U3A member David Wotherspoon had “a day I will never forget” when Marine, the Crosby team he has followed for over 70 years, took on Tottenham Hotspur in the 3rd round of the FA Cup on January 10th this year. The team lost 0-5 but that was hardly surprising, says David, as Spurs had nine full internationals in… Read More »
This letter was sent in by one of our members, Liz.
My Experience as an Oxford Vaccine Trial Volunteer
An imortant message from Aughton & Ormskirk u3a Treasurer, Derrick Fewings: In case you missed the article in the December 2020 mini-magazine, please note that the next membership year will now commence on 1st October 2021 and that no membership renewal payment is required in advance of that date. The annual membership subscription will remain at £15. Future membership… Read More »
The 2020 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures featured three eminent scientists from different fields presenting a unique ‘user’s guide’ to Planet Earth. Their programmes unravelled astonishing global systems and remarkable natural wonders that combine to keep life on Earth alive. And they explored how human activity has become an overwhelming geological force – disrupting the finely tuned systems that… 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!
At an Autumn Zoom meeting of the Communications Subcommittee, a suggestion came up of publishing a u3a Christmas Card Gallery on the website. If that idea appeals to you, please do get creative and produce a ‘Christmas Card’ using your talents and skills in painting, drawing, cartooning, textiles and other crafts, hand-made cards etc. Then just send a… Read More »
Following the introduction of government restrictions, the National U3A has published some Covid-19 advice on u3a activities. You can also read messages from our Chairman Alan Starkie and Trustee Sue Watkinson about what our u3a is doing in the meantime. Of course, any restarting of activities in the foreseeable future will involve assessment of risk and acceptance of… Read More »
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 »
During the times of Lockdown and Social Isolation over the past couple of years, a good number of our Groups (and Organisers of other events and individual members) were very innovative in carrying on remotely! See below for the examples that the Web Team heard about. You will note that a good number of meetings and events started… 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 »
Still in the dark about the U3A Beacon Membership System? Then let the Membership Team enlighten you. For example, among other things: existing members can renew membership online members can update their own personal details on the Beacon database (useful if you change your email address and still want to receive the enews and Management Committee communications) group… Read More »
Thanks to the U3A Gardening Group members (and a couple of other enthusiasts) that sent in photos of their gardens taken during the lockdown summer of 2020, the Web Team have created this interesting and colourful gallery.
Many members are asking questions about re-opening our U3A. The Management Committee has been actively discussing the situation and examining the latest Government rules. You can read the Chairman’s statement (sent to members in a special Beacon email on 3rd July) about the steps we are taking to ensure a safe continuation of our activities. MESSAGE FROM THE… 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 »
Due to ongoing restrictions on our activity, the 2020 AGM of the Aughton & Ormskirk U3A, scheduled for 21 May, was postponed. You will be advised of a revised date in a future update. As per established practice, you will be invited to propose agenda items for that rescheduled AGM. If appropriate, we will also advise you of… Read More »
This Post was the response to a request for poems from the Web Team, in early May 2020 (during the coronavirus lockdown), for members to read on our U3A Website. The result below is an eclectic mix penned by known poets and by our own talented U3A members. Many, many thanks to all contributors. Please note – This… Read More »
Check out our website News page and the Coloured Alert Box and Sidebar Links on the Front Page for ideas on how we can all keep in touch and active during these unusual times. Please send your own ideas and activities that might be of help and interest to other members, and the community at large, for inclusion… Read More »
Leader of the Latin & the Roman World Group, Dennis Morley, has sent the Web Team the following example of their activities during Lockdown. The Group is certainly being kept busy. Lockdown for the Latin Group means just a change of method, as the group have continued their course without interruption. Although “red ink” assessments are not used,… Read More »
The Third Age Trust (TAT) currently issues regular bulletins to members. Please check the TAT website regularly and, if you have not already done so, sign up to their national U3A Newsletter which disseminates advice and information quickly to all U3A members. On a rainy day, stuck in the house during this lockdown, you might also like to pass… Read More »
Greetings. I hope you’re all coping with this period of social distancing. The latest edition of the magazine is winging its way to you. Expect your Postman to drop it through your letterbox in the next few days. This would not be happening if it were not for the great joint effort from the Communications Subcommittee and the… Read More »
