Upcoming online events full of technology tips

The u3a learning team are running a series of online events in partnership with technology charity, AbilityNet, to help boost members' technology skills. 270 members attended the first talk in the series with attendees commenting that it was "an hour well spent" and "excellent advice and very informative." One member remarked that "I feel more able to spot a scam now".

The next events in this series are:

• Tuesday 4 February, 2pm - An introduction to AbilityNet/BT Group Partnership: BT Digital Voice
• Tuesday 18 February, 2pm - Things you didn’t know you can do online, for older people
• Tuesday 4 March, 2pm - Apps to help seniors being out and about, travel focus
• Tuesday 18 March, 2pm - Making your Smartphone or Tablet easier to use
• Tuesday 1 April, 2pm - Smart tech for older and disabled people
• Tuesday 15 April, 2pm - Using the web to learn something new
• Tuesday 29 April, 2pm - Understanding online content, misinformation and disinformation
• Tuesday 13 May, 2pm - Staying safer on social media
• Tuesday 27 May, 2pm - How going digital can save you money

Bookings will open 4-6 weeks before each event.

Browse events and book your tickets here

AbilityNet is an organisation with a network of volunteers who offer free technology support, with a focus on accessibility for older people and those with reduced mobility. u3a Online Events bring exciting news of help available with the ever-challenging digital problems that frustrate us all.

Families may be spread all over the world, but with a few digital skills, we can be together: to watch your grandchildren open the birthday gifts you sent them, or to enjoy the satisfaction of learning something which has been out of your reach until now.

AbilityNet is an organisation of volunteers with the skills you need. You may need help to set up a new device, connect to the internet, a problem with a computer virus, or require support to connect to family and friends online.

They can help you by phone, over the internet, or at home. Their volunteers are friendly, and DBS checked. Volunteers can help with most computer systems, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other smart devices like Smart TVs, Alexa speakers and Google Home devices.

Visit the AbilityNet website for more information and support.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

u3a Group Awarded ‘Finalist’ in National Awards.

We are delighted to report that u3a members John, Mike and Ruth were Finalists in the ‘Innovations in Mindfulness’ awards. John, Mike and Ruth are about to start their ninth series of online events which have attracted over 1000 u3a members. Mindfulness and Meditation subject advisers John and Mike travelled to the Mindfulness Awards in Manchester to accept the prestigious prize. Judges praised the team’s creativity, the events’ accessibility for new audiences and impact over time.

This u3a series is designed to introduce u3a members to mindful ageing and to the principles and practices of mindfulness and meditation. It aims to support members as they age and to enable them to deal with challenges that might be faced such as avoiding falls and dealing with ageism. The content focuses on self-care and enable members to take part in meditations, mindful movement and self-massage.

The team has created an accompanying website for the series of events which includes presentations, guided meditations, mindful movement videos and supporting documents. Members can use the website content to help revise and deepen their practice.

The benefits for u3a members as they age are many, for example, practising mindfulness helps to ease anxiety and depression, improves attention and ability to focus and improves sleep and physical health. Members have reported that:

“(I am) more composed and have more energy,””

“(I have) found ways of dealing with anxiety associated with surgery,” and

“(I have) found techniques to help me get to sleep.”

You can try out some of the videos, audio recordings and presentations at:

Mindful Ageing - u3a Series

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Imperial War Museum’s Register - Help us to Remember Them

Our new project is inspired by Second World War Remembrance. Many of us will have been moved by the commemorative events surrounding the 80th Anniversary of D-Day on 6 June this year. For some, there will be a direct link with a family member and/or with a war memorial.

u3a Members – Please Help us to Remember Them

We are aiming to create a collection of photos sent by u3a members from World War 2 War Memorials with which they are familiar. These could relate to relatives or close connections or perhaps to the subjects of research done by individual members or u3a groups.

The data we need is:
• Where is the memorial? Address needed.
• Is there a special reason for it to be where it is?
• What is the name of the Memorial?
• Are there stories to go with the photos?

IWM's War Memorial’s Register is a comprehensive national database of UK War Memorials and the names of the individuals they commemorate members of the armed forces, civilians and animals from all conflicts who died in service.

Each war memorial is a unique record of the past, because each design and the words inscribed on it were chosen by the communities who created them.
Please send in war memorial information or photographs about your local war memorials, your own family or recollections of local history.

To send your pictures and stories, please use our form at: www.u3a.org.uk/learning/learning-activities/help-us-remember

If you have queries, please contact Carole Chapman at:

carole.chapman@u3a.org.uk

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Our Learning Review – thank you for your feedback!

We would like to say a big THANK YOU to those of you that responded to the u3a Learning Review. Over 2,000 members shared their thoughts about our learning offer. We are now using this excellent feedback to improve the learning experience for all.

