Welcome
From Sharon Parsons Editor
Do you remember when retirement seemed so far off it was impossible to imagine? I can clearly recall being a teenager in the 1970s and wondering what on earth the ‘older generation’ did all day. Surely, I’d think, they must be very set in their ways, and lead the most boring, limited existence... Well, fast forward several decades, and suddenly I am a woman of a certain age – and, frankly, I’d like to give my younger self a good talking to! Because there is absolutely nothing dull about the lives of people in this demographic these days. Look, I’d say to Young Sharon, there’s this movement called u3a – not even founded back then – which knocks all those old misconceptions firmly on the head. And why? Because its members are a shining example of what being older really means now, be it a proactive attitude; staying curious and learning new things; keeping active and healthy; and, not least, having the most brilliant fun along the way. If you need further proof, just look to the second member-led u3a Festival held this summer (see page 5 ). It truly demonstrates that today’s ‘third-agers’ are a positive force to be reckoned with! And when it comes to retirement and what this actually means for so many these days, a key u3a report – which 10,000 members took part in – proves that life beyond full-time work is full of purpose and possibility. Read more on page 29. Personally, I wish I’d had a crystal ball and seen that for myself all those years ago!
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EDITORIAL
Editor Sharon Parsons
Group sub-editor James Hundleby
Sub-editor Amy Beveridge
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Picture Editor, Jessica Marsh
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Connections
News and views to share what's been happening across u3a
Festival fun
A true celebration!
This year’s fantastic u3a Festival has proved once again that our brilliant members are ready to learn something new, get involved and have fun, as Hattie Beck, u3a Communications Officer, reports.
The second u3a Festival took over the University of York’s campus for three days in July, building on the success of its 2024 debut with an even bigger programme and a turnout of more than 1,300 u3a members. On the first morning, presenter and writer Johnny Ball cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, kicking off three sunny days of activities – from sports, crafts and music to fun, learning and connection. Johnny, especially known to generations of children as a TV presenter, was here as an advocate for lifelong learning. “You, of the u3a, are gold,” he told the crowd, urging members to “go into the world with a confidence, go from strength to strength – and make a difference”.
Discovering new skills
By 10.30am on the first morning of the Festival, the campus was already in full swing, setting the scene for the days ahead: there were astronomy talks next to dance choreography, Egyptology alongside table tennis, and York walking tours between painting sessions. Busy days were followed by fun evenings, where activities and entertainment choices ranged from quiz shows to live bands. Many members even managed to watch the World Cup match at one of the university bars! The opportunity to try something with no pressure to be good at it underpinned the whole event. The beginners' painting session drew many members. "Some had never picked up a paintbrush in their lives!" confirmed tutor Barry Appleby of both Derby and Burton-on-Trent u3as.“I would never have done anything like this before,” said Adrienne Cleasby from Richmond u3a, “but now I’m tempted to go to another painting session.” Fellow attendee Loraine Radcliffe, from Ilkley & District u3a, put it more broadly: “The whole programme has enabled all of us to be brave.” Jude Wells, from Heatons & Reddish u3a, picked macramé, something completely new. “I like crafty things,” she said, sorting through a rainbow of coloured thread, “so I thought I’d diversify and learn a new skill. You can’t do things like this at home usually!” Loraine was also to be found in the sports hall, trying pickleball for the first time. “I feel like I could go along to a beginner’s group, now that u3a has given me this opportunity,” she said. Derby u3a’s Pete Gill, who ran the sessions, noticed a similar theme: “It has encouraged people to go and start pickleball groups at their own u3as,” he said. “We’ve had a really positive reaction!”
Exploring new ideas
Of course, learning was a key feature of the Festival. Member-led talks tackled everything from futurology and de-stressing to misogyny. The Online Climate Matters group ran two sessions and staffed a stall in the Exhibition Hall. “We want members to appreciate the scale of the problem and let them know what they can do about it, even if those are only small things,” said Eleanor Brooks and Linda Creed, adding that the conversations at their stand had been “really positive”. AI lectures were very popular, leading Jackie Roche, from Havering u3a, to rethink what she thought she knew. “I didn’t realise what AI could do. I’ve learned all about how it can affect me and what its future uses will be.” The variety of sessions was key to what made the Festival special for many members. “I’ve been using my head all day,” said Clare Jenkins from Beeston u3a, as she carefully constructed a delicate flower wrist corsage, “so I needed something relaxing and creative!”
Making connections
Nevertheless, for most members, the highlight was not any one workshop or activity, but the people. Ali Banham, from Wendover u3a, came alone and left with new friends: “It’s absolutely fantastic. Everyone’s really friendly.” Frank Velander, from Shrewsbury u3a, described the pleasure of being part of a community. “When you sit down to dinner, you know there’s always someone to talk to: we all have a common denominator – u3a. It’s a fantastic way to make all sorts of connections.” Frank Watts, from Spalding & District u3a, ran an evening music quiz that turned into quite the party. “Everyone threw themselves into it, singing along to the music and even dancing in the aisles!” Linda Matheson, a member of Ayr u3a, summed up what the whole event seemed to prove: “It just shows how active older people can be. That’s the thing about u3a – it makes people get out and do things.”
By members, for members
The Festival itself was organised by a volunteer committee of u3a members, supported by the Trust marketing team. The result of months of hard work, it has been a celebration of “everything that is good about u3a,” said organising committee chair Karen Sawyer. She added: “Lots of smiling faces, lots of interesting things to do, a dedicated team of volunteers, and staff who made it all happen.” Programme organiser Margaret Fiddes agreed. “The team or volunteers who worked so hard are looking back fondly on a fantastic three days where more members met in one place than ever before,” she said. “We are grateful to those who volunteered to take a group, lead a session or act as a steward – without them, there wouldn’t have been a Festival!”
With many thanks to Ambassador Cruise Line, the proud sponsors of u3a Festival 26.
THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAIR
Time for change?
To move forward and evolve as a movement, do we need to start thinking differently, asks Chair Allan Walmsley.
The UK has a long tradition of cool, windy and showery summers, but in recent years – particularly this one – we’ve witnessed very different weather patterns, haven’t we? Soaring temperatures have challenged the predictability of our lives. After many years of weather-disrupted carnivals, summer fayres and barbecues, suddenly we have amber and red weather alerts and all the associated problems that come with them – from train cancellations and hosepipe bans to even more potholes appearing on the roads! Not least, the heat can affect our well-being and quite definitely our energy levels, making it difficult to achieve the simplest of tasks. It seems to me that this disruption to our lives has more impact simply because we’re not used to it. In other words, would we cope better if we were more familiar and even comfortable with ever-changing circumstances? I’m not just talking about the weather, either. Routines, patterns, traditions and habits are the cornerstones of our lives, but as a u3a movement, don’t we also need to change with the times? The pace of change in society is probably greater in our lifetime than for any earlier generation, and with examples such as AI, cashless payments, digital and mobile, multiple apps and so much more besides, the pace seems to be ever quickening. So, what might the u3a look like in 10 years’ time – and what do we need to be thinking about now to position ourselves as an inspiring, purposeful and effective organisation for our future members? As I chat to members around the UK, there are two key issues that keep popping up: recruiting committee members (particularly officers) and the increasing administrative burden on u3as. While most are affected, the problems have a disproportionate impact on smaller u3as, eventually causing some to close. What we’ve done over the last 43 years doesn’t really give us many pointers for the future. Of course, we all want to stick closely to the traditional u3a ethos, but the way we are structured was, by and large, designed for a different time. The challenge for the Trust now is, how can we think outside the box? How can we provide advice, guidance and support to u3as to enable them to also think differently in order to evolve? How can we guarantee the future of the u3a movement as the country’s go-to movement for learning, social connection and positivity in later life? As always, I’d love to hear what you think. How do you think the movement should be changing over the next 10 years?
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and head your email: IDEAS FOR CHANGE
Website wonder
Is your u3a’s website in need of a polish? Look no further: our u3a SiteWorks team is ready to offer help and support, as Brent u3a recently discovered. “Our friend David Rose volunteered to help us, but although he had worked in IT, he had never built a website before,” explains Secretary Cathy Mercer. “He was put in touch with SiteWorks, and they explained they have a standard website template that they encourage all u3as to use, which makes it very straightforward. After just a few Zoom tutorials, David was able to create our excellent site.” Brent u3a compiled the content as a committee, and the Watercolour Painting group provided the fantastic artwork. (Take a look at: brent.u3asite.uk)
- For further information and support, go to: siteworks.u3a.org.uk
Airborne adventure
Silent soaring in the sky!
Gliding enthusiast Richard Bryant of Cranleigh u3a recounts a special day earlier this year when a group of members took to the skies.
I first flew in a glider in May 1976, and was immediately hooked – there is absolutely nothing like it. When you’re up there in the sky, it’s so peaceful: there is no engine noise, the cockpit is comfortable and warm... and, on a clear day, the views stretching out before you are amazing. It really puts life in perspective! After a flying break because of work commitments, I retired and was then able to join Southdown Gliding Club and fly over the beautiful South Downs National Park. I also joined Cranleigh & District u3a and, in 2022, I arranged the first Cranleigh u3a Gliding experience, which proved a great success. (Four more fully booked events have been held since then, with another one planned for this September – so it’s clearly a popular pursuit!) Worryingly, the weather leading up to this year’s planned gliding experience on the 12 May was not good, but miraculously, on the big day, conditions were excellent. The 10 participants got ready for a full day of activity, both on the ground and up in the air. There is always so much to observe, and lots to learn too. First, we watched the K21 gliders being towed out of the hangar, along with the two tow planes. These are always thoroughly inspected by qualified club members and signed off as airworthy. Then it was off to the classroom, where the u3a visitors were welcomed by the instructor in charge that day. A briefing followed covering weather, clouds and the possibility of thermal lifts. Then it was time for the main event! I escorted the group to the launch point (this is a ‘live’ airfield, so visitors can’t just walk where they want). The way it works is that each member in the group takes it in turns to fly: the time in the air depends on lots of factors, but most flights usually last for around 30-40 minutes. This time, one of the first to take to the skies was member Jan McCall. As with every gliding visitor, a careful procedure was followed. She was introduced to her instructor Graham (a qualified pilot), who explained how the glider works, demonstrated the controls, and helped her don her parachute before she was assisted into the cockpit and her straps were fastened. Cameras and mobile phone cameras are permitted in the cockpit, but must be secured: outside the glider, meanwhile, photographs are taken to record the event – including, of course, the launch! When all is ready, the glider is attached to the towplane and both move forward gradually, picking up speed. Being lighter, the glider is off the ground before the towplane. I always find the tow to be exciting, and I’d briefed Jan in advance on what to expect – it’s a bit like formation flying! Then, at 3,500 feet, the towrope is released, and the glider is free. Jan was given the opportunity to ‘follow through’ on the controls with straightforward manoeuvres, although for more difficult moves like steep turns Graham would take the controls. Similarly, if Jan wanted to simply admire the view, he would take charge, leaving her to look at the clouds, fly around the clouds, and keep an eye out for red kites and buzzards – these are all magic moments. When Jan came down to earth, she was thrilled and delighted that I’d encouraged her to give gliding an go – and, needless to say, she plans to be flying again soon!”
Playback time
Rewind and remember...
What songs take you straight back to your younger years? u3a Rewind is a new project celebrating the music that shaped our lives. Through the songs we loved, we want to explore the youth cultures and social changes that influenced a generation. Together, we’re creating a lasting archive of members’ memories of growing up in the 20th century. Whether you were a teddy boy or girl, a mod, a rocker, a hippie, a punk or a new romantic – or simply loved the music of the time – we’d love to hear your story.
We’re looking for:
Your favourite songs and the memories they evoke.
Photographs of you, music memorabilia, concerts or fashions from the period.
Stories about dances, clubs, gigs, record shops or memorable musical moments.
Reflections on how music influenced your life, identity or friendships.
Please also nominate one favourite track for our u3a Rewind Spotify playlist, which will celebrate the diverse range of music enjoyed by our members across the 20th century. Every contribution will help build a unique collection of memories that future members can enjoy, showing not just what we listened to, but how music reflected the changing times.
- Find out more about this exciting project and submit your memories at: u3a.org.uk/u3a-rewind
Good game!
Keep up with kurling!