If you have not yet received your u3a Magazine through the Post, please email: webteam@aughton-ormskirk-u3a.co.uk Bill Evans, the u3a Magazine Editor, has written a very interesting article about how your u3a Magazine is printed and also, for this March issue, ‘why’ it was printed: Usually, this is the ‘timeline’ of the u3a magazine: I work on it for… Read More »
To all Members, Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the Committee and Trustees of Aughton & Ormskirk U3A have taken the decision to suspend all group activities and Horizons at all U3A sites as from midday, 17.03.2020. According to Government information, the isolation policy for the over 70’s could last for several months. We will make every effort… Read More »
Revised Message from your Treasurer: Due to the Corona virus, the request for money to be deposited with the Finance team before the end of the financial year (31st March) is set aside. Please hold on to the money and deposit until the suspension of the U3A is lifted. If a significant amount of money is held and… Read More »
Wednesday 4th March 2020 Ever wondered how clothes, furnishings, home decorations, cars etc. get their colour? Our own Marguerita McBride gave us a wide ranging talk, with illustrations from history about dyes and pigments, and more recent details of their chemistry, how they are used and how they get their colour.
The Management Committee and Trustees think it would be a good idea to pass on this message from the National Office regarding the U3A National Newsletter to the membership to help keep them in touch. The National Newsletter is crucial in reaching out to members as we have no direct contact with them. During this period we would… Read More »
Talks CANCELLED till further notice Member Julia Bate is organising a series of talks on matters relating to health and wellbeing over the coming months. Julia says: The next date for your diary is 18th March at 3pm in the Cinema Room in the Christ Church Ministry Centre when Dr Dennis Wat, Respiratory Consultant at Liverpool Heart and… Read More »
Wednesday 5th February 2020 Fiona Sunners is the project manager of “Gems in the Dunes“, a Heritage Lottery funded project focused on protecting the plants and animals of the Sefton Sand Dunes, an important habitat for rare amphibians and reptile species. Fiona talked about the efforts to preserve the natural habitats of this local environment for the rare… Read More »
The Open Forum, held on 23rd January, 2020, was interesting and several points and questions were put forward by members. Alan Starkie., our Chairman, opened the Forum reminding members that the U3A is all about its members. Also that the National office have now opted not to use the word ‘university’ but simply call ourselves U3A. National U3A… Read More »
Here are some photos taken by Bill Soens of recent works by members of the Painting Group. (Bill also produced a YouTube video of some of these works – watch it here)
Wednesday 4th December 2019 On the 4th December we had our traditional Christmas Cheer event which started with short talks on the theme of the deep mid-winter: the effects of freezing, when is it actually winter?, the effect of day length on plants and a new slant on the birds of the twelve days of Christmas; plus a… Read More »
Prior to starting on our exploration of medieval cathedrals of the South and South-east of England in January 2020, there will be a mid-break meeting at the Scout Hut at the usual time of 14.00 on Tuesday 26th November. This will give the opportunity for a brief preview of the 2020 programme, including the nationally historically important Canterbury… Read More »
Wednesday 6th November 2019 The full title of the talk was “The global stroke tsunami related to an irregular heart rhythm: A focus on atrial fibrillation” – which really says it all. Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition which affects 7 in 100 of over 65s and we were lucky to hear all about it from two experts… Read More »
Our U3A Choir gave a sincere and heartfelt Advent Performance on Thursday 5th December at Christ Church which marked the beginning of the Christmas season. It was an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to have a good sing! Once again we asked for donations for the Ormskirk Food Bank and members were very… Read More »
We were due to have a talk on “Age Related Macular Degeneration: Causes and Future Treatments” in September but this had to be cancelled because the speaker, Dr. Simon Clark, had to go to Germany at short notice but hoped to give us his talk a few weeks later. However the visit to Germany was very productive in… Read More »
Wednesday 2nd Oct 2019 Nuclear war is perhaps something not thought about as much as it should be nowadays but was an important topic when we were younger. Edmund Moynihan gave us a sobering account of the early development of these weapons, the science and technology behind them and the possible results of their use. A talk which… 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 »
Wednesday 4th Sept 2019 Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is perhaps one of the greatest challenges now facing us. The talk by Jack Brettle covered the basic science behind energy generation and use (we even had some thermodynamics!), comparison of the sources of energy, what we use it for and what actions we might take to… Read More »
Wednesday 7th August 2019 There was no meeting on 7th August as we had our usual summer break.
