Interest Group News 2021
Latest News from our Interest Groups & External Events (National U3A & TVN)
Posted on 22nd December 2021
The Lady Poisoners of Victorian England
Tuesday, 18th January 2022 at 2.30pm via Zoom
The closing date for applications is Saturday, 15th January
David Allen, solicitor, actor and story teller par excellence will again entertain us with another of his meticulously researched stories of the wicked Victorian ladies who bumped off their husbands or lovers.
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you have any problems, please contact the organiser Margaret Sherrington on msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 17th January, please check your spam/junk mail box before contacting the organiser as above
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 11th December 2021
The Defeat of the Spanish Armada
Friday, 7th January 2022 at 10.30 on Zoom
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 4th January
The defeat of the Spanish Armada was an iconic event which shaped the history of England. The “great enterprise” an impressive fleet, was sent by King Philip of Spain in 1588 to invade England and return her people to the Catholic religion.
In this talk Patsy Thornton tells of the people involved, the ships and their armaments, and the exciting encounters between the Spanish and the English fleets in the Channel. In particular, recent discoveries by underwater archaeologists on the many Spanish wrecks off the Irish coast, have shed light on these exchanges. Information from these wrecks about Spanish artillery and gun carriage have explained issues which previously baffled historians. This information
will be shared with the audience.”
This talk is free of charge to u3a members
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton at patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday, 6th January, please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 1st December 2021
Merry Christmas, Mr Dickens
Tuesday, 14th December 2021 at 10.30 on Zoom
The closing date for applications is Saturday, 11th December
David Allen, solicitor, actor and story teller par excellence will delight us with the tale of how ‘A Christmas Carol’ came to be written at lightning speed. Be prepared to be entertained and have your mince pies and mulled wine at the ready!
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com. giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 13th December please check your spam/junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 11th November 2021
The Spirit of Christmas
Its traditions & folklore with a wreath making demonstration
Thursday, 9th December 2021 at 10.30 on Zoom
The closing date for applications is Monday, 6th November
We are delighted to welcome back Katherine Kear - Chair of NASFAS - for her third talk of the year.
This time she will be delighting us with the history behind our traditions at Christmastime and also demonstrating how to make our own wreath.
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com. giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 8th December please check your spam/junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 5th November 2021
A new Quiz for TVN Members
Friday, 3rd December 2021 at 10.30 on Zoom
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 30th November
Quizmaster: Avis Furness
Participants will be divided randomly into team
The Event is free of charge
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser at akfurness@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 2nd December please check your spam/junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 5th November 2021
Mandela – the Man Behind the Myth
Monday, 29th November 2021 at 2.30pm on Zoom
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 24th November
We are delighted to welcome back Bjorn Watson to share with us his extensive knowledge of President Nelson Mandela. Bjorn grew up in South Africa and retains his long-standing interest in its history and culture. Mandela has become an icon of the 20th century and today’s lecture will examine four key aspects of his life and character. They are:-
The Gift of the Gab - the image-conscious Mandela
The Ladies’ man - Mandela and his women
What did he achieve? - Mandela’s legacy
Remembering Mandela - but which one?
The Talk is free of charge
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington on msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Sunday, 28th November please check your spam/junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 26th October 2021
Otters are Back in the Thames
Tuesday, 23rd November 2021 at 10.30 on Zoom
Closing date for applications is Friday, 19th November
The otter is an iconic species of our River Thames, but until recently its numbers have been in sad decline. In today’s talk, Graham Scholey, who works for the Environment Agency, and is Chair of the UK Otter Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group, will be telling us of the work undertaken by his Agency to encourage the return of these fascinating creatures. He will also speak more widely of the ecology of the Thames, and the wide variety of wildlife it supports. His talk is fully illustrated, and there will be plenty of time for questions at the end.
Graham says that he can talk for hours about otters! He will be donating his fee to the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust.
Cost for the talk is £1.00 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton at patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Monday, 22nd November please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 22nd October 2021
Saving the Basque Children 1937
Friday, 19th November 2021 at 10.30 on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Tuesday, 16th November 2021
Many of you will remember the impressive talk given earlier this year, which detailed the volunteers from the Oxfordshire area who had taken part in the Spanish Civil War. We are glad to welcome back Colin Carritt, who gave us that talk and this time he will tell us of the plight of many refugee children from the Basque region. Franco had unleashed an intensive blitz of that area, incurring horrific civilian casualties in the aerial bombardments of Guernica and Bilbao, with resultant near starvation amongst the population. Many families sought to protect their children from this savage regime by sending them abroad. (It is natural to draw parallels with today’s situation in Afghanistan.) Some 4000 of these children found shelter in Britain, many of them in the Oxfordshire area.
Colin will tell the story of the resettlement of these children, and the lives of many who decided to stay here. As his grandmother was Chair of the Basque Children’s Committee, he speaks from family experience.
Cost for the talk is £1.00 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton at patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday, 18th November please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 17th October 2021
Designing and Building a Garden
Monday, 15th November at 2.00pm on Zoom
(This is the event that was postponed in July owing to ill health)
The Closing Date for applications is Friday, 12th November 2021
Richard Rogers is an award winning garden designer with a studio based in Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire. He trained at the acclaimed London College of Garden Design based at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He graduated with distinction and won the external judges prize for the best final project. His talk will look at the process of designing and building a garden to show you what is involved.
