Hillingdon

Events

Monthly meetings

The meetings are held typically on the second Monday of each month between 10:00 and 12:00, although there may be an occasional change of date if there is a clash with another function. These changes do not happen at short notice. Members should just turn up at the Winston Churchill Hall, Bury Street, Ruislip before 10am on the day of the Meeting.

We have now made the Monthly Meeting a Hybrid meeting where we can now offer a Zoom connection into the meeting. So if you can't make it to the hall then you can still keep up to date with all the news and our guest speaker from you home. We will send out an email to all our members before the meeting with all the Zoom conncetion details on.


Dates for your Diary
March 2024
Tue Mar 19thWorkshopUsing AI to Fight Climate Change with Ian Hawker
Starting at 10am to 11:30am Online via Zoom

The increasing power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help the world mitigate and adapt to climate change.

AI is being increasingly used to analyse data collected by the growing number of ground based and satellite Earth monitoring stations, where trained AI systems can identify patterns, trends and threats to nature and agriculture, enabling corrective measures to be planned and implemented.

AI also accelerates the modelling of complex climate systems, enabling more 'what if' scenarios to be explored, including prediction and response to natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Energy efficiency of complex systems, such as power generation and transport, can be improved, reducing both unit costs and carbon footprint. In a more extreme scenarios

AI is being used to explore the risks and effectiveness of geoengineering the Earth's atmosphere to remove excess carbon and/or solar radiation management. But across each of these applications we need to remember that AI does not share our understanding of the world, and poor data needs to be filtered and removed during training and general use.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Using AI to Fight Climate Change
Wed Mar 20thWorkshopJohn Snow and the hunt for the source of cholera in Victorian London with Mike Trevethick
Starting at 10am to 11:30am Online via Zoom

Advances in Public Health – the History and Science

About the series: This is a series of five sessions covering major advances in our understanding of the role of public health in preventing and treating disease.

Talk 2: John Snow and the hunt for the source of cholera in Victorian London

Victorian London is filthy. Infectious diseases are common and caused by breathing in foul smelling vapours (Miasma). John Snow considered that cholera was spread by water and not miasma. His evidence was very convincing, but he died unappreciated for this insight. Why did this happen and when was he fully recognised?

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... The Hunt for the source of Cholera
Thu Mar 21stWorkshopMindfulness and Meditation Continuation Sessions: Dec-May with John, Mike and Ruth
Starting at 10am to 11am Online via Zoom

These sessions are led by John, Mike and Ruth, and provide an opportunity for everyone who has taken our series on Mindfulness and Meditation to continue practicing together. We will also be introducing new practices in meditation, mindful movement and informal mindfulness.

Members of u3a who haven’t participated in the series are also welcome, but we recommend that you first take a look at the materials on the series website, https://www.mindfulageing.org/

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Meditation and Mindfulness Cont:Dec
Sun Mar 24thSingers u3a

'Songs for an Spring Evening' Concert by the u3a Singers with support items from Guitar & Ukulele.
Singers Concert Poster Feb24
A programme of music to celebrate the musical groups in Hillingdon u3a under the Musical Direction of Jean George. There will be a variety of music from our three groups, the u3a Singers, the Guitar group and the Ukulele group.

Come and join us at the Christ Church, Redford Way, Belmont Road, Uxbridge where doors open at 4:30pm for a 5:00pm start. Tickets are £10 (incl refreshements) and are now available from Sheila or members of the groups.

Contact Sheila Scoates for for more information or to reserve a ticket. They will also be available on the door.

Mon Mar 25thSocialCoffee Morning & Chat
Meet at the Good Yarn in Uxbridge between 10am - 12 noon

For more details contact Adele
Tue Mar 26thWorkshopMonthly Laughter Yoga with Merrie Maggie
Starting at 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Bring more joy and laughter into your life through Laughter Yoga - an aerobic exercise with playful exercises and hand claps combined with deep yogic breathing

These sessions will take place on the last Tuesday of every month, from 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Tues 30th January at 3.30
Tues 27th February at 3.30
Tues 26th March at 3.30
Tues 30th April at 3.30

You only need to sign up via eventbrite once, and will receive reminders and communication about all of these 4 sessions

We will start with an introduction, followed by a series of laughter exercises and the important grounding relaxation at the end.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here... Laughter Yoga Jan-Apr 2024
Tue Mar 26thRamblingRamble - Baker Street to Westminster via 4 parks and the Regents Canal.
Meet: 10:45am at Baker St Underground Station Marylebone Rd entrance by the Sherlock Holmes statue (Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City,Jubilee & Metropolitan Lines).

