Online talks
Tuesday 14 September, 11.00 am – 12.15 pm
Jack Price: The future of brain repair: the prospects for successful stem cell therapy
Thursday 7 October 2021, 11.00 am – 12.15 pm
Michael Lumb: Understanding performance art
Tuesday 26 October, 11.00 am – 12.15 pm
Stella Dadzie: A Kick in the Belly: Women, Slavery & Resistance
Further information and registration details here
Most of our online talks are recorded and available for you to watch at leisure. Please email cedu3a@gmx.com with your membership number, stating which recording(s) you would like, and copies will be sent to you.
Interest groups update
Many interest groups are now meeting face-to-face in members’ gardens, parks and, increasingly, in our homes. We are aware that, while many of you welcome the opportunity to mix more freely, others may be more cautious. About half of our members belonging to interest groups that have previously met in a member’s home are happy to meet in person, others prefer to continue to meet on Zoom and/or communicate via emails and WhatsApp. Consequently, many groups are planning a ‘mixed economy’, with regular meetings planned both on Zoom and in person. Where group size is limited under current u3a guidance by the size of rooms, some groups are planning to move to larger spaces or have more frequent meetings with smaller numbers – we are always looking for volunteers to convene/lead a second group. Conveners are working hard to ensure groups are fully up and running by September. Our sports, exercise and outdoor groups have continued during the summer months, weather permitting.
Art with Mixed Media Group
The Group meets at the United Reformed Church in Muswell Hill and resumes its activities on Monday 13 September. Find out more here
Second Tennis Group at Priory Park
A convener has now come forward to support this new group, which starts in September. There are still a couple of places available. Apply here
Table Tennis at Hornsey Vale Centre
Although this group is now full, you can still register your interest here
Lawn Bowls at Hornsey Bowling Club
Following freak storms and flooding, play has now recommenced – a great effort by all concerned. Register to join here
New groups
Irish Interest Group
This will appeal to those who are native Irish, those born here of Irish parents, and anyone with an interest in or links to Irish issues. Topics covered will be determined by the members, but could include Irish identity and ambiguity, Irish arts – storytelling, play reading, literature and music, emigration and immigration (The half-open suitcase) – and much more. The group will meet monthly at McCafferty’s in Tottenham Lane. Find out more and apply to join here
Iyengar Yoga
The classes are on Thursdays between 11.30am and 1pm and will be at a general level, suitable for beginners or those with some experience. Classes will be in 5 week blocks held weekly. Variations will be given to suit all levels. You need to wear suitable clothing – leggings and t-shirt. Water and cups are available, and all equipment will be supplied. Find out more and apply to join here
The Crochet Group (and knitting too?)
The Crochet Group is flourishing and has managed to stay active throughout all the recent restrictions. There have been frequent requests from knitters asking if they can join and so we have decided to invite any interested knitters to come along on Tuesday, 28 September to the first Crochet Group meeting after the summer break. We will then be able to ascertain whether numbers for a combined group would be manageable or if a separate knitting group should be . You can register your interest via the Crochet Group page here
Felt Making for Beginners
A new beginners’ felt making group will be launched in October. Places are limited. Please register your interest here
Local history surgery
Would you like help in conducting your own local or family history research? If so, the good news is that John Hinshelwood is restarting the public local history surgery at the Old Schoolhouse: the first session is on Saturday 4 September. Any members of CEDu3a can get advice and assistance for their own research. Just text or telephone 07531 866714 or email hornseyhistoricalsurgery@gmail.com to book an appointment and to let us know the advice and assistance you require.
We need to point out that Facebook has changed its terms and conditions and now anyone can join without the administrators’ prior approval. This means that our group page can reach a wider audience, which is good from the publicity point of view, but it does mean that non-u3a members can see your posts. Fortunately, new members cannot post without approval, so any unsuitable posts, not relevant to our members, will not be allowed.
Third Age Trust elections
At its first hybrid (in-person and online) Annual General Meeting on 26 August, the Trust announced that Dr Liz Thackray had been appointed the new chair of the u3a movement: u3a.org.uk/latest-news/1171-the-u3a-movement-announce-its-new-chair.
London Region news
Following a very enjoyable in-person Summer School on 17 August, the London Region u3a is now continuing to deliver the remainder of the postponed 2020 Summer School programme online fortnightly on Mondays 17.30-18.30 (log on from 17.00). Find out more here
For an additional talk, click on this link:
Introduction to Cryptic Crosswords: Beginners Taster Session
A new editor
Last but certainly not least is to say a very big ‘thank you’ to Louise McCullagh, our bulletin editor, who is standing down, having been editor for well over year. I’m very grateful for her help in keeping information flowing to all our members during such challenging times and wish her all the very best. We’ll be seeing her around as I’m sure she will be carrying on with her interest group membership. Thank you Louise.
I am very pleased to announce that Vivien Tesseras has volunteered to take over the role. Vivien has been a member of CEDu3a from our early days and is active in various interest groups. Welcome Vivien.
