Very recently, your Web Manager discovered – quite by chance – a music Radio Station that plays all her old pop favourites. (The tunes on Radio 2 were becoming increasingly unfamiliar and sometimes she yearns for some lighter entertainment than Radio 4.) It is called Boom Radio – not because it blasts out loud music all the time… Read More »
A coat was left in the Scout & Guide HQ by a Scout Helper over the weekend of 2nd /3rd March. It is a large Man’s Berghaus black raincoat. If you have seen it or perhaps taken it home by mistake, or as Leader of a u3a Group on Monday 4th / Tuesday 5th may have set it… Read More »
The Musical Theatre Group’s next production stages at Aughton Village Hall on Friday 22nd March at 7.30pm, and Saturday 23rd March at 2.30 and 7.30pm. See more details about The Trinket Box.
Advance Notice ……… The date and time of the 21st AGM will be the 13th June at 11:30am. The meeting is to be held at Scout & Guide HQ following Horizons. It is hoped a Zoom meeting option could be set up to facilitate those who may not be able to make the meeting. Volunteers are needed to… Read More »
…………. wishes you a Merry Christmas!
The Monday morning Computer Advice Group will open for the last time on 29th January 2024. Bill S and Alan S, thereafter, will continue to be present at their usual table in the Aughton Room during most Horizons coffee mornings , for any general Computer and Photography advice. And as usual at Horizons Meetings, Alan N and Joyce… Read More »
This Spring of 2023, the Nolan household, in the interest of the local insects, decided on a No Mow May policy for the Front Lawn. This experiment has produced some quite interesting results. Many more wild flower varieties popped up than expected. These included: shining cranesbill, dandelion (in profusion but surprisingly few daisies), wild violet, pansy (probably reseeded… Read More »
On Thursday 6th July at Horizons, we will welcome Dave Carlos, who will speak on the important topic of Cyber Crime. See Speaker Meetings for details.
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Leyland will be the first ‘outdoor visit’ of the year for our Local History Group. (All u3a members are welcome to sign up for this trip.) At this museum, we can learn about the history of commercial vehicles in the home town of truck and bus making. It is an indoor museum with… Read More »
This event was a great success! look our for a report in the next u3a Magazine. Many thanks to all those involved both at Edge Hill and within A&O u3a. And thanks too to all those who attended – Edge Hill staff and students, u3a members and the local community. As a follow on from the successful collaboration… Read More »
u3a members from all over the UK will descend on Hadrian’s Wall on 10 May 2023 to celebrate the building of the wall and the influence that the wall has had on our creative lives. The wall extends from coast to coast across Northumberland and Cumbria – from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway… Read More »
Click or tap on poster for details.
Computer Advice is running on Monday mornings during the Autumn / Winter term, in its usual room in the Scout & Guide HQ. Computer Helpers will be there, glad to hear all about your problems with your various devices – computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, digital cameras etc. And then they try to help where they can. If you… Read More »
An invitation from the Film Appreciation Group: Hello everyone, Just a quick message to remind you that the next film will be in the big room at the Scout & Guide HQ on Monday 26th September at 1.45. It is Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Please come and support the Group. You will be very welcome. Regards… Read More »
please visit the National u3a Home Page.
Cancelled due to lack of numbers! Helping Each Other Group have planned a Tea Dance at the Sefton Park Palm House on 13th September. But if they do not get more people signed up by this coming Tuesday, 6th September, it will regretably have to be cancelled. Please phone Judy ASAP on 01695 423141 if you would like… Read More »
On Thursday 11th August we will welcome Jeanette Lupton and Gaynor Caldwell from Macmillan Cancer Support at our Horizons Meeting. In addition to general information about the services provided by Macmillan, Jeanette and Gaynor will be telling us about the Aughton Support Group, which meets on the 2nd Friday of every month, from 9.30 – 11.30 am, in Christ Church… Read More »
Film Appreciation has a new programme for the summer and early autumn months in its new afternoon slot at the Scout & Guide HQ. Come and join us for a relaxing afternoon.