Jasia's next Rambling outing will be in London, walking from Baker Street to Westminster through the Royal Parks (Regents Park, Hyde Park, Green Park & St James’s Park) and along the Regents Canal. Total distance just over 6 miles, but with plenty of options to shorten the walk if required. We will stop for refreshments at one of the cafés in Hyde Park.

The ramble will all be on hard paths, mostly flat (apart from climbing a set of steps when we leave the canal). We will be crossing a few busy roads, all using pedestrian crossings, but please watch out for traffic.

Jasia would like some numbers so can you let her know if you're joining (or not) this ramble. You can 'Send a message' via this website or use the details in the Newsletter.
Wed Mar 27thWorkshopSecrets of the Human Brain: Talk Three: Brain & Behaviour with Dr. Bob Pullen
Starting at 2pm to 3:30pm Online via Zoom

About the series: This is a series of seven interactive talks which cover many aspects of our amazing brains. The series starts with a simple description of the structure of the brain and subsequent talks include subjects like sleep, dreams, behaviour, pain, the spinal cord, brain scanning and more.

Talk 3: Brain & Behaviour (I think, therefore, I am !)

This talk explains that we have ‘’old’ and ‘new’ parts of our brain and both parts drive our behaviour. The ‘’old’’ parts drive our basic behaviour and emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, hunger, thirst and sex. The ‘new’ parts can modify these basic drives and they produce our most sophisticated thoughts and feelings.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Brain & Behaviour
Thu Mar 28thWorkshopIntroduction to Cryptic Crosswords with Henry Howarth
Starting at 10am to 12pm Online via Zoom

Find out how cryptic clues work and try your hand at solving on this two-hour Zoom taster session for beginners. You will learn about two of the simplest and most common types of clue, be shown the basics of clue construction and be introduced to the variety of cryptic clues. At the end of the session, you will know if learning how to solve cryptic puzzles is something you would like to take further and how to go about this.

What you will need:

A laptop, iPad, desktop or tablet computer and a broadband connection.

You will be emailed the Zoom login details and further information for the session after you have registered.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Cryptic Crosswords Mar24
Thu Mar 28thWorkshopSuffering and hope in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina with Professor Christopher Dowrick
Starting at 2pm to 3:30pm Online via Zoom

A series of four talks by Professor Christopher Dowrick, illustrating how the creative arts, including literature, poetry, classical music and contemporary folk/rock, can enhance our wellbeing. Each talk is self-contained, but all four combined give the fullest expression to this theme.

This talk.....

Suffering and hope in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.

All four of the principal characters in Tolstoy's epic novel – Kitty, Vronsky, Anna and Levin – face the question of whether or not they wish to stay alive.

In this talk I explore the circumstances that lead each of them to their dilemma, and the very different ways in which each responds with particular focus on the reasons that Tolstoy’s alter-ego Levin decides to stay alive.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Anna Karenina
April 2024
Sun Apr 7thSunday ConcertsSunday Concerts Rachmaninov & Shostakovic
Starting at 3pm at the Royal Festival Hall
Cost: £43 (includes Ticket/Coach/Drivers Tip).

Coach pick up 12:30pm in Ickenham and 12:45pm from Uxbridge. Return departs from the hall at approx 5:30pm.

Programme is,
RACHMANINOV - Piano Concerto No.2
SHOSTAKOVIC - Symphony No. 10

Application form here........... Sunday Concert Feb/Apr24

Details on how and where to send the application form is in the latest Bulletin or you can contact Harvey who's contact details are on page 4 of the latest Bulletin.
Mon Apr 8thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Graham Horn "The Isle of Wight - England in Miniature"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
Wed Apr 10thWorkshopMonthly Laughter Yoga with Merrie Maggie
Starting at 10am to 11am Online via Zoom

Bring more joy and laughter into your life through Laughter Yoga - an aerobic exercise with playful exercises and hand claps combined with deep yogic breathing

These sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 11am.

