Whickham and District Past n Present Group (History)
On Thursday 12th June nine members of the Past n Present group travelled across to Seaham for a visit that included a very old church and two of Ray Lonsdale’s art works.
Read about the day long visit here
9/7/25
Whickham and District u3a’s 30th Anniversary
Whickham and District u3a’s 30th anniversary was held at the Gibside Hotel, Whickham on Wednesday June 11th.
Click to read article (with photos) here.
9/7/25
Subject Advisors
Read an article about Subject Advisors, including the new u3a Subject Adviser (UK Parliament) and some useful links .... here
3/7/25
South Durham hosted the South Northumbria Regional Quiz
Wednesday 18th June 2025.
Read the report .... here
Click on the photos below to enlarge.
Gannets
Find out where and when to best see Gannets in the North East and look at some excellent photos here
River Tees Walk
The walk went off well : 24 attended in the end. Lots of drop outs and swapping around! We couldn't have asked for a nicer afternoon weatherwise. Unfortunately we didn't see any seals or otters this time but there were birds, wild flowers and butterflies to watch. Christine from Teesside Archives and her volunteers were very informative and friendly.
Pat Marcus, April 2025
Becoming the NE?
At the Regional Quarterly and AGM I was able to take the opportunity to explain how I’m feeling about NRu3a.
I know people are reluctant to change what has been such a successful long-standing association. I suppose I’ll be an instigator to the fighting as I want to give us a jolt along into embracing the future .... read further here
Liverpool
National Trust Beatles Tour - John and Paul's Liverpool homes now owned by the National Trust. Click here
Newcastle City Library Visit
We spent time perusing the library’s selected collections of works from local writers and artists, including George Gibson’s exquisite conch drawings, Thomas and John Bewick’s books, and two of the many wooden printer blocks that form part of the famous Newcastle Collection. Full report click here.
Seaham Harbour VE Day Meeting
Our speaker, Paul Barwick, reflected the wartime theme with his fascinating talk about Nancy Wake, the White Mouse, an intrepid Second World War spy .... Click here
The Birdwatching Network
On Saturday May 31st, 19 members and potential members of the Northumbria Region U3A Birdwatching Network are sailing on boat trip round Coquet Island (the only breeding colony of Roseate Terns in Britain). This colony of a rare Tern species was badly hit by Bird Flu a couple of years ago and was nearly wiped out. Fortunately it has made a good recovery, but remains vulnerable. We are preying for calm seas that day.
Other birds which may be seen on the trip are Guilliemots, Razorbills, Puffins, and last time we saw a piratical Arctic Skua, plus Grey Seals and perhaps Dolphins and Porpoises.
Also a few of us are going on a bird watching holiday to Norfolk in May.
Numbers of people participating in our programme of outings is gradually increasing including younger members which bodes well for the future, when I ‘shuffle off this mortal coil’
Colin Freeman, Chair Birdwatching Network.
Maundy service in Durham cathedral
On Thursday, 17th April I was very lucky and privileged to attend the Maundy service held in Durham cathedral in the presence of their Majesties the King and Queen .... Click here
Visit to Boldon Auction House
One of the venue’s directors, Giles Hodges, gave a short explanation about his life as an auctioneer and the type of articles they receive to be sold. Full report and photos .... Click here