pesto omelette: Heat the grill to high. Toss a small bunch of asparagus spears in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then cook in an ovenproof frying pan for a few minutes until slightly tender. Whisk six eggs with half a tub of fresh pesto sauce, add to the pan and continue to cook. Once the omelette has started to set, brown under the grill. Fold over, then drizzle the remaining pesto over the top. Delicious with a fresh tomato and Parmesan salad. Serves 2.
STORIES TO SHARE
u3a members share their poignant, inspiring and illuminating memories and experiences.
Post-war journey
A unique perspective
For Clyde Aylin of Shrewsbury u3a, the end of the Second World War saw a dramatic change as he and his family relocated to a war-ravaged Germany.
On an early summer’s day in 1946, my mother, sister, baby brother and I said goodbye to our idyllic cottage by the sea on the Isle of Wight. We sailed from Tilbury Docks in London to the German port of Cuxhaven and on by British military train to Hamburg. Here, we were met by my father, Captain Clyde Aylin, in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes and taken north up the Hamburger Chaussee to what was to be our new house on the Schulensee lake in Kiel. The house came with a cook, a nanny for my brother and a gardener. We were all there because, as a young Royal Artillery officer, my father had helped to liberate Belsen concentration camp in April 1945.
As he spoke good German, he was ordered by Corps Commander General Sir Brian Horrocks to establish a refugee camp for thousands of Poles, Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians fleeing west ahead of the Soviet armies. He created a camp for thousands of destitute men, women and children, and in doing so sheltered the homeless, fed the hungry and tended the sick and dying. Come November 1945 he, as a wartime soldier, packed his kitbag and handed over his camp to the Red Cross, Save the Children, the Salvation Army, and what was then the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. His achievements were rewarded when, in 1946, he was appointed head of resettlement and repatriation in the British military government of Germany – and we, his family, were finally able to join him. A British primary school was created in the Bellevue Hotel in Kiel overlooking the splendid harbour where the 1936 Olympic regatta was staged: my nineyear-old sister and I were among the first pupils. Later, in May 1948, a boarding school for British children was created on the shores of the beautiful lake district of Schleswig-Holstein, and we loved it. I remember racing dinghies on the water in summer and skating when it froze over in winter. We rode our horses through pine woods around the lakes, and one winter we were all taken for a week’s skiing in the Harz Mountains. I could not have wished for more. My father had been brought up with horses, and at weekends he would ride at the club in Lübeck. Women and children travelled in the army bus to the beach at Travemünde for swimming and picnics on the shores of the Baltic on weekends. Many people may wonder what it was like to live in the country that we had so recently been at war with. The truth is, we never felt any animosity towards the German people, although our playmates were virtually all British. My father had witnessed the horrors of Belsen, yet never at any time expressed any ill feeling: his junior staff were German, and the overarching aim of the British military government was reconciliation and reconstruction. Despite our comfortable life, we were acutely aware of the desperate standard of living that ordinary German people faced in the immediate aftermath of the war. There was a scarcity of food and the basics such as soap did not exist. Coffee, tea and tobacco were worth more than gold, and there was a thriving black market. However, with the Marshall Plan and the 1948 currency reform, Germany made a remarkable recovery. The rapid reconciliation with our neighbours was astonishing – we all wanted to welcome peace.
Jungle book
Realising the dream…
A trip to Borneo to see orangutans in the wild meant Molly Mapes of Grange-over-Sands u3a was finally able to fulfil her childhood curiosity.
When I was 10 years old, I read a book about orangutans, and was captivated by their gentle nature and intelligent eyes. In 2013, as I approached 70, I decided I would go to Borneo and make my dream come true. I eventually found Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), led by Dr Biruté Galdikas, who has worked with orangutans since 1971. She had been recruited by Louis Leakey, the great anthropologist who had appointed the primatologists Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey to study chimpanzees and gorillas respectively. Even better, the OFI organised trips to see the orangutans! And so, just a few weeks later, I took a flight from London to Jakarta with a friend, who is also a keen wildlife photographer. There, we met a small group of fellow travellers from around the world and flew on to Borneo where we were introduced to Dr Galdikas, who briefed us on the trip. From there, we boarded boats for a serene trip along the river to our jungle base, Rimba Lodge. The accommodation was simple but comfortable and surrounded by lush rainforest. Early the next morning, we travelled deep into the forest on a boat, spotting proboscis monkeys and macaques in the trees. The jungle’s beauty at sunrise was magical and we could relax and enjoy it for the two-hour journey. We arrived at our destination, Camp Leakey, and there my long-held ambition became reality. We found ourselves surrounded by orangutans – they came and went freely. Several mothers and babies came to the camp for food, others swung in the trees, and a gibbon humorously dashed in to steal bananas. There was Tom, the very large dominant male, who awed us with his size and presence, and Dr Galdikas also introduced us to Siswi, a gentle female orangutan who enjoyed human company. We socialised with her sitting on the veranda outside a hut. The orangutans got to know us, and Tom amazed us with unexpected acrobatics, showcasing his strength and playfulness. Even Dr Galdikas found his behaviour surprising. It was a privilege to witness such moments and contribute photos for her research. The group and I enjoyed several days at the camp, and would share our experiences over dinner before retiring to the sounds of the jungle. After several days spent at Camp Leakey it was very hard to leave, but our up-close experience with orangutans was not yet over. Away from the jungle at Pangkalan Bun, the OFI have The Care Centre, which houses over 300 orphaned orangutans. Many of them have been traumatised from seeing their mothers killed due to deforestation or illegal trade. These young orangutans attend ‘forest school’ where they learn survival skills. They have surrogate human mothers who love and care for them until they are eight years old. Watching these creatures climb, forage and play was heartwarming. Holding and cuddling the babies, especially one called Tommy, was a highlight of the trip. Their playful and mischievous nature brought endless smiles. Saying goodbye to the orangutans was emotional after so many special interactions – they are remarkable creatures. The beauty and fragility of Borneo’s jungle and the passion of Dr Galdikas made it a life-changing experience for me, and exceeded all expectations.
What a performance!
Putting on a show
Sally Welzel (née Nash) of Gloucester u3a recalls the thrill of fulfilling her showtime dream far from home.
As a child, White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye was a favourite, and I dreamed that one day I might find myself entertaining the troops! My father was in the army in the UK and loved amateur dramatics, and my mother was a professional musician in Guernsey. She sent me to singing and dancing lessons, and was keen for me to go to stage school, so at 16 I went off to the Aida Foster Theatre School in London. After two years, however, I could see I wasn’t destined for stardom, and shocked my parents by telling them I’d decided to join the WRAF instead. I trained as a wireless operator at Compton Bassett in Wiltshire during the winter of 1963, and was then posted to RAF Bomber Command at High Wycombe. In May 1964, at just 19 years of age, I was posted to Aden in the Middle East. As we flew into Khormaksar* airport and viewed the desert from the window, I was suddenly terrified – we were arriving in a conflict area! However, it wasn’t long before a mate invited me to have a try-out singing with his jazz quartet after I told him I’d sung with a band in Guernsey. The lads took me on, and gave me a pile of records to learn the songs sung by Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and the like. For the next year, I never stopped singing off duty. I even got a gig at the famous Rock Hotel nightclub. One morning, I was called to see my commanding officer, who asked me if I would like to produce a show and fly up to the Radfan Mountains to entertain the troops. Would I! I had four weeks to round up acts. I found an army captain who was a comedian and made him my MC. I recruited a skiffle group who wrote some funny sketches, and enrolled six girls from the WRAF and taught them a dance routine. We took off from Khormaksar airport in a little DC10 aircraft and landed on a tiny airstrip, amid a load of tents. We were driven to an area where the lads were rigging up a makeshift stage for us, using parachutes to drape the rear and sides. Our male-only audience sat on benches, stripped to the waist in the heat. They sang along with the skiffle group, laughed at the silly sketches and went wild when the chorus girls danced their routine. But it was when I stepped out on to that stage that I felt goosebumps as I realised my childhood dream was finally coming true. We were booked to perform two shows, and in between we were invited to visit the lads in the ‘sick bay’. We felt like stars as they were so pleased to see us, and we spent a long time chatting to these poor young lads serving in such atrocious conditions. Our show was so successful that I was asked to produce another one, but then the MOD decided to fly out professional artists. Nevertheless, it was lovely to hear from the lads, who later flew down to Aden for rest and recuperation, that they preferred our shows because we were part of them. I continued to sing with amateur big bands around the UK for decades afterwards, and finally retired when I was 75. Not wanting to give up music altogether I joined the Gloucester u3a choir, before finally hanging up my lungs last Christmas. But 1964 will always remain my very special year!
