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.
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!
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.
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 »
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.
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.
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 »
Look out for your U3A enews in your email each month! Our electronic newsletter, or enews, was developed so that information, updates and important news could be sent out to members at more frequent intervals than the magazine. It is sent out each month to all members who have given us their email address. It is intended primarily… Read More »
Join the Choir for an Informal Concert at Aughton Village Hall this Friday evening.
Are you a U3A Aughton and Ormskirk member? Are you a facebook user? Have you ‘Liked’ the U3A Aughton and Ormskirk facebook page? To be kept informed of U3A activities without the need to search for them, all you need do is ‘Like’ our page. You’ll find it under ‘U3A Aughton and Ormskirk’ in facebook and all that’s… Read More »
meet me at Scout Hut Monday
Active Ageing with the U3A Alex McMinn, Founding Chairman of Aughton & Ormskirk U3A, has produced a couple of papers on the topic of Active Ageing – something all our members are putting into practice by enthusiastically participating in a wide range of group activities and other events. Later Life Learning – Sustaining Wellbeing The U3A Active Ageing Programme
Although the Gardening Group is currently dormant – like our gardens during the winter months – David Blanchflower has been producing interesting, useful and colourful gardening newsletters for you. The latest one has some handy hints of things to do in the March garden and some facts about snowdrops. You can see the March garden newsletter on the… Read More »
Step in to the Future during the March Speaker Meeting.
Sue Watkinson has drawn our attention to a message from U3A National Office which contains a link to a video that contains a speech from Eric Midwinter, one of our founders. We are pleased to announce that the video recording of our Celebration of 1,000 U3As is now available to view on our YouTube Channel. It is also… Read More »
If you would like a taste of Raspberry Pi, join us at the February Computer Tutorial on Tuesday afternoon of the 7th. Those expecting it will be “a piece of cake”, but techie-types should find the session very informative. There will be tea/coffee and biscuits for those needing a bite. For more info see the Computer Tutorial Group Page… Read More »
The Horizons Coffee Meetings are a popular weekly event at our U3A. Non-members are also very welcome to join us for a cup of coffee (or tea) and a chat to find out what U3A is all about and to join up if they like what they find. Note that this week, Thursday 16th February, there is a special Guest… Read More »
The U3A cinema reopened this week. If you missed this show, no worries – there is another film for you to enjoy in February. See Film Appreciation for more info.
If you’d like to take a look back at a selection of the amazing range of activities and events available through our U3A in 2016, have a browse through the News and Reports 2016 page.
Drama and Song at the New Year Sunday Social on the 22nd.
Monday 5 September: Blackpool Ice Show’ Friday 23 September: Trip to St Asaph and Betws-y-coed Included calling at a mill, a church and a restaurant. Thursday 15th December: Christmas Trip to Chatsworth House occasional-tours-20161215-chatsworth-house-pages
This is a really slow time of year for new Posts appropriate to the News page. So, before clearing out the Page for 2017, I’ve selected and republished some 2016 News and Reports Posts that might interest you or trigger some memories. It certainly illustrates what a range of activities and topics are provided or addressed through our U3A! Note: The ‘last updated’… Read More »
Many of us have enjoyed celebrating Christmas in December this year with our U3A friends. Some events were run for a particular group, but others were open across the whole U3A.
If you missed the last Speaker Meeting for this year – the ever popular Christmas Concert led by the Choir Group – then click on the gallery for some pics. They were joined by the Recorder Playing Group, Bill Watkinson playing the church organ and Tony Crimlisk on drums. It was indeed a well-attended and joyful start to the Christmas season.
If love of food be the music ……….
Tap or click either photo to see full-size pics of display at Horizons.
!! U3A Christmas Lunch, Friday 16 December LIMITED PARKING!! Please note that parking will be limited as only half of the Ministry Centre car park (Scout HQ end) is available. We ask for your co-operation to consider car-sharing, taxi-sharing, using 310 bus (bus info below), or walking where appropriate. 310 stops on Holborn Hill opposite the church Bus… Read More »
A Communication from the U3A National Office……….. I am pleased to let you know that Eric Midwinter, one of our founders, has been asked to speak on the Radio 4 programme, “You and Yours” at lunchtime on Monday 12th December in recognition of achieving 1000 U3As. This was the programme where the U3A concept was first aired by… Read More »
Get the week off to a great start with a Monday Morning at the Movies! Click/tap on the poster for more details of the November offering. and See the Film Appreciation Group webpage for further details about the group. All welcome!