Cost for the talk is £1.50 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Mike Price at mikep@greaterthameu3a.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Sunday, 14th November, please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 17th October 2021
The movies from Muybridge and Meliés to
Miramax and Marvel
(a History of Film)
WEDNESDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER at 10.30 a.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Sunday, 7th November 2021
This will be presented by Dr Jeffrey Aronson, Consultant Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist, Department of Primary Care Health Sciences; Emeritus Fellow of Green Templeton College and Movie buff par excellence and one time member of the Laurence Olivier awards Panel.
This a free event
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Fay Sinai at fay.sinai@icloud.com with your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Monday, 8th November, please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 30th September 2021
The Music of Singer-Songwriter,
CAROLE KING
A presentation by Clive Aronson
Thursday, 28th October 2021 at 10:30 p.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Monday, 25th October 2021
We are pleased to welcome back CLIVE ARONSON who has presented two previous musical ‘soirées’ for us. This presentation will be on the music of CAROLE KING, singer-songwriter. She has composed songs sung by singers such as Karly Simon, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Neil Sedaka and many more. So be prepared to dance around your kitchens, in your sitting-rooms or wherever there is a space!
This is a free event
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please contact the organiser, Fay Sinai at fay.sinai@icloud.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Wednesday, 27th October please email the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 23rd September 2021
Little Men in Red Hats
and other English Garden Eccentricities.
A presentation by Dr David Marsh
Thursday, 21st October 2021 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Monday, 18th October 2021
We are delighted to welcome back Dr David Marsh, a Trustee of The Garden’s Trust, a national campaigning body for the protection and support of our historic parks and gardens and designed landscapes.
Today’s light-hearted lectures will look at the ornamentation in English country house gardens and more specifically at the eccentricities to be found in Friars Park, Henley.
Cost for the talks is £2 per device
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please contact the organiser, Margaret Sherrington on msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to
which you belong
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 20th October, please check your spam/junk mail folders before contacting the organiser as above.
She is unable to answer emails on the day of the event.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 23rd September 2021
Stop Press
David Marsh, The Garden Trust Study Day Convenor, is kindly offering TVN u3a members a 25% discount off any of their lectures between now and Christmas. No need to be a member of Garden Trust. Simply access their website via:
https://thegardenstrust.org/events-archive/
Clicking on any event there that appeals to you will take you immediately to the Eventbrite page (similar to our Ticket Source system). To access the discount…. Go to the buy tickets page and in the top left corner, there is a box that says in blue PROMO CODE. Enter/write TVNU3A and then press Apply….. 25% should disappear from the price. Then follow instructions re: your payment (£3 per online lecture). Any problems please contact the Gardens Trust secretary, these are not TVN events.
This special offer is only available until Christmas, so all garden lovers have a good look at what is on offer.
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM YOUR WEBMASTER: This offer does not seem to apply to all events, if you don't see the Enter Promo Code on the page where you select the number of tickets you require the offer does not apply.
Posted on 18th September 2021
Visit to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley
Monday 25th October
I am delighted to inform you that we have arranged a group visit for up to 50 members to RHS Wisley in Surrey to take place on Monday 25th October starting at 10.15 am
What’s included
Members will be responsible for making their own way to and from the garden and we will meet together outside the main entrance at 10.15am. We will have a group tour of the garden lasting approximately one hour with a member of Wisley’s gardening team. A light buffet lunch consisting of finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes, fruit, crisps and tea/coffee is included which we will have together in a private room. Each member on the trip will receive a £5 off retail voucher for use in the extensive plant centre or shop.
The cost of the trip is £18.00 each. The cost is the same whether or not you are a member of the RHS.
About Wisley
Address: RHS Garden Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB.
Wisley is the historic home of the RHS and houses one of the largest plant collections in the world. The gardens delight through every season and offer a beautiful and relaxing experience. There is so much to see - the majestic beauty of the Glasshouse, the stunning Rock Garden and the glorious autumn colours on Seven Acres area and the Equinox borders. The new RHS Hilltop building is now open where visitors can step inside this amazing space to see research being carried out, learn about the invaluable work of the RHS with interactive displays, and marvel at world-class collections. Encompassing RHS Hilltop are three new gardens – the Wellbeing, World Food and Wildlife gardens - each brimming with ideas that reflect the latest research for people to take away and incorporate at home, in schools and in communities.
How to book
This visit is open to all cu3a members. To book your place please reply to this email or email gardenvisits@chalfontsu3a.org.
With best wishes
Jane Barker
Posted on 15th September 2021
Everything Blue
Asmolean Museum
A presentation by Jude Barrett
Tuesday, 12th October 2021 at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Thursday, 7th October 2021
We are pleased to welcome Jude Barrett, from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford who will be speaking on the BLUE items of interest in the museum. In this way she hopes to cover a few collections of interest.
The cost of the event is free, but you must book
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Fay Sinai at fay.sinai@icloud.com with your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 9th October, please contact the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 15th September 2021
Harvest Flowers
A talk and demonstration by Katherine Kear
Thursday, 7th October 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Monday, 4th October 2021
Katherine is making a welcome return to TVN, this time to give us inspiration on flower arranging during the harvest season and using the wonderful colours of autumn. Those members who attended the event last April will remember that she is the National chairman of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies), a national speaker and teacher, a regular broadcaster on the radio and author of several publications on all things floral including myths, legends and folklore, so you may be sure the morning will be entertaining as well as instructive.