- Do you have a story to tell us about your life? Send it to:
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Your good health
Keep mind, body and soul strong, active and happy with the latest news, expert tips and members' inspiration.
Six natural ways to boost wellbeing
Numerous studies show that enjoying a healthy and active life as we get older is far more achievable if we take positive steps to improve our physical and mental wellbeing. Here are just a few natural ways to do it...
1. Get amid nature. Scientists have discovered that trees give off volatile essential oils called phytoncides that may influence immunity. Tree oils also contain 3-carene, a substance that, studies suggest, may help reduce inflammation, protect against infection, lower anxiety and even enhance the quality of sleep. Forest therapy is a guided outdoor healing practice: it originated in Japan in the 1980s in response to a national spike in stress-related illness. It helps people experience the pleasures of nature through their senses. Research shows that forest therapy can help reduce stress, improve attention, boost immunity and lift mood.
2. Exercise body and mind. Even if you have been inactive for much of your adulthood and only take up activity much later in life, the good news is that life expectancy is improved. Muscle weakness and poor balance are among the highest risk factors for falling, so activity that builds strength is vital for wellbeing. Light exercise such as daily walking can also help maintain muscles, along with brain function. Activities that stimulate the brain also offer valuable benefits. For example, research has shown that table tennis can help people maintain their cognitive abilities, while another study concluded that frequently playing games such as cards or chess is associated with a 9% reduction in the risk of dementia.
3. Know your nutrients. The key to nourishing your body is to eat a balance of foods that, when consumed together, provide the essential nutrients the body needs to stay at its healthiest. The NHS Eatwell Guide shows how much should come from each food group, although the British Dietetic Association recommends that people over the age of 65 should choose foods with slightly more protein, calcium, folate (folic acid) and vitamin B12. We all know about the benefits of eating our five a day, but many experts now believe that eating a variety of plants could be just as important. In 2018, scientists from the American Gut Project found that eating 30 different plants a week (this includes nuts, seeds,
herbs and spices) can boost the diversity and health of the gut’s microbiome.
4. Boost your vital vitamins.
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends that everyone over the age of 65 takes a vitamin D supplement to improve bone health and muscle strength. A new study suggests that omega-3 and vitamin D supplements, when combined with regular exercise, may help slow biological ageing. Calcium is important for good bone health, especially for postmenopausal women. It is recommended that three to four portions of dairy products are included in a daily diet. As we get older, it becomes harder to absorb vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Eating fortified breakfast cereals, yeast extract and meat can help. Alternatively, you could take a supplement of 2mg or less per day. Note: Always speak to your GP before taking vitamin supplements, especially if you are already taking prescription medication.
5. Explore the alternatives. Many evidence-based complementary therapies or alternative treatments are now combined alongside traditional medical treatments and practices to provide a raft of integrated care. Numerous studies have shown, for instance, that meditation can help manage depression, chronic pain and anxiety. It is recommended by Cancer Research UK as a useful complementary therapy, helping patients manage issues such as pain, insomnia, tiredness, nausea and high blood pressure. Acupuncture, which originated in China over 3,000 years ago, is used in many GP practices, pain clinics and hospices. It involves stimulating sensory nerves with fine needles under the skin and in the muscles, which results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins.
6. Spice things up. Some herbs and spices have been linked to heart and circulatory health benefits. Garlic, for example, has been reported to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while cinnamon has been linked to improvements in blood sugar levels. Turmeric has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its active ingredient is curcumin, which has been found to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidants.
Cramp conditions
A sudden muscle spasm can be incredibly painful, but there are ways to alleviate it, as chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo explain.
Muscle cramps – in particular, nocturnal leg cramps –
become more prevalent with age because of multiple
physiological and lifestyle factors. These include:
Muscle fatigue and reduced flexibility.
As people age, there is a natural decline in muscle mass (sarcopenia), flexibility and overall neuromuscular function. This may make muscles more prone to involuntary contractions.
Nerve function changes. Ageing affects motor neurons, which control muscle contractions. The loss or dysfunction of these neurons may increase the likelihood of cramping.
Electrolyte imbalances. Deficiencies in key minerals can lead to hyper-excitable nerves and spontaneous muscle contractions (see Maintain a healthy diet). Medications such as diuretics, used for high blood pressure, can also deplete these electrolytes.
Circulatory issues. Poor circulation due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or diabetes can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to muscles, triggering cramps.
Dehydration. With ageing, the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance declines, and many older adults may drink less water due to reduced thirst perception.
Lifestyle measures
Do regular, moderate exercise. It’s so important to keep moving in order to stay as flexible as possible, but avoid over-exertion as intense activity without proper recovery can trigger cramps. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming or cycling help maintain muscle tone and circulation, reducing cramp risk. Taking part in regular activities such as yoga or pilates can also be very beneficial.
Maintain a healthy diet. The following key minerals are critical for muscle function, so ensure you’re getting enough in your diet (your GP may recommend a supplement if not):
Potassium may help to regulate nerve signals (e.g. bananas, oranges, sweet potatoes).
Magnesium may help to relax muscles (e.g. nuts, spinach, avocados).
Calcium may prevent hyper-excitability of muscles (e.g. dairy, leafy greens).
Stay hydrated. Dehydration may lead to impaired muscle excitability and cramping, so get into the habit of drinking more. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water per day (adjust accordingly for climate and activity levels). Limit caffeine and alcohol, as both can contribute to dehydration.
Stretch before bed. Static stretching of the calves, hamstrings and quadriceps (the group of muscles on the front of the thigh) before bed has been shown to significantly reduce nocturnal cramps.
Ease the ache...
When cramp strikes:
Try gentle stretching. If a calf cramp occurs, straighten the leg and pull toes back toward the shin. If it’s a thigh cramp, bend the knee slightly and stretch the muscle.
Massage the area. Lightly rub or knead the cramped muscle to increase blood flow and relaxation.
Apply compresses. Try a warm compress or heating pad to relax tight muscles; an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) can help with soreness after the cramp subsides.
Move around. Standing up and gently walking or rocking on the heels can relieve a calf cramp.
Practise slow, controlled breathing. This can help prevent further muscle tightening due to stress or discomfort.
Take painkillers. Ibuprofen or paracetamol may help to ease soreness after a cramp.
Try this: Stand facing a wall, place hands on it, step one foot back, and press the heel into the floor for 30 seconds.