Examples of our ongoing improvements include:

• Wider promotion of our learning offer across the movement
• Improving our learning web pages so that they are easier to navigate
• The planned creation of learning toolkits and guidance for all members to use at a local level
• Further promotion and explanation of the Subject Adviser role across the movement
• Growing Interest Groups Online and ensuring members and Group Leaders are well supported
• Further promotion of u3a radio podcast to attract a wider audience.

Making a difference

We are also so pleased to read about the difference our learning offer has made for members across u3a.

“It is brilliant. Online talks and sessions have been a lifesaver for me, and enjoyable. I also worked through the mindfulness sessions which were really well put together and presented. Thank you for all you do u3a!”

“I am grateful for the online talks. Keep them going and thank you.”

“Time is a precious commodity to all of us in our Third Age - thank you for focusing our attention on how to make best use of it, if we have an interest in learning, other than in our local interest group (s)”

“You are offering an amazing service - life saver! Thank you. And thank you for thinking about how to improve the offer”.

“Providing these opportunities is really important. Thank you and keep them coming!”

Find out more

We continue to develop and improve our learning offer with an ever-growing number of free online learning events and activities to take part in.

To keep up to date with all the latest learning news, sign-up to receive our learning events newsletter.

Thank you again for your feedback from the Learning Team here at the Third Age Trust!

If you would like to get in contact with us about our learning offer, please email learning@u3a.org.uk

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Where am I?

The u3a office Learning team has launched 'Where am I?', a new geographical and travel based challenge. Members are asked to look at the submitted photos and use the clues and their knowledge of the world to work out where the locations are. For the first edition of this puzzle, the u3a office Learning team, Katie, Liz, Janine and Alison have provided a picture each and some clues as to where in the world they were when they took the photo.

We are delighted to say that the first correct answer out of the hat for the photo competition will receive a u3a tote bag. Answers are already coming in fast!

For future challenges we want u3a members to submit a photo and some clues as to where the location is so that other members can guess and find out more about interesting places to visit.

Here are some examples of photos for guessing. Why not have a guess!

Submit your guess for 'Where am I'

Our other new activities

Find a u3a speaker

Are you looking for a speaker to talk at an upcoming u3a meeting?

The aim of ‘Find a u3a Speaker’ is to facilitate contact and connection across the u3a movement by providing a platform for speakers to share their talks with other u3a's, either online or in-person. So far we have had over 50 talks submitted.

Find a speaker for an upcoming talk

Enter the Short Story Competition

The Short Story Competition returns for its fifth year in 2024, and the theme this year is 'Escape'. Entries are open until midday on Monday 8 July 2024.

Read the rules and submit your story

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Find out more about our wonderful Subject Advisers and what they can do for you. There is so much more they have to offer in addition to advice. They are waiting for your call!

Shri Sharma, Subject Adviser for Philosophy

For me the job of a subject advisor is to support the philosophy groups that already exist. It is also to help people who are interested in trying out philosophy, either in finding a group near them or setting up a group.

If an existing group has finished going through a text or a course, I can offer advice and support for moving forward into different areas of philosophy or perhaps to different world philosophies. I occasionally give talks online on odd topics. I recently travelled to Branston u3a STEM group to give a talk on ‘What is Philosophy?’.

Recent queries have been about how to proceed after having completed Nigel Warburton’s book, Philosophy the basics. I suggested several different ways of moving forward. These often require feedback to me from the group as to how they prefer to engage with philosophy.

I offer advice about what sorts of things people do in philosophy and how to go about having ‘arguments’ (these have a specific meaning in philosophy) and discussions. I also suggest suitable materials such as texts, MOOCs, YouTube courses, podcasts, etc.

Anytime you have any queries regarding things philosophical or what to do after you have finished some book or topic or course contact me via email or phone (details are in TAM) or submit a query by clicking on contact the advisor on the u3a philosophy page. You can also get in touch via the padlet pages on the national site. Click and write on the ‘Ask me a question’ padlet.

Geoff Phoenix, Subject Adviser for Portuguese

Group Coordinatorsmay be unaware of the help they could receive from Subject Advisers in setting up new groups where there is no obvious leader, or in finding another u3a which provides the subject which only one or two members are seeking.

Some Advisers have produced their own material which they are happy to share with other members and groups. Group Coordinators may be at a loss to help members to start a new language group when there is no expert within their u3a prepared to be a leader. They may well find that the Subject Adviser can help when this is the case by providing a method for running a leaderless or shared leader group and even provide material to get the group started.

Group Leaderswho are new to the role of leading a group or who want to share their role with other members of the group, or perhaps need some fresh ideas for stimulating interest in their groups need to be aware of the fact that they can always contact the appropriate Subject Adviser. They are there to help and are usually both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subject and keen to help both in the establishment of new groups and by providing advice to existing groups who need help with new ideas or resources.

Existing group leaders who are having difficulty in maintaining their enthusiasm or that of their members will find that there is a wealth of resources and methods available to revitalise or extend the scope of their groups after making contact with their Subject Adviser. In fact we have been able to help a group which approached me for just such advice and provided exactly what they were seeking.

