Ageing Better: The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health and Wellbeing This Health & Wellbeing session (part of the series from Edge Hill University) will be on Friday 14th June at 11am at St Michael’s Church Hall. Do come along and join us. Click on the poster for an enlarged view and details.  

The Last Science Group Meeting – November 1st, 2023 ???  Our visiting speaker, David Sutton, talked about Generative AI, a type of Artificial Intelligence, in particular at the combination of Artificial Intelligence with Art and Photography.  The three images were produced by such an AI program.

This story is a memory I have of an unusual Irish man, and of a time now long gone, and I hope it will be of interest to u3a readers. The poems attached at the end are by my husband, Francis Loughlin, and also relate to Connemara.  We both fell in love with this special place on our… Read More »

When I was a little girl, my mother filled my head with stories of fairies, goblins and any other mythical creatures she could think of, so I spent quite a long time searching under the bushes in our back garden for a sight of one of the Little People.  With no luck, I asked her just where were they.  She smiled a… Read More »

Certain Groups run events, meetings and outings where any u3a member is welcome to attend even if they do not regularly or usually go to the Group Meetings.  Indeed extra people are sometimes necessary to make an event or group viable or cheaper.   So now and then, do check out the following: Beer Appreciation Theatre Visits Philharmonic Visits… Read More »

Family friendly workshop highlights healthy ageing to combat dementia Edge Hill University researchers and Aughton & Ormskirk u3a welcomed more than 170 visitors to a workshop to highlight healthy ageing and combat dementia. The Healthy Brain Showcase featured talks and discussion on healthy ageing and memory, in addition to dance performances and crafting. The event was part of… Read More »

Tuesday 7th February 2023 A Brief History of Entertainment A ‘cheer up’ on a Winter Afternoon with the help of Mervyn Saunders. ______________________________________________________________________ Tuesday 7th March 2023 The Architecture of Alfred Waterhouse Born in Liverpool 1830, Alfred Waterhouse went on to study architecture and was particularly associated with the Victorian Gothic Revival Style. He designed many of our… Read More »

Following on from the successful collaboration with Edge Hill University on the Ageing Better Project, there was a free Showcase Event on Saturday 11th February in the Arts Centre at Edge Hill University, starting with Reception and coffee at 10am. Programme 10:00 -10:30 – Reception & Coffee 10:30 – Opening ceremony 10:45 – Talks from guest speakers on… Read More »

Tuesday 4th October Lancashire Comedians  Dr Tom Preston joins us to talk about the evolution of local comedy by referencing some of the styles of Lancashire comedians of the past. As it is Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Anniversary year we will begin with the wit of Her Majesty, Duke of Lancaster. Tuesday 1st November  Coal Mining in Lancashire… Read More »

Our outdoor visits began Saturday 30 April Milford Junction. Where? Clue: be careful to avoid getting grit in your eye. We were going for a brief encounter at Carnforth Heritage Centre. Part of the film Brief Encounter was filmed at Carnforth Station, named Milford Junction in the film. The visit included lunch – sandwiches, cake and tea/coffee in… Read More »

Wednesday, 2nd November 2022 Emeritus Professor Dr Chris Hunt The Neanderthals of Shanidar Cave, Iraq Further details of Professor Hunt’s presentation will be uploaded when available. If the scientists are to be believed, including our favourite TV presenter, Prof Alice Roberts, all of us north of the Med have a small percentage of Neanderthal DNA.  

Speakers:     Brian Farrimond – Peter Gateley – Peter Hatfield Anglo Saxon Timeline  can be accessed on this link. March 22, 2022 –  Talk  – Westminster Abbey – Part 1 Westminster Abbey On the site of a Saxon monastery, a large new building in the Norman style was ordered by King Edward the Confessor some time after 1042 and consecrated… Read More »

The October 25-mile round trip to Ainsdale included a stop for lunch at the Tipple Bar. and here’s a short video from the recent Ainsdale ride showing that the country lanes are ideal for cycling.

Wednesday September 7th 2022 The first meeting of the 2022/23 season welcomed back retired biology lecturer, Dr Phil Smith, MBE, who gave a most interesting talk about the efforts to conserve nature along the Sefton Coast.