- Wed 10th January at 10am
- Wed 14th February at 10am
- Wed 13th March at 10am
- Wed 10th April at 10am
- Wed 8th May at 10am
- Wed 12th June at 10am

You only need to sign up via eventbrite once, and will receive reminders and communication about all of these 6 sessions

We will start with an introduction, followed by a series of laughter exercises and the important grounding relaxation at the end.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here... Laughter Yoga Jan24
Thu Apr 18thWorkshopMindfulness and Meditation Continuation Sessions: Dec-May with John, Mike and Ruth
Starting at 10am to 11am Online via Zoom

These sessions are led by John, Mike and Ruth, and provide an opportunity for everyone who has taken our series on Mindfulness and Meditation to continue practicing together. We will also be introducing new practices in meditation, mindful movement and informal mindfulness.

Members of u3a who haven’t participated in the series are also welcome, but we recommend that you first take a look at the materials on the series website, https://www.mindfulageing.org/

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Meditation and Mindfulness Cont:Dec
Sat Apr 20thSocial

Quiz Night Supper at Ickenham Village Hall, Swakeleys Road, Ickenham.
Cost £17.50 per person. Quiz starts at 7.00pm and ends about 10.00pm. (doors open at 6.30pm). Supper about 8pm.

We are delighted to announce this year's quiz night with supper, Quizmaster Paul and prizes for the winners. Lots of fun!

Tables wil be for 8 members and if your want to sit with a group then let us know at the time of booking.

Half time will be fish and chips or if you would prefer an alternative like chicken or sausage then please let us know at the time of booking.

** THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED **

Contact Mary if you wanrt to be added to the waiting list.

Mon Apr 22ndSocialCoffee Morning & Chat
Meet at the Good Yarn in Uxbridge between 10am - 12 noon

For more details contact Adele
Tue Apr 23rdOuting

China Town Tour and Lunch. China Exchange, 32a Gerard Street, London
Cost £31 Make your own way to meet in Piccadilly Underground Station (Trocadero exit) at 11am. 30 places available, 20 via TryBooking and 10 by Paper.

** By popular demand, Pauline is running 2 more of these visits to China Town. This one in April and the other 7th May **

Discover the stories and characters behind this iconic district. Did you know that this area used to be Henry VIII hunting ground?

Chinatown Stories tours are led for the benefit of the community – all guides are trained volunteers and tickets include donations to three Chinatown charities supporting the neighbourhood. The 2.5 hour experience includes a family-style lunch.

Tours are in-depth and thoroughly researched and you won’t hear these stories anywhere else! The tour lasts from 11.30 to 1.00pm and lunch is from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

The link to the TryBooking site is here..... China Town

Thu Apr 25thRamblingA date for your diary - The next Rambling Ramble - Expected to be a countryside walk.
Details will become available during the next month so keep an eye on this website page.
Tue Apr 30thOutingBritish Museum Montague Place WC1E 7JW
Cost: £9 Make your own way to meet at the Montague Place entrance at 10:45am. Nearest Underground station is Russell Square (Piccadilly line).
18 places available, 14 by via TryBooking and 4 via paper.

This famous institution is renowned globally for being the showcase of two million years of human history and culture from the dawn of human history to the present, across more than 50 galleries.

We will have a one hour tour of the Enlightenment Gallery where we will discover the way the world was understood by Europeans in the 18th century, tracing the beginning of the British Museum and its collection.

For more information contact Janet Perry

The link to the TryBooking site is here ..... British Museum.
The link to the paper form is here .......Booking Form Apr24
Tue Apr 30thWorkshopMonthly Laughter Yoga with Merrie Maggie
Starting at 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Bring more joy and laughter into your life through Laughter Yoga - an aerobic exercise with playful exercises and hand claps combined with deep yogic breathing

These sessions will take place on the last Tuesday of every month, from 3.30pm-4.30pm.

Tues 30th January at 3.30
Tues 27th February at 3.30
Tues 26th March at 3.30
Tues 30th April at 3.30

You only need to sign up via eventbrite once, and will receive reminders and communication about all of these 4 sessions

We will start with an introduction, followed by a series of laughter exercises and the important grounding relaxation at the end.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here... Laughter Yoga Jan-Apr 2024
May 2024
Tue May 7thOuting

China Town Tour and Lunch. China Exchange, 32a Gerard Street, London
Cost £31 Make your own way to meet in Piccadilly Underground Station (Trocadero exit) at 11am. 30 places available, 20 via TryBooking and 10 by Paper.