As for Portuguese, during my time as Subject Adviser I have helped to start several groups and I am developing a starter pack so that there is a simple and tried and tested course for beginners available without the need for lots of expensive language books until everyone has made some real progress. I have also helped existing group leaders with new ideas for learning vocabulary, verb conjugations and with material for new ways of getting their members to continue to progress or revive interest.

It's not difficult to contact Subject Advisers as they all have a page on the u3a national website and there is a regular page in the Third Age Matters with their contact details.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

As you are probably aware, the learning team at u3a office have been running a series of online talks since 2020 and the covid pandemic. At the time it was an ideal way of reaching members and continuing our learning programme when restrictions were in place.

However we soon realised the value of these talks and their ability to spread knowledge across the country regardless of where members lived. We know that some subject areas, such as art and history, are extremely popular with members through numerous events and requests for resources via national office. But what about the more niche and unusual areas?

We made a conscious decision to be slightly experimental in some of the talks we offered and have reached the conclusion that this is the right approach. Some of the more biographical events have included the life of ‘Sir Thomas Lipton, from Cabin Boy to Tea Tycoon to International Yachtsman’ where Neville Lyons of Guildford u3a traced the extraordinary ‘rags to riches’ story of Sir Thomas’s life.

Neville has given us some background on the subjects of his presentations which look at the less likely heroes of British history:

“My talks are framed around personalities who had a disadvantaged start in life but whose lifetime endeavours were to contribute beneficially to the general public. Sir Joseph (Joe) Lyons and his partner cofounders from the Salmon & Gluckstein families were of humble origin but gave rise to the First Food Empire and the world’s first business computer, LEO. While Sir Thomas Lipton, born and raised in the Gorbals district of Glasgow, rose from Cabin Boy to Tea Tycoon, to International Yachtsman and Philanthropist.”

Other areas like sustainability are never far from the news but what about subjects such as fast fashion? Helen Howard from Canterbury u3a brought some issues to our attention that many of us are not aware of. In ‘Fashion’s Dumping Ground’ Helen revealed that about 1.4 million tonnes of discarded clothes are exported to countries such as Ghana and Kenya with a recent report on the situation in Kenya suggesting that over recent years 300 million items of unsaleable synthetic clothing has been dumped in landfill or burned.

Helen told us: “Clothing is the perfect case study for getting to grips with the circular economy because we all wear clothes and so many people donate their cast off clothes to charity shops. It’s a good way in to seeing the central importance of climate change, understanding sustainability, and the impact of waste colonialism on the Global South. It also helps people to understand that when clothes are very cheap it is often because of exploitation of garment workers, and environmental damage. We as consumers have more power than we think.”

One member told us that the talk ‘Made me very aware of such a serious situation and what we don't know about some of these big companies "behind the scenes". Thank you.’

In the History of the British Secret Intelligence Services Moira MacQuaide, Guildford u3a, talked us through and presented on her connection to the Intelligence Services, some early history of espionage, 20th century intelligence services, including MI5, MI6, GCHQ, Bletchley Park and Counter Terrorism and famous spies.

Moira said: “I was interested in the subject of the secret intelligence services because I have always wondered about some of the stories that get into the media that would appear to inform other countries' intelligence services of what we are doing. I have never worked in any of these areas, which is why I made my talk "As portrayed in the media". So, in my opinion, it could be concerning that the media publicises travel plans of prominent people, what appear to be plans to protect our territories, or the state of our military forces. Mark Twain said "If you don't read newspapers then you're uninformed. If you do read newspapers then you're misinformed." I think he might be right!”

Comments from members included: ‘It was a fabulous talk, very well researched and presented, with a variety of information that some of us would remember but lots of new facts. I was absorbed for the whole hour. I’m now looking for job with the secret service’

If you have a talk that you think would capture the inmagination of members please do contact us on learning@u3a.org.uk to share your thoughts with us. No matter how niche you think it may be, we guarantee there will be an audience for it!

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

The u3a national poetry competition is back for its fourth consecutive year, with the theme of ‘What If’.

Any u3a member can enter the competition and should submit their work on the poetry competition page of the u3a website. Members are asked to write a maximum of 16 lines on the theme ‘What If’, with judging taking place from the end of January 2024. The winner will be announced in April 2024.

One of our judges is the u3a national subject adviser for Creative Writing, Marcia Humphries. Marcia has been judging this competition since its inception and says,

“The poetry competition began during lockdown, as a way of helping u3a members to pass the time. It proved popular, so it has become an annual event, attracting large numbers of entries. It is open to all u3a members, whether or not they belong to a writing group.

When we set a theme for the competition, we try to use something general, that will spark imaginations into life. This year's theme is What if. It's a theme rather than a title, and gives plenty of scope for past, present & future. What if Henry VIII had only had one wife? What if we could only use cars one day a week? What if in future gardeners are only allowed to grow vegetables?”

We hope to see many entries this year and look forward to reading what you have written.