Dry kurling – the indoor version of the Olympic ice sport – is gaining traction, not least in u3a! Here are two stories…
New goals
Stephen Emery of Stourbridge u3a is game for a new challenge, as he explains. “Within the past year I unfortunately broke my hip in a fall. This led to ongoing mobility issues, which in turn meant I had to relocate from Kent to Stourbridge in the West Midlands to be closer to my family. Obviously, that also meant I left behind all the friends, neighbours and haunts I’ve enjoyed for almost all of my 90+ years. However, my son discovered Stourbridge u3a and I’m so glad he did. Among all the pursuits available is a Kurling group: while it’s the norm to stand up to play, I learnt that the activity could be enjoyed sitting down. As I currently need a wheelchair, I agreed to give it a try. The Kurling group meet twice a month in Wollaston Village Hall, and my granddaughter or son help to line up my chair while I concentrate on trying to accurately hit the stones close to the target. It has been great for me to get out and about, not only finding a physical activity that can be done from a wheelchair, but spending a relaxed time with others, taking ‘sport’ (another loose term) in a casual manner. I’ve been made to feel very welcome right from the start… even though I miss that pesky target at the other end of the hall more often than not. I blame my wheelchair pusher: I think they’re one of The Traitors! It’s not easy relocating at this time of life, but meeting new people, a little mild exercise and some light-hearted banter has made such a difference. Perhaps you should give it a go yourselves … kurling that is, not relocating!”
Team spirit
Hilary Jones, Chair of North Wales Network u3a, shares how this new activity is being met with enthusiasm by members “Many of us found the curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics compulsive viewing, and now two members of Flintshire u3a have brought an accessible version to North Wales. Jane and Ray Moore started a Dry Kurling group last June and the group has grown rapidly. This version is similar to the ice sport with the principle of sliding a ‘stone’ towards the centre of a target. But there’s no need for ice as a wooden floor will do just as well – and no need to contort yourself to get low down on the floor either, as a pusher is provided. This is definitely much easier than the Olympic event, but good exercise and great fun, as our national Chair, Allan Walmsley, found when he visited the North Wales network in April and called in to Flintshire’s Dry Kurling group. He was encouraged to have a go, along with the Network Chair and the Chair of Network Link. He was quite good at it too! As Allan said afterwards: “Dry kurling is a great activity and particularly suited to u3a members. It combines moderate physical effort with the competitive spirit valued by many u3a members and it’s ideal for the types of venues frequently used by u3as.” Could this pursuit take off across u3as – like pickleball? I hope so!”.
- What new sport or activity is your u3a involved with at the moment? Let us know at:
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Memories of Mo
Northumbria u3a’s appreciation of Mo Brown.
Mo was, for many, Northumbria u3a (now u3a North East Region). She embodied all that it stood for and the strapline Learn, Laugh, Live surely described her well. You rarely saw her without a smile on her face, and she was the first person that people went to for advice. She listened, asked relevant questions and then put you on the right track, always following up to see that all was well. She was always a voice of reason. Mo was Chair of Northumbria u3a for three years and at the quarterly meetings, which were held in person, she was one of the first to arrive and last to leave. She was never alone: someone always wanted to speak to her. Mo ran the North Northumberland Network and the region’s IT Network, along with the Group Coordinators Network. She, along with Jane Mathieson, Pam Taylor and Kelvin Rushworth, were the first Trust Volunteers in the North East. She was a proofreader for the national u3a and her computer skills were brought to the fore especially during the pandemic, where she quickly realised the benefits of Zoom, both for the region and nationally. She often helped with national meetings and organised breakout rooms. A great teacher with an amazing memory, Mo’s wisdom, patience and kindness are legendary. Mo is already missed, but her memory will live long through the help and advice she willingly offered.
Sowing the seeds
What are the small ways you – or your u3a – have aimed to create positive change in our environment? Here Steve Holder of Ross & District u3a tells us about his nature project.
"When I’m cycling along the lanes of Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, I have noticed that while many are green and pleasant, they are often bordered by hedges planted with just a few native species, which is a great shame. A diverse hedge of age can be identified by its mix of native species – it’s a wildlife corridor. I made a list of native UK species with the advice of an ecologist friend, and now during my rides I take breaks to collect seeds as they ripen and are ready to fall. Back home, the smaller, lighter seeds are mixed with soil, a little water and flour to bind, and are then formed into marble-size seeded pellets and left to dry. These, along with the larger seeds, travel with me in my bicycle bar bag from which they can be taken and aimed at a chosen roadside spot. Ecologists to whom I’ve mentioned my seed distribution have all voiced their approval, and spreading a little biodiversity as I ride along the lanes is an added bonus to the health benefits of cycling. Surely some seeds will take!”
Discussion point
The joy of surprising yourself.
In this series, we debate the topics that affect u3a and wider society. Here CEO Iain Cassidy suggests letting go of self-limiting beliefs about our capabilities.
"That’s just not me.” It’s a phrase most of us have used at some point. I’m not musical. I’m not creative. I’m not good with technology. I’m not the sort of person who speaks in front of a group. The interesting thing is that many of these conclusions were reached years ago, sometimes decades ago, most likely within a formal education system that rewarded certain ways of thinking and doing things, while leaving less room for others. What felt like a definitive verdict at the time may have reflected the environment we were in, rather than our true abilities or potential. Perhaps you were told by a teacher that you couldn’t sing or that you weren’t artistic, and over time came to accept that view as a fact about yourself. Maybe a difficult experience at work convinced you that leadership wasn’t your strength. Or perhaps you tried learning a language at 15 and concluded it simply wasn’t for you. The problem is that we often carry these judgements around for the rest of our lives, treating them as facts rather than old opinions. But u3a has shown me that when learning is free from exams, competition and the fear of getting things wrong, we begin to let go of old assumptions and self-limiting beliefs. In the right setting, hidden interests, talents and confidence can emerge, revealing a fuller version of ourselves that may have been there all along. One of the things I enjoy most about meeting u3a members is hearing stories that bring this idea to life. The member who discovers a passion for painting after a lifetime of claiming they “can’t draw”. The reluctant public speaker who ends up chairing a committee. The person who was convinced technology was beyond them, only to become the one helping others navigate Zoom meetings and online groups. What strikes me is that the surprise is rarely the activity itself. The bigger surprise is discovering that an old belief about yourself was wrong. In some ways, later life gives us a unique opportunity to revisit these assumptions. Many of the labels we carried through adulthood were shaped by circumstances that no longer exist. We are no longer defined by school reports, career paths or the expectations of others. Retirement can create space to ask a question that busy working lives often leave little room for: who do I want to be? The answer may be quite different from the one you arrived at decades ago. This isn’t really about becoming a different person. It’s about recognising that we are all ‘works in progress’. Curiosity, confidence and capability don’t stop developing at a particular age. Sometimes they simply need the chance to emerge. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of trying something new isn’t learning a new skill at all. It’s discovering a new version of yourself. And that can be genuinely surprising! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If there were no fear of failure and no pressure to be good at it, what is one subject or activity you’ve always thought was beyond your abilities that you would love to try?
- To share how you feel, email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and head your email SURPRISING MYSELF.
For more about members discovering talents they never thought they had, turn to Find your creative side, in our Interest section.
u3a week is coming!
Save the date: 19-27 September. This year, it’s all about the joy of doing something new.
As everyone knows, one of the great things about u3a is having the chance to try out hobbies purely for the enjoyment of it – not to be the best or hit a particular goal. That’s why this year, alongside the many open days and local events that take place
during wonderful u3a Week, we’d love members to take this opportunity to try something completely different, no matter how big or small. Alongside your own initiatives and ideas, there will be a programme of free online talks that aim to challenge members to learn and try something new too. Across our social channels we’ll also be asking people to expand their horizons and try something new, just for fun. We’d love to hear from members who are ready to get curious and see what they might discover for the first time. The sky’s the limit!
Be inspired!
Here are 10 ideas to get you started...
1. Give a craft like origami a go.
2. Bake something really special.
3. Try a different cuisine at a local restaurant or cook a new dish.
4. Learn to count to 10 in a language you don’t know.
5. Write a poem or short story.
6. Host a quiz night.
7. Plan a vegetable patch.
8. Learn a dance routine.
9. Research a topic you’re curious about.
10. Explore the history of where you live at your local library.
- Let us know what you and your fellow u3a members try for the first time during u3a week. Email
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Join us on a getaway!
Exclusive trips for u3a members.
The first u3a getaway to Devon exploring the world of Agatha Christie has proved really popular – and there’s plenty more to come! These bespoke trips are designed to create opportunities for u3a members to come together to learn, discover and explore. Every getaway blends relaxed, well-organised travel with enriching and immersive experiences. Beyond sightseeing, you can enjoy talks, workshops and shared adventures that build lasting friendships. Look at what’s coming up:Appreciating Shakespeare.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: 12-15 OCTOBER. This break includes a one-day course with an expert, as well as visits to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and free time in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Yorkshire Festive Treats
YORK: 18-20 NOVEMBER. Experience one of Britain’s biggest Christmas markets and discover York’s rich confectionery heritage, learning new skills with an informative chocolate making masterclass.
Aviation Heritage
MILTON KEYNES AND DUXFORD: 19-22 MARCH 2027. This three-night break is perfect for those with a keen interest in aviation and history. Spend a full day at Shuttleworth and the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. Meet the experts, discover vintage aircraft and veteran vehicles, and explore an historic airfield.
Going wild in Dartmoor
TORQUAY: 9-11 APRIL 2027. In partnership with the Dartmoor Zoological Society, learn about its conservation work, participate in animal enrichment, and find out about animal habitats in the wild. An enlightening experience for anyone interested in animal conservation and wildlife.
To find out more about all these trips, and book your place, go to: theukholidaygroup.com/u3agetaways. You can also call the dedicated u3a getaways phone line on 01603 886773.
- If you’re joining the Agatha Christie trip this September, we’d love to hear all about it! Send us an email for the chance to be featured in the next edition of u3a Matters. Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and head your email: AGATHA CHRISTIE
INTEREST
CREATIVITY
find your creative side
You may have spent years believing you don’t have any artistic talent – but, with a little encouragement, you could really surprise yourself.
Are you someone who used to love art as a child, but somehow found that as the years went by you never had the opportunity to develop your talent, and now don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you were actively discouraged by others from pursuing a creative ‘journey’ and now lack the confidence to try. “Very often, past experience can have a really negative effect on how ‘good’ we believe we are at something,” points out clinical psychologist Dr Marianne Trent.* “If you were told at school that your artwork wasn’t any good, for instance, you are likely to take the message that you can’t paint or draw through life – and that probably isn’t true. Just give yourself permission to try.” Creative pursuits can also make you feel self-conscious about expressing yourself artistically – not least, showing others the results. “It’s natural to feel vulnerable, especially at first,” says Marianne. “But bear in mind that in a supportive environment you’ll be encouraged by everyone there. Many will be at exactly the same stage you are, and those with more experience will be able to give you valuable tips and ideas. Before long, you’ll be doing the same when other new people join!” If you need further convincing, creative pursuits offer a raft of wellbeing benefits too. The challenge helps to maintain cognitive function, and improves memory. Being thoroughly absorbed can cause a calm meditative state called ‘flow’, known to reduce stress. Seeing your artistic project develop provides a sense of purpose, and being part of a creative group can offer a great sense of community. With hundreds of thriving creative interest groups nationwide, u3a provides a wonderful opportunity to get involved in an artistic pursuit. Here, two u3a members who have established inspiring groups tell us about the fantastic effect these have had – proving that it’s never too late to find your creative side!