2019 Highlights The Annual u3a CHRISTMAS LUNCH (in December at Christ Church Ministry Centre) Although the weather was quite awful outside, those at the Christmas Lunch didn’t really notice – they were generally just too busy enjoying themselves! Click or tap on any photo in the gallery to run it as a full-size presentation. Photos courtesy of Alan… Read More »

Wednesday, 4th May 2022 Eric McEvoy’s talk, “An introduction to Coastal Habitats and Marine Pollution” covered the full two hour meeting.

Wednesday April 6th Our u3a member, Bill Hale, gave a fascinating talk about “The Galapagos Islands” illustrated as usual with his stunning photographs.

Wednesday, 2nd March 2022 This meeting was rescheduled from January, and was well worth the wait. Visiting Southport u3a member and leading light in Southport Astronomical Society, Bob Mount presented a fascinating Introduction to Astronomy and Astro Physics.

Wednesday, 2nd February 2022 We were delighted that the Science Group meetings resumed after having to postpone January’s meeting due to Covid. Our own member, Edmund Moynihan, presented :- “Rocket Science: Getting to the Moon, Mars, & Beyond”

Wednesday, 3rd November 2021 Colin Redwood told us the story of how the manufacturing of window glass developed from the 1800s up to the modern Float process. The Float process was devised and developed by Pilkingtons and has since become the single, universal process, totally revolutionising the glass industry. The incredible and vast uses of glass in the… Read More »

Wednesday, 6th October 2021 Butterflies of West Lancashire – Peter Gateley Peter Gateley told us about the lives of the Butterfly populations in our area of Lancashire. How they have coped, or otherwise, with huge developments in industrial and farming practices.

Wednesday, 1st September 2021 After a Covid absence of 18 months, we were once again able to meet in person, complete with a new leadership team. First up was Bill Hale, who revealed the Science, the “Lies” and the Truth about Martin Mere – the Lake, not the Wildfowl Trust!”

Tuesday 5th October 2021 – Census and Sensibility Stephen Bennett presented a light hearted look at local history census returns 1841-1911 Tuesday 2nd November  The Co-Operative Retail Business The co-operative selling began in Lancashire, perhaps some members remember their family ‘divi’ number. Stephen Caunce talked about the history of the people’s own shop. Tuesday 7th December 2 15… Read More »

Firstly, many thanks to everyone who came along to help on a bright but cool day.

We didn’t let Coronavirus shut us down completely! Though we weren’t able to have visiting speakers or arrange visits, we continued to tease you with some armchair science: links to interesting science articles or lectures science quizzes science question and answer system online science discussion To see what we mean, head over to the “Science during Lockdown” page.… Read More »

We are very fortunate, this year, to be treated to a series of tales written by members following an initiative from Sue Watkinson, Trustee and  member of Communications Subcommittee. Here are the initial examples, already published in one of the monthly enews of 2021. A day I will never forget by David Wotherspoon:  A loyal football fan enjoys… Read More »

A huge Thank You to all members who have contributed to this festive webpage. It has now expanded from the original idea of a gallery of  ‘Christmas Cards’ to include seasonal short stories (and a poem) and some relevant links to the National u3a website.  Read on!

U3A ACTIVITIES  – From your Chairman, Alan Starkie You do not need me to tell you about the restrictions that have been placed upon us during the Covid pandemic. The restrictions have also put a halt to our normal U3A activities, which we have all previously enjoyed. Your Committee and Trustees have, over the last six months, endeavoured… Read More »

Following a request in the September enews, members have sent us a great selection of fine photos taken in their gardens and on local walks. Many, many thanks to all contributors. Now, to set the scene, here is a timely poem from our resident poet, Judy Ingman. Autumn Summer’s ended. Now it’s Autumn’s call Leaves unlinking, feathering to… Read More »

ACTIVITIES BASED IN HIRED PREMISES     –    MINIMISING THE RISK Prior to hiring rooms, the Premises providers will have certified that the premises are classed as ‘Covid-19 Secure’. The Premises providers will have provided a risk assessment confirming the steps taken to minimise the risk of transfer of Covid-19. However, while some of the actions are on the provider… Read More »

Many of you will be aware that a survey of Group Leaders and approx. three hundred members chosen at random has taken place. This was undertaken to give the Committee an indication of member’s feelings with when our U3A activities should continue. The dates of 1st September, 1st October and 1st January 2021 were used as a time… Read More »

During this time of various levels of social distancing,  Gardening Group has been sending out excellent newsletters to the regular members of the group via email.

