With some Groups restarting in September, 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 and… 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 »
March 18th 2020 La Fanciulla del West – Puccini Puccini’s Wild West opera has the California gold rush as its dramatic backdrop for a story in which Minnie, the only woman in a mining camp, gambles on her one chance of happiness. Lorin Maazel conducts a fine cast in Jonathan Miller’s 1991 production of the compelling and evocative… 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 »
Although the Earth/Geology Group is currently suspended locally, the National u3a is putting on free Geology talks that members can attend via Zoom. Full details and booking are available on the online events page of the National u3a website. There are a couple of relevant topics in March. They are repeats of very popular talks earlier in the year. … Read More »
Spurred on by social isolation from friends and family, many Aughton & Ormskirk u3a members have entered into the world of videoconferencing. A favourite platform is Zoom. A good number of our A&O Groups have already been running successful remote meetings for a while now. See Our Virtual u3a. If you too would like to give Zoom a… 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 Last Updated – Saturday, July 25, 2020
John and Joan, Leaders of the Bridge Group, have sent the Web Team some very interesting news about what the Group has been doing to keep going during Lockdown. What an active and adaptable Group! During the lockdown, we have been in touch with all the group members with a regular email contact as well as by… Read More »
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. Last Updated – Thursday, July 23, 2020
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 »
Short Courses – (1) Learn to Play Bridge; and (2) Improve Your Bridge The Bridge Group will run a 10-week course starting in March for members who would like to learn how to play Bridge or to return to playing after a break from the game. We plan to follow this up in the Autumn with a course… 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. Last Updated – Thursday, February 13, 2020
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. Last Updated – Monday, March 30, 2020
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! Last Updated – Sunday, January 5, 2020
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! Last Updated – Tuesday, November 19, 2019
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. Last Updated – Tuesday, November 12, 2019
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. Last Updated – Tuesday, November 12, 2019
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. Last Updated – Monday, October 14, 2019
The Local History Group returns to Indoor Meetings in October! Last Updated – Friday, October 4, 2019
Come to the Sunday Social on Sunday 22nd for Songs from the U3A Choir, Refreshments and Prize Bingo. Last Updated – Thursday, September 26, 2019
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 Last Updated – Thursday, September 26, 2019
The U3A diaries are now available from the Social Subcommittee. A useful bargain to be had at only £2.75 each. Last Updated – Friday, September 20, 2019
Try your hand at a new skill ……… Click to view poster full-size. Last Updated – Monday, August 26, 2019
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! Last Updated – Thursday, September 26, 2019
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. Last Updated – Friday, July 19, 2019
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. Last Updated – Friday, July 19, 2019
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. Last Updated – Friday, June 7, 2019
Last Updated – Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Click or tap on any photo to see a slide show of bigger pictures! Last Updated – Wednesday, April 24, 2019
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. Last Updated – Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Join our U3A Choir on a Desert Island! Last Updated – Sunday, May 26, 2019
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 Updated – Wednesday, March 27, 2019
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). Last Updated – Sunday, January… Read More »
Make a date for a heated debate at this month’s Sunday Social. Last Updated – Monday, April 29, 2019
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). Last Updated – Sunday, January 27, 2019
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. Last Updated – Monday, January 21, 2019
In December, many of our U3A Groups have a special December Meeting with a seasonal flavour. Check the Groups List or the Programme Page to see if there is one for you to attend If any Group Leaders would like their Xmas Do added to the Calendar on the Sidebar of News Page, please email: webteam@aughton-ormskirk-u3a.co.uk December 25th… Read More »