Fresh focus
Ian Smith of Leyland u3a describes how establishing a photography group has inspired members to develop new skills as well as confidence When I look back over the past three years, it’s hard to believe just how far the Leyland u3a Photographic group has come. When I was initially asked to run the group, I was knee-deep in a photographic MA course at the University of Bolton and had too much going on. But in 2023, I accepted the challenge from social secretary Pam Carroll, and group coordinator StellaPearson. Our group’s first meeting, held in the back of a pub, attracted only three members with varying experience – but it was a start. Right from the beginning my aim was to provide practical information, supportive feedback and plenty of encouragement – whether members had been shooting for years or picking up a camera for the first time. This, of course, presented a challenge, but keeping things hands-on and jargon-free, covering camera basics and simple ways to get better results, along with one-to-one coaching if required, ensured that everybody felt included. As the group grew, we came up with an idea that was to prove transformative for us all. Our Perspectives on the Past project – supported by a council grant - was established to showcase the rich source of heritage in this area – from historic buildings to landmarks: these are often right under our nose, yet many people didn’t even notice them! Members who once doubted their abilities found themselves researching local history, learning architectural photography, experimenting with printing techniques and mastering their cameras in ways they had never imagined over the 15 months the project ran. All of this culminated in a hugely acclaimed six-week exhibition in Worden Park, and this year the work has been on display at Chorley Central Library. For members who thought they’d never be ‘good enough’, seeing their work professionally displayed was a huge source of confidence and pride. Not surprisingly, after the success of this exhibition, the group was buzzing, and to keep that energy alive, I decided to shift our focus to portraiture, and we spent five weeks exploring lighting and camera skills. In addition, we’ve also embarked on a wide range of different projects – from capturing the spirit of ceilidh dance to shooting an orchestral rehearsal and concert – along with workshops that look at technical challenges and ways to overcome them. What has struck me most is not simply the quality of interesting photographs that have been produced but the camaraderie of the group, which now numbers 15. There is no competitiveness or ego. Tips and tricks are shared freely, and encouragement is constant. The group’s achievements are a testament to their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. As one member said about Perspectives on the Past: “Ifeel that my frame of mind has changed since starting this project. It’s given me new roads to go down and different things to look at - it’s been a fresh challenge.” People outside our circle have noticed too, which helps to strengthen the reputation of the u3a in our wider community. And in tandem with Leyland u3a’s incredibly supportive committee, we’re producing a calender for 2027 based on the images from our Perspectives on the Past project which will be available to u3a members and hopefully beyond. My own motivation comes from watching the group grow – not just in photographic skills, but in confidence and courage. They arrive at every session with the same spark of curiosity and interest that started this whole adventure – and more than anything that keeps me fully invested too.
New perspective
Ian Welsh, formerly of Heswall u3a on the Wirral, and now based in Whitstable, explains how he encouraged members to discover their artistic talents This year, Heswall embarked on a creative journey in pencil drawing, sparked by a casual conversation between two members who expressed a desire to learn how to draw. This chat planted the seed for a new course and, as a retired lecturer, nursing the idea of writing a new curriculum was exciting, although I am only a hobby artist and certainly not an expert! I proposed a 10-week Pencil Drawing course, with each session lasting two hours, and submitted the outline to Jo Yuregir, our supportive short course organiser. To ensure everyone received the attention and feedback they needed, I capped the course at 10 participants. The course quickly filled up, and we started this February. To set the stage for success, I sourced top-quality materials, and when everyone arrived for their first session, they found a tote bag containing pencils of varying grades, sketchpads, erasers and a sharpener – everything needed to begin their artistic adventure. The course was designed for absolute beginners, and my opening exercise made that clear – most participants hadn’t drawn since childhood. We began with simple mark making, exploring how holding a pencil differently produced various effects. The first exercise using this technique resulted in an ‘a-ha!’ moment when they realised they had just drawn a stone wall! As the weeks progressed, the group’s confidence steadily grew, and soon the members were drawing subjects such as a local sandstone wall and a set of worn stone steps. Throughout the course, I introduced exercises that built skills step by step, from basic shapes and texture studies to more complex compositions. We experimented with drawing hands, which heightened observational skills, then progressed to drawing complex shapes. I used my prior experience of helping students to learn by encouraging participants to reflect on their progress and share their sketches, sometimes emailing them to me for feedback between sessions. In week 10, the group exhibited their work at a u3a meeting, which was met with considerable acclaim. The final evaluation, thoughtfully collated by Jo, reflected the group’s transformation. Initial doubts had given way to confidence, and participants spoke warmly of learning in a relaxed and friendly environment. This was important, as some had previously commented that although they enjoyed art at school they’d been put off by negative comments from teachers. Many commented that they now observed the world with more attention to detail and enjoyed connecting with fellow beginners. For me, leading the course was deeply rewarding. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing I’d inspired others to embrace creativity. In my career as a lecturer, I never just aimed to help students pass exams – Iwanted them to feel inspired to keep on learning, so it was really satisfying when the members who had participated said that they would like to continue and form a regular drawing group – testament to the value they found in learning collaboratively. Sadly, Iwill not be able to join them as I have just relocated to Whitstable! It’s clear that the Heswall u3a’s Pencil Drawing course not only developed artistic skills but also sparked friendships and a shared enthusiasm for further learning. I would say to apprehensive members that if you want to learn something new, don’t let past experiences put you off: u3a offers learning opportunities that bring personal satisfaction. And to anyone with a subject to teach, just do it - seeing others share your love for a subject is very rewarding.
- What creative u3a groups have helped you to discover your artistic side? Email
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LIVING WELL
How to make simpler, better - and more enjoyable.
A new approach
Retirement plans
Over 10,000 u3a members took part in our recent u3a and me survey – the huge response highlights that life beyond full-time work is full of possibility, fun and purpose.
Retirement. It may be a simple word but it’s one which clearly carries with it a hefty weight of responsibility! For a start, what does retirement actually mean these days? There is no longer a distinct dividing line between ‘working’ and ‘not working’ as there was in the past. Today, while some may leave full-time employment for good, others may continue to work on reduced hours, or pivot to reshape their working lives in a way that makes the most of hard-earned skills. But that’s not all. Many people who are in the ‘retirement demographic’ robustly reject the word itself because its traditional connotations imply an ending, not just of work and routine, but purpose, ambition and usefulness. “When people ask me if I’m retired it really rankles,” admits Jean.* “The word seems so restrictive somehow... I’ve never been as engaged with the world around me as I am now. Today, retirement is a fantastic opportunity to do so much more – if you want it.” Countless members who took part in our u3a and me survey feel the same. “I think, by our example, our generation can reclaim the word ‘retirement’, just by demonstrating a completely fresh approach to this period of life,” says Howard.* “This is not a time for retreating – I think it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate! And shifting such a narrow perspective is something we can all do.” A change in attitude Just a few decades ago, retirement looked very different to how it does now. “My parents’ later years were determined by what society ‘expected’ of them as retirees,” reflects Richard.* “Everything, from the clothes they wore to their activities and outlook, somehow seemed so constrained by what was deemed ‘appropriate’ for their age. I remember suggesting to my dad that he take up the guitar – he’d been a fantastic musician as a young man – and he said he was far too old to be doing that now. He was in his late sixties – my age! Our approach to this stage of life couldn’t be more different.” Indeed. This is an attitude that thousands of u3a members recognise and embrace wholeheartedly. Across the organisation, people in their fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond are using this stage of life to learn new things, or return to previous interests, share skills, build friendships, and join and lead groups. These are members who intend to stay active and curious, and contribute to their communities. Not surprisingly, many describe themselves as busier than ever. New horizons Of course, leaving or reducing full-time work is one of the biggest transitions in adult life. It changes more than a job title: it alters the rhythm of the week; the shape of everyday conversations with colleagues; the way we use our skills and the places where we feel known, useful – and are expected to show up. While this is undoubtedly a huge marker on life’s journey – and can take some adjustment - for many, that change is welcome, bringing freedom, choice and the chance to spend time differently. “Deciding how I want to spend my days for the first time in my adult life feels liberating,” says Anna.* “I am actively doing all the things I always said I’d take up ‘once I retired’, from researching my family tree to learning Italian, and making a real commitment to volunteering in a sector that interests me.” Reaping the benefits Since it was founded in 1981, the abiding principle of u3a is that members come together to learn for fun. Member-led and member-run, the simple idea is that life beyond full-time work should remain full of curiosity, connection and purpose. This approach – groundbreaking at the time u3a was established – has far-reaching consequences that really matter. With life beyond work now likely to last several decades, numerous ongoing studies show that in order to make those years healthier, happier and fulfilling, a pro-active approach to living life well is vital. For instance, the World Health Organization links social connection with better health and quality of life, while the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention identifies social, cognitive and physical activity as important protective factors in later life. Not least, UK chief medical officers advise regular physical activity for older adults to reduce the risk of disease and improve life quality. In other words, a rich later life does not happen by accident. It depends not only on time, but on how that time is lived: whether people remain mentally stimulated, physically active, socially connected and able to keep finding purpose and enjoyment. Through its vast network of activities, pursuits and interests, u3a is able to offer members all this and more. “I joined u3a after retiring and moving to a new area,” says Carole.* “I was on my own and initially joined just to make new friends, but have found so many other benefits I couldn’t have imagined. There is so much to do and learn.” That sentiment captures the shift at the heart of the u3a and me research. Life beyond full-time work should not be defined by what has ended – it can be shaped by what becomes possible. This is retirement rewired: not stepping back from life, but building a new rhythm around learning, activity and contribution.
- Read the full report here: u3a.org.uk/ u3a-and-me
Member's stories
‘In my cycle group, I truly feel that I belong’
Paula Leith of Belfast u3a says: “I found retirement difficult initially as I suddenly found myself with so much free time and felt ‘detached’. When I was working, I enjoyed chatting to my colleagues and the regularity of my routine – my time was taken care of. I discovered u3a through a good friend of mine and after joining, I signed up for a cycle group. Beforehand I was uncertain what to expect – would I be able to keep up? Would I be too slow? Would I fit in? Jackie, our wonderful convenor, assured me the group was a great bunch of people, and more importantly they never leave anyone behind, all of which made me feel welcome. We are a group from all walks of life – I have made wonderful new friendships. We look out for one another and I truly feel that I belong. As an extra bonus, my energy levels are much better too!”
‘u3a has provided me with a positive transition’
Ian Merriman of Yate & Sodbury u3a says: “I was concerned that I would lose my extensive work network when I retired, and wanted to get involved in something that would replace it with a new social network. I went along to a u3a open day and signed up to two groups, which I started attending eight months before my actual retirement date. I also went to the monthly meetings as they had a diverse range of speakers and topics. I like to think of that period as my training for retirement! I am now co-leader of four interest groups, and I give talks and presentations (family history being a particular area of interest). I have also joined the committee as vice-chair and assistant webmaster. Website editing is a new skill I'm learning! Getting involved with u3a has provided me with a positive transition between a long working career and my retirement.
Retirement reclaimed
The findings from the u3a and me survey draws on the experiences of more than 10,000 members across the UK to determine the movement’s impact on their lives. The findings suggest that u3a helps to turn later life into a golden opportunity. Just look at these statistics from respondents:
95% said u3a had improved their life in some way.
79% said u3a had expanded their social connection.
77% said their sense of wellbeing had improved since joining u3a.
66% said u3a had helped them stay mentally and physically activ.
45% said u3a had reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation.
90% agreed that u3a gives them opportunities to keep learning and stay curious.
What retirement means to you
How are you rewriting the rule book to make the most of this valuable period in life? Perhaps you’re fulfilling a passion for learning, or exploring a new interest, sport or activity; maybe you’ve made great new friendships that have reinvigorated your daily life; or you may be volunteering or contributing in some way to support the wider community. Tell us in no more than 200 words what retirement means to you (email:
Recipes
Puddings to fall for!
Make the most of autumn’s mellow fruitfulness with these delicious seasonal desserts.
The recipe I return to:
Wensleydale & apple cake
Serves 12
Felicity Hey leads Saffron Walden u3a’s Enjoy Baking Again group – and this recipe should certainly inspire anyone! “Delicious sponge, sweet apples, cheese from my beloved home county of Yorkshire and a crumbly topping: what’s not to love about this cake? I serve it as pudding or just have it in the cake tin – it doesn’t last long (even when it’s just two of us!). There are several variations of this recipe, but the one I’ve devised includes ground almonds and vanilla to make the sponge moist and full of flavour.”
You will need a 20cm round or an 18cm square cake tin.
Ingredients
175g self-raising flour
50g ground almonds
½ tsp baking powder
115g golden caster sugar
115g cold butter
¼ tsp vanilla bean paste
4 tbsp milk
1 egg, beaten
3 large eating apples, peeled,
cored and sliced
100g Wensleydale cheese, grated
For the crumble topping:
25g butter
40g plain flour
40g soft brown sugar
Method
1. Heat oven temperature to 200C, 180 fan, gas mark 6. Grease and line cake tin.
2. Combine the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and sugar in a bowl and rub in the butter until it looks like breadcrumbs.
3. Add the vanilla paste, milk and beaten egg and mix to a soft consistency.
4. Spread half the batter in the base of the prepared tin, then top with half of the apple slices. Put the remaining mixture on top, then the remaining apple slices.
5. Cover this layer with crumbled Wensleydale cheese (you can use other varieties but this slightly tangy Yorkshire cheese is best!) .
6. Make the crumble topping by rubbing the butter into the flour and sugar, then sprinkle it on the top of the prepared cake.
7. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and it feels firm to the touch. A skewer inserted in the centre should come out clean.
8. Delicious by the slice, or served warm with softly whipped cream or ice cream. Eat within 2-3 days.
Another one to try...