The Cathedral Church of Saint Alban, Saint Alban’s, Hertfordshire, 23 November 2021 Although we are not currently meeting for talks by the three Peters, we can see a taster of what is to come once lock-down is over. In 731, the Venerable Bede had this to say: ‘A beautiful church worthy of Alban’s martyrdom was built, where sick… Read More »

  This term culminated with our spring concert “Desert Island Favourites” which took place at Aughton Village Hall on 25th May.

English Medieval Cathedrals of the South West A series of six indoor meetings, looking at ‘Cathedrals of the south-western parts of England’ + two coach trips (not to SW England!). . 22 January – a talk about Winchester Cathedral Timeline 26 February – a talk about Salisbury Cathedral Timeline 26 March – a visit to Liverpool Anglican Cathedral… Read More »

The Finance & Resources Subcom­mit­tee (F&R) meets several times a year, usually a week before the Management Committee (MC). Subcommittee members are: John Tomlinson (F&R Chair, MC Chair and Assistant Treasurer),  Derrick Fewings (MC Treasurer), Iain Smart, Sally Kirby, David Blanchflower. Responsibilities include: Its main business is to consider applications from Group Leaders and others to provide funding for a… Read More »

Wednesday 6th March 2019 Many Lancashire farms have a pond at their field boundaries or in a quiet corner; these are often overgrown and neglected.  Helen Greaves came to tell the Science Group how these lifeless ponds may be restored to health in partnership with local farmers to improve biodiversity and aid wildlife conservation.  Helen is a great… Read More »

  The autumn of 2018 was a busy time for our choir.  We sang at Springfield and Ince Blundell Nursing Homes, took  part in the U3A 15th birthday celebrations and organised the U3A Advent service in Christ Church.  Members of the congregation brought contributions for the Ormskirk food bank and we all shared in the real meaning of… Read More »

Click or tap on any photo to run the gallery as a slide show.  

Our Autumn 2018 Production The last production was ‘Staycation’ at the Civic Hall Friday November 16 – Commencing – 19.30 Saturday November 17 – Matinee commencing – 14.00 Saturday November 17 – Commencing –  19.30 This is a Musical Comedy written and directed by our very own Gill O’Flaherty. The Synopsis:  A group of U3A members, who always travel… Read More »

Our Spring 2018 Production Our next production will be an adaptation by John Hardiker of Tony Crimlisk’s highly acclaimed “Up for It”. At the Civic Hall on the 3rd, 4th and 5th May 2018. commencing 7.30 p.m. £7 for U3A members up to the 24th April thereafter £8  …Children £5   This is a great musical comedy first… Read More »

Our 2017 Production “We Got Life ” directed by our very own Gill O’Flaherty at the Civic Hall – May 4th, 5th 2017. Gill’s synopsis for her show is as follows:- We Got Life is a generic story located internationally, told in song and dance. Beginnings, hope, reality, oppression, despair, dreams, inspiration, protest, revolution, escape, happiness, fulfillment and… Read More »

Despite the very poor weather, we had a great 15th Birthday Celebration. Although we couldn’t go ahead with the Ladies Footie Penalty Shoot Out (too wet!), the following groups displayed their wonderful wares – textiles, painting, local history, and digital photography, and we even had the chance to try out mahjong and some chess puzzles. It is amazing… Read More »

English Medieval Cathedrals, from the Wash to the River Severn Speakers: Peter Goodrich, Peter Gateley and Peter Hatfield 23rd January Norwich Cathedral talk. Norwich Cathedral timeline 27th March Ely Cathedral talk. Ely Cathedral timeline 24th April Peterborough Cathedral talk. Peterborough Cathedral Timeline 1st May Visit to Manchester Cathedral and other historic buildings. Details 22nd May Gloucester Cathedral talk. Gloucester Cathedral Timeline 26th June… Read More »

We had a splendid day at Penrhyn Castle, a National Trust venue in Bangor with gardens, a nature walk, a railway museum and a stylish interior. After the castle visit, we stopped off for a 2-course meal on the return journey, which was appreciated by everyone. Photographs by Bill Fitzpatrick.