Computer Advice is available over the summer holidays this year on Thursday Mornings at the weekly Horizons Coffee Meetings. Computer Helpers are usually to be found at the Digital Photography / Computer Desk in the Aughton Hall or in the Computer Room off the Ormskirk Hall or just around and about. If you can’t find a Helper, ask… Read More »
To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Social Subcommittee organised a Summer Dance on Saturday 25 June. This turned out to be a most enjoyable and jolly ‘do’. The dance floor was never empty while the excellent band – the Rollercoasters – rocked out a series of old favourites from the 50s through to the 80s. The eatables… Read More »
The next Speaker Meeting will be at 11 am on Thursday 9th June at the Scout & Guide HQ, when David Hearne will speak to us about Sir William Brown.
to all our readers from the Web Team
We are holding an Open Day on Saturday 23 October in the Scout & Guide HQ. It will be open from 10.30 to 3.30 and will showcase groups and other activities that our u3a has to offer its members. We have over 80 interest Groups ranging from Aerobics right through to Zumba. Indoors or out, active or leisurely, doing or… Read More »
Most Groups have now restarted following on from the times of lockdown, tiers and social isolation during 2020 and the first half of 2021. If you are a Group Leader of a Group without a Group Author, please check your Group Page and contact the Web Team as to any updates your Group Page you require to bring… Read More »
With some Groups restarting in September 2021, your Web Manager had a notion to try out something completely new. I was seeking a non-techie subject that I’d never before studied. Spotting a new series of 7 introductory talks being organised by Tim Miles of the Philosophy Group, I thought this might well fit the bill, took the plunge… Read More »
In Person Speaker Meetings are back! The plan is to hold all Speaker Meetings at Aughton Village Hall as part of New Horizons, starting at 11.15 am. The first of these will take place on Thursday 19th August, when author Carolyn Kirby will speak about the background to her new book, When We Fall, a gripping 2nd World War thriller which was chosen by the Times… Read More »
Another request for research volunteers has been received: I have been approached by Liverpool University Biomechanics Laboratory who are looking for volunteers to take part in a research project investigating the effect of ageing on leg muscle strength. Please see more information on the Research Poster. Our u3a have taken part in a previous project at the Biomechanics… Read More »
Our June Speaker Meeting, featuring the Fool’s Gold duo, was live on Zoom on Thursday 3 June… click the poster for the full size version Fool’s Gold – Dark Light This Zoom Meeting was very much enjoyed by the members who attended. To find out more about Fool’s Gold, and future u3a talks and events, see the Speaker… Read More »
Keep an eye on this website for the latest u3a news – check out the links displayed in sidebar of this Front Page or the items on the News Page. The brand new Restart Page will also increasingly keep you informed as Groups and other activities get underway again over the next few months. Refer to your email for past and… Read More »
Thank you to all those who have supported our Zoom Speaker Meetings so far. The talks have been hugely enjoyable, entertaining and informative, so if you haven’t zoomed in already, why not give it a try? The next one will take place on Thursday 6th May at 11 am, when John Whittles will join us to speak about Mason Bees. Click… Read More »
We are part of the North West Region of u3as, all 100 plus of them. From time to time the regional committee organises events and projects for their membership. “My Street” is the latest one with an aim of fostering local and regional involvement, pride and awareness – a sense of place to present to the outside world. … Read More »
The first meeting took place via Zoom at 11 am on 4th February when Julia Clayton provided us with a fascinating talk on the topic of What did the Spartans do for us? Details of this and future Speaker Meetings already arranged for 2021, including how to sign up to attend, can be viewed on Pam Ball’s Speaker Meeting webpage. If not familiar with joining in… Read More »
The latest enews was sent out by the enews Editor to all members with an email address on Monday 28 December. If you have not received it, check your Spam folder. If not there, check with the Membership Team that they have your correct details on record If you missed the enews deadline, and have some U3A content you would like to publicise… Read More »
If you have set up an email address for the first time (or you have changed your email address), please don’t forget that you can logon to update your u3a Beacon details for yourself. Or if you need it to be added, changed or checked for you on your Beacon membership record, contact the Membership Team. It is… Read More »
The most recent enews came out on Monday 30th November (last Monday of the month). If you missed the deadline and want items posted in the December enews, please send them to the enews Editor In the meantime, if you want u3a information posted on the website, contact the Web Team. The Third Age Trust also has a… Read More »
A poem for this time of social distancing – penned by Ballroom Dancing and Keyboard Music Group member, Margaret Hobson
A new virtual group – Science during Lockdown – has been specially set up for these strange times. It features a Daily Science Snippet, Science Jokes and Cartoons, Illusions, online Science Quizzes that any member can try out and links to Coronavirus articles.