The cost of the event is £1 per device
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 6th October, please contact the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 27th August 2021
American Presidents
The mighty and the mediocre
A presentation by Mark Lovett
Friday, 24th September 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Friday, 21st September 2021
Mark Lovett is back by popular demand to share more of his expertise on American history. For those of you who have not joined us for his previous events, Mark is a member of Wokingham u3a prior to which he was a teacher of History and Politics at Wellington College for 27 years. He also lectured part time at Reading University for six years and served as a Magistrate from 2006 to 2018 becoming Chairman of the Berkshire Bench in 2012 until 2014.
There is no charge for the talk
As Mark is a member, there is no charge for the talk. Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton at patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday, 23rd September please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 27th August 2021
Wildlife from Around the World
A presentation by Tom Way
Monday, 13th September 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Friday, 10th September 2021
Tom Way last spoke to us in July and he was asked by most of those present to come back later in the autumn. With the lifting of restrictions he now has the chance to return to Africa and resume his brilliant career photographing wildlife but he has kindly agreed to fit us in before he goes. If you missed his last talk be sure not to miss this one. You will see photographs of wild animals as you have never seen them before. Tom has won many awards including European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and has received great acclaim for his presentations to many u3as as well as numerous other organisations. He travels all over the world capturing wonderful images of Tigers, Lions and Elephants, to name just a few and his descriptions of his exploits are entertaining and amusing. He will not only show you his wildlife images but also describe the stories behind how he took them. This talk will appeal both to photographers and wildlife enthusiast and is one not to be missed.
We can’t show any of his images here for copyright reasons but please check out
his website at www.tomway.co.uk
Cost for the talk is £1 per device
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event..
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Susie Berry at events@u3atvnetwork.org.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Sunday, 12th September please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 20th August 2021
TVN September Quiz
Friday, 10th September 2021 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom
A new Quiz for TVN Members Friday, 10th September, 2021 at 2.30 p.m. on Zoom Quizmaster: Avis Furness Participants will be randomly divided into teams
This event is free of charge. Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event. If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser at akfurness@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong
Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 7th September
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 9th September, please contact the organiser as above. To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.
This Event is free of Charge
Posted on 12th August 2021
Oceans Circulation in a Changing Climate
A presentation by Dr. Simon Boxall
Wednesday, 8th September 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Friday, 3rd September 2021
Ocean circulation in a changing climate - how small changes make big differences. The oceans are vast, covering over 70% of the planet's surface and contain 14 (followed by 17 zeros) tonnes of water. Yet a small change of a fraction of a degree in temperature can reverse the way this gargantuan mass of water moves around our planet, effecting life on land as well as in the ocean itself.
Dr. Simon Boxall is a senior lecturer in Oceanography at the University of Southampton National Oceanography Centre (UK), and heads up the science on the Cape Farewell project (capefarewell.com). He has worked on secondment for projects for UNESCO, The European Union Research Centre, The World Bank, The British Council and the European Space Agency over the years. He has a responsibility for public understanding and has been involved in documentaries for C4, Sky, BBC, National Geographic and Discovery. He regularly appears on radio and TV news and current affairs broadcasts worldwide relating to a broad range of ocean, coastal and climate issues. He is a regular contributor to Newsnight, and Radio 4’s Today and PM programmes.
This Talk is free of Charge
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on the TVN website www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link approximately 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Gill Le Du at gill.ledu@btinternet.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Tuesday, 7th September, please check your spam / junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 3rd August 2021
MEETING UP AGAIN- IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL OUR MEMBERS
As our groups start to meet up again in person following the lifting of the majority of Covid restrictions I thought it might be helpful to offer some simple guidelines for members which will help us all to keep safe as far as possible, whilst enjoying our activities. Whilst the vaccine offers significant protection against severe illness for most people, it is not 100% effective and appears to be only around 60% effective at reducing transmission of the Covid delta variant.
All our convenors have been advised of the risk assessments they need to undertake and the arrangements they need to have in place to open in a Covid secure manner. Please help them by following their instructions. This is what you can do as an individual:
1. Please do not attend an event/interest group meeting/activity if you are feeling unwell.
2. Continue to wash/sanitise your hands regularly, especially if you are sharing equipment, food, crockery etc with other members.
3. If you become unwell following contact with other Chalfonts u3a members at a u3a meeting/event and test positive for Covid, please let your group convenor, or Lesley Bedford the group co-ordinator, know immediately.
4. For each activity and meeting you attend please consider the amount of personal risk you are prepared to take. We are unable to guarantee that you will not come into contact with someone who has covid. Please let your group convenor know if you have any concerns.
We will monitor carefully how the re-opening of our groups is proceeding and adjust our plans as appropriate. We are hoping that a return to in-person meetings indoors can be achieved for our groups over the course of the Autumn.