A new challenge for you to take on…….. Click to view poster full-size.
Pat Morton, who was recently featured in the local Champion newspaper, is a member of several U3A groups including Poetry, Italian and Film Appreciation. She has now turned her hand to writing, and her first published novel is titled, “Second Chance”. When I retired from teaching I needed to do something creative. I joined the U3A then started… Read More »
Items for the enews should be sent by NOON on the last Monday in the month for publication soon after. Please send enews items to: enews@aughton-ormskirk-u3a.co.uk or use the contact form on the web contact page selecting enews Editor from the drop-down list. Note that if you want the same information to be published in the Magazine, facebook… Read More »
Wednesday 3rd July 2019 Older people (us?) often have strong views on digital games, social media, emojis, mobile phones etc. particularly their use by younger people (grandchildren?). Are these views well founded? Dr. Linda Kaye, a Edge Hill University psychologist, specialising in understanding the social effects of digital media (a cyberpsychologist no less), came to give us some… Read More »
Time passes so quickly it is hard to believe that I am now coming to the end of my tenure, having been a Trustee for four years and it was three years ago that I was elected as Honorary Secretary. There have been some interesting, challenging times, but some happy ones too. The year started in June 2018… Read More »
The Science Group meeting in March heard from Helen Greaves about the restoration of some local marl pits, including those at Molyneux Kale Farm, Halsall. If you are interested, the farm is participating in Open Farm Sunday again on 9th June. Click for further details.
Wednesday 5th June 2019 We had a return visit by the NHS North West Innovation Agency with presentations and demonstrations of novel healthcare products. organised by the NHS North West Innovation Agency who are tasked with making the NHS better, safer, faster and more cost effective by introducing new healthcare devices, often for personal use. We had demonstrations… Read More »
On Wednesday 5th June, the Science Group welcomes the return of the NHS North West Innovation Agency to demonstrate a range of new digital healthcare products. For further details see the Science Group page.
Wednesday 15th May 2019 On the 15th May 37 of us set off to Heysham to visit the nuclear power station. After a tour of the displays at the visitor centre, a talk on nuclear power generation and a safety and security briefing we were kitted out with our high vis jackets, safety spectacles, hard hats, ear defenders… Read More »
Wednesday 1st May 2019 Professor George King, Manchester University physics department, explained how solar energy from its birth in the sun through its journey to earth can be harnessed and how we can store this solar energy when the sun isn’t shining. We had everything from atomic physics to the economics of different forms of renewable energy generation. … Read More »
Wednesday 3rd April 2019 – What is Science and How do we Use it? In April our own Professor Bill Hale discussed the topic of “what is science” based on his work with government and academic research councils and involvement with many research laboratories. With a wide range of examples, and a number of the more amusing aspects… Read More »
The U3A catering corps, marshalled by Lily Bunner, certainly know how to keep the troops fed and watered! Here they are providing the same fantastic Horizons service as usual, but in the unfamiliar Ministry Centre, while the Scout building works were in progress.