Enter the u3a Poetry Competition 2023-4

Want to read last year's winning poems? Read u3a Poetry Competition 2022-3 Results.

Want to hear more from Marcia? Listen to November’s edition of the u3a Radio Podcast to hear more about creative writing in the u3a movement.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

u3a members are very lucky to now be able to attend two Laughter Yoga sessions each month, as part of the u3a online events programme.

The u3a online events programme offers learning opportunities for members via zoom, with sessions hosted on weekdays in the mornings and afternoons.

Laughter Yoga is an aerobic exercise with playful exercises and hand claps combined with deep yogic breathing

Judith Walker has been hosting sessions online on the second Wednesday of every month at 10am for the past few years. She has recently become the u3a Laughter Yoga Subject Adviser, encouraging people around the coutry to take up Laughter Yoga, and train to become teachers.

We are delighted to announce that Merrie Maggie will be joining Judith as a u3a Laughter Yoga teacher, hosting online Laughter Yoga sessions on the last Tuesday of every month at 3.30pm, starting from September.

Maggie trained to be a Certified Leader in 2010 and a Certified Teacher in 2013, initially running Laughter Yoga clubs locally and then taking Laughter Yoga to corporate, wellbeing events, festivals, community and voluntary organisations so she could share the benefits of regular laughter with them. We are delighted that she will now be sharing the joy of laughter with u3a members.

Visit the u3a online events webpage to sign up to both monthly sessions now.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

u3a Digital Champion Robert, member of Leek u3a

Robert from Leek u3a has been helping his members with their technical needs. The Leek u3a committee have piloted and set up drop-in sessions where members can bring their devices and queries. Robert and the tech team can then offer one-off fixes or ongoing support and training for those who want it.

Here is what Robert had to say about the first drop-in session held in April this year.

We had a wide range of committee and member support experience available including retired IT professionals with extensive experience in Microsoft, and people familiar with using Apple and Android products and software packages.

Members requested support on areas such as the ‘basic’ set-up, use and familiarisation with hardware and software across the platforms, to more complex issues which required the more experienced ‘enablers’ to help. The team also helped members with accessibility, for example making their devices easier to see and use

There were lots of issues around account management; members were supported to recover lost passwords and access locked accounts. Advice was given on generating, and keeping passwords safe and how to manage them.

Suggestions from attendees for future sessions and general advice included:

• Buying advice (with a disclaimer!) with a focus on reducing unnecessary purchases i.e. buying a laptop, when a cheaper tablet could have been more accessible.
• ‘Best practice’ advice on managing passwords
• Security and scam awareness
• Device ‘housekeeping’ i.e. cleaning unused data, tabs and emails to free up storage and enable devices to run faster was also suggested.

Members found the session really useful, particularly those who did not have family nearby who could help them. Some said they would much prefer to learn how to do things for themselves with ongoing training, rather than having ‘things done for them.’

There was a very positive ‘buzz’ during the session, and members expressed thanks and relief for getting the support provided. Several members said how frustrated and distressed they were about not being able to use the tech they had. Providing emotional support, confidence building and reassurance was vital to reducing this frustration.

Members appreciated the informal support and the easy access to the event. They mostly arrived with specific issues that they felt they were supported with. Our committee agreed we will offer similar drop-ins on a monthly basis.

For more information, read Robert's document: Leek u3a Tech Drop In Sessions - Detailed Structure on how to run these sessions.

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Robert honed his tech skills and learned how to upskill others through the Barclays Digital Eagles ‘Digital Champion’ programme.

The programme also includes discussions of the ‘soft skills’ needed to enable people to gain confidence in using tech, and topics such as making software accessible, online safety and account security.

The Learning team at u3a has been working with the Barclays Digital Eagles who are encouraging more u3a members to become Digital Champions. They have given us these step-by-step instructions on registering:

Steps to becoming a Digital Champion

1. If you haven’t used our learning platform before, sign up to Barclays Digital Wings here and use the code U3A1 in the ‘Company Code’ box (this code will help us identify you as a u3a Digital Champion and we can make sure the right people are aware of the impact you’re having). If you have registered for Barclays Digital Wings before, go to step 2.
2. If you’re an existing Barclays Digital Wings user, or have just completed step 1, go to the Digital Champions page, read the info and register using the ‘Already using Digital Wings’ option (don’t forget to add ‘u3a’ when it asks if you’re a Digital Champion from an organisation)
3. Within a couple of days, we’ll send your welcome email with the next steps and how to complete your training and book your sessions (there are a range of days and times available)

We would love to help more members become Digital Champions in their regions and get more of these support sessions set up – in whatever format would work best for your locality. If you sign up for the Barclays Digital Eagles programme or want to start something similar in your u3a please let us know!

Get in touch with us by emailing learning@u3a.org.uk

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

A way to mark the Coronation

Earlier this year, to mark the Coronation, we asked members to send in their recipe for a dish that was 'fit for a King'.