Jane Barker
Chair
Posted on 13th July 2021
Wine Appreciation Group One - Grace Hunter
Joy oh joy we could meet together in person as a group in the garden instead of on Zoom. Zoom was useful for keeping us in touch but actually meeting in person we realised how much we had missed it. There were 15 of us seated under gazebos in the sunshine, at least before a very heavy downpour, but it did not last long. We had a few drips where the two gazebos met but quickly sorted by the use of a few clothes pegs and umbrellas. We tasted white wines from Hungary, Germany, and South Africa, followed by red wines from Italy, Lebanon, and New Zealand. We always enjoy these evenings but this gettogether was especially joyous because of the long break.
Posted on 13th July 2021
Walking group up to 6 miles - Update from Nigel Trotman
After a break of 15 months the group restarted in mid-June. We were limited to numbers to comply with regulations. Following a few very hot days we set off for the walk in rain, which was not forecast. The rain soon cleared up and we had a good walk from The Cock Inn at Sarratt, down into the Chess Valley. It was so good to see all the familiar faces again and catch up. Lunch was taken in a large tepee tent in the pub garden. We hope to be able to return to our normal routine in the not too distant future. Some photos were taken of the group enjoying lunch by Ray Higginbottom and these can be seen on our groups' page.
Posted on 13th July 2021
Singing for Pleasure Choir
I would like the members of the Singing for Pleasure Choir to know that because our excellent pianist has now left the UK and we are unable at the moment, to find a replacement, I have arranged for twelve songs to be recorded directly from the music to discs and hopefully, we will be able to rehearse this way until we find a replacement for Ben. If in the meantime, someone within the group is willing to play the piano for us please let me know. We are willing to cover any expenses that may be incurred. Brenda O’Gorman. Singing4pleasure@chalfontsu3a.org.uk
Posted on 13th July 2021
The Photography Group
The Photography Group is meeting in the garden area of the Madeira Café at 1.30pm on Thursday 15th July, for a social chat about what to do for the balance of 2021.
An email has been sent out to the group members about this meeting. If you’re not a member and would like to come along to find out more about the group and what we do, then please email photography@chalfontsu3a.org.uk and let the convenor Tony Darbyshire know you’d like to attend.
You can find more details on the website about the Photography group.
Posted on 13th July 2021
Mahjong Group- WE ARE BACK! Update from Sam Patel
Having played online since March 2020 we are now back to playing face to face at Chalfont St Peter Community Centre. Games will take place on the 3rd and 4th Wednesday of every month starting at 10.30 am.
We are all very excited about seeing folks in the flesh so to speak and whilst Boris has relaxed all the rules, we are keeping in place one or two just to keep everyone safe at least in the short term.
Whether you are a complete novice, an expert or somewhere in between and would like to join us please send me an email. We predominately follow the British rules but have made some tweaks to improve our experience. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who played online thus keeping us mildly sane, to my co-hosts, Alan Higson, Chin Fenton, and Sue Woodcock without whom I would never have survived, and to the u3a for all their support and encouragement – it means so much.
Posted on 13th July 2021
Lawn bowls update from Mike Alderton
Posted on 13th July 2021
Italian Conversation Advanced - Barbara Lloyd
We celebrated our reunion with coffee and cake and exchanged stories of our activities and experiences during the long period of restrictions.
This was followed by a game of Scarabeo, the Italian version of Scrabble, which proved challenging and instructive and was much enjoyed by all. It will certainly feature again in future meetings!
Posted on 13th July 2021
David Brodie supporting the Nepalese charity Mountain People
David Brodie, a member of the Creative Writing Group, has just published his latest novel and all proceeds from the book will go to the Nepalese charity Mountain People (www.mountain-people.org), which aims to help the people of Nepal help themselves.
The novel is called June The Twenty Fourth and can best be described as an adventurous biography that follows the lives and loves of two boys as they experience a number of events, from birth to maturity. These events, some might say fantastical, are initiated by an unknown mentor.
Throughout the boys’ lives, their places in family, society and personal development are contrasted, for no two people walk in the same shoes forever.
This is a work of fiction, but much of what you read is so realistic that you are bound to be left with the question – did this really happen?
Posted on 13th July 2021
A BIG Thank You
A big thank you for supporting the Chalfont St Peter Community Centre Quiz and BBQ now on 7 August!
Thank you to all the Chalfonts u3a members who are supporting the new build Chalfont St Peter Community Centre project by coming along to the afternoon quiz on Saturday 7 August 2pm and for their very kind donations for the raffle. All this support is greatly appreciated and it’s sure to be a fun event. There's still time to join in. For more information and to get tickets email: info@cspcc.org.uk or david.burbidge@talk21.com
Posted on 2nd July 2021
Designing and Building a Garden
A presentation by Richard Rogers
Wednesday, 28th July 2021 at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Monday, 25th July 2021
Richard Rogers is an award winning garden designer with a studio based in Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire. He trained at the acclaimed London College of Garden Design based at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He graduated with distinction and won the external judges prize for the best final project. His talk will look at the process of designing and building a garden to show you what is involved.
Cost for the talk is £1.50 per device.