The daffodils had faded, but there was no shortage of beautiful blooms appearing in our gardens and local countryside. Member, Audrey Patterson, had sent the Web Team a stunning photo of a lovely tree in her garden. This was the inspiration to set up a new Photo Gallery to brighten up both our spirits and the website, and… Read More »
Following on from the Post called TAT Advice and Info on this website, here are some other great lockdown ideas and activities from the Third Age Trust (TAT). Exercise Motivation Find out about a great opportunity that has been arranged for U3A Members via YouTube. Mr Motivator has joined forces with U3A for a weeklong series of exercises.… Read More »
Although fairly familiar, or at least aware of, a good number of apps, I had never heard of Zoom until the start of social isolation. When asked about video conferencing, a younger family member immediately said Zoom. Soon after that, we also heard mention of it from a couple of U3A members. A Computer Helper, Ann P, had… Read More »
Many of our favourite activities and interests have been curtailed due to social isolation. But here are some ideas how can keep your participation alive. National Theatre at Home Watch top-notch online shows for free. Productions are shown every Thursday at 7pm and are then available for 7 days. ‘Local’ Theatre Spot On is Lancashire’s touring theatre network. They are… Read More »
Following a meeting of the Management Committee and Trustees, all Aughton & Ormskirk U3A face-to-face activities are suspended with effect from 17 March 2020, until further notice. This government guidance on coronavirus includes ongoing and changing information about how to protect yourself or check if you need medical help, and provides advice about social distancing, staying at home and travel… Read More »
As you probably are aware, enews is emailed to all members with an email address on the Beacon Membership System. But you may not be aware that Group Leaders can send emails to all members in their Group. A number of Groups are set up in Beacon to enable this already – extremely useful in the current circumstances.… Read More »
Check out the Digital Photography Group Page (and the Group Posts that follow it) for details of the first meeting this year and exhibitions of the excellent photos taken in past years.
English Medieval Cathedrals of the South and South-east Commencing Tuesday 28 January, for this fourth series of Church History we move to medieval cathedrals in the south-eastern extremity of England, interspersed with two visits to more-local medieval sites. The 1st talk is on Canterbury Cathedral – part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and mother church of the… Read More »
Wednesday January 8: The Walled Garden – A talk about Norton Priory. See Gardening Group for details and for future Meetings in 2020 if you missed this one.
The new Marketing Manager at West Lancs Leisure Services will be our Guest Visitor at Horizons on Thursday 9th January. He is hoping to generate interest in specific U3A activities at Park Pool, Nye Bevan Pool and Burscough Sports Centre and wants to talk to members about their preferred sport. He is in contact with the other five… Read More »
For photos of the some of the Social Highlights of 2019, brought to you by the hard-working Social Subcommittee and their helpers, please see the Social Events webpage. Happy memories!
A special Gardening Group Meeting on Wednesday November 13: Jaqueline Iddon – Christmas from the Garden. A practical demonstration, making a blue spruce door ring, winter pots and other festive ideas to help decorate your home for Christmas. All welcome!
Do join us on Thursday the next Speaker Meeting on 7 November when our own U3A member, John Winter, will speak about his book: Blame it on the Beatles – and Bill Shankly.
Tickets now available for the U3A Musical Theatre Production on 8th & 9th November. Don’t miss the “Chance” for an enjoyable night out at the Civic Hall. Bring your friends along too. Note that you can buy your tickets online via ticketsource as well as purchasing them at Horizons.
Age UK Lancashire is launching a brand new service in West Lancashire for people living with mild to moderate dementia. Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) is a 12 weekly programme designed for people living with mild to moderate dementia and is the only non-drug treatment recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to improve cognition,… Read More »
Come along to the Film Appreciation Group, Monday morning, 28th October to see: The Guernsey Literary Meat and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018). This is an historical romantic drama based on the book of the same name. In the aftermath of WW2, a writer forms an unexpected relationship with the residents of Guernsey. The film has wartime pathos,… Read More »
Have you seen or used the Guillotine that usually resides in the Scout & Guide HQ? It has disappeared in the last few weeks. It’s quite a large one so not easily missed or hidden from view. Contact the Secretary if you have any ideas on where it might be lurking.
The Local History Group returns to Indoor Meetings in October!