A panel of judges reviewed the recipes submitted and below are their top picks. The winning dish is a Pickling Mutton Masala made by Richmond Upon Thames u3a member Khatoon Noonan. The judges felt that the dish was not only creative but also reflected King Charles' desire for more sustainable meat choices. Below you will find Khatoon's winning recipe, a veggie alternative, plus two delicious runner-up dishes.

If you have made any of these recipes at home, we would love to know. Don't forget to take a picture before tucking in, and send it to us at learning@u3a.org.uk

Winning recipe by Richmond-Upon-Thames member Khatoon

The judges were impressed by Khatoon's consideration of King Charles' preference for mutton, the use of kiwi pulp for the mutton marinade, and the easy-to-follow recipe that is full of flavour.

Khatoon explains some of the thought processes behind her recipe. You can also download a special celebratory coronation recipe card below.

Pickling Masala Mutton Curry

Mutton is a preferred meat of the British ethnic population. Though it is not available in main supermarkets, it is readily available from ethnic butchers and online from local farmers. It is a relatively cheaper and more gamey meat than lamb.

It also happens to be a favourite meat of King Charles III. A few years ago as Prince, King Charles ran a campaign to promote mutton to help sheep farmers to sell the older animals and help food chain and save the environment. Several restaurants joined the campaign and mutton dishes are regularly on the menu. My dish is a favourite of my family it is exotic, tasty and often forms a main dish for our celebratory dinners & lunches. It is a one pot dish and despite a long list of ingredients it is easy to prepare.

8 People

Serves

Ingredients for 8 Servings

For the pickling masala:

• 1 Tbsp

  Black pepper

• 2 Tbsp

  Black mustard seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Fenugreek seeds

• 2 Tbsp

  Fennel seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Cumin seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Coriander seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Chilli flakes

For Marinade:

• 1 Tbsp

  Crushed fresh ginger

• 1 Tbsp

  Garlic

• 2

  Ripe kiwi fruit, pulp

• 1

  Large lemon, juice

For main dish:

• 1 kg

  Off the bone leg of mutton, cut into cubes

• 2 Tbsp

  Crushed fresh ginger

• 1 Tbsp

  Crushed garlic

• 250g

  Roughly chopped tomatoes

• 2

  Large onions, roughly chopped

• 3 Tbsps

  Pickling masala powder (recipe included) or 3 heaped Tbsps of storebought achari

• 1.5 Tsp

  Salt

• 250g

  Natural thick set yoghurt

• 5 mugs

  Water

• 150ml

  Cold pressed rapeseed oil

For the garnish:

• Half a bunch

  Fresh coriander, chopped

• Julienne 1 inch

  Fresh ginger

• 4-6

  Fresh green chillies (I prefer to use Turkish mild long chillies.)

Method

For the pickling masala:

• Dry fry the ingredients for the pickling masala together in a frying pan.
• Grind them in a coffee grinder to create a smooth powder.
• Store in air tight container. Will keep for 3 -6 months, alternatively you can buy ready made powder from Indian supermarkets.

For the main dish:

• Marinate meat in the marinade or 1-2 hrs. or over night.
• Blend onions and tomatoes in a blender to give smooth paste. Keep aside.
• Heat oil in a heavy pan. and fry ginger and garlic for three to five minutes. Add marinated meat pieces, fry for further ten minutes.
• Now add Pickling Masala or achari. Mix well before adding tomatoes and onion paste. Cook for further five minutes.
• Slowly add yoghurt and mix to prevent it splitting. When thoroughly mixed, add water and cook on medium heat for 40-60 minutes till meat is tender and sauce has thickened.
• Finally add salt, lemon juice and chillies halved and slit length wise. Cover and keep for 5 minutes.

  Serve in a deep bowl. Sprinkle coriander and ginger on the top. Serve with boiled rice, flat bread, and yoghurt raita.

Download the recipe card for Pickling Masala Mutton Curry

Alex Connell, from Vegetarian for Life, has created a vegan alternative to this winning dish that you can read at the bottom of this page

View the vegan recipe

Runner Up Recipes

Congratulations to our two runners up, Mal from South East London u3a with Chia Berries Brekkie, and Beverley from North Norfolk u3a with Cheesy Layered Potatoes.

Chia Berries Brekkie, made by Mal of South East London u3a

The theme of sustainability inspired me and I know how important this subject is to King Charles, who himself is an inspiration. I use vegan coconut milk yogurt and surprisingly you can now buy chia seeds grown in Britain. The vanilla essence and cinnamon are a nod to the Commonwealth, specifically the Caribbean where I am from. Some of the best berries I buy are from the Duchy range which until recently was headed up by Prince Charles.

For an important day like the Coronation, the King and Queen Consort will need nourishment and this little breakfast is a great way to start the day as it's packed with nutrition. This breakfast will energise the King and Queen Consort on the morning of the Coronation without being heavy or stodgy.

