U3A in London Update – 18 March 2024

This information was published on: March 18, 2024

From Richard Arthur, Our U3A Chair: AGM

“At the AGM I spoke about the great work of our volunteers and the great work and improvement they have effected this year. Unfortunately about half the speech did not make it to watchers on Zoom. I apologise for our technical problems. If members would like to see the full address please contact the office.”

Monday Morning Talk

Social History Through Crazy Gadgets, Contraptions, and Thingamabobs! We are delighted to welcome author and collector Maurice Collins to give our Monday Talk at 10.30 on 18th March. A little taster of what promises to be a fascinating hour can be found in this short youtube video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSpu5_x_HJU&t=7s where he was interviewed about a display at Chatham dockyard some years ago. 

From the U3A London Office

From Gail Levy: Fire Alarm System Maintenance in Room 1.28. The Common Room is not to be used on Monday 18th March.  Work is being done to move the smoke detector.

From Gerta Regensburger: Class Registers When writing your name on a register, would everyone please put down your membership number and surname as requested. If you put your first name only, we have no means of identifying you. Thank you.

The timetables for the week

The full timetable, the Town Hall room timetable and the Zoom timetable are available in the Office and on our website.  

Special Notices About Classes

From Kaoru Godoy: Japanese 1 “There will be no Japanese classes on Wednesday 20th March, as previously notified to current students. The final class this term will be on 27th March.”

From Terry Sopel: The Drama Group “Please come along to Room 2.21 at 11 a.m. on Thursday 21st March for a performance of several disparate pieces ranging widely from an extract from Oscar Wilde to NYC Jewish humour. We hope to finish within an hour!” 

INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES

From Ken Baldry: European History

Wednesday 20th March 11.40 – 12.40 in Room 2.21. Next week’s is Talk 133,The Enlightenment – from the 17th into the 19th Century, with 74 slides. The last week of term the talk is Talk 134, The Jacobite Rebellion in Britain, with 95 slides. The full programme to the Summer Break 2025 is on http://www.art-science.com/history-talks.html

From Rachel Tyndall – Walking by Water

The Brent River. Wednesday 20th March

“Another 6 mile walk, this time through north west London.  We start at Perivale Underground Station on the West Ruislip branch of the Central line and we finish at Hanwell Station which is on the Elizabeth Line.  We will meet at Perivale at 1pm.

Please let me know (email or text) by the evening of Tuesday 19th March if you intend to join me. Walks will be cancelled if the weather is bad: persistent rain, snow or ice.

From Stephen Barry: London Miscellany

on Wednesday 20th March at 2.00pm in Room 1.29. “In the last class this term we’ll discover how Camberwell was transformed from a small village in Surrey to a heavily built-up area of south London.”

From Wally Howard: The Film Class

on Wednesday 20th March 2024 at 2.00pm in Room 1.22 The highly acclaimed Dead Poets Society Directed by Peter Weir

Starring Robin Williams as an inspirational, enigmatic and unconventional English teacher.

From Yvonne Dove

Secular and Mythological Art on Thursday 21st March at 11.40 in Room 2.26. “This week we are examining the life and works of Rembrandt, the greatest artist of the Dutch Golden Age. These works include self-portraits, The Abduction of Europa, The Night Watch and The Jewish Bride”.

From Martin Raybould: The Wines of Brazil

on Thursday March 21st at 6.30pm in Room 2.21 Wine Tasting, £10 a head as usual.

From Eric Mentzer: Bridge

“During the forthcoming U3A Easter vacation (dates for future vacation sessions will be issued later), we can confirm that Room 1.29 (Art room) will be available for bridge on the following dates from 12.30 to 16.00 hours: Friday 5/4, Monday 8/4, Fri 12/4, Mon 15/4, Fri 19/4, Mon 22/4, Fri 26/4. Beginners are welcome as other participants can always provide assistance during the game. An Honesty box is in operation for Social Bridge as tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits are provided with no extra charge.”

From Maxine Jason The Art Group

Three more of five collages on the theme of how we imagine space to be

Notices from Outside Organisations

From Travel Hands for Visually Impaired People (VIP):

“VIP is designed to ease the outdoor commute by pairing VIPs with sighted and verified volunteers to walk together to a destination, ensuring a safe and convenient travel experience. ‘Travel Hands’ is on the website http://www.u3asites.org.uk/londonregion for all information. Their tel.020-3966 1650. As this is a new charity any questions queries or feedback you may have please do email the Office.”

From The Third Age Trust: Advance Notice

TAT is launching a new summer programme of guided walks, visits and tours between 21/5-23/7; Booking begins Friday 22 March when the programme will be on Events page of the London Region website.

From Maggie’s Royal Free Cancer Centre

“On Saturday 23 March from 10am-5pm we will be holding a ceramics show and sale at our new centre in the grounds of the Royal Free Hospital. Our centre is designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind and we provide free cancer support to anyone affected by cancer and their loved ones. The event is held jointly with the group Ceramicspace and there will be 12 ceramicists displaying their work in the centre. Maggie’s aren’t usually open on a weekend so will be a great chance for the local community to join our ceramics show and learn more about Maggie’s.

To make you smile

Apple have given up on their attempt to make a car, on discovering that it has to be fitted with Windows.

Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, “We agree it was rather high for the time of year. It’s possible Mr. Purdey has been charged for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.”  (The Daily Telegraph)

“Did you take a bath today?” “No. Is one missing?”

Good wishes from 

Gilli Vafidis Monday talks and Zoom Queen
Gilli
Richard
and Maureen