Please submit your articles to Mary Barlow
Raising the profile of u3a in the UK Parliament
In a recent blog, Liz Ervine (u3a Council Representative for Scotland) wrote … “The u3a movement took a step in raising its profile in Westminster in March, as u3a members from across the UK attended a special invitation visit to the House of Lords.”
It was great to hear that Kathy Clegg and Dawn Tweddell from the u3a North East Region enjoyed the event …
Liz Ervine goes on to say …
“We began the day with a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, a truly magnificent part of our architectural heritage that represents the four nations of the UK. After the tour, we gathered in the Attlee Room for a Q&A session with four members of the House of Lords. Representing a mix of political parties, the members all had an interest in lifelong learning, education and housing.
“It was a very positive, productive day, but shouldn't be seen as a standalone event. Instead, it's the beginning of a deeper relationship between u3a and Parliament. Strengthening this connection could help ensure the voices and experiences of older adults are better represented in national policy discussions.”
2026 UK Parliament Week is from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 November. If your u3a wants to organise a special event, there are resources available. Contact me for more information. Also, please remember that your MP/s will be in the constituency on Fridays. You could invite them to an interest group session.
Kelvin Rushworth (u3a Subject Adviser, UK Parliament)
kelvin.rushworth@u3a.org.uk
Two Contributions from Durham u3a
Stuff
See how it eyes me accusingly,
from the dark end of the wardrobe,
like a neglected stone in a graveyard:
a striped cuff hangs untidy, unbuttoned
an upturned collar hasn’t the appeal
of a new puppy’s wayward ear.
That almost tearful ‘leaving do’
may have witnessed its last airing,
alongside loud socks and jaunty tie.
The hair still had some colour too.
Paraded briefly for a meal since then,
but outshone by a plain younger model.
Now cool casuals or dark tee shirts
always carry the day on sudden sorties.
Holding it to me, I see mirrored,
faded snaps of management meetings,
and Friday drinks after work - a uniform
in search of confidence.
Dad went suddenly, before his ill-fitting shirts….
Decided, yanked by a loose thread,
the stripey past is stuffed into a bag,
and I look back in the wardrobe.
Mick O’Sullivan – Durham and District u3a
Mirror, mirror on the wall
A reflection
Recent house renovations meant changing a window on the stairs to a mirror. Descending for breakfast, I keep catching a glimpse of an old man. It can’t be me, can it? He’s far too old. He looks so humourless, stern and quite grumpy.
Going to the bathroom first thing in the morning, on the slightly raised landing, I see reflected a pair of bare legs. An inner voice whispers, “I’ve seen more fat on a greasy chip.” Yet I know these same legs ran and ran……….and ran. They galloped across the vast prairies of America chasing Apache and Sioux. They scuttled along the narrow hedge-lined lanes of Normandy, dodging whizzing bullets and hand grenades. They helped me escape the P.O.W. camps, a.k.a. Dad’s hen pen and chicken hut. They cycled and tramped over hills and dales and ducked and dived across school playing fields.
These “pipe cleaners” were always dependable. I could run from enemies real or imaginary. They never let me down. In those days we almost literally “ran our legs off”.
Teenage years brought challenging changes…girls…exams…a need for money….and also revelations. I learnt that girls my age, working in a woollen mill, with their cheeky, knowing eyes and mischievous grins could swear as good as any trooper. Teenage boys and young men smoked constantly in the works toilets. Some secretly planned to “rob” the corner shop sometime soon, for cigarettes mainly.
“Do you want to come with us?” I soon learnt the knack of looking busy, pushing a wooden, flatbed trolley laden with bales through the mill, into its deepest bowels. I could hide amongst other bigger bales for a peaceful ten minutes, a relief from the constant, clattering, satanic din of the ever-spinning looms. That noise filled my head long after the machines had stopped.
Priorities change too. My family and immediate neighbours huddled loyally round the small tv to watch Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. I preferred an afternoon cuddle with my girlfriend on a park bench overlooking beautiful Calderdale. It’s a view now famous nationally, promoted by the television series “Happy Valley”….happy days!
As I approach my stairs again, Radio 2 is playing Queen’s “Another one bites the dust.” Many do, as you get older… a sad fact of ageing.
Maybe we should pause now and then, find time to stand and stare….even on the stairs. Let the world slow down a bit….leave some space to re-assess and re-set.
Brian Watts
Durham and District u3a - Creative Writing Group
South Northumbria Regional Quiz
South Durham hosted the South Northumbria Regional Quiz on Wednesday 26th November2025.
It was a very pleasant afternoon, a chance for friends and potential rivals to catch up with each other.