A new series of Church History talks and outings started on October 25th. There was a grand turnout to hear the organisers (all called Peter) give an overview of series. If you missed the initial meeting, the next meeting on November 22nd will be looking in detail at Durham Cathedral.
Recently Alan and I were very fortunate to get a last-minute opportunity to join in the U3A Holiday to Keswick organised by John and Kathleen Spurr. Aside from a Science Group trip to Bletchley Park a few years ago, this was our 1st U3A holiday. It was thoroughly enjoyable! Great company, really good food, a handy location in Portinscale, just a… Read More »
Click on the Gallery below to run a slideshow about some special events going on in our U3A this month.
Would you warm to a heated debate, heart-warming musical entertainment, a hot drink and a cosy chat on a cold, dreary November Sunday afternoon? Then drop in to November’s Sunday Social! Click or tap the poster for enlarged view.
October’s Sunday Social included the Story of Ormskirk Gingerbread – presented by Margaret Gibbon. Margaret is the Ormskirk Gingerbread Lady as well as being the Leader of U3A Local History. If you missed the October Sunday Social, then make a date for a lively debate in November!
Tablet or Smartphone – that is the Question. You may be thinking of buying a mobile device for a family member this Christmas. Or better still, you may have been asked if you’d like to be given one as your gift this year. But if you have no or very little prior knowledge of these devices to help you… Read More »
Christmas Concert: Our own U3A CHOIR, conducted by Duncan Roberts. Come and join in with old favourites and listen to our Choir’s current repertoire. To be held in Christ Church, Aughton on Thursday 1st December. All welcome – bring your family, friends and neighbours! NO speaker meeting in January
Click on the Gallery below to find out about some special events that were going on in our U3A back in October 2016.
“Act Your Age” with the Musical Theatre Group! Purchase your tickets at the Musical Theatre Desk at Horizons on Thursday. Read full details of this production on the Musical Theatre Group Page including phone contacts to order tickets. Click or tap on the Poster to see it full-size If you didn’t see this super show, then keep a lookout for the next… Read More »
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Friday, 16 December 2016! U3A Social Sub-committee CHRISTMAS LUNCH at Christ Church Ministry Centre, just across from the Scout & Guide HQ from noon to 4pm Tickets £23, on sale at Horizons from Thursday 13 Oct, from Elva Marsh and Val Bullen Doors open at noon for Sherry Reception, Followed by 3-course… Read More »
This Computer Tutorial may well be of interest to the general membership. It will be presented by Bill Soens on Tuesday 1st November, starting at 2pm. Bill will compare three ‘free to download’ and ‘free to use’ photograph manipulation software programs:- Google Picasa 3, IrfanView and Gimp. Say about 20 minutes each. All the software demonstrated is 100% legal and free… Read More »
Our Old Time Music Hall show is now completed and was a huge success, thanks to your support! Both nights were very well attended and generated lots of smiles and laughter – which is just what we’ve all joined the U3A for!! The show was directed jointly by the very talented Chris McCabe and Gaynor Hale who both… Read More »
Our Secretary, Linda Burden, has asked that the NW Region Magazine is given a special mention on this website along with the details and application form for a course they are running in Liverpool on Thursday 13 October called Different Approaches to Learning. It is is open to all members of our U3A. By the way, our very own member, Derrick Fewings, is the… Read More »
We downsized several years ago, Decided our piano would have to go. It was a Bechstein, one of the best But it sounded like a honky tonk from the far Wild West. The music stool and the music went too. I sold my musical traumas – I’d had more than a few! I had less than fond memories… Read More »
Spice up an Autumn Sunday afternoon courtesy of Ormskirk’s Gingerbread Lady – our very own Margaret Gibbon. For more details see the Sunday Social group webpage. Margaret is the Leader of the Local History group and also a Trustee.
All Members are invited to an Art Appreciation event ………..
Interested in recording your personal history?
Find out ‘What glaciers have done for us’ in a presentation by Dr Frank Nicholson at a special meeting of the Earth/Geology Group at 2:00 pm on Friday 16th September. Dr Frank Nicholson is a retired lecturer in Physical Geography and Earth Science at Liverpool John Moores University. He will explain and illustrate how glaciers reshaped our geography, changed our climate and still provides… Read More »
Got Strictly Come Dancing fever? But think you have 2 left feet. Then Learn to Dance classes might be the answer. They will be run by the Ballroom Dancing Group starting soon.
