Please submit your articles to Mary Barlow
Mo Brown: Personal Reflections
Many years ago, when I first met Mo, I felt that she was incredible. She knew everybody and recalled the detailed history and development of the then u3a Northumbria Region.
I think that I began to know Mo much better when she and I, together with Jane Mathieson and Pam Turner, agreed to be trained as the first ever Trust Volunteers in the North East.
Mo and I opted to be involved in u3a training and ‘troubleshooting’. Both initiatives proved fascinating and interesting. We developed into a friendly, energetic and effective team, devising and refining the original u3a UK course on ‘Succession Planning’ (happy memories of u3a conferences in Nottingham) and advising Dunston and District u3a on publicity and recruiting volunteers (more happy memories of coffee near to the famous Dunston Staithes and committee meetings in the lovely new Dunston Fire Station).
It was some time later that I discovered that, as a Trust Volunteer, Mo was also a proof-reader for u3a UK documents and a member of the Network Link organising team. I realised that I only knew the tip of the iceberg of Mo and her impact on u3a locally, regionally and at UK level. What a woman!
For a relatively brief time, we were members of Wooler u3a (together with Cecilia and Arthur Coulson), both of us using our skills in IT (Mo) and publicity (me). Wooler is a lovely little market town nestled at the foot of the Cheviots. Wooler u3a meetings were a wonderful excuse for us to enjoy meals out!
More recently, our delightful planning meetings were in the garden that Mo had developed at her farm cottage near Belford or in her apartment in Jesmond. I lost thousands of pounds when Storm Arwen destroyed my own apartment in Seahouses (looking out on the harbour and over to the Farne Islands). Mo became my reliable rock and indispensable friend.
Indeed, it was Mo that told me that an Anchor apartment like hers was available at Lakehead Court in Keswick, a town where my late wife and I had planned to retire. Like many people, I owe Mo so much. Already, I miss her.
Kelvin Rushworth, June 2026
Northumbria’s u3a Appreciation of Mo Brown
Mo was for many Northumbria u3a (now u3a North East Region). She embodied all that it stood for and the strap line Live, Laugh, Learn surely described her well.
You rarely saw her without a smile on her face and she was the first person people went to for advice. She listened, asked relevant questions and then put you on the right track and followed up to see that all was well. She was always a voice of reason.
She was Chair of Northumbria u3a for three years and at the quarterly meetings which were held in person was one of the first to arrive and last to leave. She was never alone someone always wanted to speak to her.
She was a proof reader for the national u3a and her computer skills were brought to the fore especially during Covid where she quickly realised the benefits of Zoom both for the region and nationally where she often helped with national meetings and organised breakout rooms.
She was a proof reader for the national u3a and her computer skills were brought to the fore especially during Covid where she quickly realised the benefits of Zoom both for the region and nationally where she often helped with national meetings and organised breakout rooms.
A great teacher with an amazing memory, her wisdom, patience and kindness are legendary.
She is already missed but her memory will live long through the help and advice she willingly offered.
Mary Barlow for Northumbria (now North East) u3a committee, June 2026
--- --- ---
Arthur and I first met Mo, Regional Trustee about 7 years ago when Whickham and District u3a were experiencing hiccups with the Committee. What Mo didn’t know about u3a you could write on a postage stamp. She was a fount of all knowledge as regards the ins and outs of all things to do with the u3a movement and helped Whickham Committee pick themselves up and start all over again.
Arthur, Mo and I became good friends. She visited us at Wooler (we have a holiday lodge there) on many occasions when she lived at the Belford Cottage. We went for Sunday Lunch at a local pub in Wooler several times and were introduced to Jim, a good friend of hers. She invited us to her Belford cottage for a BBQ, meeting her friends and family and we also popped in on a couple of occasions for coffee. She showed us round her flat … a lovely retreat in Jesmond. She was always so welcoming.
During COVID she asked if I would like to attend a Regional Committee Meeting via Zoom, which I did. Overtime she asked if I would be Vice Chair, she said, ‘this doesn’t mean you have to be Chair’ and guess what, that’s exactly what happened. She had a way of gently persuading you to take on more responsibilities. .. just to say, I loved the time I was Chair of Region.
After her allotted time on the Regional Committee she helped National u3a with the National Network Link Forum using her IT skills. She will be sadly missed by so many in the North East Region and also National.
May the memories of Mo bring us all peace and comfort. She was unique.