Cost for the talk is £1.50 per device. Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on
www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Mike Price at mikep@greaterthameu3a.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Tusday, 27th July please check your spam/junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 2nd July 2021
Wildlife on Your Doorstep
A presentation by Tom Way
Tuesday, 20th July 2021 at 10:30 p.m. on Zoom
The Closing Date for applications is Friday, 16th July 2021
Tom Way is a brilliant young photographer who has won many awards including European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He has already won great acclaim for his presentations to many u3as as well as numerous other organisations. He travels all over the world capturing wonderful images of Tigers, Lions and Elephants. In this talk he emphasizes all the fantastic wildlife there is to see and photograph right here on our doorsteps, from Deer to Hedgehogs and from Owls to Foxes. He will not only show you his wildlife images from our local area but also describe the stories behind how he took them. He will also branch out to talk about our coastlines and more northerly areas of the UK. His head-on image of a Puffin about to land is a particular favourite. His talk will appeal both to photographers and wildlife enthusiast and is one not to be missed.
We can’t show any of his images here for copyright reasons but please check out his website at www.tomway.co.uk
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Cost for the talk is £1 per device. Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on
www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Susie Berry at events@tvnetwork.org.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Monday, 19th July please check your spam/junk box before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 19th June 2021
Art as Therapy
A presentation by Lizzy Rowe
Monday 12th July 2021 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Thursday, 8th July 2021
Lizzy Roweis an art historian who studied at the Courtauld Institute in London before joining English Heritage as a guidebook editor. She currently lives in Oxford where she teaches Art History, as well as giving guided tours and talks. She is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic speaker on a wide variety of related subjects. On her topic of ‘Art as Therapy’she will share with us her delight in a range of images, all of which cause pleasure and may lift us above the more mundane aspects of life. The talk is lavishly illustrated. Some of the pictures will be familiar, others will widen our horizons. Lizzy will be happy to answer questions at the end of the talk.
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3anetwork.org.uk. This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton at patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Sunday, 11th July please check your junk / spam folder before
emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 19th June 2021
The Job of a Laughtime
A presentation by Brad Ashton
Tuesday 6th July 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Friday, 2nd July 2021
Brad Ashton is an accomplished writer who has worked in comedy for half a century, writing top TV comedy shows in eleven different countries. In this presentation he will recall the fun he had writing scripts for Groucho Marx as well as either Radio or TV series for leading British comedians including Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Frankie Howerd, Bruce Forsyth, Hylda Baker, Hattie Jacques, David Frost and Bob Monkhouse. The talk contains many humorous backstage stories with some startling surprises.
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3anetwork.org.uk. This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Susie Berry at events@tvnetwork.org.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Monday, 5th July please check your junk / spam folder before
emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 19th June 2021
AFTERNOON QUIZ AND BBQ
Saturday 7 August 2021 at 2.30pm
to be held in the garden or inside the Main Hall if wet
Cost: £10 per head
to include BBQ hamburgers/sausages/roll/bun(vegetarian option available)
Teams of 6 or we can make up teams for individual entrants
BAR AVAILABLE
(Payment - cash only please)
RAFFLE
Tickets available from
the Community Centre Office Gravel Hill, CSP SL9 9QX
Tel: 01753 885778 (please leave a message)
or
email cbirkenshaw@cspcc.org.uk
All funds raised will go towards the New Build Project
Reg Charity 1137306 Company No 729721
Posted on 8th June 2021
Black Holes and the Transient Universe
A lecture by Prof Phil Charles
Tuesday 29th June 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Wednesday, 23rd June 2021
Prof Phil Charles will touch on matters such as black holes, white dwarfs, X-ray binaries in our Galaxy, high energy gamma rays and other mysteries of the Universe.You willnot need a degree in physics to understand these mysteries, Phil will explain.
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3anetwork.org.uk. This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Jane Sellwood at janesellwood09@gmail.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Monday, 28th June please check your junk / spam folder before
emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 19th May 2021
Oxfordshire and the Spanish Civil War
A lecture by Colin Carritt
Wednesday16th June 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Sunday, 13th June 2021
Colin Carritt, Chair of the Oxford International Brigade Memorial Committee talks about Oxfordshire and the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 with particular reference to some of the individuals and characters who went to Spain including three members of his own family
Cost for the talk is £1 per device.
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3anetwork.org.uk. This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoon link about 48 hours before the event. If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thronton on patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Tuesday, 15th June please check your junk / spam folder before
emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 13th May 2021
The Lady and the Generals
A lecture by Bjorn Watson
Thursday 10th June 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Sunday, 6th June 2021
Bjorn Watson, the u3a member who gave us the fascinating Brunel to Eden lecture earlier this year, now returns to share with us his knowledge of wider events. This talk grew out of his interest in Burma where his parents lived and worked. This is the story of the iconic Aung San Suu Kyi and her fall from grace. It will include the background to the Rohingya crisis and cover the recent coup in Myanmar (formally Burma)
The talk is free of charge.
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3anetwork.org.uk. This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoon link about 48 hours before the event. If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington on msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Wednesday, 9th June please check your junk / spam folder before
emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 11th May 2021
Welcome to the 2021 Chalfont St. Giles Literary Festival website
This time a ‘virtual’ festival taking place 13-16th May 2021.
We hope our varied programme, which includes a musical event, a gardening expert and a Milton workshop,
will tempt you to enjoy a few hours of culture, relaxation and interest.
All events are accessed via Zoom Webinar and tickets cost £5 per event.
View the programme and buy tickets here.
We look forward to seeing you!