Chia Berries Brekkie

This breakfast dish is low in calories and cholesterol free, the chia seeds have fibre, carbs, iron, calcium and iron. The berries are loaded with antioxidant, high in fibre, and keeps blood sugar low while fighting inflammation. This little bowl of goodness is fit for a King!

2 People

Serves

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 1 Cup

  Coconut Yoghurt

• 2 Tbsp

  Chia seeds

• 2 drops

  Vanilla Essence

• Sprinkle of

  Cinnamon

• To your preference

  Mixed berries

Method

• Wash a handful of British Berries and dry.
• Soak the chia seeds in coconut yoghurt overnight in the fridge.
• Add vanilla essence and cinnamon to the mixture and stir.
• Spoon the chia mixture into two small dishes.
• Arrange the berries on over the chia mixture.

Cheesy Layered Potatoes Fit for a King, made by North Norfolk u3a member Beverley

When my four children were growing up, this was always a reasonably priced dish to feed 6 of us with few ingredients. On its own, as a side or with a little cooked smoked lardons included in the layers, served with salad, it is delicious. It is a child friendly version of dauphonoise but we all grew to love it like this. I always make a scaled-up version when the family visit.

I used Duchy products, the company that King Charles himself set up in 1990. King Edward potatoes can be substituted to keep the royal connection theme.

1 person

Serves

Ingredients for 1 serving (ingredients can be increased to suit)

• 50g

  Duchy organic mature cheddar cheese, grated

• 25g

  Duchy organic English salted butter

• 1 medium-large

  Duchy organic potato - thinly sliced

• 1 medium

  Duchy organic onion - roughly diced

• 250ml

  Duchy organic unhomogenised whole mlk

• To taste

  Ground salt and black pepper

Method

• Preheat oven to 180°/gas mark 6
• In a medium sized ovenproof dish (I use a gratin dish), dot some of the butter over the base retaining a little for the finished dish.
• Beginning with a layer of potatoes, layer the grated cheese, chopped onion and potatoes until used up (holding a little of the grated cheese back.)
• Transfer the assembled dish to an ovenproof tray, then pour the milk carefully over.
• Grind a couple of twists of salt and pepper over the top.
• Sprinkle with a remainder of the grated cheese over the assembled dish.
• Cook in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, depending on your oven.

  Test carefully that the potatoes are cooked through. If not, turn heat down and cook for a little longer.

• Enjoy.

Winning recipe adapted by Alex Connell from Vegetarian for Life

Chef Alex from charity Vegetarian for Life has created this vegan alternative of Khatoon's winning Pickling Masala Mutton Curry.

He has used aubergines, chickpeas and vegan natural yoghurt for his recipe and adapted the method accordingly.

Aubergine & Chickpea Achari Curry

This is a vegan alternative to the winning dish Cook for a King. Other than no meat the spice mix is the same albeit slightly reduced. I have used aubergines and chickpeas for a good flavour and texture.

• 8 People

  Serves

• 1 hour for marination

  Prep Time

• 30 mins

  Cooking Time

Ingredients for 8 Servings

For the pickling masala:

• 1 Tbsp

  Black pepper

• 2 Tbsp

  Black mustard seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Fenugreek seeds

• 2 Tbsp

  Fennel seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Cumin seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Coriander seeds

• 1 Tbsp

  Chilli flakes

• 4

  Dried Bay Leaves

For Marinade:

• 1 Tbsp

  Crushed fresh ginger

• 1 Tbsp

  Garlic

• 2

  Ripe kiwi fruit, pulp

• 1

  Large lemon, juice

For main dish:

• 4

  Aubergines, cut into chunks

• 2 Tbsp

  Crushed fresh ginger

• 1 Tbsp

  Crushed garlic

• 250g

  Roughly chopped tomatoes

• 2

  Large onions, roughly chopped

• 3 Tbsps

  Pickling masala powder (recipe included) or 3 heaped Tbsps of storebought achari

• 1 Tsp

  Coriander powder

• 0.5 Tsp

  Cumin powder

• 0.5 Tsp

  Chilli flakes

• 1 Tsp

  Salt

• 100g

  Natural vegan yoghurt

• 1 Can

  Chickpeas, drained

• 200 ml

  Vegetable stock

• 0.5

  Lemon juiced, save other half for garnish

• 50ml

  Cold pressed rapeseed oil

For the garnish:

• Half a bunch

  Fresh coriander, chopped

• Julienne 1 inch

  Fresh ginger

• 4-6

  Fresh green chillies (I prefer to use Turkish mild long chillies.)

Method

For the pickling masala:

• Dry fry the ingredients for the pickling masala together in a frying pan for approx 3 mins
• Grind them in a coffee grinder to create a smooth powder.
• Store in air tight container. Will keep for 3 -6 months, alternatively you can buy ready made powder from Indian supermarkets.