Paula Gatterall from West Lancs Borough Council is running a FREE weight management programme and attended Horizons as Guest Visitor on Thursday 13 December to talk to members about this. The programme will be held in the Christ Church Ministry Centre starting in January 2019. The meetings are on Thursday mornings, so handily timed to combine with a visit to Horizons beforehand!… Read More »
The current Aughton & Ormskirk U3A Website has been going now for 3 years. The Web Team hope you find it informative and useful. We know that some potential members do refer to it prior to joining, so please help us keep it interesting and relevant. This year, we have been making some changes to help the Website… Read More »
There will be a meeting of the Handbell Ringing Group on Monday 3rd September at 1.45 pm in the Scout & Guide HQ. This is to discuss the future of the group due to lack of new members. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. More information about the group can be found on its Website Group Page. Last… Read More »
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is currently much in the news! We have a Working Party delving into possible implications for an organisation such as Aughton & Ormskirk U3A. The Working Party has published a Privacy Policy. More documents providing advice and some new or adapted forms are in the pipeline. In the meantime, if you have any… Read More »
Great day out at Lichfield with the Occasional Tours group. Organised by Cathleen Barnes. Photos by Bill Fitzpatrick. Click or tap on any picture to start the slideshow! Last Updated – Sunday, May 27, 2018
WORLD TAI CHI & QIGONG DAY Saturday 28 April 2018 9:30am-2:30pm Salford Quays BBC Building ‘One World, One Breath’ Join the celebration that goes right round the world! At 10:00am in every time zone, people will be doing Tai Chi & Qigong to send good energy across the globe. Participate in the Tai Chi, take a taster class… Read More »
Last Updated – Thursday, February 1, 2018
Guest Visitors in 2017 A relatively new feature at Horizons on specified Thursdays in 2017 was the occasional Guest Visitor, organised by the indefatigable Sue Watkinson. This typically is a representative of an organisation providing information of relevance (usually local) to the U3A membership. Here are some of the interesting and informative visitors we met in 2017: April 27: Philip Walker,… Read More »
Sunday 28 January: The Drama Group will present ‘Radio Aughton Live’ at the Sunday Social. Last Updated – Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Wednesday September 20: A visit to Turbury Sanctuary to see the ‘Birds of Prey’ and have lunch and drinks, available at the cafe. – leaving by 2.30pm. Coach will leave Aughton Village Hall 10.30am. Tuesday October 17: An afternoon trip to Derby House which has a variety of indoor shopping and a cafe – open for drinks and snacks. Coach will leave Aughton Village Hall… Read More »
U3A Football players past and present gathered at the Hop Vine on Monday 4th December for the traditional end of year Christmas Lunch. Amidst the banter, a number of awards were presented… Our Player of the Year 2017 is Dougy (aka Graham Douglas), voted for by the other players. The Most Improved Player was given to Big John… Read More »
LInda Burden, our Secretary, has received this query from Mike Morris, Secretary, Aintree U3A, I was hoping to “pick your brains” as someone with local knowledge of the Aughton area. I am the co-ordinator of our walking group and on a recent “ramble” in the Clieves Hill area, we came across a large sandstone block (see attached images)… Read More »
At Horizons this Thursday, you can: look out for the Guest Visitor buy your tickets for the October performances from the Musical Theatre Group and the Drama Group purchase your 2018 U3A diaries book for Phil Concerts, Theatre Trips and Occasional Tours and much more Last Updated – Thursday, October 12, 2017
Don’t fancy being stuck in traffic on August Bank Holiday Monday, the 28th ! Why not instead come along to watch the film “Shakespeare in Love” with the Film Appreciation group in the Scout & Guide HQ at 10.00am ? Click or tap to see further details. Last Updated – Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Earlier this year we held a competition, open to non-members, for the best story or poem on the subject of Home. Though the number of entries was not overwhelming, the quality was excellent! The best entries are listed below. The overall winner was judged to be the story The House by Sue Watkinson. Congratulations Sue and everyone else who… Read More »
We are now on our summer break. (I’m just beginning to understand why retired people need one!) Meetings will resume in September, probably on the 11th. This is a double change, switching from the first and third Mondays to the second, which will allow us to use HQ and also reverting from twice to once-a-month. Last Updated -… Read More »
A member from Oundle U3A – Kathryn Baird, a former resident of Aughton – has contacted the Web Team as follows: I was born and brought up in Aughton but left in 1980. I am a member of Oundle U3A where I belong to two Creative Writing groups. Inspired by those U3A groups, I have published my family’s memories of… Read More »