The Festival Committee
Posted on 6th May 2021
The British Prime Minister,
a President in all but name
A presentation by Mark Lovett
Friday 4th June 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Monday, 31st May 2021
Our presenter is Mark Lovett who entertained us so well with his popular talk on “America Elects a President” in February. On this occesion the topic is timely as 2021 marks the 300th Anniversary of the first Prime Minister taking office - Robert Walpole. Boris Johnson is the 55th PM.However,this presentation will concentrate on the 20th/ 21st Centuries:- how the role evolved, how the personalities involved created new precedents for others to follow --- all leavened with scurrilous anecdotes
Mark has been a member of Wokingham u3a since 2007 prior to whichhe was a teacher of History and Politics at Wellington College for 27 years. He also lectured part time at Reading University for six years and served as a Magistrate from 2006 to 2018 becoming Chairman of the Berkshire Bench in 2012until 2014. He is currently a Voluntary Guide at Winchester Cathedral.
The talk is free of charge. Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton at patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong. If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday, 3rdJune please check your junk / spam folder before emailing the organiser as above.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 6th May 2021
TVN - Maytime Quiz
Friday 28th May 2021 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Monday, 24th May 2021
Quizmaster: Avis Furness
Participants will be randomly divided into teams
This event is free of charge Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser at akfurness@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 27thMay, please contact the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 26th April 2021
April 2021 u3a Newsletter
The National u3a have published their latest monthly newsletter, you can view it by clicking the button below.
Posted on 20th April 2021
TVN - Gershwin and his Music
Tuesday18th May 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
The closing Date for applications is Tuesday, 11th May 2021
Talk by Clive Aronson
We are very pleased to have CLIVE ARONSON back, this time to talk to us about George Gershwin, a composer and musician who died too young and too early. Clive will illustrate the music with clips, both visual and on audio.
The session will be divided as follows:
10.15.-10.30 Entry to the meeting
10.30 –11.30 Music by Gershwin
11.30 –11.40 Short break
11.40 –End Q&A (approx.. 15 mins.)
The fee for the event is £2.00 per device
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link about 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Fay Sinai at fay.sinai@cloud.com with your name and the u3a to which you belong. If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Monday, 17th May please check your junk/spam folder before emailing the organiser as above. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 18th April 2021
TVN -The History of Gardening Part 1
Part 1 Wednesday 14th May 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Monday, 10th May 2021
Talk by Dr David March
Dr David Marsh, our speaker for this 4-lecture course, is a Trustee of The Gardens Trust, a national campaigning body for the protection and support of our historic parks and gardens and designed landscapes. He is co-chair of their Education and Events committee. The morning will be divided into two sessions of about an hour each with a short break in between. The first lecture looks at when and how the interest in gardening began, and the second explores where the plants in our gardens came from originally. There will be a chance to ask questions following the session.
The cost for the talk is £1 per device and is open to u3a members only. Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link approximately 48 hoursbefore the event
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday 13th May, please check your junk / spam folder before emailing the organiser as above. Please note she is unable to respond to emails on the morning of the event.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 18th April 2021
TVN -The History of Gardening Part 2
Part 2 Friday 21st May 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Monday, 17th May 2021
Talk by Dr David March
Dr David Marsh, continues a sour speaker for this 4-lecture course. He is a Trustee of The Gardens Trust, a national campaigning body for the protection and support of our historic parks and gardens and designed landscapes. He is co-chair of their Education and Events committee. As before the morning will be divided into two sessions of about an hour each with a short break in between. The third lecture looks at the growth of interest amongst the 19th century middle class and how technology changed the face of our gardens, whilst the fourth, and final, lecture considers how the mass media has changed gardening in the 20th century. There will be a chance to ask questions following the session.
The cost for the talk is £1 per device and is open to u3a members only. Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link approximately 48 hours before the event
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday 20th May, please check your junk / spam folder before emailing the organiser as above. Please note she is unable to respond to emails on the morning of the event.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 18th April 2021
Computing Group Meeting 29th April 2021
Posted on 9th April 2021
TVN -The Sweetest Thing: The History of Sugar
Wednesday 7th May 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Monday, 3rd May 2021
Talk by Ruth Nobbs
Ruth Nobbs (of Charge of the Light Brigade fame) has kindly agreed tocome to us again. This talk was first produced in 2014 for Ruth's Industrial Heritage group. It covers many aspects of the history of sugar, including: the cultivation, extraction and processing of cane and beet; tracing the dramatic rise of the use of sugar in Britain andits importance to the wealth of individuals and to the country as a whole (even leading to trade wars being fought); and the current state of the sugar industry and consumption today. With such a wide remit, one of the most contentious aspects of sugar production, the use of slave labour, can only be touched on briefly.As Ruth says, "that is a whole other story"
The event is free of charge, but you must book
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Sue Berry at events@tvnetwork.org.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on Thursday 6th May, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 3rd April 2021
Bridge for Beginners Update
The group is planning to start in a Covid secure way in the next 2 months. Please contact the group convenor if you are interested in joining the group.
