Note: also see our Messenger page and, for information not directly connected to u3a, see Other Information
Short Story/Poetry Competition
You don’t have to be a member of a creative writing group to enter. All u3a members of the u3a North East Region are welcome to submit a short story, of no more than 1,500 words and/or a poem of no more than 16 lines, on the theme of ‘Happiness’
Your entry must be received by 12 noon on Friday 11th September 2026. The competition is free to enter and there are prizes:
The winner will receive a book token to the value of £30.
The highly commended entries will receive a book token to the value of £10.
Rules and regulations can be found by clicking this link: Happiness
or by contacting Cecilia Coulson, lead of the Northumbria Creative Writers
So Good We Are Doing It Again!
The Festival of Fun, Music and Learning held on May 12th, 2026, at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, DH7 7DW was such a resounding success that The Regional u3a Events Team and Committee have decided to organise a similar day in 2027.
This special day at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, DH7 7DW is on Wednesday 19th May 2027.
To enable this day to be a success we rely on members to contribute to the day. We had a great response from members for 2026, but we would like others to put their names forward. Can any member, or a group of members, offer to present a workshop or an activity for everyone to enjoy? Is your expertise in e.g. history, geography, crafts, such as card making, genealogy, photography, calligraphy, playing an instrument, singing in a choir etc.? Could you lead a walk from Ushaw Historic House? Could you give a taster session about carpet bowls, any genre of dancing, ceramics? And so the list goes on.
The staff of the historic house will also be able to offer tours of the house giving an insight into its history.
Please contact Cecilia Coulson for more information.
Click here for a poster: Ushaw 2027
Strategic use of Social Media to Grow Awareness
Sheila Crawley, of Ashbourne & District u3a, recently gave a presentation to Northumbria u3a.
She has kindly given us the content in pdf format.
Any u3a that is considering starting to use Facebook, or other social media, might like to study the document.
u3as that already use social media might like to view the information for tips on how to optimise its use.
Topics covered:
• Introduction to Strategic Social Media Use
• Growth in Membership through Social Media
• Choosing the Right Platform: Facebook
• Optimizing Facebook Pages for Engagement
• Analysing Post Performance and Insights
• Setting Up a Facebook Page: A Step-by-Step Guide
Click here (opens in new window): Social Media Presentation
6/6/25
How to Widen the Age Profile of u3a
The following link will open a YouTube presentation (in a new window) about how to attract a (slightly) younger generation to u3a. The presentation was made to the u3a Notts Network on 22nd January 2025. It is 47 minutes long and is in two parts.
Do you know your Gen X from your Baby Boomers?
This presentation explains how u3as might need to adapt due to the different ways that these two generations look at life.