Optimise sleep positioning. Many people suffer night cramps when the body is static. To alleviate the risk of an attack, try to avoid lying so that your toes are pointing downwards while
sleeping as this tightens calf muscles. And tuck a pillow under the knees to lift your legs slightly as this can reduce
cramp episodes.
When to seek help. Cramp can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition, so it’s important to
get medical advice if your muscle cramps occur frequently (more than once per night or daily); last longer than 10 minutes; are severe and interfere with daily activities; or accompany muscle weakness or swelling. Bear in mind, too, that statins, diuretics and beta-blockers can contribute to cramping, so always consult your GP if you are taking medication.
Health notes
News and views from the world of wellbeing
Parkinson’s in focus
A new research partnership that aims to understand Parkinson’s disease in unprecedented detail is under way. Scientists at Imperial College London will sequence hundreds of tissue samples from the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank, based at Imperial, in order to build up a map of gene expression caused by Parkinson’s across different cell types. The Landmark project will analyse hundreds of tissue samples donated to the Brain Bank by Parkinson’s patients and their families. This will allow them to understand the biological ways in which Parkinson’s takes hold and progresses in the brain at a cellular and genetic level. The resulting global resource of data will identify predictive biomarkers for Parkinson's disease and will ultimately help to discover new drug targets. The new insights gained will also feed directly into Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech – the drug development arm of Parkinson’s UK, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation – to power the creation of new treatments. Professor David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson’s UK, says: “The Landmark project is a highlight of my career. I set up the Brain Bank 22 years ago because I knew that one day techniques like these would be possible, allowing us to unlock the secrets held in the brains of people with Parkinson’s.”
- For further information, go to: parkinsons.org.uk
Happy now?
Older people in England are happier and more satisfied now than they were before the Covid pandemic, a new study from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing has discovered. But why? Lead author Professor Paola Zaninotto says: “Wellbeing declined during the pandemic, and instances of depression rose. While depression is still slightly more prevalent than before 2020, remarkably, overall older people are now more satisfied, and have a greater sense of life’s worth than before the pandemic. “We can only speculate on the reasons for this. It could reflect a renewed appreciation for social connections and meaningful activities, as well as increased psychological resilience after a period of adversity. Improved health security following widespread vaccinations could also have contributed to this positive shift.”
- Do you feel more content since the pandemic? Email: editor@u3a. org.uk. Head your email: HAPPIER
Experts on call
In our organisation, there are a wealth of national Subject Advisers who offer valuable expertise, knowledge and support to group leaders and members. We meet three to discover more.
Ageing mindfully
DR JOHN DARWIN. Dr John Darwin is a member of Sheffield u3a and joint Subject Adviser for Meditation and Mindfulness, along with
Mike Pupius.
What is your background in meditation and mindfulness?
I’ve been meditating for 35 years now. When I stopped working full time, I thought I would take a look at the idea of mindfulness, which essentially means living in the moment and being fully engaged and accepting of what is happening around you. So I did a postgraduate certificate at Bangor University, and later an MSc in mindfulness studies at the University of Aberdeen.
When people asked me what I was up to, I said I was learning about mindfulness. The usual response to this was: “What is mindfulness?” When I explained it to them, people wanted to learn more about it themselves. I therefore designed a course called Mindfulness-Based Life Enhancement (MBLE), which proved hugely popular. The MBLE course is run in-person in and around Sheffield. There is also a free eight-session online mindful ageing course based on MBLE (mindfulageing.org/online-course).
Why is it so important to be mindful as we age?
Through mindfulness we learn to be more in the moment, and do things like savouring, which is making the most of our senses and what is going on in our lives. Another key concept is being active. That is very much about mindful movement and showing people how by moving gently but firmly you can really stay in the moment and enjoy what you’re doing more. And, of course, we all know that the best way to stay healthy as we age – both mentally and physically – is to do movement and exercise. It’s well known that mindfulness can reduce our levels of stress and treat anxiety. It can help us particularly to pay more attention to what we’re doing. Research into it has really exploded in recent years – all of it showing that mindfulness and meditation can be very helpful in a whole variety of situations.
How did you become a Subject Adviser?
Mike Pupius and I are both members of Sheffield u3a and we ran a course on mindful ageing, which proved very popular. Other people in the organisation heard about this and Mike and I were invited to become the national Subject Advisers on Mindfulness and Meditation. We decided to put together a series of sessions to introduce people to the concepts. We use a framework called the Five Ways to Wellbeing: take notice, connect, be active, give and keep learning. We thought these fit rather nicely with u3a’s aspirations. We also added a sixth element – which, since we’re from Sheffield, we decided to call The Full Monty – to bring it all together. We have run this regularly ever since. Each session mixes together guided meditations, mindful movements and discussion of informal mindfulness and how to apply it every day.
Do members approach you about starting mindfulness groups?
Yes, they do, but we encourage people to think carefully about how they would do it. It’s not possible to just start teaching mindfulness – it takes a long time to grasp. I would first recommend going to our website mindfulageing.org/u3aseries to see the resources. Then go to the relevant Subject Adviser page at u3a.org.uk for advice on how to set up and run groups.
- u3a members can contact me at
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Que sera, sera
SANDRA DEAN. Sandra Dean is a member of West Wolds and Bourne End u3as and Subject Adviser for Spanish.
Why did you first decide to learn Spanish?
When I retired as a science teacher, I started looking at the cognitive benefits of learning a language. This wasn’t something I’d ever really done in my adult life, and I fancied learning Spanish as it is the third most spoken language worldwide. I found there was a u3a group near me, and spoke to the Spanish group leader, who invited me to come along. I went to a few sessions - and then officially joined the u3a! To begin with I found learning a language challenging: I think that learning new skills in later life is very different from when you are young. However, I was determined to stick with it as I firmly believed it was doing me some good. In cognitive health, it’s the effort that’s important, not the journey.
How did you go on to lead the group?
After about a year, the group leader had to stop due to ill health, and even though I knew the least Spanish, I was quite happy to do the administrative stuff to keep the group going. By this point we were entering the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns. We were able to carry on using Zoom, and later met in each other’s gardens. Even now, we continue to meet at members’ houses as we enjoy the social aspect of this. I have supported other groups for beginners: these tend to run best with about six people. If the group is too small it can be challenging for those new to a language, as they may feel under too much pressure. Likewise, if the group is too big, members may feel they don’t get sufficient opportunity to contribute.
What activities do you do with members of your group?
Our group has always wanted to do a mixed range of activities, but you have to do some formal learning to grasp the structure of the language. We also like to share the cultural aspect of our Spanish learning, and have been to Spanish concerts, plays and flamenco shows. We even have a couple of Spanish restaurants nearby where we know the staff very well, and we practise with the Spanish staff when we go!
What motivated you to become a u3a Subject Adviser?
I became the Spanish Subject Adviser just over a year ago and have been really interested in developing the support I could give to people. There are a lot of u3a members around the UK who have a very active u3a culture on their doorstep. But there are others who are stuck out on a limb – either because they’re in an area where perhaps the u3a structure isn’t so well developed, or because of their personal circumstances. I started thinking about how I could support some of these people to have access to more u3a opportunities, and on the Spanish advice page I put up information that I felt would be of value to people looking for suitable resources. This role has allowed me to share some of my teaching skills to help others – and teach something completely different! I’m not an expert myself, and I always state that from the start. I think people relate to that because we’re all on a learning curve together.
- If you wish to get in touch, please email
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Around the world
JEFF ARMSTRONG. Jeff Armstrong is a member of Berwick u3a and Subject Adviser for Geography.
Where does your interest in geography come from?