Cookery writer Beverley Jarvis from Ashford & Wyre u3a suggests this warming pud: if you want to, you can use other fruit such as pears, apples and late raspberries instead.
Blackberry & plum pudding with ginger
Serves 6
This delicious autumnal sponge pudding is given extra zing with ginger (if you’re not a fan of the spice, simply leave both the ground and stem ginger out, and add 1 tsp vanilla essence to the sponge mixture instead). Once cold, the pudding freezes well (it may also be portioned out into individual containers if you prefer) for up to two months.
You will need 1 × 1.2 litre suitable ovenproof dish, lightly greased.
Ingredients
For the fruit base
Soft butter for greasing
250g blackberries
5 ripe plums, sliced
75g demerara sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the sponge topping
125g butter, softened
120g demerara sugar
2 large eggs
125g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 tbsp ground ginger, optional (or use 1 tsp vanilla essence)
2 balls stem ginger from a jar, drained and roughly chopped (optional)
Method
1. Heat oven to 180C, 160C fan, gas mark 4. Grease the dish.
2. Toss blackberries and plums together with the demerara sugar and cinnamon. Place in base of prepared dish.
3. Put all ingredients for the sponge topping into a mixing bowl, except for the stem ginger, if using.
4. Using a hand-held electric mixer on medium speed, beat ingredients together for about two minutes until combined and the mixture is light and creamy. Fold in the stem ginger, if using, then spread the sponge mixture evenly over the fruit base.
5. Bake the pudding for 40-45 minutes. If it starts to overbrown, cover with a sheet of lightly greased foil towards end of cooking. The pudding is ready when well risen and golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
6. Serve with custard or ice cream.
- Got a favourite winter recipe? Send to editor@ u3a.org.uk
STORIES TO SHARE
u3a members share their poignant, inspiring and illuminating memories and experiences.
Bird's eye view
Behind the lens
Derek Budd of Shepway & District u3a looks back on his fascinating career capturing the world on film.
My career as a television film-maker began in 1965, after training as a photographer in Southampton. For the following 40 years, it was a privilege to be paid for a hobby – and an abiding passion. Working as a film editor with legendary broadcaster Jack Hargreaves on the Out of Town series was to influence my passion for the British countryside, and I aimed to specialise in wildlife film-making. In 1980, with the regional changes of studio franchises, I became a documentary director and cameraman – and eventually I got my chance. Viewers in the south of England may remember my first television series, Nature and Wildlife, as well as Country Ways presented by Jill Cochrane and Jim Flegg. These gentle, reflective portraits of rural life became the highest-rating, longest-running documentary series, and over 20 years, won prestigious international awards. They provided a unique insight into a rural world gone by: what better way to explore the communities, traditional crafts, landscapes and wildlife of Britain, many under the threat of extinction? Filming nature and wildlife could be very frustrating, as well as immensely rewarding. Planning to choose the right time and conditions usually brought the best results. My most productive times were either first thing in the morning or just before sunset: these are known by cinematographers as ‘the magic hours’. During filming, a typical day would usually start when it was still dark – I preferred to get out on the road before sunrise. Extra planning was needed if we were setting up a wildlife camouflage hide, in order to observe early morning wildlife activity, and if possible, I would check out the area beforehand taking note of nearby footpaths, disruptive human activity, noise, dog walkers and so on. I would take provision for the English weather, as well as batteries, film and video stock, along with additional lenses, some of which cost over £20,000 each. My only other requirement was an investment in suitable quality clothing – there’s nothing worse than trying to film when you’re soaked to the skin or freezing cold! My most treasured county is Dorset, home to my wife’s family. It was a pleasure to spend a few years filming nature programmes there with the wonderful artist Gordon Beningfield, an authority on Thomas Hardy's downland countryside. Filming over his shoulder for his many book illustrations taught me so much about watercolour painting, capturing wide British landscapes and its unique wildlife. As well as these wonderful rural programmes, I had many other assignments and adventures during my long career behind the lens, meeting everyone from royalty and politicians to religious leaders, musicians and film stars. There was never a dull day! In the Falkland Islands I escaped charging sea lions near sandy beaches littered with landmines. While filming at John Aspinall’s zoo in Kent, I was attacked by a silverback gorilla, who took a shine to my camera, extending a ferocious arm and tearing off the lens hood and glass filter. I was bowled over by one of the Queen Mother’s young stallions after it had been scared by our noisy wet weather clothing: I clearly remember it bolting through the paddock fence into the adjoining fields with the trainer cursing at us because the animal was worth several million pounds! A particularly cherished memory was filming the caesarean section delivery of the first IVF baby in America: when she became 40, I managed to trace her and send several images for her family album. When I look back now, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream. I’ve met fascinating people, visited incredible places worldwide and, of course, captured the wonder of wildlife and our threatened countryside. Sadly I feel that the fast pace of modern life has led many to forget how to truly ‘stop, look and listen’ in order to really appreciate the natural world we all share (even if they do film their surroundings conveniently on their smartphones!). I believe this has resulted in the tragic downfall of television production as we currently know it.
A dancer’s life
En pointe
Alexandra Pickford of Bristol u3a shares her lifelong career in ballet, including working with two all-time greats.
My first memory of dance was watching dancers on the television at the London Palladium. All the girls would be doing the high kicks, and I remember thinking: “How do they do it all at the same height?” As a child I had been attending dance lessons in my hometown of Warminster in Wiltshire, but when I was 11, my mum enrolled me at the Bristol School of Dancing. I’d never even read a ballet book, let alone seen a performance! I was actually quite old to begin serious ballet training, and had to take a grade exam every term until I was up to speed. It was a boarding school, so after lessons I would be dancing until nine every night, have some dinner and then collapse into bed. This would stand me in good stead for the long days that would come as a professional! Seen as talented, I had an interview for the Royal Ballet School in London and was accepted just after my 16th birthday. It was an intense time, with classes starting at 9am, six days a week – I was doing repertoire, stage make-up, pas de deux, character and national dances… phew! A dancer’s life was so different then – nowadays there is counselling and careers guidance for young dancers, which would have really benefited me at that time. Most of the other students were living at home in London, but I was left to my own devices, staying in a hostel from a council grant. Before my graduation, I spoke to a director at the Royal Ballet and secured a place in its touring company. From 19 I was travelling all over the country, taking 14 ballets on tour. We performed eight times a week, made up of two triple bills and a full-length ballet. Sometimes the English ballerina Margot Fonteyn would come and dance with us. Other ballerinas from the main company would be scheduled to dance on tour, but they never came – only Fonteyn did. She was a true professional and had a reputation to uphold. I learned to copy her ‘Fonteyn smile’ – if anyone had a camera, she would immediately turn the corners of her mouth up so she looked good! My next dance company was English National Ballet. By this time, I was around 25 and getting my first soloist roles. It could be very hard work – to the point of tears sometimes – but all the dancers worked together as a team and supported each other. While at the Company, Soviet dancer Rudolf Nureyev put on two productions with us – Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. In Sleeping Beauty I had the principal role of Carabosse, the evil fairy. I struggled with this role – it was more of a character role than a dancing one, with real shoes and a long dress – but I remember Nureyev being very kind to me as I nervously muddled through! Following a career break, I returned to English National Ballet,and also had stints dancing abroad in Soviet-era Croatia, as well as South Africa. I retired at the age of 40, while being begged to stay, which is always a good time to bow out! Martha Graham, the great contemporary choreographer, said: “A dancer dies twice – once when they stop dancing, and this first death is the more painful.” However, today I am still dancing and performing with my Seizing the Day dance company, with no plans to stop any time soon!
- If your u3a is interested in Alexandra giving a talk about her life and career, email
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Unique perspective
Ever the diplomat
Tony Rossiter, a member of Leyburn u3a, recalls his time as a young diplomat in Moscow during the Cold War, and in conflict-torn Pakistan.
It was November 1968 when a young, green-as-grass diplomat arrived in Moscow. Three months earlier the boots of the Red Army had put an end to the Prague Spring. Relations between the UK and the Soviet Union were like the weather – cold and frosty. With my wife and four-month-old son Will, I moved into the flat my predecessor had occupied in a side street not far from the Belorussky railway station. It was in a modern, slightly shabby five storey building, one of some half-dozen blocks the Soviet authorities reserved for diplomats and journalists. Western diplomats were kept under surveillance and their flats were bugged. A militiaman guarded the entrance to our building and noted our comings and goings. If you wanted to travel out of the city, you had to apply for permission – not always granted – saying where you were going, why, and which route you would take. If you travelled by car, militiamen along the route would watch out for you and tick you off their list as you went by. If you strayed from the approved route, you would soon be put right. There was no danger of getting lost. Despite the constraints, we enjoyed our time in Moscow. I enjoyed the work, helping British companies understand the Soviet state-controlled way of doing business and identifying contacts for them in the foreign trade organisations, ministries and other bodies. In the embassy’s commercial department, we had one secret weapon – access to the bar of the embassy club. When some distraught businessman had had as much Soviet bureaucracy as he could take, an English beer was the perfect antidote. And my wife Edna enjoyed Moscow for its culture, especially the Tretyakov Gallery, with its huge collection of Russian art, and our regular visits to the Bolshoi. In 1968 Moscow was one of the safest cities in the world. Edna could walk down Gorky Street with our baby son at any time of day without any fear of harassment. The only encounters she ever had were with babushkas wanting to check that the baby was wrapped up warmly enough against the sub-zero temperatures. Time and again we were struck by the Russians’ utter devotion to their children. Whenever Edna went to the bakery, the women there made a huge fuss of the baby. From Moscow we went to Karachi in Pakistan, which was very hot and humid, with the Arabian sea to the south and west, and the Sind Desert to the north and east. In December 1971, six months after we arrived there, war broke out and Karachi was attacked by the Indian Air Force. We had one night of terror when bomb blasts shook the foundations and walls of our bungalow. We huddled together as windows were shattered, doors flew open and shrapnel split the ceiling. The bomb demolished the next-door-but-one house. After a week of air attacks, women and children were belatedly evacuated. Three RAF Hercules aircraft took them to Masirah, Oman, and from there they went on to Cyprus. When they arrived back at Luton airport, the evacuees were headline news: War Britons fly home: London man tells of bombing terror in Karachi screamed the front page of the Evening News. My next transfer was to Buenos Aires – a case of out of the frying pan into the fire. But that’s another story... Diplomatic Adventures: Cold-War Moscow, War-Torn Pakistan and Perón’s Argentina by Tony Rossiter is published by Amberley.
- 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.
6 ways to good gut health
Your gut starts in your mouth and continues all the way through your digestive system, breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and helping waste move on its way. It is also home to trillions of microbes, most of them living in the large intestine. Scientists now know these play an important role in digestion, immunity and keeping harmful bacteria in check. Research suggests that the more diverse and well fed these helpful bugs are, the better your gut tends to work – and the better you feel and function every day. Here are six simple ideas to try:
1. Pile on the plants.
Give your usual meals a plant powered boost: add beans to a stew, lentils to soup, seeds to yoghurt, and apples to porridge. Different plants feed different gut bugs, so variety is the magic word. Another benefit of plants is that they’re rich in fibre. “Fibre helps feed beneficial gut bacteria and adds bulk to stools, making them softer and easier to pass,” advises Dr Emily Leeming, a scientist at King’s College London and author of Fibre Power (Penguin).
Try this: If you’re not used to fibre, go low and slow. “Gradually increase your intake week by week so your gut can adapt comfortably,” Emily says.
2. Fill your glass.
“Fibre and water are a team – they work best together,” says Emily. “Fibre holds on to water, helping to keep things soft and moving through your gut. Without enough fluid, fibre can’t do its job properly, and everything slows down.” Aim for eight to 10 glasses of fluid a day. Water is best, but tea, coffee and milk all count.
Try this: Make soup. It combines fluid and fibre in one bowl. Choose vegetable, lentil or bean soups for a hydrating, gut-friendly win.
3. Manage stress.
Your gut and brain are in constant conversation. “Stress can alter gut motility, which is how smoothly food moves through the digestive tract,” says Rob Hobson, a nutritionist who works with Bio-Kult. ”It can also increase sensitivity in the digestive system, meaning you may notice bloating or digestive discomfort more.”
Try this: When your stomach feels tense, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique.
Breathe in through your nose for four counts, hold for seven, then exhale slowly through pursed lips for eight. Repeat four times.
4. Move more.
Movement is one of the simplest ways to give sluggish digestion a nudge. “Physical activity helps stimulate the natural muscle contractions that keep food and waste travelling smoothly through your gut,” says Emily.