Read the full report with photos here: Quiz Report
Uzbekistan features at a u3a Summer School
Experience of a "first time tutor" at a u3a Summer School. The chosen topic was ‘Uzbekistan – heart of the Silk Road’.
Read more here Uzbekistan
Following a discussion with Cecilia Coulson, I plan to present a very mini version of this venture (“Introducing Uzbekistan”) at the event at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens on 12 May 2026 and look forward to seeing you there.
Kelvin Rushworth, 2/10/25
Ping-Pong of The Third Age
What’s the score?
It’s seven six.
No, it’s not.
It’s still five four.
Where’s the ball?
I must sit down.
My knee aches.
I had a fall.
What’s her name?
I’ll have to ask.
My mind slipped.
We’ve lost the game.
Movement slows.
Memory fades.
Laughter peals.
And friendship grows.
Bob Heyman – Newcastle u3a, 13/9/25
Northumbria Region u3a Short Story and Poetry Competitions
Click Winners to find out about the competition winners and to read the winner's poem.
9/9/25
The Scribes of Sedgefield
The Sedgefield u3a creative writing group, known as ‘The Scribes’, is made up from members of Sedgefield/Stockton/Bishop Auckland u3a’s. Recently, the group leader, Maxine Patterson, set the Scribes two challenges. Firstly, to write about the spellbinding architecture of a new library in Chengdu, China and, secondly, about an old tree that’d sadly died and been blown over.
The work of the Scribes on these two subjects can be seen by accessing this group page on the Sedgefield u3a website.
George Clark – Sedgefield u3a.
9/9/25
A successful Volunteer Event
On Saturday 6th September 2025 a volunteer event was organised by Sunniside and Whickham Councillors. Its main aim was to provide an opportunity for community groups to network with each other within the Sunniside and Whickham area, and maybe recruit a few new members.
The event was opened by Gateshead’s Mayor, Freda Geddes. Freda used to be a member of Ryton u3a, before it disbanded so she knows all about u3a. It was a very worthwhile few hours talking to others as well as the Councillors about u3a in general (and of course Whickham) and raising awareness of our movement.
Photo L to R: Arthur Coulson, Cllr Freda Geddes, Anne Arnell, Gill Wilcox, Cecilia Coulson, Sheila Young, Cllr Alec Geddes and a member of the Rotary Club, who happened to be talking to us.
Visit to Raby Castle
The day started with a tour of the castle, which unusually has only had two owners in throughout its history, being built for the Neville family in 14th Century.
Read more and see photos here
Moira Stokoe 5/9/25
An Artist's View
Durham u3a member John Campbell has recently published a book on the art of dry pencil drawing, featuring many reproductions of his works. A significant section of the book focuses on Durham City and its significance as a World Heritage Site. Why write the book? More important to ask first is “Why draw the pictures contained in the book?”
To find out click here
4/9/25
Keeping Safe on Your Computer or Smartphone
Northumbria IT Network has produced a short guide that reminds us of steps that we should take to stay safe online.
Note: this is not a complete or exhaustive guide about everything concerned with online safety.
A simple safety guide for us all
1/9/25
Visit to Newcastle Central Mosque
Northumbria Region u3a arranged a visit of about 30 members to the Newcastle Central Mosque. The Mosque is a new build replacement and was in its final development phase. As with all mosques its interior has no representations of people, nor does it have the colourful abstract patterns commonly seen in older buildings. The main internal area is white, carpeted, functional and dedicated to prayer. The mosque has no external minaret – the tower used to call Muslims to prayer 5 times a day - apparently local bye laws in England prevent this public practice.
The meeting was lead by Brother Khadim a volunteer at the Mosque. An elderly, very friendly man who had converted, along with his wife, to Islam 15 years ago. He outlined the beliefs and practices of his faith and explained the overwhelming importance of the Koran. This book is published in all principle languages but the core text is in Arabic which all Muslims aspire to understand. He invited questions and responded with openness and honesty, acknowledging some of the issues that can cause friction between Islam and those of other Faiths and no Faith.
Islam is a major World Faith and also a significant trigger point. Many of us are cautious in trusting its more robust participants. Our trip was a fulfilling experience improving our knowledge of the Faith and the demands it places on the faithful.
John Marlor 23 July 2025
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 Northumbria u3a Regional Quiz
South Durham hosted the South Northumbria Regional Quiz on 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
Click here for Messenger Archive
After the change to Messenger (see above), older articles will move to the Archive page and not to the Previous Editions (see below).
Previous Editions of Messenger
Note: after January 2025 articles and information are in Messenger Archive
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| October 2023 | October 2024 | January 2025 | |
| July 2023 | July 2024 | ||
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