I spent my national service as an RAF medic on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, and it was during this 20-month period that I travelled to San Diego, Hawaii, Australia, Fiji and many other islands around the South Pacific as a CASEVAC trained NA1 (equivalent to a civilian nurse). I saw many interesting places and met a great variety of people, and so I wanted to share this with young people through the subject of geography. I went to college at the age of 18, studied geography there, became a geography teacher and did that until I retired in 1995. I did my first degree in Pretoria in South Africa and my master’s at Reading. So I’ve been doing it almost my whole life. I actually met my wife on the first day of our geography course – I spotted her across the room where all the students were gathered, and I instantly fell in love with her. That was 66 years ago!
When did you get involved with u3a and become a Subject Adviser?
Back in 1999, a u3a was just starting at Eyemouth in Berwickshire, and my wife wanted to learn German conversation. I told her that I had no retiring, but we got involved - and from then on, I thought continuing to learn was a good idea! So I started a geography group from scratch there. Then in 2012 I became the national Subject Adviser for Geography to try and broaden the appeal and knowledge of the subject to more people. When people get in touch with me about starting their own group or asking for advice about their current one, I give them a document of recommended strategies, depending on where they are and the interests of the group. We discuss what the members may require, and from there see how they want their group to work. We have started nine new groups nationwide while I have been the Subject Adviser. And, of course, we have the Geography Competition…
Tell us more about the Geography Competition!
My reasoning for starting this event in 2002 came from watching television quizzes. I found that that when it comes to the geography questions, most contestants were absolutely uninformed – they had lost their way in the knowledge of pure geography. My competition aims to bring this back. Teams of four from u3as in Northumbria compete in person against neighbouring branches across nine different rounds. The teams answer all sorts of questions – from populations and flags to climatology and meteorology. And the winning team get a week’s holiday abroad (with funding provided by an enthusiastic anonymous geographer). We had to abandon the competiton for a few years when Covid struck, but I am in the process of reinstating it, so watch this space…
What’s best part of being in a u3a geography group?
My geography group and I have organised four trips to Europe, including to Saint- Siméon, a few miles away from Paris, and Malta. We enjoyed geographical studies in each of these places.
Ultimately, though, as someone who is very interested in the subject, if someone wants to start a new group, then I see that as an achievement!
- If members wish to get in touch, email
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- You can contact over 70 Subject Advisers via u3a.org.uk/learning/ subjects.
Good times
Make the most of life – great places to visit, new things to try, what to watch, read and enjoy.
Special places
Trails of discovery
Scenic walks to marvel at all that nature has to offer.
Natural wonders
Explore a few of the country’s most fascinating beauty spots
England. The New Forest National Park.
Lose yourself amid the trees in this famed English forest, where there are any number of walks to immerse yourself in natural beauty. Bolderwood’s easy Radnor trail is under two miles long, and takes tree-lovers beneath a canopy of sweet chestnuts, oaks and beeches that were planted in the 1860s: the walk also circles the mystical Mark Ash Wood of ancient beech trees. Then there’s Blackwater’s Tall Trees Trail, an easy, flat, one-anda- half mile gravel track featuring some of the oldest Douglas firs in the country, as well as two giant redwoods and Wellingtonia (giant sequoias) – named as the biggest trees in the entire park. Not least, there’s the Knightwood Oak Trail, where the oldest oak tree – dating back 500 years - stands majestic. thenewforest.co.uk
Northern Ireland. Slievenacloy Nature Reserve,
Belfast.
Ulster’s massive nature reserve, Slievenacloy, is a huge wilderness of grassland, meadows and heath, which sits in a valley in the Belfast Hills. It is celebrated for its abundant nature here: there is the diversity of its birds, including skylark, linnet, song thrush and curlew; nine varieties of wild orchids, such as purple, common spotted and butterfly; and not least its fungi, with 26 of the 43 varieties of Irish waxcap said to have been discovered here, including pink meadow and regal. But Slievenacloy is also celebrated for the fabulous panoramas, which show up to five of the six counties of Northern Ireland. Those seeking even farther-reaching views can take the one hour Priest’s Hill Walk leading up to the highest points on the reserve - and gaze across to the west coastline of Scotland... ulsterwildlife.org
Scotland. Green Loch, the Cairngorms. Nestling in the heart of Glenmore Forest Park in the Cairngorms National Park, the colour of Green Loch – An Lochan Uaine in Gaelic – resembles more that of an Italian lake than a Scottish freshwater loch. No one knows for certain what makes it such a beguiling emerald green, though theories range from algae beneath the surface of the water to the reflection of the trees on the surrounding hillside... or even fairy folk at work. It is indeed a magical place, surrounded by Caledonian pine, birch, rowan and willow trees, with red squirrels, crested tits and brown trout waiting to be discovered. To fully experience the intensity of the loch’s colour, visitors should head towards the small platform above it. The walk takes anything from 20 to 45 minutes, ranging from flat terrain to steep in places, depending on the route taken. visitcairngorms.com
Wales. Cwm Gwrelych Geo Trail, Vale of Neath.
The Cwm Gwrelych Geo Trail, in the Vale of Neath, allows visitors to walk a very long way back in time. Located at the head of the Neath Valley on the edge of the South Wales Coalfield, for 300 years this land was mined for coal, and quarried for iron ore and stone: old coal mines and well-preserved ironstone workings can still be seen. However, the real stars are the 300 million-yearold rocks, which have been naturally exposed to the elements by the rivers and streams that flowed through them over millions of years. It is astonishing to consider they were formed long before dinosaurs, mammoths and man walked the earth: the rocks at Cwm Gwrelych are unique and internationally important. The hour-long walk, which features information panels along the trail, begins at Pontwalby village, passing beneath a viaduct designed by the engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel. visitwales.com
Member's story
Jane Young, the Naturewatch group convenor for Prudhoe and District u3a, shares her favourite County Durham walk.
I ’m a retired ecologist and my husband is a geologist. We’ve been sharing this walk and leading groups in Weardale for almost 40 years. It’s a three-mile circular walk starting at Westgate Village, along the Middlehope Burn and its waterfalls; through Slitt Wood and up to West Rigg. It is in the North Pennines National Landscape, a designated Unesco Global Geopark. It really is an important walk as it illustrates the relationship between local rocks and habitats – ancient woodland, streams, open grassland, fen land and moorland – and how they’ve been shaped by human activity, particularly lead mining, for centuries until the late 1800s. There are hares, willow warblers, redstarts and chiffchaff in the mainly ash and wych elm woods, as well as old lead and iron mines. A flat grassland area makes a good picnic spot. Here the ore from the mines was washed and now metallophytes (plants that love metals) such as spring sandwort, purple thyme and mountain pansy carpet the ground. Interpretation panels explain the remains of mine buildings. Further on, in the wet fenland created by the mining, there are orchids, ragged robins and marsh marigolds. As you reach the moors you may see snipe, lapwing and curlew. The views from the top – along the Wear Valley and across to the Higher Pennine Hills, which go up to 2,000ft – are just spectacular. I enjoy this wonderful walk because it demonstrates the connection between geology, industrial archaeology and the natural world. northpennines.org.uk
More to explore...