Try this: A 10-minute walk or a short stretching session after meals can help keep things moving.
5. Go live.
Fermented foods such as live yoghurt and kefir contain probiotics – ‘friendly’ bacteria that may help support a healthier balance in your gut. Supplements can be useful for some people, such as those taking antibiotics, preparing for travel or managing digestive conditions including IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different strains may have different effects. Ask your GP or a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure.
Try this: Check the label on yoghurt pots for the words ‘live’ or ‘active cultures’. Try plain live yoghurt with warm berries, or add a splash of kefir to your porridge.
6. Stay regular.
“Your gut thrives on routine,” says Emily. “Eating at roughly the same times each day helps train your digestive system into a steady rhythm, so it knows when to expect food and when to keep moving.”
Try this: A regular toilet routine can help too, especially if constipation is an issue. When sitting on the loo, resting your feet on a low stool can raise your knees above your hips, making it easier to empty your bowels without straining.
- When to see your GP If digestive symptoms are new, persistent or severe, or if they come with bleeding, unexplained weight loss, ongoing pain or a noticeable change in your usual bowel habit, see your GP.
Joint effort
What could really help to ease the ache as we age?
A few creaks can be a natural part of getting older. But knees protesting halfway through a walk, or fingers that feel stiff first thing in the morning, may be a sign your joints need a little more TLC. The most common cause of troublesome joint pain is osteoarthritis. “When a joint develops this, the cartilage is usually badly affected – it thins and the surface becomes rougher,” explains Professor Lucy Donaldson, director of research at Arthritis UK. “Osteoarthritis is most likely to affect the joints that bear most of our weight, such as the knees and feet.” It’s not completely clear what causes the problem. “What we do know is that it’s not simply ‘wear and tear’,” says Professor Donaldson. “You are more likely to develop it if you are over 40, female, overweight, have had a previous joint injury or you have a genetic risk for the condition.”
Help yourself
While there’s currently no cure, there are ways to slow the condition’s progression and ease symptoms. One of the best things you can do is to keep moving. “Many people worry that exercising will make the pain worse or cause further joint damage,” states Professor Donaldson. “However, while resting painful joints may make them feel more comfortable at first, too much rest can increase stiffness, especially when you start moving again. Walking, cycling and swimming are all excellent pursuits, or try an exercise bike or cross trainer. Walking laps in the shallow end of a swimming pool is also great for strengthening leg muscles.” Regular strength work can help too. Simple sit-to-stands, step-ups and gentle squats can help support the knees by building the muscles around them. Pacing yourself is also smart. Break gardening, housework or longer walks into shorter chunks, with rests in between, so joints stay mobile without becoming overloaded. If you’re stiff first thing in the morning, start with a few slow, gentle, varied movements before getting up properly. And if you are overweight? Losing even a small amount of excess weight can make a difference, especially for knee pain, as it reduces the load going through the joints.
Treatment support
Natural supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are popular, as are turmeric, collagen and omega-3 fatty acids. Anecdotally, many report an improvement in the condition, although there’s currently no conclusive clinical evidence that these supplements are beneficial. If you still want to try them, however, check with your GP or a pharmacist first to ensure they don’t interact with any medication you’re taking, then give them a three-month trial to see if they make any difference. When pain does flare up, heat packs can ease stiff joints, while cold packs may reduce swelling after activity. Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol and anti-inflammatory gels are worth having on standby. But if pain is affecting daily life, speak to your GP. If nothing else has helped, steroid injections may be an option for short-term pain relief. And when a joint is badly damaged and other treatments are no longer working, replacement surgery can help some people get moving comfortably again.
Health notes
News and views from the world of wellbeing
Think better, age better
What if ageing doesn’t mean decline, but a better mindset?
Yale researchers found that nearly half of 11,000 adults aged over 65 improved in memory, mobility, or both, over 12 years, challenging the idea that getting older means inevitable decline. Additional research found that people with a more positive attitude to ageing lived longer and stayed healthier. The takeaway? Rather than thinking, ‘I just can’t do that any more’, think ‘How can I adapt it?’ You may not do everything in the same way, but you can keep doing far more of what you love – and discover more in the process.
- For more about changing attitudes to age and possibilities – and the benefits we can reap as a result – see our feature reporting on the important u3a and me survey in the Living Well section on Retirement.
Vaccine update
From September, all adults aged 65 to 74 who have a suppressed immune system or a chronic respiratory condition will be offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine from their GP or, in some areas of the country, their local pharmacy. Millions of people aged 75 years and all residents in care homes for older adults already receive this, but this new roll-out means that more of us will be protected from RSV, a common virus that infects the lungs and causes pneumonia, bronchitis and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions.
Why tea breaks matter
Perhaps tea’s biggest health benefit isn’t what’s in the cup, but what happens around it. “Studies show that people who live longest are often those with strong human connections,” says GP Dr Nighat Arif, author of The Complete Guide to Family Health (Octopus). “Social media has many advantages, but it’s no replacement for time with people face to face. Nurture relationships: make time for family and friends, join a club or group. volunteer or participate in community events.” To boost the health benefits further, why not go on a flask walk? Just fi ll a flask with tea, pack two mugs, and invite someone for a walk-and-tea rather than just a hot drink at home. You’ll increase your step count too!
Did you know...? Enjoying one to four cups of tea a day is linked to improving metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Good times
Make the most of life – great places to visit, new things to try, what to watch, read and enjoy.
Special places
Tales of the unexpected
Historic sites with ghostly goings-on
Ghost stories
Discover the haunting tales behind some of our most notable castles.
Derbyshire. Bolsover Castle.
In 2017, English Heritage asked its staff to name their spookiest sites – and Bolsover Castle in Chesterfield topped the list. Founded by one of William the Conqueror’s knights in the 11th century on what some believe was ancient burial ground, it fell into ruin and was rebuilt in the 17th century as a weekend retreat for the Cavendish family. The fun ‘Little Castle’, a mansion inside the castle walls, is now regarded as one of the most haunted places in England, with staff reporting mystery screams doors inexplicably slamming, footsteps with no one there, objects moving of their own accord, people being pushed and cold sensations in some of the rooms. Among the apparitions reported is a little boy who has been seen ‘holding’ visitors’ hands unbeknownst to them, and a distraught young woman, dressed in grey, thought to be a mother looking for her lost child. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Bolsover could certainly make you think twice! english-heritage.org.uk
Kent. Scotney Castle.
Scotney, in Lamberhurst, has the unusual distinction of having two buildings, both described as castles, on the same site. The New Castle is actually a 19th-century Victorian manor house built on the hill above the valley, where the original fortified Old Castle was constructed with crenellated towers in around 1387. This latter, now partially a ruin, is surrounded by a moat. According to local legend, a gruesome spectre they call the Dripping Man emerges from the moat’s waters covered in weeds, passes through a spot where there used to be a door and vanishes. He is believed to be the ghost of an excise man killed by Arthur Darrell, a notorious smuggler and Scotney’s owner in the 18th century. The story goes that Darrell threw the dead man’s body into the moat, then faked his own funeral to escape justice (his coffin, opened in 1920, was full of rocks). The Dripping Man haunts the place, looking for revenge…
Aberdeenshire. Fyvie Castle.
There’s something about the design of a Scottish castle that naturally lends itself to the notion it must be haunted. With five castle towers, two curses and a resident ghost, Fyvie Castle near Turriff doesn’t disappoint. The five towers represent five owners who left their mark on the 800-year-old fortress, including Alexander Seton. His first wife, Lilias Drummond, is believed to be the ghost known as the Green Lady. Her heart was broken by his infidelity and she died in 1601. He remarried quickly afterwards, and it’s thought she made her distress known on the wedding night by carving her name D LILIAS DRUMMOND into a stone windowsill, which no one could have reached from the inside. Of the two curses, the Curse of the Weeping Stones is the most significant and supposedly explains the deaths of every eldest son of Fyvie’s owners over the past 600 years. Until three stones are found and removed (only one has been so far), the curse remains… nts.org.uk/fyviecastle
Devon. Berry Pomeroy Castle.
An eerie spot from the get-go, Berry Pomeroy is essentially an unfinished ruin nestled in a deep wooded valley near Totnes. Built in 1496 by the Pomeroy family, it was expanded by the Seymours, who planned a grand Elizabethan mansion within the existing medieval walls. However, the building was never finished and was abandoned and forgotten... until its isolated location was rediscovered in the 18th century. There have been many accounts of apparitions since then: the most often documented are the Blue Lady and the White Lady. The latter is believed to be Margaret Pomeroy: she haunts the dungeons where she was imprisoned and starved to death by her sister Elinor, because they loved the same man! berrypomeroy.castle @english-heritage.org.uk
Member's story
Jo McCrum, a new member of Monmouth u3a, explains how she became intrigued by supernatural events in Tintern I t was after I started campaigning to preserve St Mary’s, a ruined church linked to Tintern Abbey, that I began collecting local tales. I’ve always been interested in folklore, but Tintern is rich in stories that linger at the edge of history and imagination. The abbey is at its most atmospheric in the autumn, when the ‘Dragon’s Breath’ mist rises from the river and drifts along the valley. The notable travel writer Reverend William Gilpin’s concept of the ‘picturesque’ was first shaped here, and during the 18th century the abbey attracted artists, poets and early tourists. Since those times, there have been sightings of robed figures: even the abbey doors bear a pale watermark that clearly resembles a monk. One intriguing claim is recounted in a book of ghost stories by Lord Charles Halifax (published in 1937 ). In 1895, a couple visited and contacted a spirit, who claimed to be a Saxon soldier killed in battle, and asked for masses to be said for his soul. These were performed when they returned to London. A decade later, at a professional séance, a message came through: ‘Thanks for the masses said.’”
More to explore...
Spooky sites
1 . From Sir Walter Raleigh and Lady Jane Grey to Guy Fawkes and two small boys holding hands and crying (thought to be the young princes Edward and Richard), the Tower of London is a virtual Who’s Who of famous people appearing in spirit form.
2. Blickling Estate, in Norfolk, is a former home of the Boleyn family. Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, is said to be seen here every 19 May, the date of her execution, rather gruesomely holding her own severed head.
3. Home to 10 generations of Lenox-Conynghams, Springhill, in Londonderry/Derry in Northern Ireland, is haunted by Olivia, the second wife of George. She realised he was going to shoot himself in the Blue Room, but was too late to save him - and has been a ghost ever since.
4. The famous phrase ‘It was a dark and stormy night’ was coined by the writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton, of the Lyttons of Knebworth House, Hertfordshire. He has featured as a ghost in his own home, so maybe he was setting the scene! knebworthhouse.com
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
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom.
More glorious stop-motion animated fun. Halloween is approaching at Mossy Bottom Farm, and Shaun is in ‘mad scientist’ mode when the clumsy farmer destroys the pumpkin patch and Shaun tries to save the day as a mysterious beast roams the nearby woods. RELEASED ON 18 SEPTEMBER.
Whalefall.
High-concept survival thrills as a young scuba diver (Austin Abrams) searching for the remains of his father (Josh Brolin) is swallowed alive by an 80-foot sperm whale, leaving him with just a terrifying hour to find a way to escape. This edgeof- your-seat movie also stars Elisabeth Shue and John Ortiz. RELEASED ON 16 OCTOBER
CINEMA
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.
A beautifully restored Criterion release for Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed melodrama about a woman finding her way in a male-dominated world as she dreams of becoming a singer. Stars Ellen Burstyn and Kris Kristofferson. Packed with special features. RECENTLY RELEASED ON BLU-RAY AND UHD.
Amélie: 25th Anniversary Limited Edition.
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of this French delight (starring Audrey Tatou as the charming Amélie) with this packed limited edition. This includes a 100- page booklet, postcards, a board game and numerous documentary and audio commentary extras. RECENTLY RELEASED ON BLU-RAY.
Worth a listen
The Story of Ronnie Biggs.
Impressively voiced by Daniel Mays, this six-part podcast tells the story of how small-time London criminal Ronnie Biggs got involved in the biggest train robbery in British history. For the next 50 years he was one of the most famous criminals in the world as he escaped prison and headed to Australia, and eventually Brazil. AVAILABLE ON BBC SOUNDS .
STREAMING NOW
Outlander: Blood of my Blood.
The second season of the hit prequel series continues to follow the intertwined, time-crossing love stories of Jamie and Claire’s parents: Ellen and Brian, and Julia and Henry. Cue more romance and swashbuckling adventure. PREMIERES ON MGM+ ON 19 SEPTEMBER.