Posted on 2nd April 2021
TVN - 1685
HOW MODERN MEDICINE COULD HAVE CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY
Wednesday 15th April 2021 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday, 8th April 2021
Talk by Dr Jeffrey Aronson
King Charles II fell ill on Sunday 1 February 1685. HIs illness progressed, despite, or perhaps because of, the efforts of his physicians, using contemporary methods of treatment, based on humoral theory. He died just before noon on Friday 6 February. He left no heir to the throne, and after the brief reign of his brother, James II, also childless, William III took the throne by force in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. What was Charles's final illness? Could modern medicine have prolonged his life? And could it have provided him with an heir, thereby changing the succession?
Consultant Physician and Clinical Pharmacologist, Department of Primary Care Health Sciences; Emeritus Fellow of Green Templeton College will tell the history of Charles’ illnesses and discuss the reasons why modern medicine could have changed the course of history.
Programme
10.15.-10.30 Entry to the meeting
The event is free of charge, but you must book
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Fay Sinai at fay.sinai@cloud.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 13th April, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 31st March 2021
Book Club 2 is Back !
The Interest Group Book Club 2 is restarting. Click the button below to read their latest update.
Posted on 13th March 2021
TVN - Floral Art
Wednesday 7th April 2021 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday, 31st March 2021
Saying it with Flowers
Talk & Demonstration by Katherine Kear
This study day will explore the symbolic meanings given to flowers and how it affected floral arrangements during history. We are extremely fortunate to have Katherine Kear as our speaker. She is the National chairman of NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies), a national speaker and teacher, a regular broadcaster on the radio and author of several publications on all things floral including myths, legends and folklore. She will offer us two 45 minute lectures and will demonstrate her points in the second by creating a period style of floral arrangement as she talks.
Programme
10.15 a.m. Zoom link opens - please log in early
10.30 -11.15 Floral Symbolism
11.15 -11.30 Short break
11.30-12.15 Periodfloral arrangements combined with actual demonstration
12.15 -12.30 Questions and answers
The event is free of charge, but you must book
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 6th April, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 13th March 2021
TVN - The Spring Quiz
Friday 9th April 2021 at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Saturday, 3rd April 2021
A new Quiz for TVN members – this time with a Springtime theme
Quizmaster: Avis Furness
Participants will be randomly divided into teams
The event is free of charge, but you must book
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser at akfurness@aol.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 8th April, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 13th March 2021
TVN - The Migration of Birds
Wednesday 14th April 2021 at 10:30 on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Friday, 9th April 2021
Every year millions of birds fly, often great distances, to sites where they build nests and bring up their young before returning to their winter feeding grounds. Often they will use the same nesting site year after year. Why do they go to such lengths with all the risks involved? How do they know when to fly and how to fly to their chosen destination when they may never have been there before? Modern biology does not yet have all the answers, but knowledge is constantly being gained. In his talk Bryan will explore how migration was first observed and how the study of it has developed as well as addressing thesequestions.
Bryan Williams, our presenter, is a retired biologist and a member of Wokingham u3a where he now co-ordinates the Natural History Group and one of two Bird Watching Groups.
The talk is free of charge, but you must book
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link approximately 48 hours before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Susie Berry at events@u3atvnetwork.org.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 13th April, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 17th February 2021
TVN - "Sweet Thames"
17th & 18th March 2021 at 10:30 - 12:30 on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday, 10th March 2021
Wednesday
Steve Capel-Davies is a river engineer, with strong links to Wallingford Museum. He has had a lifetime's involvement with the Thames, during which time he developed a great interest in all aspects of its history. He has also been involved with the Wallingford Historical and Archaeological Society for more than 30 years. He will set the scene for us, by describing how the Thames has shaped our region.
John Tough will be giving us a history of Tough's Boatyard in Teddington, looking at six generationsof the Tough family on the Thames. The yard was involved with the Dunkirk evacuation, built motortorpedo boats during the War, and many motor yachts and commercial vessels, including the MV Havengore that carried Sir Winston Churchill's coffin upriver in 1965.
Thursday
Cliff Colborne is a long-term member of theThames Traditional Boats Society, and will talk about the development of unpowered boating on this river.
Graham Scholey is the biodiversity technical specialist for the Thames Area Environment Agency. He will be talking to us about the wildlife and ecology of the Thames area, including a discussion of its less visible denizens (fish, invertebrates, otters, etc) as well as the more visible, as they are essential to how the river works.
Cost for the talk is £3 per device
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Patsy Thornton patsy@thorntac.co.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 16th March, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published, please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 5th February 2021
TVN - Butterflies within a Changing Environment
Wednesday, 31st March 2021 at 10:30 on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Wednesday, 24th March 2021
What is a butterfly and how do they differ from moths? Is the changing climate affecting the native species and how are they coping? What will we expect to see if global warming continues and how can we try and maintain the health of our native species for the future? Dr. Ian Bedford is Head of Entomology at the John Innes Centre, an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology. He will answer all these questions, and more, in a fascinating talk on his favourite subject, the butterfly.
Cost for the talk is £3 per device
Please book electronically by clicking on the TICKETSOURCE icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Fay Sinai at fay.sinai@icloud.com giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 30th March, please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published,please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 29th January 2021
TVN - From Brunel to Eden
A celebration of the Art of Engineering
Thursday, 11th March 2021 at 10:30 to 12:30 on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Monday, 4th March 2021
Following on from the extremely popular study days on architecture, one of our u3a members, Bjorn Watson BSc MSc, MICE, CEng, has kindly offered to talk about the great 19th Century engineers and how they inspired 20th century structural engineering. Bjorn is a retired consulting civil and structural engineer who has specialised in concrete and seismic engineering and was a director of one of the leading engineering consultancies in the country. He has worked on many high profile projects including the Eden Project, the Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Building in the City of London and the Central Business Exchange
in Milton Keynes.