Nature study
1. Paston Way in Norfolk is a 22-mile trail between Cromer and North Walsham, tracking the area’s medieval churches: keep a look out for basking seals on the beach stretches. norfolk.gov.uk
2. A walk along Formby Coastline in Liverpool brings the opportunity to see internationally-recognised sand dunes, sand lizards and rare newts and pre-historic footprints... as well as two 1930s shipwrecks. nationaltrust.org.uk
3. One of the best trails in the Lake District is serene Loughrigg Tarn, just north of Windermere. It was a favourite spot of poet William Wordsworth. lakedistricts.co.uk
4 .Hatfield Forest Tree Walk in Essex promises a gentle stroll through the medieval forest and includes a 1,000-year-old maple, a 450-year-old oak and a huge cedar planted in the 18th century. nationaltrust.org.uk
5. From the pretty village of Frampton on Severn in Gloucestershire, this six-mile walk along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal takes in Slimbridge Nature Reserve and its wonderful rare bird visitors. wwt.org.uk
What’s on
Take a quick look at what to watch, visit and listen to now...
Film and TV critic Mark Adams of Chichester u3a recommends the following.
Big screen action
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
Tom Cruise is back as the indestructible super spy Ethan Hunt in what could – finally – be the last in the film action series, which has spanned some 30 years. Our hero has to once again save the world, with the assistance of an all-star cast. Likely to be an action-packed, full-throttle romp. RELEASED 21 MAY.
The Salt Path.
A big-screen adaptation of Raynor Winn’s best-selling memoir, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Following a terrible health diagnosis and a legal dispute that leaves them homeless, a married couple embark on the 630-mile South West Coast Path, from Minehead to Poole, as a form of long-distance catharsis. RELEASED 30 MAY.
Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874
On release now, this fascinating film immerses viewers in the
vibrant art scene of the 1870s, telling the story of the exhibition that saw the birth of impressionism, thanks to pioneering artists such as Claude Monet,
ARMCHAIR CINEMA.
Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter.
A beautiful new restoration of cult classic Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter, this limited collector’s edition release of the swashbuckling 1974 horror classic marks the film’s 50th anniversary. HAMMER BLU-RAY (AND UHD)
Night Moves.
Arthur Penn’s haunting neo-noir reimagines the hard-boiled detective fi lm for the 1970s. It stars Gene Hackman as a private investigator whose search for an actress’s missing daughter (Melanie Griffith) leads him from the Hollywood Hills to the Florida Keys. Lovely restoration and loads of extras. CRITERION BLU-RAY (AND UHD).
Paul Cézanne and Berthe Morisot. For more information go to:
exhibitiononscreen.com
Worth a listen
The Rest is Politics. This continues to dominate the podcast charts, with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell consistently being both interesting and provocative as they discuss what is happening in the world of politics. LISTEN ON AMAZON, SPOTIFY,
APPLE, AUDIBLE.
STREAMING NOW.
Your Friends and Neighbors – Season 1
Jon Hamm (Mad Men) stars in this new nine-part series as Coop, a New York hedge fund manager who, recently divorced and made unemployed, resorts to criminal methods to maintain his lifestyle. PREMIERES ON APPLE TV+ 11 APRIL.
Bosch: Legacy – Season 3
The hit series based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling crime novels wraps in this final season. It stars Titus Welliver as retired Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective turned private eye Harry Bosch. PREMIERES ON PRIME VIDEO LATE MARCH.
BOOKS
My Life In Books.
Guy Consterdine of Camberley & District u3a shares his favourite reads.
Best childhood book:
Five on a Hike Together by Enid Blyton. She gave me a lifetime love of reading. I loved the ‘Fives’ books in particular, and this was the first I was given – it shaped my imagination. I caught up with all the other Fives published and, each Christmas, the new one would be my most anticipated present.
Favourite book of all time:
To the Lighthouse was a revelation, and I soon devoured all of Virginia Woolf’s novels. They gave me new insights into the thoughts of the characters – and myself. They, together with the work of Marcel Proust and Anaïs Nin, helped me understand my
own self and life more deeply, and the complexities of personal relationships.
Currently reading:
The Assassin’s Cloak is Irene and Alan Taylor’s thick compendium of diary extracts from 170 diarists around the world and spans five centuries. It is arranged day by day throughout the year. It is fascinating to absorb, one day at a time, the experiences and thoughts of very different people in different years and in different countries.
PRIZE DRAW
An adventure awaits!
Win a £1,500 holiday voucher - and £300 for your u3a! - from Newmarket Holidays.
At Newmarket Holidays, we’ve been crafting unforgettable escorted tours for more than 40 years, earning a reputation for providing exceptional escorted tours, resort-based stays, river cruises and cruise holidays. We combine great value with the highest standards of customer care, offering more choices, more dates and more destinations than anyone else. Our award-winning tours feature carefully chosen accommodation, guided excursions and unforgettable experiences in the company of friendly and knowledgeable tour managers. Whether it's watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, wandering among cherry blossoms near Mount Fuji or spotting lions on a thrilling safari, our tours provide dream experiences in the world’s most captivating locations. We’d love to help you plan your next adventure, which is why we’re giving you the chance to win a £1,500 voucher to spend on a dream holiday with us – whether you’re looking for a relaxing river cruise, an exciting escorted tour or a resort-based stay. Plus, we’ll donate £300 to the lucky winner’s u3a to support their activities and programmes.
WHY CHOOSE NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS?
We offer a wide range of escorted tours and small-group holidays to some of the most breathtaking destinations around the world. We specialise in finding new, fascinating excursions to enrich your travel experience every year. Book up to three years in advance for the best choice of tours to suit your schedule and preferences.
How to enter:
1. Visit b.link/Newmarket-Holidays-win and fill out the entry form.
2. Submit your entry by Friday 6 June, and you’re in with a chance to win!
To order a brochure, please visit newmarketholidays.co.uk/brochures.
Terms and conditions
The prize draw is open to all readers of u3a Matters. The winner will be chosen randomly and notified by email. Submit your entry by Friday 6 June 2025. See URL to enter and full terms and conditions.
MAILBOX
We love to hear from you, so please email your letters, including your name and u3a, with ‘Mailbox’ in the subject line to
Flower power!
T hanks you for spotlighting dahlias in the February issue of u3a Matters. Many people deny themselves the delight of growing these plants because they are prone to slug and snail damage. There is a very successful solution – not slug pellets (which I have never used) – but the so-simple remedy of growing these beautiful perennials in pots and placing the pots, with saucers, on metal grids at least three inches off the ground. Metal CD stands laid lengthwise are ideal for this (look in local charity shops). Slugs and snails will not climb up metal wire, thick or thin. Last year, my dahlias bloomed in pots continuously, providing colour in the garden and flowers for cutting. I have just emptied out the pots to find tubers wonderfully multiplied, and not a single sign of slug or snail damage (or eggs). The tubers are resting in a cardboard box now while pots, saucers and grids are prepared for the summer, with plenty to give away too. Happy gardening!
Jackie Dench, Gloucester u3a.
Dahlia data
I’ve always loved the dahlia – Mexico’s national flower – and am fascinated by its botanical abilities! When grown from seed, the plant will hybridise, changing both colour and shape, in effect creating a huge number of different varieties. In fact, over the last century, more than 50,000 have been listed. Isn’t that incredible?
Joan Morrison, Leicestershire.
A greener way to go
Our feature on eco-friendly travel (u3a Matters, February 2025) was of interest to many of you. Here are just a few of the letters we received:
CLOSER TO HOME
It was good to see the feature on green holidays, but I wonder if members have ever considered a more radical green way of spending a holiday: not going anywhere at all! I’ve never liked travelling very much, and it seems to have become more stressful. If you go away for a fortnight you may spend several days getting over making it to your destination, then just as you have relaxed, you have to go through it all again. And with the current cost of living crisis, there’s also the price of the holiday and the insurance to consider! My solution is to holiday at home. Spend time exploring the local area and maybe eat at small cafés and restaurants you have often passed but never tried out. Look for interesting museums and art galleries that you’ve always meant to visit but never got around to. I’ve always been lucky enough to live in beautiful areas – my current abode in the beautiful rural northeast of Scotland is the best of the lot – but wherever you are, there can be all sorts of fascinating nooks and crannies to explore. Happy holidays – at home!