Last Seen.
This six-episode Australian thriller, adapted from Ryan David Jahn’s book The Dispatcher, stars Patrick Brammall as a former cop whose life fell apart when his young daughter vanished. Now working as a police dispatcher, he is convinced that a teenage girl making a distress call is actually his daughter. APPLE TV, FROM 9 SEPTEMBER.
The Written Word
Whether you’re an avid bookworm or an ardent scribe, this page is for you
My Life In Books.
Sue Boag, from Wymondham u3a, shares the books she has loved.
Best childhood book: The Wizard of Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula K Le Guin is about a young boy who joins a wizarding school, and it explores themes such as coming of age and death. I loved imagining I was one of the characters, and knowing that all would be well in the end.
Favourite book of all time: The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a post-apocalyptic novel following a father and son crossing America after an unexpected and unknown disaster. This powerful novel lays bare the love the father has for his son, and the lengths he would go to to keep him safe.
Currently reading: The Women by Kristin Hannah is a beautifully written, compassionate novel about a woman going to war as a nurse in Vietnam. It highlights the horror of that conflict and how the women strove to be recognised for their role, along with the psychological trauma affecting everyone.
Writing with purpose
Sheila Davie, a member of White Cliffs Country u3a, completed her first book under very difficult circumstances.
“I started writing my debut crime novel three or four years ago when I was a member of Thameside Wallingford u3a. A prompt ‘key’ at my Creative Writing group led to the creation of my protagonist, who I called Jonathan Key: he’s a crime reporter who is made redundant from his newspaper, The Herald. However, he quickly finds an opportunity for some detective work and is soon drawn into a world he could never have imagined. Reviewers have described it as dynamic and fast-paced – just like Jonathan’s beloved motorbike! Completing the novel was very challenging as my husband died suddenly last year, but working on the book gave me a purpose and something to focus on. I was thrilled to see it published in February shortly after moving to Kent - it’s never too late to learn or try something new!”. Jonathan Key by Sheila
Davie is published by Conrad Press.
Group work
The creative juices of Taunton u3a’s Writers’ Forum are flowing! Three members have collaborated on a detective novel, Wells Farrago, set in the city of Wells (self-published on Amazon; £3.99 on Kindle), with another in progress. And last year the group produced a collection of stories, Time Passed on Times Past, about drivers and passengers telling tales to pass the time while stuck in M5 traffic jams! (Self-published on Amazon; £6.99 paperback.)
Tell us what you’re reading!
What published books are you reading in your u3a book groups at the moment? We’d love members’ reviews on why a particular book resonates (or not!)... and what your group is planning to pluck off the bookshelf next...
- Please let us know! Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and head your email BOOK GROUP READS
Prize draw
Winning walks!
Win a three-night walking break with HF Holidays.
S pend three nights at one of 16 characterful country houses, set in some of the UK’s most stunning countryside or coastal locations, courtesy of HF Holidays. As an award-winning British heritage brand and a proud co-operative, HF Holidays has been leading the way in walking holidays since 1913. This is your chance to experience everything that makes these breaks so special. You and your chosen companion will enjoy comfortable en suite accommodation, a traditional cream tea on arrival, and delicious dining throughout your stay – from cooked or continental breakfasts each morning, to generous packed lunches and freshly prepared three-course dinners each evening. The highlight of your stay will be the daily guided walks, led by knowledgeable and experienced leaders. With a choice of routes each day, you can explore at your own pace while discovering the beauty, history and wildlife of your chosen destination.
- Competition closes on 20 November 2026 (the holiday can be taken any time between 1 December 2026 and 31 March 2027). For full terms and conditions and how to enter, simply go to: hfholidays.co.uk/u3a-prizedraw
Live and learn
From workshops, initiatives and events to expert support, ideas and u3a group inspiration, you’ll find these essential highlights here.
Living history
Coming together.
Dulwich & District u3a found an inclusive way to bring u3a and local communities together, as member Jude Watson explains.
This June, our Subcommittee on Inclusivity & Diversity (SCID) organised an innovative event aimed at attracting a diverse audience from across the local communities, as well as bringing various u3a interest groups together – and, not least, promoting our organisation. Our idea was to host the screening of Fearless, a film that tells the real-life stories of six pioneering women who came to England from Ireland, the Caribbean and the Asian subcontinent to answer the country’s call for workers following WWII. It uses archive film and photography to interweave pivotal moments in women’s social history with the interviewees’ memories of life in Britain during this period. We contacted the film’s director, Noella Mingo, who kindly provided the Bafta-considered film free of charge, while the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton generously agreed to show the film with tickets priced at just £5. Not least, we reached out extensively to diverse local community groups with invitations to attend. Such dedicated efforts resulted in a 50-strong audience of local community groups, along with members from over 20 u3a interest groups, who all found this engrossing film moving, humorous and enlightening. Afterwards, Noella hosted a Q&A session, then Neil Abrahams, Chair of Dulwich & District u3a, outlined the wide range of u3a interest groups available and shared our 10-year anniversary booklet, showcasing many of the activities. SCID also highlighted its work, which aims to make our u3a more inclusive of the diverse communities in the area and as accessible as possible. We outlined the programme of events organised over the past year or so. This included Black History walks in Camberwell, and visits to a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and an East End mosque, together with exhibitions celebrating Nigerian art, Black music and Sikh culture. The event was a huge success – and a fantastic way to bring so many people from all walks of life together. We are now planning to explore wider diversity and inclusion issues with various events in the months ahead.
- For more details, get in touch at:
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Diary dates
u3a runs a comprehensive online programme of diverse and informative talks, workshops, events and activities such as competitions, memory collections and puzzles for members to get involved with. Here are just a few of the highlights for your diary...
MONDAY 5 OCTOBER, 2PM
The history of the world according to sheep
Alan Freeland of Farnham u3a explores the great influence sheep have had on British history. Learn what makes sheep man’s best livestock; discover why there would have been no Silk Roads without wool; find out how sheep defeated the British Empire; and marvel at how wool won wars.
TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER, 2PM
Your essential guide to feeling connected in a digital world
If you feel isolated or unsure about using technology, you’re certainly not alone. Join AbilityNet, in partnership with BT Group, for a friendly session designed to help you build confidence online, stay connected with family and friends, and discover simple digital skills that can make everyday life feel easier and less lonely. Areas that will be covered include the following:
1. Keep in touch online using email, video calls and social media.
2. Understand online language, symbols and emojis commonly used in message.
3. Get to grips with digital etiquette: how to communicate politely, confidently and respectfully.
4. Make new friends safely in digital spaces, and join online communities.
5. Dip into online dating – an introduction on what to expect and how it works.
6. Feel confident with simple, practical tips for staying safe and comfortable when chatting or meeting others online.
THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER, 2PM
Art Deco days
In this talk by Historic Environment Scotland, we embark on on a tour of Scotland in the 1930s, exploring all things Deco. Admire the best Moderne buildings that embraced the style; lounge at the lido; take some streamlined transport here and there; and wonder at the cinema. The talk concludes a look at this stylish decade with a visit to The Empire Exhibition of 1938 – perhaps the epitome of the era?
About the speaker: Jackie Sangster is a learning manager with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), where she works within the Learning & Inclusion team to help people of all ages and backgrounds engage with Scotland’s rich historic environment. Drawing extensively on HES archive material, she specialises in using digital collections to bring the past to life through creative, accessible storytelling.
FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER, 10AM
The history of pirate radio
Pirate radio in the 1960s changed the face of broadcasting forever by breaking the BBC’s monopoly, and eventually leading to the launch of Radio 1 in 1967. But who started the pirate stations, and why were they stopped by the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act? In this illustrated talk, Nick Bailey of Bingham u3a explains more, and shares fascinating memories of his time on board the original pirate ship, Radio Caroline.
About the speaker: Nick Bailey went on to become the voice that launched Classic FM in 1992, where he remained for 25 years. He now presents the Sunday morning programme on Boom Light, the sister station to Boom Radio.
- This event is part of u3a Rewind, an exciting new Learning Activity about music memories. Find out more on in our Connections section and on u3a.org.uk/u3a-rewind
Podcast news
Our popular u3a podcast series covers a broad range of subjects to entertain and inform. Coming up:
September:
1. Find out what happens behind the scenes of the annual Jane Austen Festival in Bath Consider an expert’s view on why gardening is so popular later in life.
2. Meet u3a Matters editor Sharon Parsons to find out more about her life as an editor, how the magazine is created – and how you can contribute.
October:
1. Discover how to get your work in print with insight from a publishing expert.
2. Learn how an astonishing Roman mosaic was discovered by chance in rural England
3. Meet an EMI music executive who has worked with everyone from David Bowie to Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd.
Life skills
First-rate training
Sue Dickie, the Membership Secretary of Shepway & District u3a, has set up a series of valuable workshops for members.
A lot of interest was shown among members at our u3a when I first suggested Basic Adult First Aid Workshops last year. I’m a registered nurse, but as I’m not qualified to lead these classes myself, I approached the British Red Cross for training. This partnership has proved really successful, with up to 20 members attending each of the three workshops we’ve held so far. Our fantastic British Red Cross trainer, Babs, encouraged proactive discussions on handling situations that included burns, bleeds, fractures and strokes. She also demonstrated how to use AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and gave us an opportunity to try CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation). We’re now planning more intensive full-day training workshops for those interested. I would urge other u3as to consider similar first aid workshops, which are not only interesting and instructive, but also provide valuable knowledge that could one day come in very useful. You never know – you could save a life.
- The British Red Cross has an active platform for community training on a variety of topics. For more information, go to:
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Caught on camera
What a picture!
u3a Eye is our rolling photography project, open for entries of photographs taken by u3a members, with a new theme every two months to inspire what you capture. It’s not purely about photographic skill; the judges look for interesting and creative interpretations of the theme, with a selection being featured in our online galleries. At the u3a Festival in York this July, there was a photography exhibition of some of the brilliant images submitted to u3a Eye over the last two years, as selected by the judges. At the exhibition, members voted for their favourite image, and this was announced as Hey Diddle Diddle by Susan Badger of Balsall Common u3a.
- Get ready for the next theme ‘Starting with S’ and submit your photos to u3a Eye from 24 September to 18 November. For more information and to see previous galleries, go to u3a.org.uk/u3a-eye
Test your knowledge
Fingers on buzzers...
Our Subject Adviser for Quizzes, Ian Matheson, hosted a quiz for 28 enthusiastic teams at the u3a Festival in York in July. It all came down to a tiebreak question about Concorde’s fastest passenger flight between New York and Heathrow in 1996 – and the winning team was Dewi Cymnaeg. Concorde’s fastest passenger flight from New York to Heathrow on 7 February 1996 took two hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds . If you love the challenge of a good quiz, be sure to check out our online u3a Quiz Library! Submit your own quiz round and receive one in return to test your knowledge and that of your fellow u3a members. Good luck!
- To find out more, go to: u3a.org.uk/u3a-quiz-library
u3a Subject Advisers update
Looking for inspiration for your interest group, or support to start your own at your local u3a? From bridge, craft and handbells to German, magic and racketball, our Subject Advisers can provide guidance across a whole range of subjects...
New faces.
We are delighted to welcome the following new Subject Advisers on board:
Brian Berry – Photography.
Lynne Carroll – Creative Writing.
AlanFreeland - AI.
Thank you! Marcia Humphries (Creative Writing), Patricia Hamilton (Yoga), and Barry Claydon (AI) are stepping down from their roles as Subject Advisers. They have generously volunteered for years, supporting both individual members and interest groups to come together and learn about their subjects. Everyone at u3a would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.
- To get in touch with our Subject Advisers who are on hand to help, and to find out more, visit: u3a.org.uk/subjects
Here for you
Learning activities: To participate in or contribute to our learning activities, please go to u3a.org.uk/learning-activities.
Find a u3a speaker: The u3a speaker database is full of members enthusiastic to share their knowledge. Visit: u3a.org.uk/u3a-speakers.
Need help? If you require assistance accessing any of the above or would like to set up a learning activity or give a talk, email
Experts on call
All the world’s a stage
Meet Vivien Paxford, a member of Bishop’s Cleeve u3a, and Subject Adviser for Play Reading.
Have you got a theatrical background?
I’ve always been interested in the theatre! I started doing amateur dramatics when I was about 10, and also did ballet, stage work and choir. My drama coach got me very interested in the classics. He was an ex-member of the Royal Shakespeare Society, and opened my eyes to what the Bard was all about. Then I got married, and my husband was also an amateur dramatics fanatic! However, once our children came along that went on the back burner. When my husband died, it made me think about getting back into theatre – but not necessarily doing something like having to learn lines. Play reading involves everyone sitting in a circle and reading the lines of the character they’ve been cast as, working scene by scene, from a play set: this is a book of the play’s script for each person taking part.