For the main dish:

• Coat aubergine in the marinade and leave for an hour.
• In a large non-stick pan fry the aubergine until cooked. Depending on the size of your pan this may need to be done in batches. Remove the cooked aubergines from the pan and set to one side.
• Blend onions and tomatoes in a blender to give smooth paste. Keep aside.
• Heat oil in a heavy pan. and fry ginger and garlic for three to five minutes.
• Now add Pickling Masala or achari. Then add the coriander, cumin powders and chilli flakes. Mix well before adding tomatoes and onion paste. Cook for further 10 minutes.
• Slowly add yoghurt and mix to prevent it splitting. When thoroughly mixed, add the stock and chickpeas and cook on medium heat until the sauce has thickened.
• Add the cooked aubergine and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Finally add the salt and lemon juice, adjust seasonings as required.
• Serve in a deep bowl. Sprinkle coriander to garnish. Serve with boiled rice, flat bread, and yoghurt raita.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Last week our online schedule of learning events in relation to Hadrian’s Wall came to an end. This series which ran over 10 days culminated in the in-person event ‘u3a Off the Wall’, where u3a members from across the movement came together in Northumberland for a day of talks, events and activities.

However for those members who couldn’t get there in-person, the online events gave a chance to learn more about Hadrian’s Wall, its historical context and the surrounding area.

A regular to our online events programme, Newcastle u3a member Catherine Stevenson, started off the programme with an intriguing and mysterious presentation about secretive artwork that’s been created in areas around Hadrian’s Wall.

We were also lucky to have author and historian Adrian Goldsworthy join us for an hour’s session discussing his ‘Roman Britain’ series. One attendee noted that, ‘Usually a good sign is when time flies by, and that was certainly true in this case. The historical interest was my motive for attending and this was well-rewarded by Adrian - very many thanks!’.

‘Scotland’s Foodie’ Wendy Barrie also joined us for a presentation on Roman culture, food production and agriculture – and its influence on British Cuisine today. From ground elder to rabbit, there was plenty to learn about and u3a members asked some very engaging questions in the Q&A.

Wendy Barrie presents about Roman Influence on British Cuisine

Members were also fascinated to hear from author Nancy Jardine about how she collected the evidence needed to set her Celtic Britain series of novels in Roman times.

u3a trustee, Margaret Fiddes then used her talent and creativity to show members how to make flower crowns. As a florist herself, Margaret was able to show members clearly how to make the crowns. A participant said that it was a ‘Terrific session. Margaret was lovely and engaging, making the session fun… [I’m] very pleased with my crown and happy to have learned a new skill. Worked very well over zoom. Thanks for making zoom sessions available to u3a membership. I am cautious about COVID and don't attend any local in person classes.’

Haywards Heath u3a Latin group finished off the programme by creating a wonderful video. This is an illustrated selection of letters from the Vindolanda Writing Tablets in Latin and English, which you can watch on YouTube.

Thank you to all our speakers and hosts, and to the members who attended these events - we hope you learnt something new and interesting. If you missed these, do not worry as there are many more online opportunities to get involved in every month, free for u3a members. Browse the talks and workshops currently on offer on the u3a Online Events page

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Since 2020, u3a members have been sharing their memories of different periods of history, creating a valuable historical resource and collection of material.

All Our Yesterdays

Our current initiative is called ‘All Our Yesterdays’, and involves a collection of stories from the 1950s and 60s which stand out in members’ memories.

So far members have contributed stories about such things as Anthea from Bromsgrove u3a’s time overseas in Aden, Sheila of St Austell u3a’s sugar sandwiches and Barry of Cheadle Hulme u3a’s discovery of rock ‘n’ roll.

Share your memories on the All Our Yesterdays page.

All of these initiatives have been facilitated by Trust Volunteer Carole Chapman, who is a member of Portsdown u3a. She says,

“As the Trust Volunteer associated with the current All Our Yesterdays Learning initiative, I should like to encourage u3a members to get involved in the project.

My own background is in the study and teaching of History, and I have enjoyed developing my interests in retirement, through continued involvement with the Imperial War Museum and with my u3a colleagues. Hence my participation in initiatives on the Battle of Britain and the Blitz and on the Kindertransport. In u3a, we have such a tremendous resource – the experiences and enthusiasm of our members – and it is fascinating to see how people relate their rich personal histories to great events. Our recent recollections of Her Majesty the Queen come to mind. Sharing our memories helps to preserve our heritage for the future.

In my own case, I have revisited my memories of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and tried to recall its impact on my ten-year-old self. As I thought about that, I also recalled the words of the American writer William Faulkner in Requiem for a Nun:

The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

Previous Collections

As Carole mentioned, we have previously facilitated two other memory collection initiatives. The first was in Autumn 2020 when Carole, working with the Imperial War Museum, collected member’s memories of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of these events.

To commemorate National Kindertransport Day 2021 we held a special online event hosted by Dame Esther Rantzen, featuring many u3a members whose lives had been forever changed by the Kindertransport migration. At the event, we heard first-hand from those who had fled Nazi occupation as children, from the host families who took them in and even of one member’s grandfather who had helped rescue and find homes for over 250 Kinder.