Mary Brown, Banchory u3a
ALL ABOARD!
As an international traveller by rail since 1963, I can only say go for it! In that year, I was among a group of students from Edinburgh University who went by train to Athens (a three-day journey), returning via Rijeka in Yugoslavia and Baveno on Lake Maggiore. I loved it so much that the next year two others and I independently booked a train out to Istanbul (four days from London) and a return from Athens, four weeks later. We filled the time by travelling all the way down the west of Turkey on local buses, taking in Troy, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale and an undeveloped Bodrum, before crossing by launch to Rhodes. Like many other u3a members, my wife and I camped in France during our children’s childhood but in the 1990s we decided to go back to train travel. We took the Coastal Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles; Eurostar and TGVs many times to Paris, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Marseille, Narbonne, Toulon or Nice; German railways to Berlin, Hamburg, Schleswig and Lübeck; and for our 50th wedding anniversary we again headed to Berlin, breaking the journey in Cologne. So, don’t hesitate, especially since Interrail has become more available, if you have the time - and are able to climb the steps up to your compartment (though often a young fellow passenger will gladly help with luggage). Once you get the train-travel bug, to quote Arthur Daley: “The world’s your lobster.”
Ralph Gordon, Havering u3a
THINK ELECTRIC
I enjoyed the article on green travel, but would like to suggest travel by electric car as an option. Having driven a plug-in hybrid for seven years and a full electric for two, I appreciate the smooth, quiet motion, and am pleased not to be puffing out carbon, particulates and nitrogen oxide. With many electric cars having a good range and a rapidly growing network of 75,000 chargers in the UK, range anxiety is a thing of the past. Not least, an Octopus Electroverse RFID card gives you tap-and-pay charging, not only at the majority of UK chargers, but at virtually all in Europe. Indeed, I have had a trouble-free 1,700-mile holiday driving into Portugal and back via the Plymouth to Santander ferry.
Michael Miller, Sheffield u3a
Driving you mad?
Could I just say a huge thank you to Rob Boler of Northampton u3a for his letter (u3a Matters, February 2025) concerning the renewing of a driving licence. I spent the morning that my u3a magazine arrived trying to renew my licence using my new-style passport for ID and, like Rob, was told that my identity could not be verified. I found this really worrying and panicked that this was a case of identity theft or fraud. Reading Rob’s article at lunchtime was such a relief! I have since found out that you can renew driving licences at the Post Office, without the need for a passport. The Post Office takes the photo for the new licence and sends all the information off electronically, so it’s done instantly. I wonder how many other checks are failing because the new-style passport signatures cannot be verified?
Judith Johnson, Haslemere u3a
Knitting with a purpose
How to clothe a tiny baby? That was the problem facing me as a young mum 45 years ago when my daughter was unexpectedly born eight weeks premature. Answer: dolls’ clothes! The family rapidly began knitting and the problem was solved. I always intended to give something back to the Leicester Royal Infirmary neonatal unit for their care back then, but over the years bringing up a family and a career took over. Once I retired and joined the local u3a, however, I set up the Harborough Welland u3a’s first crafting for charities group in 2019. We meet once a month for a coffee, knitting and crocheting, as well as catching up. As well as tiny babies, others have also benefited from our members’ crafted items. These include Growbaby in Northampton (pictured), local neonatal units, the charities Sands and Mercy Ships, families in Malawi and local care homes. We also made a recent donation to Kettering General Hospital.
Helen Salisbury, Harborough Welland u3a
Annuals collection
On the subject of annuals (u3a Matters, February 2025 ), I thought that I would share my almost-complete collection of Rupert annuals from 1936 to 2024, which is missing only four issues from the 1940s. I also have all of the Eagle and Wolf Cub annuals, not to mention Roy of the Rovers, Dan Dare, Beano, Dandy, Topper and Beezer. I would get out more, but there’s always too much to read!
Tony Jones, Kenilworth u3a
You’re it…
Who else, I wonder, recalls rhymes for ‘dipping’ or choosing who was ‘it’, for tag and other playground games? At Denbigh Road Infants and Junior Schools in Luton during the late 1940s and early 1950s, the favourite was: ‘Ip, dip, alabada, Dutch cheese, santama. Santama, alabada. SHAM.’ I have no idea what it means, and there’s no sign of it on the internet. Does anyone else remember it, or similar rhymes?
Richard Lindley, Winchester u3a
- What are your memories of playground games – we’d love to know!
Cavern connection
I was very interested to read the article by David Thomas, ‘Call of The Cavern Club’ (u3a Matters, February 2025 ). My name is also David Thomas, and I was at school with two of The Beatles, and others. George Harrison was in my school year, as was one of Gerry and the Pacemakers, Les Chadwick, who was in my class for a year. Paul McCartney (and BBC newsreader Peter Sissons) were one year ahead of me. The school was the Liverpool Institute, which was rescued from physical ruin by McCartney, Sissons and others after it was left empty for a long time and reopened as the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). I have come across many performers who were trained at LIPA. Unlike my namesake, however, I never went to The Cavern Club, despite being born and raised in Liverpool. I left the city in 1958 when my father’s job moved, but went back to study history at the University of Liverpool in 1961. One day in my first year at university, I went into the record store NEMS and saw a huge photograph on the wall of the four Beatles. I obviously recognised Paul and George, but did not know why their photo was up on the shop wall, and was told they were “The Beatles”. This was just before Love Me Do came out. Unfortunately, all those in my class at the Liverpool Institute ( 1954 to 1958 ) with whom I had kept in contact are no longer alive. I am hoping that some others in my class, or year, at the Liverpool Institute might read this letter and get in touch via the magazine.
David Thomas, Chandler’s Ford u3a
Odd turn of phrase
I have to shed doubt on the idea that the expression “Well, I’ll go to the foot of our stairs” is a northern saying, as suggested by a couple of members. My father used to say it, and he was a real Londoner with no northern relatives or ties. He also used to say of an article worn out and beyond repair: “Well, that’s gone home.” I know of nobody else who has come across this expression. I wonder if it has Jewish origins?
Janet Robinson, Haddenham u3a
The fate of the Kingston Agate
I was very interested to read John Whitton’s article ‘A boy’s own adventure’ (u3a Matters, February 2025) regarding his voyage on the trawler Kingston Agate, just after WWII. The ship’s name rang a bell as I had recently given a talk at the Woking u3a naval history group on the submarine HMS Graph. This was the former U-570 and was the only U-boat to be commissioned into the Royal Navy during World War II. U-570 was captured virtually intact, in 1941, south of Iceland. Kingston Agate played a significant role in her capture and her recovery to the UK. Returned to the merchant service after the war, she was broken up in 1963.
Martin Keys, Woking Area u3a
Far and wide
I am a British citizen who now lives in New Zealand, and a keen member of my local u3a in Browns Bay, Auckland. I am in eight different groups including Modern History, Inventors and Discoverers, and Books and Beyond. I visit my son in Emsworth, Hampshire, most summers (when it is winter here!) and have been made very welcome in the Emsworth u3a, where I’ve made some good friends. My purpose in writing is just to send you greetings and encourage you to keep up the good work of u3a – and to also say that the British newsletter is read and enjoyed here in the deep south!
Heather Howarth, Browns Bay NZ u3a
- We’d love to discover how our far flung members make the most of being part of the u3a - wherever they are in the world. Do let us know!
