This page contains news items that we hope will be of interest to our members.
OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Stay connected with our lively u3a newsletter—packed with the latest group news, member articles, helpful info, important notices, and reports from past events. A must-read for every member!
Note: The newsletter was paused in June 2026. The last available edition was for May 2026.
Group Updates
We have recently updated the following group pages:
This year's u3a essay competition is now live
It's time to get writing! This year we want you to take us on on a remarkable real-life journey - of discovery, adventure or transformation - and bring the story to life in fewer than 1000 words.
- Free entry: open to all u3a members
- Deadline: 31 July 2026
- Prize: book bundles for the winner and two runners-up, kindly donated by HX Expeditions.
Please share this opportunity with your members - particularly with your creative writing, science, history and travel interest groups.
Could you help shape the future of Third Age Trust Trading Ltd?
We are looking for u3a members with commercial experience to join the TATTL Board as voluntary Non-Executive Directors. TATTL's purpose is to generate an income that supports the charitable objectives of the Trust, by providing services to u3as and their members in a tax efficient manner. This includes the production of u3a matters magazine and digital service for u3as.
We are especially interested in members with experience in areas such as:
- publishing
- digital services
- member services
- marketing
- brand
- customer engagement
- business development.
We also need volunteers with digital skills and experience to join our Digital Services Advisory Group. This group supports the work of TATTL by assisting with strategic thinking and insight. If you have skills and experience in the following areas then please get in touch:
- digital product development
- online platforms
- digital solutions and Software as a Service (SaaS)
- customer relationship management systems
- user experience
- digital transformation.
Full details on both roles, with information on how to apply, are on the volunteering page on the u3a website.
OPAAl and Bereavement Planning
At OPAAL, we have seen growing demand from both our members and the wider public for information and support around planning for a dignified death and helping those who are left behind after a death.
While conversations about death and bereavement can be difficult, many older people tell us they want practical guidance to help them prepare, reduce stress for loved ones, and ensure their wishes are known. Others are concerned about what will happen if they have limited family or social support around them.
In response, OPAAL has developed a range of free resources and checklists designed to help older people navigate this challenging period. The resources provide practical, easy-to-follow guidance on topics such as planning ahead, recording important information, considering end-of-life wishes, and helping those left behind manage the practicalities after a death.
Importantly, the resources have been designed for people in different circumstances, including those who have a close network of family and friends, as well as those who may be more socially isolated or without immediate support.
The full range of resources can be accessed at:
www.opaal.org.uk/campaigns/
We recognise that planning for the end of life and coping with bereavement can feel overwhelming. Our message is simple: nobody should have to face these challenges alone. If older people need additional guidance or support, they can come to OPAAL and we will do our best to help.
Foreign Coin Collection
Alongside the post card collection box there is now another box, in aid of the same charity (Mission Aviation Fellowship - MAF) where u3a members can donate any odd foreign currency they may have left over from their trips abroad. In addition to foreign coins redundant British coins may be donated. All gratefully received!
Hazel Scott will be taking care of this.
Spare Knitting Yarn
Please could you donate any spare knitting yarn? This will be knitted up into blankets, teddy bears and so on for Ukraine. Thank you all for your support!
As usual there will be a box at General Meetings for your donations.
Organiser: Sue Stoker
Discarded Spectacles
If you have any discarded spectacles could you please bring them to the General Meetings? There will be a box available at the back of the room where they can be placed. Your gratefully received donated specs will be sent to Ukraine.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)
Postcard & Foreign Currency Donation Charity
Instead of recycling or discarding postcards which you receive, mostly during the holiday season, you may wish to donate them to the above charity - when you have finished enjoying them of course. This charity flies into remote areas of the world, such as Papua New Guinea and Sierra Leone delivering education, supplies, and health workers to the poorest communities. More details can be found on their website. https://www.maf-uk.org. It is a Christian charity which may not suit everyone, but the work they do is vital and life saving. In order to raise funds, picture postcards are collected - written on or not, old or new - and sold by the charity.
A MAF box for the collection of your post card donations will be available at our monthly General Meetings.
Alongside the post card collection box, in future there will be another box, in aid of the same charity, where u3a members can donate any odd foreign currency they may have left over from their trips abroad.
Used Stamps
Once again thank you for those of you who have been bringing in your used stamps. We are now donating stamps to the British Heart Foundation and we should appreciate your trimming the stamps as shown.