Come to the Sunday Social on Sunday 22nd for Songs from the U3A Choir, Refreshments and Prize Bingo.
Heritage Open Day in Christ Church, Aughton on Saturday 21 September. Church Tower open for viewing and a talk on Christ Church History given by U3A member, Peter Goodrich. See the Parish Newsletter and also Posters in the Christ Church Ministry Centre
Try your hand at a new skill ……… Click to view poster full-size.
Enjoy a series of classic films this summer with the Film Appreciation Group. NB if you’ve missed them so far, there is still one to come in September!
If you missed this Year’s AGM, you can read Reports from the past Chair and Hon Sec via the links in the AGM 2019 webpage. You can also browse for full details such as the Agenda and Minutes. (Also find out more about all the hard work done by the various Committees and Subcommitees year-round to keep our… Read More »
So come along to the Gardening Group. Click or tap on any picture to run the gallery as a colourful slide show.
WOW! ~ hasn’t the last two years gone quickly, as your Chairman, as I realise I will very soon pass the reins of office onto my successor. In accordance with our Constitution the maximum period of tenure as Chairman is two years.
The Web Team consists of : a Web Manager who maintains an overview of the website content a Groups Editor who keeps an eye on the Group Pages and updates those that do not have a Group Author a Media Manager who manages the WordPress Media Library The Web Team is assisted by a very large number of… Read More »
For our next Speaker Meetings, on Thursday 6th June, we will welcome local resident, writer and photographer, Peter Rimmer, who will present a talk on Morecambe Bay.
Click or tap on any photo to see a slide show of bigger pictures!
Note that the deadline for the next U3A Magazine is now past. If you missed, there is still time to send your item in to appear in the next enews. And remember, you can additionally / alternatively have your info appear on both this website or the U3A facebook page at any time. See the latest U3A Magazine… Read More »
Click or tap on photographs to enlarge.
Join our U3A Choir on a Desert Island!
After having a peek at Dee’s career in the recent magazine we are eager to know more, so she has agreed to bring along some pictorial exhibits of her musical life including a short video. We are making this an excuse to have a fun day without keyboards just cakes, chat and bubbly. We realise that other U3A… Read More »
Click on the movie to see the group in action.
Last meeting in December Jaqueline Iddon – Christmas from the Garden A practical demonstration, making a blue spruce door ring, winter pots and other festive ideas to help decorate your home for Christmas. Jaqueline gave us a very entertaining and amusing talk whilst showing us how to make beautiful christmas decorations using foliage from the garden with added… Read More »
The October meeting was an informative talk by Maureen Sawyer, a garden designer and consultant, on the A-Z of garden gems. In November – Matthew Smith from Brighter Blooms presented ‘Weeds ~ to love or to loathe’, a topic that effects all gardeners. This talk aimed to get you thinking about weeds differently. Samples of Mare’s Tail and… Read More »
Newsletters from the Previous Gardening Group (written by David Blanchflower) February / March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 September 2018October 2017 March 2017 December 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 See also some Posts below describing meetings of the Previous Gardening Group (run by David Blanchflower).
Make a date for a heated debate at this month’s Sunday Social.
In December, we received a message from Sur Watkinson: The Jazz Appreciation Group held its last event on Friday evening 14 December with a superb performance by the Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band. Group numbers for regular meetings have fallen to single figures and our mainstay, Keith Lamb, has retired to spend more time with his family. … Read More »
Alan Starkie has issued a message asking for volunteers. Alan is to be found most Thursdays at Horizons at the Digital Camera / Computer Table in the far corner of the Aughton Room in the Scout & Guide HQ. He also is a Helper at Computer Advice on Mondays. There are vacancies on the Finance and Resources Sub-Committee.… Read More »
A message from the current Magazine Distribution Organiser, Peter Trigwell: Many rumours are flying about the U3A at the moment with a view to what is happening with the magazine distribution. Let me try and answer some of them. The next Distribution date is the 28th February, and nothing will change at this time, magazines can still be collected… Read More »
Church History Group is starting a new Series on Medieval Cathedrals in January. Keep an eye on the Church History Group Page for details of these ever-popular Talks (and a Cathedral Visit).
British History is a brand new Group, starting on 7 January, in which you can learn anew or refresh your memories about the fascinating History of our homeland from the Norman Conquest till the reign of Victoria. See the new British History Group Page for full details.