Cecilia Coulson Regional Committee Member ( previously Chair of Region)
Arthur Coulson, Vice Chair of Regional Committee.
Both from Whickham and District u3a.
Visit to Durham Botanical Gardens
In the end 22 u3a members turned up at the Durham Botanic Gardens on a fine morning - it would have been 25 but some unfortunately had to drop out at the last minute because of illness. Our guide Ian is one of 6 people who work full-time at the Gardens, with some assistance from volunteers but it's a mammoth task, particularly as the area they cover has expanded several times over the years. He took us round the whole of the garden and it took 2 hours to do what had been billed as a one-hour tour, so we had quite a work-out and appreciated the cafe at the end!
Everyone agreed though that it had been very interesting. Ian was a good speaker and told us about the history and development of the gardens as well as the plants growing in particular areas and his own ideas for developments. He also recounted some of his experiences, including finding lots of jobs to do around the Gunnera (like a gigantic rhubarb) when the weather was either excessively hot or raining hard and its sunshade/umbrella-like leaves came in very useful.
He showed us some of the most beautiful plants, including Cornus kousa with its lovely flower-like bracts, and the giant Himalayan lily (taller than him) that was just about to open its first flower, with a scent that would be detectable from quite a distance. Also the hothouses, each with specific conditions to suit certain interesting plants from different habitats, the stand of Himalayan birch with their wonderfully white trunks, the bamboo grove where volunteers had recently been taming the formerly impenetrable jungle, the beautiful wildflower meadow, just recently developed but already including quite a range of flowers, and the garden on calciferous limestone (typical of some local areas) with lime-loving plants like orchids, rock rose and bird's foot trefoil. Facilities for visitors to watch bees at various times of year are being developed, and there are different levels of signage to interest everyone from children to ourselves! An excellent morning.
Kathy Clegg, June 2026
NORTH EAST REGIONAL QUIZ JUNE 2026
South Durham hosted the North East Regional Quiz on Wednesday 17th June 2026. This is a biannual event. We had 18 Teams of 6, from 11 different u3a’s taking part. Our Venue Hurworth Grange Community Centre has extensive grounds with ample parking. Members driving a distance were able to visit the on-site café to partake of refreshments prior to the quiz. It was a very pleasant afternoon, a chance for friends and potential rivals to catch up with each other. The range of questions set by our Quiz Master; Dave Tucker didn’t disappoint with a Tie Break question at the end to select the team who would take home the coveted Last Place Prize of hand-crafted Wooden Spoons.
Read more and view some photos here: June Quiz
Silver Anniversary Celebrations – South Durham u3a
Silver Anniversary Celebrations – South Durham u3a
25 years ago, South Durham u3a was founded in Darlington. This year we are celebrating our Silver Anniversary with 4 very special events over the summer months.
Read more here: Durham Silver Anniversary
Ushaw: The Photos
Click on the photos to see an enlarged version.
The Sacred Breath of Ushaw: A u3a Creative Journey
Ushaw Historic House has seen centuries of quiet contemplation, but on 12th May, its ancient corridors awoke to a very different kind of energy. Cecilia Coulson and her team transformed Durham’s Ushaw Historic House into a vibrant stage for creative learning. Following Cecilia’s warm opening in the Refectory, Iain Cassidy, CEO of the Third Age Trust, shared a vision for the future of the movement: to redefine later living through connection and discovery.
With 20 subjects, every corner of the house hummed with its own presentation. Live music—from organ and piano recitals to wind and string concertos, pausing only for the quiet reflection of lunchtime prayers. Ushaw’s heritage provided the backdrop for a diverse curriculum: in one room, the quiet study of Irish History; in the next, a clash of ideas over the impact of Artificial Intelligence. Tai Chi and Line Dancing were practised, and further presentations covered St. Julian of Norwich, Willow Bird Feeders, Birdwatching, Flower Walks, Bayeux Tapestry, Hieroglyphs, Poetry, Short Story Writing and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. By embracing the art of learning, we became part of a living history, proving that creativity is the thread that connects our past to our future.
Our deepest thanks go to Cecilia Coulson and the u3a North East Region team. This flawless day was a direct reflection of months of work. You turned a monumental undertaking into a seamless experience for us all.
Ushaw’s unique history: ushaw.org.
Sarah Telfer (Saltburn District u3a)
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
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
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | October 2024 | January 2025 | |
| July 2023 | July 2024 | ||
| March 2023 | April 2024 | ||
| January 2024 | |||