Note: also see our Messenger page and, for information not directly connected to u3a, see Other Information

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Satellite u3as

At the Regional Meeting last week I talked about 'what a Satellite u3a' is and the practical issues Whickham and District u3a have been taking to set one up in Blaydon, Winlaton and Ryton .

I was asked if I could write an article for the Regional website, which I have done, on this link: Satellite u3a report

Cecilia Coulson (30/9/2026)

THE BIG SCHOOL ASSEMBLY SING-ALONG

The Big School Assembly Sing-Along is a recording (for the BBC's Songs of Praise) of the much-loved songs we all remember from school assemblies. It's being recorded at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead on Wednesday 7th October. The host is Aled Jones and Heather Small, the voice of M People, will be performing on the night.

The organisers are looking for people to be part of the audience. Tickets are free and can be booked directly on the website using the details below.

WHEN:
Wednesday 7th October 2026
Doors open 6:00pm (and close at 6:45pm) - recording starts at 7:00pm

Age restriction: there is no minimum age for entry, all ages are warmly welcomed, but children aged 17 and under should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

WHERE:
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR
Click for directions

Tickets on this link:

Lost in TV - The Big School Assembly Sing-Along

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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

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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

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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.

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