You can read members' memories of the Kindertransport.

Thank you so much for getting involved with our archives and, contributing to the valuable consolidation of historical events using members’ personal memories.

If you have an idea for a memory collection initiative, please contact learning@u3a.org.uk

Back to Learning News Articles

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Over the past few years, we’ve run two photography initiatives as part of our online national learning offering. These aim to inspire both occasional photo takers and passionate photographers alike.

Our ‘Found In Nature’ initiative encourages u3a members to submit photos of the weird and wonderful things they find in nature – whether that’s an intricate spider web, rare species of wildlife or an interesting looking plant. We’ve had some great images sent in of the natural world, all of which can be viewed in galleries on our website.

Our ‘U3A Eye’ initiative is a photography competition with a new theme each month. This is judged by u3a members, including our photography subject adviser. The photos are judged not just on photography skills but on the creative interpretations of the theme, and the top 15 are then displayed in our online gallery.

Please share these initiatives with your local photography groups and share them amongst your friends and networks, encouraging engagement with u3a photography on a national level.

A few u3a members have shared their engagement with these initiatives. You can read group stories in the gallery below.

• 

  Photo by Mike, Melbourne Area Derby u3a

  Read about Melbourne Area Derby u3a photography group

• 

  Photo by Kaushalya, Balsall Common u3a

  Read about Balsall Common u3a photography group

• 

  Photo by Graham, Leigh Estuary u3a

  Read about Leigh Estuary u3a photography group

• 

  Photo by David, Mawdesley Villages u3a

  Read about Mawdesley Villages u3a photography group

• 

  Photo by Brian, Limebrook Maldon u3a

  Read about Limebrook Maldon u3a's photography group

• 

  Photo by Richard, Romsey Archway u3a

  Read about Romsey Archway u3a's photography group

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

Following on from a very successful Summer series, our 6 part Meditation and Mindfulness zoom series is back this Autumn. These sessions will be taking place every Tuesday from 4 October until 8 November at 10am, hosted by Mike, John, Ruth and Nancy alongside members of Sheffield u3a’s Mindful Ageing group.

Our Summer Series involved a variety of activities such as mindful movement, poems, short meditations and breathing exercises. These were framed by themes: Take Notice, Connect, Be Active, Give, Keep Learning, and the Full Monty – bringing it all together.

Having online events makes mindfulness and meditation accessible to all, wherever you are, and we had some lovely feedback from people who really enjoyed the time to be calm, meditate and learn.

Feedback from our Summer series:

• ‘Really enjoyed this event; agenda was just right; enjoyed the pace of everything; presenters were excellent; break out rooms were a good idea; looking forward to next one. Thank you to all concerned; need more of these events.’ Belfast u3a member

• ‘Excellent. Well-structured and delivered, I look forward to future sessions.’ Leigh Estuary u3a member

• ‘This and other courses have been very beneficial for my mental strength.’ Wimborne u3a member

• ‘Really useful. I would have been interested in a mindfulness course anyway, but I like that this one is targeted at older people. I greatly appreciate having the resources available online.’ Ash and Ash Vale u3a member

• ‘Excellent series with each presenter 'presenting' well, coming across as both professional and knowledgeable. Really well researched and offered in 'bite size chunks' - eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Well done to everyone involved...’ Pembrokeshire u3a and Narberth u3a member

• ‘Lovely to have these wonderful classes through ZOOM in the comfort of my own lounge.’ Porthcawl u3a member

Taking feedback into account, each session of the Autumn series will be 1 hour and 15 minutes long, with option for extension if people wish to stay.

We’d love if you could join us for these sessions, to book visit our Online Events webpage.

You can also visit the Mindful Ageing website where you are able to view meditations, presentations and resources that Mike and John have put together.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…

IMAGE CREDIT: claudeai.wiki/https://claudeai.wiki/category/ai-blog/

Every month, there are a huge range of online learning events for u3a members.

These are hosted throughout the month, and at the beginning of July we were delighted to welcome back National Subject Advisor for Science Leigh for a talk about Artificial Intelligence.

Over the course of the session, Leigh took us through what’s behind AI, the risks of AI and the possible benefits.

We heard about the history of Artificial Intelligence, starting with the mathematician Alan Turing and neurologist Grey Walter, all the way through to the present day. Leigh went on to discuss how AI compares to the human brain and the different approaches to AI around the world today.

The audience of over 100 people was incredibly engaged, and questions from audience members included discussions around the economic impact of AI, issues to do with sentience, and whether or not AI will be the next stage of evolution.

You can download the presentation using the button below.

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If you're interested in Science, join us for our 40^th Anniversary Science Network meeting on Tuesday 26 July at 10.30am – 3.30pm. There will be three presentations followed by a Q&A after each, with a break for refreshments and lunch. Sign up on the online events page, where you can find detail about other member-led online talks.

u3a.org.uk/news/learning-news/…