Since retiring Bjorn has developed his interest in the history of architecture and engineering and lectured to a number of organisations including several professional groups, U3A and Probus Clubs. This promises to be a very interesting day indeed.
Programme (The link will be live from10.00 a.m.)
10.30 The work of some the great civil engineers of the 19th century.
11.15 Questions and answers
SHORT BREAK
11.30 The creative workof some leading 20thcentury structural engineers.
12.15 Questions and answers
This event is free of charge as the speaker is a U3A member
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few daysbefore the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Margaret Sherrington at msherrington2@aol.com with your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 10th March please email the organiser as above.To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 15th January 2021
TVN - Music from the Musicals
Tuesday, 23rd February at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom
Closing date Monday 15th February 2021
Payment of £3.00 per device should, if possible, be made by bank transfer
Clive Aronson will be giving a unique insight into the musicals we all know and love. He has had his own radio programme (which he started purely as a charity one-off eventduring lockdown last year) which has proved so successful that he now runs it weekly with a different slant each session.
Clive will illustrate the music with clips, both visual and on audio. The session will be divided as follows:
10.15.-10.30 Entry to the meeting
10.30 –11.15 Music from the Musicals
11.15 –11.30 Short break
11.30 –12.15 Hooray for Hollywood
Posted on 29th January 2021
TVN - The Americans Elect a President
Friday, 12th February 2021 at 10:30 on Zoom
Closing Date for applications is Monday, 8th February 2021
Our presenter is Mark Lovett who has been a member of Wokingham u3a since 2007 prior to which he was a teacher of History and Politics at Wellington College for 27 years. (Many members will remember his excellent talks and tours of the college during both The Riverside and Pathways Projects) He also lectured part time at Reading University for six years and served as a Magistrate from 2006 to 2018 becoming Chairman of the Berkshire Bench in 2012 until 2014. He is currently a Voluntary Guide at Winchester Cathedral and writes occasionally on American History and Politics for a small group of interested parties.
There is no fee for this event as Mark is a u3a member
Please book electronically by clicking on the ‘TICKETSOURCE’ icon immediately below the event on www.u3atvnetwork.org.uk This is by far the best and easiest option. You will receive an acknowledgement immediately and the Zoom link a few days before the event.
If you experience any difficulty, please email the organiser Susie Berry at events@u3atvnetwork.org.uk giving your name and the u3a to which you belong.
If you have not received the Zoom link by midday on 11th February please email the organiser as above.
To receive notification of forthcoming TVN events as soon as they are published please email events_info@u3atvnetwork.org.uk
Posted on 24th January 2021
TVN - Inspiring Photography
Tuesday, 9th February at 10:15 to 12:45 on Zoom
Closing date Tuesday 2nd February 2021
The fee for the event is £2.00 per screen.
To attend please Click on the “Ticket Source” button on our website atwww.u3atvnetwork.org.uk
or send a printed application form together with a cheque to the address on the application form.
Our event looks at composition and techniques with the emphasis on wildlife photography and, as we cannot travel at present, a virtual safari to enjoy from your home.
The speaker, Bob Brind-Surch, is a professional zoologist and teacher as well as an experienced photographer and naturalist passionate about his work and sharing his observations of wildlife with others. Bob has been a keen naturalist from a very young age and a photographer from his late teens.
Bob is a foremost a naturalist who photographs what he observes rather than a photographer specialising in wildlife. This is very important to him and goes back to why he started taking photos in the late 60s.
You can learn more about the event by clicking th flyer below.
Posted on 15th January 2021
TVN - Quiz
Wednesday, 3rd February 2021 at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom
This event is free of charge for members.
If you would like to take part, please send an email tvnquiz@gmail.com
Posted on 1st January 2021
TVN - Inspiring Photography Event
Wednesday, 20th January at 10:15 to 12:45 on Zoom
Closing date Friday 11th January 2021
Payment of £3.00 per device should, if possible, be made by bank transfer
Our study morning aims to inspire you to improve the composition of your photographs. Whether you are using the camera on your phone or a top of the range Digital Single Lens Reflex, the talks will focus on recognising the best photos to take and how to capture them.
Re-Posted on 1st January 2021
TVN - Understanding Architecture Event
Monday, 25th January & Tuesday, 26th January 2021 on Zoom
Closing date Friday 18th January 2021
£5.00 per application for the two days
This event proved so popular in September that we are repeating it.
The aim of these presentations is to inform members how to “read” buildings, how to understand
what they are seeing and what it symbolises; also to provide a brief history of architectural progress
from 18th century to modern times. It is hoped this will enrich your future travels at home and
abroad.
We are very fortunate to have Dr Geoffrey Tyack, FSA, FRHistS as our speaker for both days. He is
a Fellow Emeritus of Kellogg College and President of the Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical
Society. He has many publications to his credit and considerable experience teaching groups of all
ages. Each of these four lectures will be around 45 minutes in length, copiously illustrated with
photographs and allowing 15 minutes for questions afterwards.