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 »
Wednesday 6th February 2019 Our speaker on 6th February was Dr. Kris D’Aout, a lecturer in musculo-skeletal biology at the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Liverpool University. He studies the mechanics of walking on complex surfaces, the effect of footwear and how gait is affected during healthy ageing as well as in disease. His talk proved very… Read More »
Click or tap on any photo to run the gallery as a slide show.
A message from Sue Watkinson about a Guest Visitor that she has organised. Our Guests at Horizons on Thursday 7th March will be two representatives of the Fire & Rescue Service. They will bring along their literature and talk to individual members about safety in the home and what services they can offer to the retired population of… Read More »
We have been very fortunate in having an excellent series of Speaker Meetings of recent years organised by Sue Watkinson and her Team. For a resume of past Speaker Meetings, please see: Speaker Meetings Past Speaker Meetings Sue has now retired from this important and valued role and member, Pam Ball, has kindly stepped forward to take over. … Read More »
Introduction For fifteen years we have promoted a programme ‘Sustaining Wellbeing in Later Life’. The question does arise, however, “what is the point of all the extra years if they are characterised by decline and dependence?” Most of the older people I know, like myself, would like to live long, live well, die quickly and have no need… Read More »
We have had an approach from Barry James, the leader of Cannock Chase U3A Science & Technology group in the West Midlands region. He is proposing a Robot Constructor’s Challenge, open to any U3A team who would like to construct a moving robot type device; he says that this would be interesting to technology or construction groups who… Read More »
Some photos taken by Geoff Roberts and Bill & Sue Watkinson at the lunch on 14th December 2018, organised by the Social Subcommittee:
Wednesday 5th December 2018 We had our traditional Science Group Christmas Cheer event with quizzes and refreshments of Christmas cake, mince pies and a variety of nibbles, biscuits and chocolates. Proceedings got off to a great start with Patsy’s famous mulled wine which helped everyone’s confidence in doing the quizzes if not their success! We started with a… Read More »
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 »
The horses at Deandane Hacking at Croxteth Riding at Burrows Lane Farm
This year’s Summer Social held on 31 August was a sell out evening with great entertainment provided by local guitarist/singer Ken Waters. We quickly forgot our SUMMERTIME BLUES as he had us singing along and dancing to lots of our favourites tunes! The whole evening was superbly arranged by Val and her subcommittee.
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 »
Wednesday 7th Nov 2018 Dr. Michele Siggel-King, a research associate from the Physics Department of Liverpool University explained to us how ALICE, a unique and extremely powerful infrared light source based on a free electron laser facility at the Daresbury Laboratories is being used in to identify changes within and surrounding cells which indicate the beginnings of a tumour. … Read More »
Wednesday 3rd Oct 2018 Digital Healthcare is being introduced into the National Health Service to make it safer, faster and more cost effective. This Science Group meeting was hosted by the NHS Innovation Agency, whose job it is to promote innovation and so improve health care in the region. After some presentation by agency staff explaining their work,… 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 »
Wednesday 5th Sept 2018 We hear a lot about artificial intelligence in the media but with Dr. Louise Dennis’s talk we had the opportunity to listen to, and question someone who really knows; Louise is a researcher in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science at Liverpool University who has a background in artificial intelligence, robotics… Read More »
There was meeting on the 1st August as we took our usual summer break.
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.
Sara Norburn from Edge Hill University has sent us the following request for volunteers to take part in her interesting Research Study:
Wednesday 4th July 2018 What else did we have on the 4th July, but an Independence Day quiz and a series of 10 minute snippets by some of our members on science related events which happened on that date throughout history: american astronomy, Benjamin Franklin, Antoine Lavoisier, Giovanni Schiaparelli, Madame Curie and the beginnings of modern geology. A… Read More »
Wednesday 6th June 2018 A Vision of the Future was the title of the talk given Neil Heyes, a well known local ophthalmic optician. He told us about the latest developments in ophthalmology and optometry equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography used to examine our eyes to detect and monitor any problems which may be developing. Things have… Read More »