** By popular demand, Pauline is running another of these visits to China Town.**

Discover the stories and characters behind this iconic district. Did you know that this area used to be Henry VIII hunting ground?

Chinatown Stories tours are led for the benefit of the community – all guides are trained volunteers and tickets include donations to three Chinatown charities supporting the neighbourhood. The 2.5 hour experience includes a family-style lunch.

Tours are in-depth and thoroughly researched and you won’t hear these stories anywhere else! The tour lasts from 11.30 to 1.00pm and lunch is from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

The link to the TryBooking site is here..... China Town

Wed May 8thWorkshopMonthly Laughter Yoga with Merrie Maggie
Starting at 10am to 11am Online via Zoom

Bring more joy and laughter into your life through Laughter Yoga - an aerobic exercise with playful exercises and hand claps combined with deep yogic breathing

These sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 11am.

- Wed 10th January at 10am
- Wed 14th February at 10am
- Wed 13th March at 10am
- Wed 10th April at 10am
- Wed 8th May at 10am
- Wed 12th June at 10am

You only need to sign up via eventbrite once, and will receive reminders and communication about all of these 6 sessions

We will start with an introduction, followed by a series of laughter exercises and the important grounding relaxation at the end.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here... Laughter Yoga Jan24
Thu May 9thOutingThe Covent Garden Harlots Tour, London WC2E 9JT.
Cost £10. Make your own way to meet outside Covent garden underground Station at 10:30am. (Piccadilly line).
29 places available.

In the early 1600s, the Earl of Bedford developed Covent Garden as upscale housing for wealthy Londoners. But after the Drury Lane theatre opened in 1663, it degenerated into a “red light” district.

By the 18th-Century, Covent Garden offered a heady mix of taverns, brothels, playhouses and eateries where literary giants rubbed shoulders (and other parts) with the notorious “Covent Garden ladies.”

From the elegant Piazza to tiny gas-lit alleyways, unknown even to many Londoners, you will visit sites associated with some of the area’s most fascinating characters.


This visit is available to book via TryBooking. The link is here......Covent Garden Harlots Walk

Contact Pauline Rees for more details.
Mon May 13thMeetingMonthly Meeting & AGM - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Michael Barbarkoff "The WWII History of Bletchley Park"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
Mon May 13thMeeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Hillingdon u3a will take place on Monday 13th May 2024 at Winston Churchill Hall, Ruislip.

The Agenda

  • Chairman’s Report
  • Financial Report by the Treasurer
  • Appointment of Examiners of the accounts for April 2025
  • Election of the Chairman
  • Election of the other committee members.

The AGM should not take long and will be part of the monthly meeting.

Proxy forms can be obtained from the Hu3a website and sent to the secretary before the meeting.

Any questions to the committee must be submitted to the Secretary at least one week before the meeting.

Pam Smith, Secretary, Email: Hillingdonu3a.secretary@gmail.com

Thu May 16thWorkshopMindfulness and Meditation Continuation Sessions: Dec-May with John, Mike and Ruth
Starting at 10am to 11am Online via Zoom

These sessions are led by John, Mike and Ruth, and provide an opportunity for everyone who has taken our series on Mindfulness and Meditation to continue practicing together. We will also be introducing new practices in meditation, mindful movement and informal mindfulness.

Members of u3a who haven’t participated in the series are also welcome, but we recommend that you first take a look at the materials on the series website, https://www.mindfulageing.org/

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here..... Meditation and Mindfulness Cont:Dec
Tue May 21stRamblingA date for your diary - The next Rambling Ramble - Expected to be a countryside walk.
Details will become available in April so keep an eye on this website page.
Thu May 23rdOuting

Visit to Middle Temple, London, with a 2 Course Lunch in the main hall included
Cost £37 Make your own way to meet outside Temple Underground Station at 10:30am.
29 places available only via TryBooking. It's a 10 minute walk to Middle Temple and the Tour will start at 11am prompt.

You will feel as though you are going back in time as you walk down cobbled lanes flanked with gas street lamps towards one of the finest Elizabethan Halls in the country.

The tour will take you into Middle Temple Hall with its magnificent double-hammer beam roof which was completed in 1573. Generations of royalty have all dined on our 29ft oak High Table – reputedly a gift from Elizabeth I herself. Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake have been known to dine in Hall. It is also said that the first-recorded performance of Twelfth Night took place in the Hall in 1602. You will visit the Middle Temple Hall and Bench Apartments (Parliament Chamber, Queen’s Room and Prince’s Room).
Middle Temple Main Hall

Lunch will be in the main hall. Menus will be sent nearer the time.