How did play reading bring you to u3a?
In 2013, I found out that Bishop’s Cleeve u3a was starting a Play Reading group, and I took the leap to join. It was about three years after that the group leader had to give up due to ill health, and so I took over. We have around 12 members who meet once a month, and we read different genres of plays to cater for all tastes. As time goes by, you discover which members are confident and strong, and which members need a little support and encouragement. Some people are very good at reading comedy, while others might be better at dramatic readings. Choosing plays that have a wide appeal, and varying them as much as possible, gives everybody a chance to shine! What made you become a Subject Adviser for Play Reading? I discovered there wasn’t a u3a Subject Adviser for this subject, so I offered to take up the role at the end of last year. So far, three u3as have approached me: one was finding it difficult to source play sets, which are often provided by libraries, though many are now sadly closing. I was able to help these groups with an alternative supply (if groups are having the same issue, play sets are also available online). Two other queries have been from members wanting advice on setting up a group – both have now done so quite successfully, which is great. What I find works best for my group is to cast each act and each scene individually, because that way you give everybody a chance of having a fairly decent stretch of dialogue to read. It’s a good idea to ask members for suggestions on what plays to read so everyone is involved, though the decision should ultimately be down to the group leader. Then all you need is a venue, a few chairs and a play set [see footnote below], and off you go!
Quick Q&A
What is your favourite play?
An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley. It is one in his series of ‘Time Plays’, where each is centred around the concept of time changing. It’s wonderful!
What makes a successful group?
Having a tea break in the middle! As far as u3a goes, apart from teaching or learning a skill, the social aspect is very important.
Why do you love play reading?
I like the English language, I like stories and I like the theatre!
- For advice on copyright and licences regarding play sets, visit b.link/u3a-copyright
MAILBOX
We love to hear from you, so please email your letters, including your name and u3a, with ‘Mailbox’ in the subject line to
Fancy meeting you here!
For Phil Barker of Bradford u3a, Festival 26 brought an unexpected bonus...
I stewarded at the first Festival in 2024 and had such a great time I was quick to volunteer again: this year was even better! On the last morning, I wasn’t ‘on duty’ until 11 o’clock, so I went for a wander beforehand and passed a lady standing to one side. In true u3a style, I asked her if she was enjoying herself, and we quickly fell into conversation. I asked where she’d come from. When she said Norfolk, I told her that this was where I’d grown up, and that my dad had been a flour miller, south of Norwich. She looked at me, astonished: “Duffields?” [the name of the mill] “Yes,” I said. “That was my maiden name.” Amazement – then she said: “Mine too!” Within minutes, we discovered that our grandfathers were brothers! There were 1,300 people at the Festival – what were the chances of that happening? We were both so excited we went and found a seat, and exchanged contact details. Now I have gained a cousin called Jane who I didn’t even know existed! We are going to share family tree information, and plan to keep in touch. Thank you, u3a Festival!
And your specialist subject is..?
Following Carolyn Rowe’s story about her time on Mastermind (Taking the chair, Summer 2026 edition), members wrote in to share what their own specialist subjects would be on the famous quiz show!
I would choose Renaissance Florence. I first visited the city 30 years ago, and there was so much to see and learn about that I vowed I would visit again. This year I returned and greatly enjoyed exploring the great artists, sculptors and musicians of the era, in awe of the great talent of the 16th century. I would limit my choice to the works of Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Raphael, and the rivalry between them. However, I’m not sure I would go on Mastermind. That famous chair looks a bit scary! Collette Higgins, Silhill u3a.
My specialist subject would be Victorian actress Ellen Terry. I knew of her, but a visit to her home in Small Hythe in Kent prompted me to do some more research. I discovered that her parents came from Portsmouth, my hometown. At the top of the stairs was a poster of autographs of all the artists who appeared at her jubilee concert in June 1906. Among these there were some of my family names, which I found very exciting! There is a new play by David Hare about the relationship between Terry and Henry Irving, the first actor to be knighted, called Grace Pervades. I was so pleased to find the origin of this title in one of my many books on Terry. I think I would do well on this specialist subject. Geraldine Leigh, Petersfield u3a.
I appeared on Mastermind in 1988 answering questions on Thomas Paine. He was the 18th-century political pamphleteer and author of Rights of Man and The Age of Reason who played key roles in the American and French Revolutions. I came in at second place with 24 points. Working on the principle that now being twice the age I should be twice as intelligent (not proven!), I have applied again this year hoping to spread the fame of Sir Alfred Munnings, arguably our greatest equine artist (sorry Mr Stubbs). As a proud East Anglian, I am happy to raise public awareness of this largely unsung hero from Suffolk, so wish me luck! Mike Humphrey, Huntingdon u3a.
Simplifying life
Judy Condie’s article on the ‘coda’ part of life (Summer 2026 edition) really resonated with me. This is where I’m happy to be at the moment. The adage of ‘been there, done that, bought the t-shirt’ is ringing true for me. It would also appear I have entered a period of döstädning - Swedish death cleaning. This is the mindful practice of decluttering your home so that loved ones aren’t burdened with sorting through your belongings after you pass. It focuses on living life more intentionally, rather than preparing for death. For me, it is a desire for a simpler life. I have realised my keepsakes and memories are mine, not my children’s. Those memories are happy in my head where they don’t need dusting, looking after or insuring. I accept that when I am gone, the things I once loved or fretted about will be part of oblivion. I haven’t done anything that will make a mark in history, but I hope I have instilled some good morals in my children, which will pass down through the generations. Gaynor Woolley, Bristol u3a.
Lining up to dance
Members have enjoyed our recent stories pointing out the benefits of dancing – from ballet to disco. This u3a, for instance, is loving a line dance! In May 2024 our u3a had a weekend visit to the Sinah Warren hotel on Hayling Island in Hampshire, and a 30-minute line-dancing lesson was on offer. Several months later, after many telephone calls, our u3a started its own beginner’s Line Dancing group with an instructor, which has proved very popular. Expertise – plus straight lines – are not always there! However, as soon as we hear the music for the Electric Slide, Rita’s Waltz or Mamma Mia dances, we’re off! There is plenty of fun and enthusiasm, and new members are always welcome. The routines provide good exercise for the mind as well as the body as we aim to remember all the different dances. Keep dancing! Maxine Robinson, Aylesbury Vale u3a.
Good service
I really enjoyed reading the article from Suzanne Gates about her very limited period in the Wrens (The Navy lark, Summer 2026 edition). My late twin sister Celia was a Wren who went through HMS Dauntless training before Suzanne did, and I attended her passing out there. I recognised some of her descriptions and Navy terminology, and I did laugh when she talked about being told off for putting wastepaper in a bin, as this would be an inspection failure. A few years after Celia joined the Wrens, I joined the WRAF and went through the RAF’s equivalent training. This was in January 1974, so at a similar time to Suzanne – and some ‘traditions’ certainly do correlate, despite the different services. Jean Carter, Salford u3a.
Look what the tide brought in!
Members were fascinated by Paul Gilmore’s account of his voyage to Australia in 1969 – and how a young boy found his message in a bottle decades later (Summer 2026 edition).
Many years ago – possibly in the early 1970s – my family and I were strolling along a beach near Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire. There was quite a lot of rubbish along the tide line, so I suggested to our children that they looked for a message in a bottle. A useful distraction… or so I thought! Imagine my reaction when one was found! The message was simply a name and address. It hadn’t travelled far, as the address given was near Norwich. It was, however, followed by a combination of letters and numbers that seemed meaningless – something like NOR57X. We made contact, as requested, and asked what they meant. It was apparently an early type of postcode that had been trialled in East Anglia before they arrived at the present format. John Pritchard, Wells u3a.
When my dear school friend Anna was 16 in 1965, her father announced that the family was emigrating under the £10 scheme to Perth, Australia. His wife protested, as did her mother and sister. Anna’s brother had just started a promising new relationship, as had Anna! Nevertheless, they all eventually agreed to give it a try – and were never to return to the UK. However, the respective girlfriend and boyfriend followed and both couples got married! Several of our friends also emigrated to Perth; I went to Australia House and completed all the paperwork to do the same, but met a man there who was to became my husband. We never quite made it to Perth, unfortunately… Everyone lived happily ever after, I’m pleased to say! Marilyn Barnard, Salisbury & District u3a and Wilton & District u3a.
Wearing the badge with pride
Last issue’s letter Remember the Robin Club? has stirred up readers’ memories of being members of clubs…
I was very proud of my Girl annual membership book and badge. My brother was a member of Eagle, and my sisters had Swift and Robin badges – all part of the Marcus Morris group of children’s magazines. I joined in 1951. Kay Graham, Wollaton u3a.
As a young child I read Tiger Tim’s Weekly. The photo shows my membership badge of Tiger Tim’s Club, which I think I joined aged 7, in 1951. I wore this badge for years on my school uniform. As you can see it is a little bit the worse for wear, but then so am I after all these years! Wendy Chetwin, Southwell u3a.
I loved seeing the Robin Club badge in Mailbox as I also belonged to this club. Alas, I no longer have the badge. I also belonged to the TV Times’ Tivvy club. Tivvy was a little character seen on a TV Times advert in September 1964. I got my badge in 1965. Kathy Valentine, Crowborough u3a.
Finding common ground
Regarding Chair Allan Walmsley’s column on u3as getting together (Finding the similarities, Summer 2026 edition), I have felt for a long time this could be achieved with local u3as. My late wife was the coordinator of a digital photography group in Dunstable u3a, and organised a yearly digital photo competition between Dunstable and Leighton-Linslade u3as. She would set a subject for the competition, from wildlife to objects of interest. It was highly successful event. I have looked at group activities we have in Dunstable that could be matched with other local u3a groups such as boules, croquet and table tennis. Looking at Leighton- Linslade, I can see they have bowls, pétanque and table tennis groups. Such activities would be ideal for friendly competitions, along with pursuits such as painting. Peter Tasker, Dunstable u3a
- If your u3a has successful link-ups with other local u3as, let us know. Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and head your email: GETTING TOGETHER
A problem shared
Getting older alone.
In our Summer issue, member Audrey Name has been changed) shared her dilemma. She is becoming increasingly concerned about what might happen if she should need care or support in the future, as she is alone with no relatives to help her. There has been such a huge response from members who are equally worried, or have offered Audrey valuable advice, that we are planning a key feature in a future issue to cover this subject in much more depth. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write in .
Digital exclusion
In our Spring issue we asked if members feel excluded in today’s digital world – and clearly many of you do. Unfortunately, we don’t have the space to publish the numerous detailed accounts you sent, but thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views. Here are just a few edited letters covering the key points raised by many...
When bank branches began to close nationwide, I was pushed reluctantly to online banking, and everything needed a password (“Don’t use the same one!”). I’ve become familiar with paying for trades online, but was recently shut out of my own bank account when attempting to do so, and sorting it out was extremely stressful (I had to go to the nearest branch). I realise the bank was trying to protect me, but how much easier to write a cheque. Remember those? The latest thing is passkeys because passwords are no longer safe. Enough! We are told this is progress: it doesn’t feel like it to me. Katie Batchelor, Evesham u3a.
In my local town’s public car park the complicated information displayed on a notice board by the payment machine is infuriating. It urges payment by app (or suggests downloading one). Alternatively, there’s a number to call, a website to access or a QR code to scan: this is all assuming customers have a mobile phone anyway. Why can’t we just pay by card? Bob Kendall, u3a not supplied.
Despite not having a mobile phone up until a few years ago, I had no trouble banking online. Then, suddenly, I was required to supply a mobile number to log on. So, any transactions I do must now be over the phone, which takes more time and is tedious. Similarly, I have attempted to open new ISA accounts and have been denied an account solely on the grounds that I cannot supply a mobile number. What’s wrong with a landline, which is surely better proof of identity? Helen Quinton, Faversham & District u3a.
I welcome much technology because, for instance, it enables us to be in touch with family and friends who live far away. It is also really useful for online shopping for people like me who live in the middle of nowhere, especially as I am also disabled. But there must be a balance: businesses and service providers such as councils, surgeries and hospitals need to ensure that all of society can be included. Penelope Ells, Beccles u3a.