Monthly Lecture – “The NHS 100,000 Genome Project” Thursday 6th October 2016 – 10.30 am Christ Church, Long Lane (Coffee 9.30 – 10.30 am Scout HQ) Speaker – Viv Parry OBE A Broadcaster & Writer, Viv is skilled and experienced in making medical and scientific topics understandable to large audiences. The Genome Project will lead to a new understanding about the… Read More »
Age UK and local organisations that support older people are putting on a series of Roadshows in the Borough: On Wednesday 28th September at Aughton Village Hall, between 10.30 and 12.30 p.m. there will be a coffee and information event, hosted by the Hob Nobs Coffee Club. Representatives of the following organisations will be available to answer questions:… Read More »
Join us after the summer break for a talk on the Future of Computing led by visiting presenter Maurice George. See the Computer Tutorials Group page for details.
Unfortunately, this September, our two popular Garden-related groups have been discontinued. See the Featured Groups in the sidebar of the Groups List page. Hopefully, sometime in the future, a group may be resurrected covering garden matters if volunteers come forward to run it.
With the GB success of the August Olympic Games and the Paralympics taking place in September, why not “Get Inspired” to try an outdoor sport this Autumn.
Don’t throw out your local freebie, the Ormskirk Champion dated 17 August 2016 until you read the front page article. It features our very own Graham Sumner and his cliff fall and the unexpected aftermath. His amazing story has also attracted the attention of other media such the Cheshire Chronicle, the Southport Visitor and Radio Merseyside. Or you may be able… Read More »
Attention!! The SUNDAY SOCIAL group has now restarted!! If you missed the July one, there is another in August. Do join us for some chat, a cuppa (& biscuits) plus a bit of light entertainment. Our programme, for the July & August meetings, is: Sunday 24 July Bill Evans (quiz & music) Denise Latham (Flowers are Fun) Sunday 28… Read More »
If you like gardening, please read this plea from the Gardening Group. This Group has provided us with enjoyable and informative meetings this Spring and Summer, but it now needs volunteers to help it continue into the Autumn and Winter.
Don’t miss an August Sunday treat! And if you missed it, there is another in September. For details see the Sunday Social web page.
Enjoy a six day/five night break in the pretty German town of Rudesheim on the Rhine. Cost is an amazing £458.00 with accommodation at the Park Hotel on a half board basis. Single supplement is £76.00. For more detailed information: View the poster on the Scout & Guide HQ noticeboard Ring the Organiser – Jane Jones on 0151… Read More »
Please note – Tuesday Computer Advice is taking a wee break until September. Monday Computer Advice carrying on as usual.
A coach-load of U3A members chilled out this summer at this cool show, organised by Cathleen Barnes – the Leader of Occasional Tours. More information of future tours at the Occasional Tours Desk at Horizons.
We’ve been treated to an excellent Summer Social this year, thanks to the sterling efforts of Val Bullen and her Social Sub-committee and helpers. We were served a delicious and copious afternoon tea topped up by one of Pearl’s famous cakes. The entertainment, hosted by John Tomlinson, included Performances from the Drama and the Recorder Playing Groups, Monologues from the inimitable Pearl… Read More »
The U3A Green Gazebo popped up at Park Praise in Coronation Park in Ormskirk on Saturday 25th June! Bill and Sue Watkinson and their rota of Volunteers were on hand to explain what U3A is all about, extol the benefits of joining U3A, hand out leaflets etc. Ormskirk’s Gingerbread Lady, (who also happens to be the U3A Local History… Read More »
June is here and you can now book your tickets for our excellent Summer Social! They are available from Val and Elva at the Social Desk at Horizons. Or you can also ring up until noon Thursday, June 30th, on 01695-572794. (After that the food will be purchased.)
Click on the Poster for Details. Call in at Horizons to book on the Tour. Or see the website for more about Occasional Tours, including contact information.
If you missed Willem’s Computer Tutorials in the past about Windows 10 and are concerned about the end of the free updates to it; or you are experiencing problems having attempted Windows updates, then not to worry. Call in at a Computer Advice session on a Monday or Tuesday morning (Mondays only during the school holidays). If those… Read More »
Information about this year’s AGM is now available.
Everyone is welcome to attend Jazz Appreciation – just come along. Next Meeting is on Friday May 20th.
Try to set aside the morning of 5th May to attend a Speaker Meeting on this really important topic. NB Change of venue to Christ Church due to Ministry Centre being a Polling Station on this date. Please click on this Poster for details