The tour starts at 11am prompt.

The link to the TryBooking site is here.....Middle Temple Tour

Sun May 26thCycling GroupA Date for your Diaries

The annual Ford RideLondon Freecycle event which the group are planning to take part in. It's a great opportunity to cycle round a traffic free route and explore central London by bike (and it's free!). The route includes St Pauls Cathedral, Somerset House, Buckingham Palace and The Mall (and much more).

If this interests you then let Nigel know so he can gauge how big a u3a group would be.
Mon May 27thSocialCoffee Morning & Chat
Meet at the Good Yarn in Uxbridge between 10am - 12 noon

For more details contact Adele
June 2024
Mon Jun 10thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Trevor Baker "Miles of Aisles: The Sainsbury Family Buisness 1869-1973"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
Wed Jun 12thWorkshopMonthly Laughter Yoga with Merrie Maggie
Starting at 10am to 11am Online via Zoom

Bring more joy and laughter into your life through Laughter Yoga - an aerobic exercise with playful exercises and hand claps combined with deep yogic breathing

These sessions will take place on the second Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 11am.

- Wed 10th January at 10am
- Wed 14th February at 10am
- Wed 13th March at 10am
- Wed 10th April at 10am
- Wed 8th May at 10am
- Wed 12th June at 10am

You only need to sign up via eventbrite once, and will receive reminders and communication about all of these 6 sessions

We will start with an introduction, followed by a series of laughter exercises and the important grounding relaxation at the end.

It's free for u3a members. To register click on the link here... Laughter Yoga Jan24
Thu Jun 20thTheatre VisitsThree Men in a Boat at Sonning Theatre.
Cost: £89 includes 2 course lunch, coffee, show, a shared programme & coach.
50 places available

Coach pick up at 10:30am in Ickenham, 10:45am in Uxbridge. Bar opens at 12:30pm & meal is from 12:30pm to 2pm. Performance starts 2:15pm.

Our Hu3a Theatre Visits group have announced the next trip in their 2024 programme. This outing is to The Mill at Sonning Theatre at Sonning Eye near Reading. They have arranged to see the classic Victorian Jerome K Jerome's play "Three Men in a Boat". A story is about friends Harris, George and Jerome as they set sail down the meandering waters of the Thames. Stopping at places you might recognise. Each twist and turn will bring you a fresh dose of laughter and unexpected encounters.

More deatils and application details here ...... Three Men in a Boat - Sonning

Or contact Margaret Smith for more details
Thu Jun 27thRamblingA date for your diary - The next Rambling Ramble.
Details will become available during May so keep an eye on this website page.
July 2024
Mon Jul 8thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Judy Karbritz "Why the Weasel Went Pop"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
Thu Jul 18th
→Sat Jul 20th
Otheru3a Festival '24

A Date for your diaries at the moment but u3a UK are planning their 2024 festival which will run over 3 days and will be held at the University of York based around their exhibition centre and Sports Centre.

Accommodation will be available in the student halls and they will provide more information on this in the coming months.

It’s early days, but as the weeks and months go by they'll be adding more information to this webpage about all the wonderful activities that members, groups, u3as and subject specialists will bring to Festival '24 in York.

Tickets are not yet available to buy but the cost of the attending festival will be as follows:

Day 1, Thursday 18 July - £25 including buffet supper
Day 2, Friday 19 July - £10 for the full day
Day 3, Saturday 20 July - £5 for a half day
Full festival to include all 3 days and a buffet supper on Day 1 - £35
Rooms on campus will be £54 pp for bed and breakfast
August 2024
Mon Aug 12thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Brian Freeland "Richelieu; The Cardinal and His City"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
September 2024
Mon Sep 9thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Tony Earle "40 Years at Kodak"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
October 2024
Mon Oct 14thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Tony Eaton "Invasion 1940 - What If?"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
November 2024
Mon Nov 11thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Graham Laurie "Royal Flying Doctor Service and the $20 Note"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'
December 2024
Mon Dec 9thMeetingMonthly Meeting - in the WCH and on Zoom
Presentation : Eliza McClelland "A Christmas Party"
Table of the Month - 'TBA'