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 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