A problem shared
In our February issue Stella explained that her husband John has taken up many activities – including running quizzes - since joining the u3a, but isn’t a natural at any of them, and is obviously just tolerated in some groups. Here’s what you had to say…
TALENT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE born with, but skill can be learned. Until she finds her husband’s latent talent, Stella should help John to concentrate on things that require skill, and things they can do together. Most successful things require planning, sometimes even a rehearsal, and if she supports him and assists with things like the quiz he will have no time for ‘impromptu’ events. John’s heart is in the right place, so Stella needs to assist him and do some of the boring but necessary background work so that they acquire this skill together.
Patricia Heed, Wellingborough & District u3a
GOOD FOR STELLA’S JOHN, doing so much within their local u3a. Clearly, he needs help and support to become better at what he does. Instead of mocking him, couldn’t some of those people offer real, friendly advice? Perhaps Stella could have a quiet word with the guilty parties, pointing this out, and also suggest to John that if anyone offers to help him, he should take them up on it in the same spirit.
Muriel Sprott, Richmond upon Thames u3a
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT SOME OF Stella’s u3a colleagues are a bit cruel and sarcastic. After all, we are all different in this world. If your husband enjoys singing, perhaps you can both start a ‘singing for fun’ group. If no one wants to join, perhaps it’s time to look for another more friendly u3a.
Brenda Soskin, Redbridge u3a
LAST YEAR, A LOVELY WOMAN in our u3a joined our choir, but it was a disaster – she was absolutely dreadful! Her singing was totally off-key, she joined in at all the wrong bits, and she often got the words muddled. It was funny to start with, but quickly became rather irritating. Everyone else in the group is so talented and we’ve all worked hard to become quite an accomplished act. In the end, our group leader made a recording of one of our rehearsals (which we often do anyway), and when he played it back to us all I think she finally realised her limitations! She has since asked one or two of us for singing ‘lessons’, and makes a huge effort to get things right. Perhaps all Stella’s husband needs is a bit of help and understanding from other more experienced members too?
Anonymous
MY ADVICE TO STELLA WOULD BE that her perception of how her husband is regarded is mistaken. My wife and I joined the u3a when we were new to the Downham Market area, having just retired. We have now made many new friends, and feel welcome and accepted in the groups we belong to, regardless of our abilities (or lack of). Do I detect a little jealousy that John is flourishing and Stella not so much perhaps? Let John carry on; it would be so hurtful to tell him otherwise. The great beauty of the u3a is its inclusiveness.
Mark Wiseman, Downham Market & District u3a
JOHN IS TRYING VERY HARD – probably too hard. If he is fit and able, a walking group may be a possible solution. There should be plenty to look at and it’s a healthy outdoor exercise. He could practise the gentle art of small talk, to get into conversations, and I would encourage him to change his walking ‘partners’ several times during every route. He should also realise it’s OK if he – or a fellow walker – walk on their own for a while without talking.
Sue Lodge, Daventry u3a
Another dilemma
I am a gay man in my seventies, and grew up in a time and place where to be openly ‘out’ simply wasn’t possible. It was a difficult, lonely existence, and it was only when I moved to a city after college that I finally felt accepted. However, I returned to my home region over 10 years ago to care for my elderly parents who have since died, and despite initial reservations, I settled down and even met my partner here (how times have changed!). We are now both enthusiastic members of the u3a and although we don’t make a song and dance about our relationship, we don’t hide it either. We didn’t think others were bothered, but a good friend recently overheard two members making extremely unpleasant remarks about a gay celebrity which has really shocked us (although they are always very pleasant to us). I don’t know whether to discuss this issue with them – which could be difficult – or simply ignore it? What would others advise?
Tom (Name has been changed)
- How would you advise Tom?
Send your thoughts toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject ADVICE: A PROBLEM SHARED. If you have a dilemma you’d like help with, head your email DILEMMA and send this toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (alternatively, send a letter to the u3a office). All letters are anonymous.
Members pinboard
What have you been up to? Got an event to celebrate, news to share, or something to commemorate in your u3a world? We want to know about it!
A spot of fi lm history
Members of Petersfield u3a’s film interest group headed off to the British Film Institute (BFI) on London’s Southbank in February. The 22 attendees had a presentation about the history of the organisation from its founding in 1933, and learned how it has grown into the world’s largest film archive. Afterwards, they visited the BFI’s Mediatheque, a free digital viewing space where they could access over 70,000 titles from the BFI National Archive.
Celebrating by the letter
Derby u3a is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025 in many exciting ways. In January, over 500 members accepted a challenge to try eight new initiatives over next few months, with each one being led by a letter (or digit!) in ‘Derby u3a’. In April, groups are hosting events including quizzes and singing, while June will see a party in the park. A final event in December will recognise those who have completed the challenge. Go, Derby!
Decade up for two groups
After a year of planning, Beccles u3a hosted a 10th anniversary celebration in November 2024. After members heard how their u3a began, Jane Hoggar, author of Bluebell Girl, spoke about the history of cabaret in Paris. There were tempting cake raffles too! Collingham and District u3a near Newark on Trent also celebrated 10 years with both former committee members and current members.
Well-deserved recognition
Harlow u3a member Ann Nutt was awarded the British Empire Medal in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024. She received the honour at a ceremony in Chelmsford last October. Ann was nominated for the devoted work she has given to the NHS, particularly setting up Harlow’s award-winning Patient Panel at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. Congratulations from us all!
A year to remember
Berwick-upon-Tweed u3a embarked on a year of celebrations in 2024 to mark its 20th birthday. It kicked off with a special open meeting last April, attended by Liz Thackray, then chair of the Third Age Trust, and Jean Cubbin, trustee for the North East. June saw an anniversary showcase event at The Maltings in Berwick, as well as a challenge from its three walking groups, notching up a combined total of 20 miles. Finally, in September, the annual members’ day showcased the breadth of activities undertaken, and featured an exhibition of the last 20 years from founder member Jeff Armstrong. That’s quite a year!
- Send brief details of your memorable event – and a good clear photograph – to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Mark your email: PINBOARD.
Brain games
Crossword
Helen Poole, who belongs to Brunswick, West Hove and Portslade u3a, is this issue’s contributor
Across
1. Ad slid off scattering Wordsworth’s muse (9)
7. Feline relative describes pollen holder (6)
8. Sap does this in spring, sire new (4)
10. Take the plunge. Day four to England (4)
12. Happy, just over young foliage under lilac, primarily (6)
14. You and me behind reptile shortened for one if the iris family (6)
15. Measure of forward creep (4)
18. Plant support if holy man leads setter backwards (4)
19. Cryptic river to blossom (6)
22. Bulbs son currently lets fall (9)
Down
1. Direct debit holds diamonds perhaps when risk taken (5)
2. Suitable petty quarrel almost rising (3)
3. Exclude motorway bound by holy book? (4)
4. Jupiter moon discovered in onion (2)
5. Firm up to be the right size, back to front, on East Anglian marsh (7)
6. Grow end of seeds on water hole (5)
9. Branch bend (3)
11. Loves it scrambling, dainty blooms (7)
13. Do voice-over, ascending, new growth (3)
14. Using abacus, hyena found easy work (5)
16. Divides, perhaps, headless, forming spring animals (5)
17. Pleased! Good boy! (4)
20. Court women? Oh, oh! (3)
21. Agog! Remove the silver wrapper to reveal stamina (2)
- To submit a crossword, grids should be no bigger than 15 square. Email it to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject CROSSWORD SUBMISSION
Crossword SOLUTION
Across: 1. Daffodils. 7. Catkin. 8. Rise. 10. Dive. 12. Joyful. 14. Crocus. 15. Inch. 18. Stem. 19. Flower. 22. Snowdrops.