Many people do not have smartphones, so there should be alternative ways of communicating messages. GP services are going the digital route, offering apps or video appointments, thereby reducing access to doctors, but most patients want a face-to-face discussion. This is a dangerous step in terms of patient health because many older people will give up trying to see a GP. Mel Lawrence, Sarum u3a.
My 94-year-old mother still uses Facebook and email, but she is now unable to cope with her bank account, paying bills using BACS, or any other digital process. Having been an independent woman all her life, the necessity to do everything financial online has excluded her, and made her dependent on others. This reflects many thousands of older people who would otherwise manage their lives: for instance, paying paper bills at the Post Office with either cash, a debit card or a cheque. Name withheld.
Society is pressuring us all to keep up-to-date with the latest technology and devices as more and more of our daily contacts and transactions are carried out online rather than face-to-face. However, we cannot all afford new smartphones, tablets and laptops, while older, less expensive models are being phased out. Angela Beharrell, Pembrokeshire u3a.
Anyone in favour? Have you found that there are some aspects of the digital revolution that have actually made life better or easier for you in some way? We’d love to know your thoughts!
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!
Taking to the stage
Members of the Newport u3a History and Theatre groups attended a performance of Pianoforte – The Story of Mary Frost at the Riverfront Theatre, performed by Her Story TheatreCompany. The play, written by Adele Cordner, was inspired by the book Mary Frost: Wife, Mother, Chartist written by Sylvia Mason (above, centre), a member of Newport u3a. Set during the turbulent days of the 1839 Newport Rising, Mary Frost was a strong supporter of her husband John Frost, and of his fellow Chartist campaigners’ work to reform British politics.
A decade of learning
Banbridge District u3a is celebrating its 10thanniversary this year – and its 200 members are both proud and delighted at how far it has come. This u3a’s journey began with an inaugural meeting in November 2015 at the Old Town Hall, held to gauge local interest. However, much work had already been happening behind the scenes, laying the foundations with care, commitment and vision. Without the determination of those early pioneers, none of what is being celebrated today would have been possible.
Straw hats and ice-creams
Biddulph Grange Country Park was the picturesque venue for Biddulph u3a’s second Picnic in the Park. Around 80 people gathered to join in with the talented Acoustic Guitar group’s renditions. These included Whiskey in the Jar, Bye Bye Love and Take Me Home, Country Roads.Picnics were munched and some people ventured off to the nearby café for a cuppa or an ice-cream. Thanks to Biddulph u3a’s Acoustic Guitar group and to everyone who attended, making this a special day.
Time to celebrate
This year marked the 30th anniversary of Andover u3a, which celebrated the milestone at its AGM in May at the Fairground Hall, Weyhill. Those cutting the celebration cake were David Gollings, the current Chair; two of the longest-standing members, David and Beryl Laurillard; Haydn Watkins, the original Chair; and Jo Ford, a member who has been with Andover u3a since the beginning. The event was well attended – and the cake, washed down by the beverages served by volunteer helpers, was much appreciated!
Many happy returns
Nearly 100 members of Salford u3a gathered recently for a lunch to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and reflect on four decades of activity, learning and fun, as well as remember their first Chair, the late Betty Sutcliffe. Among the honoured guests were Robin Garrido, ceremonial mayor of Salford, the mayoress Karen Garrido, and Doreen Bradshaw, Salford u3a’s longest serving current member, who joined in 1992. Other planned activities this year include a ceremonial tree planting and the unveiling of a commemorative quilt, made by members of the Quilting group. The Rock and Pop group will hold a 1980s-themed celebration event.
- Send brief details of your memorable event – and a good clear photograph – to:
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Brain games
Crossword
David Barnes of Sawston Area u3a has contributed this issue’s cryptic crossword.
Across
1. Helmsman’s heading for the feature dish (4,6)
7. It’s very unpleasant to refuse ten debts (7)
8. Run into two people and end up in the soup (5)
10. Japanese case buried in main road (4)
11. In error we arrest a common rodent (5,3)
13. Escort around part of a circle (6)
15. Golf bore hit at an angle (6)
17. Year when confusion reigned all over the place (8)
18. Friend is no end of a fool (4)
21 .Wise man comes up with the winning numbers! (5)
22. Sacrosanct, usually for a hymn of praise (7)
23. Good-for-nothing one dweller took apart (4-2-4)
Down
1. Sociable type blends in well (5)
2. I deceive an idol (4)
3. Lettuce ready to treat with excessive care (6)
4. Top protection provided by Dr. L. A. Rumble (7)
5. A secure storage item from bridge admitting no luxury cars (7)
6. Room for a mollusc perhaps, but becoming a crawl for the rest of us (6,4)
9. The nearest on this side is the smith or tailor (10)
12. Hope boar’s move will reveal creation of AA (4,4)
14. A thousand plus unknown number sounds red hot (7)
16. French supermarket loses lead and now the writing is on the wall (6)
19. Raffles stolen goods to the Spanish (5)
20. King originally called for subjects to take this (4)
- 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. Main course. 7. Noxious. 8. Broth. 10. Inro. 11. Sewer rat. 13. Sector. 15. Glance. 17. Anywhere. 18. Chum. 21. Ernie. 22. Sanctus. 23. Ne’er-do-well.
Down: 1. Mixer. 2. Icon. 3. Cosset. 4. Umbrella. 5. Sporran. 6. Snail’s pace. 9. Hithermost. 12. Pooh Bear. 14. Cayenne. 16. Fresco. 19. Hotel. 20. Knee.
To submit a crossword, grids should be no bigger than 15 square. Email it to
Pitcherwits
Across
1. Bubbles to harm, ironically, in Brer Rabbit destination (7,4)
5. De-ice (if possible) the building (7)
9. Remain as an utter square within (4)
10. Double act, now a dead index (4)
11 .Paper pancake? (5)
12. Hear about doing a runner? (4)
13. Old drifter spotted in casino, ahead of time (4)
14. Bid to lend a possibility of being totally distracted (7)
16. Carefully bet on own tab in Devon town (6,5)
Down
1. Sneakily get to sunbathe as over-keen athlete does (5,3,3)
2. Organ said to be always from the past (3)
3. Employment in fatuous entertainment (3)
4. Sincerely, with right digits on left pectoral (4,2,5)
6. Belly dancer does give a bean for assault and battery (3,4)
7. Enters airily in life’s problems? (5,2)
8. Can cede a defeat: beat that! (7)
14. Take one after performance of the Archers? (3)
15. It’s really bad to go up and lightly pat (3)
pitcherwits SOLUTIONS
Across: 1. Bramble bush. 5. Edifice. 9. Stay. 10. Dodo. 11. Crepe. 12. Hare. 13. Noah. 14. Blinded. 16. Newton Abbot.
Down: 1. Beats the gun. 2. Aye. 3. Use. 4. Hand on heart. 6. Dry cell. 7. Flies in. 8. Cadence. 14. Bow. 15. Dab.
- For more free Professor Rebus puzzles and book sales, visit pitcherwits.co.uk
Maths challenge
QUESTION 1
Multiplying Jane’s age six years ago by her age in another six years gives us one hundred and eight. How old is Jane now?
QUESTION 2
A plinth for a sculpture is constructed from steel cubes with sides 1 metre in length. The cubes are arranged in a pyramidal structure with a square base of 10 x 10 cubes followed by 9 x 9 cubes in the next layer continuing to the tenth layer with only 1 cube. What is the area of the visible surface?
Maths challenge solution
Question 1
Suppose Jane’s age is J then, (J – 6) x (J + 6) = J x J – 36 = 108. Hence, J x J = 144, and Jane’s age J = 12.
Question 2
Looking down from above (plan view), the total horizontal surface area of the plinth is equal to the horizontal footprint which is 10 x 10 = 100 square metres. Looking at one of the four vertical sides (elevation view), the total surface area is the sum of the 10 rows of cube faces consisting of 1 cube face in the top row and increasing by 1 for each successive row. The terms of 1 + 2 + 3 … + 10 can be rearranged into pairs.
1 + 2 + 3 … + 10 = (1 + 10) + (2 + 9) + … + (5 + 6) = 5 x 11 = 55.
Therefore, the total surface area is 100 + 4 x 55 = 320 square metres.
- Problems and puzzles are posed weekly online by David Browning, Rod Marshall, Ian Stewart, Anne Stothers and u3a Maths & Stats Subject Adviser David Martin, and can be found at u3a.org.uk/maths
Bridge
From Michael Cleaver, of Lancaster & Morecambe u3a
Leaving a Trump Out
North.
♠ J.
♥ K,3,2.
♦ A,K,Q,3,2.
♣ J,6,3,2.
West.
♠ K,Q,10,8,6,2.
♥ 106.
♦ 8,5.
♣ A,Q,8.
East.
♠ 9,3.
♥ Q,J,4.
♦ J,10,9,6.
♣ 10,7,4.
South.
♠ A,7,5,4.
♥ A,9,8,7,5.
♦ 7,4.
♣ K,5.
The AUCTION:
S. 1♥. 3♦. 4♥.
W. 1♠.P, P.
N. 2♦. 3♥. P.
E. P. P. P.
West leads ♠K
The Play:
South should win ♠A, cash ♥A,K and then play on diamonds, discarding a spade on the third top diamond. She ruffs a diamond, ruffs a spade and plays the thirteenth diamond, throwing her last spade. East can ruff this if he likes, but South makes: 4 hearts, one spade, 1 spade ruff and four diamonds (or 5 hearts and 3 diamonds).
The Principle:
It is frequently expedient to leave one master trump at large. This preserves an extra trump for declarer, sometimes in both hands. It also affords her the ‘tempo’ – that is to say she keeps the lead. In the above case declarer would fail if she drew more than two rounds of trumps. Notice also the timing: declarer delays ruffing a spade in dummy until the ruff gives her access to dummy’s established diamond.
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! Send us an email if you would like to find out more, and we will pass on your details. Email:
INSIGHT
‘The value of friendships, old and new, is priceless’
Lesley-Anne Williams, a member of Hay u3a, shares her thoughts on how rewarding friendship can be throughout life.
I’m 69 and have never given up hope of ‘finding my tribe’. Although we’re all unique, it’s the connections between us that can make our time on Earth so much more rewarding. As a child on the outside of friendship groups, I preferred two companions whom I felt an affinity with through music, books, nature and animals: with these two, I continue to have a vibrant and happy time 60 years later. Together, we have navigated marriages, children, moves to far-flung places, bereavements, serious illnesses and injuries, and still enjoy exploring the same things that interested us then. I have never ignored synchronicity, either. There are people who cross our path as if by accident. For me, being open to these unexpected coincidences has meant I’ve met many different people, had great adventures, and made new friends throughout my life. Of course, there have been difficult times too. Over the years, I’ve lost three close friends, and suffered catastrophic grief for each one, but society as a whole isn’t focused on providing support to bereaved friends. Perhaps it’s because we don’t have a formal ‘role’ when it comes to mourning them, yet these relationships can be stronger than the ones we have with blood relatives. Feelings of grief and loss can occur when relationships run their course too or change dramatically. I am slowly losing a dear friend to dementia, noticing first the missed Christmas letters and birthday cards. Now her life is a mist of confusion, punctuated by her ability to reminisce about the fun we had 40 years ago. Having a good friend – or friends – is important on so many levels: knowing that someone has your back and ‘gets’ what makes you tick (and vice versa) is invaluable. These are the pals who will check in to make sure you’re OK; provide a sympathetic ear and a laugh; or offer wise counsel when you can’t find your way. Companionship can be a huge source of contentment in later life, not least after loss. At 65, five years after divorce and following a busy career in leadership, I moved to an isolated farmhouse in rural Herefordshire with just my dogs and cats for company. I joined in with my local community, taking the first step to feeling connected once again. Yet undoubtedly the most significant move – which introduced me to people who share my lifelong personal interests – was joining Hay u3a. Through the lively Book group, I have met some fantastic members who share their wisdom and wit in equal measure; the Music-All group takes me right back to the live concerts I went to with friends in the 1970s; and the Current Affairs group allows me to share my knowledge of national and local affairs with others who have widely differing opinions, in the convivial surroundings of a local pub. I feel energised when I’m with others, and it is such a joy to find new friends who are on the same page as me. We may be connected by age, gender, interests, passions and place, but it’s also fascinating to find out about other life experiences, opinions, passions and dreams. Being curious is so rewarding, and keeps you open to fresh ideas and different perspectives. With so many u3a members and such a strong network nationwide, finding like-minded people in this organisation isn’t difficult. I certainly feel I’ve found my tribe here. I feel energised when I’m with others.
Lesley-Anne is a professional accredited life coach and bereavement counseller (lesley-anne.co.uk)