This month we have a calendar full of exciting online talks for u3a members to enjoy. As always, this email includes just a taster of what's on offer.
Thank you from Janine, Alison and Kara
u3a Learning Team
learning@u3a.org.uk
0208 466 6139
A few highlights in November
Soulsville USA series - the history and legacy of Stax Records
Thursday 5 November and Fridays 13, 20 and 27 November at 10am
This series of four talks explores the story of the Memphis-based label that helped define Southern soul, with Lee Wellbrook.
Melancholy as a creative force: Joni Mitchell's Blue album
Friday 6 November at 2pm
Professor Christopher Dowrick explores how Joni Mitchell’s Blue transforms melancholy into a creative force, opening a path to
Screening to prevent stroke: do we do too much or too little?
Tuesday 24 November at 11am
In this Science Network talk, Professor Jonathan Mant describes the pros and cons of earlier identification of risk factors for stroke such as atrial fibrillation.
The ultimate guide to editing your creative writing
Thursday 26 November at 10am
Sara Grant discusses her systematic approach to editing and shares practical tips and simple exercises to help you improve your short story.
A flavour of what's coming up in December (and available for booking):
- Capturing your youth: memoir writing in 12 easy steps, Thursday 3 December at 10am
- What does AI know about me, Tuesday 8 December at 10am
- The science and history of common medications for heartburn, Wednesday 9 December at 10am
u3a Essay competition 2026 winner
We are excited to announce that Sandy of Bedford u3a is the winner of this year's essay competition with Operation Genesis, an imaginative piece describing the voyage of a tiny particle of light through space, on a remarkable mission to help bring new life to the Great Barrier Reef.
The runners up were Susan, from Guildford and Woking u3as, with her essay Chekhov's Journey to Sakhalin, and Jackie from Melbourne Area Derby u3a, with her essay The Match Women's Strike - A Journey from Oppression to Workers' Rights.
Looking for an activity for your u3a group? There are also learning packs inspired by more of the essay entries, which include discussion questions, suggested activities and links to further resources.
Explore Perpetual Summer, about the extraordinary migration of the Arctic tern; When Distant Minds Come Together, Cherries Blossom, telling the story of the Satsuma students and their journey to Britain in 1865; and Margery Kempe, following the remarkable travels of the medieval pilgrim. These learning packs are a springboard for groups interested in nature, history, discussion, and beyond to enjoy together.
Discover new hobbies with Interest Groups Online
Our national online community, Interest Groups Online (IGO), always has members starting new groups to suit a huge range of interests and hobbies.
This month's new groups include: improv comedy advanced (or join the beginners' one if you've not tried it before); singer song writers' music group, where you can explore the work of artists like Eric Clapton and Adele; and island grooves: the best of reggae for those wanting to learn about reggae alongside other music fans.
Whether you're meeting people who already share your passions, or looking for something new, there is an interest group for everyone.
Finally, don't forget to sign up to the u3a Friends Newsletter for news and stories from across the u3a movement!
Please note that all u3a online events are held via Zoom. Zoom links are sent out via Eventbrite both 2 days and 2 hours before the event is due to start. All events are for u3a members only.