Down: 1. Diced. 2. Fit . 3. Omit. 4. Io. 5. Stiffen. 6. Swell. 9. Bow. 11. Violets. 13. Bud. 14. Cushy. 16. Hares. 17. Glad. 20. Woo. 21. Go.
- Calling all crossword fans! We know how many u3a members enjoy tackling the clues on this popular page, but what’s your preference – a regular crossword, a trickier cryptic one, or maybe you’d enjoy both? Do let us know!
Pitcherwits
Across
1a Heath, bald alas, and not in the pink? (3,6)
5. Spoil in early March (3)
6. Acquired a bit of anger (3)
7. Hurt toe with cheque book? (7)
10. Hazel (say) bolted at times (3)
11. Uses support from non-sale items (5,2)
12. Gear to stick it out with (3)
13. Briefly, there’s no shirt to launder (2,5)
16. He’s a little bit of a boxer (3)
17. Manage to score one on pitch (3)
18. Unrecognisable because of poor cognition (9)
Down
1. Blisters popped with part of a toothbrush (8)
2. What is owed, but badly used (4)
3. Bara Brith sliced up for eastern type (4)
4. Hold, not in a conventional way, to condition manually (4,6)
5. Moses had 2 tablets here, but not for a headache! (5,5)
8. Singer who ran out of toner (5)
9. Aiming at broking a money order (4,4)
14. Good circle can wash a lot of things (4)
15. Cab that’s somewhat axiomatic (4)
Pitcherwits SOLUTIONS
Across: 1. Bad health. 5. Mar. 6. Ire. 7. Stubbed. 10. Nut.
11. Leans on. 12. Kit. 13. In short. 16. Ali. 17. Run. 18. Incognito.
Down: 1. Bristles. 2. Dues. 3. Arab. 4. Hand lotion.
5. Mount Sinai. 8. Tenor. 9. Bank giro. 14. Halo. 15. Taxi.
- For more free Professor Rebus puzzles and book sales, visit pitcherwits.co.uk
Maths challenge
QUESTION 1 : Angela is two years older than Brenda, who is four years older than Claire. Angela is twice as old as Claire. How old are Angela, Brenda and Claire?
QUESTION 2: 37 is an example of a prime number because it is a positive integer with exactly two factors (1 and 37). If the sum of two consecutive prime numbers is 100, what are they?
Maths challenge solution
Question 1: Suppose that the ages of Angela, Brenda and Claire are A, B and C. Then, A = B + 2 = (C + 4) + 2 = 2C ie C = 6.
Angela is 2C = 12, Brenda is C + 4 = 10, and Claire is 6.
Question 2: Given that the sum of the two consecutive prime numbers is 100, they will each be around 50. The prime numbers either side of 50 are 47 and 53 with a sum of 100 as required, so the pair of prime numbers we seek are 47 and 53.
- Problems and puzzles are posed weekly online by Rod Marshall, Ian Stewart and u3a Maths & Stats Subject Adviser David Martin, and can be found at u3a.org.uk/learning/learning-activities/maths-challenge
Bridge
From Michael Cleaver, of Lancaster & Morecambe u3a
Petering
North.
♠ A,J,10,4.
♥ Q,10,8,4.
♦ Q,J,3.
♣ 8,2..
Dealer West.
♠ 9,6.
♥ 7,3.
♦ A,K,10,6,2.
♣ K,Q,J,7.
East.
♠ 8,3,2.
♥ J,5,2.
♦ 5,4.
♣ 10,9,6,5,3.
South.
♠ K,Q,7,5.
♥ A,K,9,6.
♦ 9,8,7.
♣ A,4.
The Auction
South. X. 2 ♥. 4 ♥.
West . 1♦. P. P P
North. P. 2 ♦. 3 ♥. P.
East. P. P. P. P.
South’s double is for take-out. When West passes, North is forced to bid. North is better than minimum with good intermediate cards and some defensive values and so makes the Unassuming Cue-Bid of 2♦, later inviting game with 3♥.
South is better than minimum and advances to 4♥.
Note that if North’s spades were ♠J,10,9,7, she would show
a minimum by bidding 1♥.
The Play
West leads ♦A and then ♦K. East should play ♦5 followed
by ♦4. This reversal of the normal order of play, known as
petering, shows an even number of cards, in this case
clearly a doubleton. West will respond to the signal and
continue with a third diamond for East to ruff. Declarer
cannot avoid a club loser to go one down.
Note that with three card holdings, the normal order of play
would be Middle-Up-Down (MUD).
Quiz league
READY FOR A CHALLENGE? Do you enjoy quizzes and want more opportunities to compete? Why not join fellow u3a quizzers competing in the National Online Quiz league every Wednesday evening - one of the toughest quiz leagues in the country!
- Contact Angela Bell (a member of East Suffolk u3a) for more details:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
INSIGHT
Gardening with others cultivates mind, body and soul
Steve Fallows, leader of the Macclesfield u3a allotment
group, shares the joy of community gardening
With the sun peeking through the clouds and our green spaces bursting with colourful flowers, there’s no doubt that spring is finally here. After a long, dark winter, the heralding of this season is indeed welcome. With that anticipation comes the desire, for many of us, to think about getting outside to do some gardening – and, for me, there truly is nothing better than sharing that with others. I joined Macclesfield u3a originally for the birdwatching group nine years ago, but – having always loved gardening and growing – I am now the leader of the allotment group. In this role, I have the privilege of experiencing firsthand how community gardening can benefit us all in so many different ways. Gardening with others nurtures both our bodies and minds, and sharing the thrill of growing fresh produce and vibrant blooms with like-minded individuals is wonderful. There have also been countless studies demonstrating how the simple activity of caring for living things offers therapeutic and meditative benefits: physical activity, such as gardening, not only helps to boost mood, but improves overall fitness too. Not least, of course, it’s a pursuit that truly makes our surroundings more beautiful. Our allotment group has 13 members, and we share two half plots on the local council site. We each have a sub plot to grow and harvest our own crops, and share communal maintenance tasks. Here we also get the chance to make valuable connections by engaging with like-minded gardening lovers in the wider community. Our members are invited to join local gardening events and workshops, for example, where experts will share tips on everything from sustainable practices to mindful gardening. We also get lots of advice and encouragement on site from our fellow ‘lotters’, some of whom have had plots for 20 or 30 years. Allotment holders are invariably friendly, interesting people from all sorts of backgrounds who are more than willing to share their own failures and successes with one another. They often offer advice such as: “On allotments there are no mistakes – just experiences you probably shouldn’t repeat!” Sharing an allotment or a garden with others tempts you to try different things too, which you might not do if you garden alone – we all encourage each other, and have grown, eaten and enjoyed some unusual new vegetables. Having said that, we’ve also experimented with some varieties that might best be described as “interesting, but unlikely to be repeated”! You might have gathered that I love our u3a allotment and have gained so much from being involved. But on a wider scale, coming together as a community to share a common goal or interest, whatever that may be, cannot be underestimated. It is inclusive, sociable, nurturing and life-affirming, and something that the u3a excels at. So let’s get together – over a garden plot, a creative project, a learning initiative or even just a cup of tea! There is strength in numbers.
- The u3a is compiling a report on the importance of ‘community’ and we would love your thoughts. If you’d like to contribute to the report, please email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and head your email ‘COMMUNITY’.