Welcome to the news page for some of the 130 wonderful local u3as in the region. If you're not already a member of the u3a, take a look at some of the interesting things they get up to. There is always an u3a near you, (Search Here) able and willing to take care of your needs. Each of the local u3a groups are made up of volunteers (Webmaster: I prefer the word helpers!) and these helpers share the responsibility of over seeing over 3,500 special interest groups from Bridge and Canasta to Walking and Knot Tying and everything in between.
Contributions are welcome from individual u3as and Networks for publication on this page. Send photographs, articles and news to our Webmaster Simon Thomson
Newton Abbot Race Day 27th May 2026
Here are a few photos from our day at Newton Abbot Races. The weather was glorious, the food was excellent, and, as always with fellow u3a members, the company was wonderful and the view from the box was the best. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time. There were 40 members attending and our CEO, Iain Cassidy, came down from London to join us. By the end of the afternoon, he was delighted to be £12 and a few pence up—although, having spent £20 to get there, he was not really ahead! Sorry, Iain—just teasing.
Although I didn’t win anything I had a great day with some members having wins or places in all races.
I am sure that everyone who attended would like to thank Dee McVey, Chair of Okehampton u3a for organising the event and I am looking forward to more events, not necessarily horse racing - in the future. Well done, Dee.
Council Rep for the SW Region
Visit here for the next Hospitality Day at Newton Abbot Racecourse on 28th October 2026
St Austell - Science Group
On Friday 8th May the Science Group spent a very interesting morning at St Austell Printing Company. This is a family-owned business which has expanded from a shop in St Austell town. centre to a large factory on a new industrial estate on the edge of St Austell. The host was Beth Mayman, the daughter of founder Peter Moody, her position is Operations Manager.
The group were given an introductory talk about the history of the firm, before being taken onto the factory floor for a tour around. The Company undertakes a full range of printing,
everything from simple personal requirements to book covers, sustainable packaging, playing cards and greeting cards. They have the capacity to print a very large range of shapes and sizes. While there, they saw this year’s Christmas cards and next year’s Valentine cards being printed.
Very little of the printing machinery is still made in the UK, most of their machinery comes from Germany and Japan. The company is very eco-friendly, the factory was designed to be virtually energy self-sufficient. They fully offset their carbon footprint. Where the roof doesn’t have solar panels, it has grass. All waste paper is recovered and sold to be recycled.
All who went on this visit had a very enjoyable morning.
Memories of a childhood era
I am doing a bit of thinking
I like to reminisce
Remember all the days gone by
When I was young and fit
Is it true the sun kept shining
Did we ever have dull days
I know it is said about old age
Strange tricks the brain can play
I am talking about before the war
The days we were young and free
All I can remember was sunshine for me
South Molton was my home
I know it’s true to say
I knew everyone I saw,
and everyone knew me.by Betty Foot
AI Explorers: Old Photos, New Tricks!
Last week, Fairford u3a’s AI Explorer group ran two sessions on 11th and 14th May, looking at how AI can help us create and edit images.
There was plenty of fun to be had tweaking old photographs, improving faded pictures, and even colourising black-and-white images. We quickly discovered, though, that AI needs a careful eye.
While it can brighten, sharpen, and enhance a photo beautifully, we agreed it is important not to let it change people’s faces or alter who they really are.
We also talked about a useful free app called PhotoScan, which can be used on a smartphone to take a good digital image of an old printed photograph. Once captured, the image can then be edited, refined, or gently restored using AI tools.
Another important topic was privacy. We discussed how some free AI models may use chats, images, or prompts as learning data, because AI companies need human data to improve their systems. It was a useful reminder to think before uploading anything personal or sensitive.
Overall, the sessions were fun, practical, and full of “wow!” moments — with just the right amount of caution mixed in. Here’s the traditional AI-created limerick:
There once was a photo quite faded,
That AI very kindly upgraded.
But we said, “Mind the faces —
Keep people in places!”
And no mystery aunties created!
Our next AI Explorer session will be on Thursday 4th June at 10:30am. We look forward to seeing
you there!
The May Monthly Meeting for members and guests of Bude & District U3A was a monthly meeting with a difference, for this was a celebration marking 25 years since the beginning of U3A in Bude.
In place of the usual guest speaker, there were tributes and reminiscences, a panel game entertainment provided by members, a special Quiz, and, of course, a 25th Anniversary cake!
Chard, Ilminster and District
Barn Dance
in Thorncombe Village Hall on the 15th August 2026
This is promising to be a fantastic shin-dig with a superb Ceilidh Band and caller, food, drink and all held in a wonderful venue.
Help needed: If you know anyone who can loan some hay bales to add to the ambiance,
Time to book in!
Oakhampton
Coombe Meadow Gardens near Ashburton are owned by two of our u3a members. 21 of us from 7 different u3a's ... the furthest being Penzance ... met there for a delicious BBQ, expertly prepared and cooked, and walks around the gardens lead by our hostess. Bill Murray, singer of Cornish songs and ditties, entertained us once again as we ate.
When they bought Coombe Meadow Valley they had no idea what they had taken on! It was over a metre deep in weeds and self seeded tree covered most features. Since 2016 they have reclaimed the land and created gardens. They felt it was ridiculous to have done all this hard work, created a beautiful garden that only they saw, and not make use of it to do some good in the world.
They open their Gardens to Charities only, and it was agreed with everyone there that any profit from our visits are split equally between Devon Air Ambulance and a school they support in India. They've agreed to hold another BBQ in September, so look out for details nearer the time.
St Austell
22 members went to see the St Austell Operatic Society production of the musical ‘Come from Away’ at the Keay Theatre, matinee on 18th April.
It covered the story of 33 plane loads of people (and some animals) from all over the world who were diverted to Gander Airport in Newfoundland, where they were stuck for 5 days after 9/11. It was nothing short of brilliant!
Extremely well-deserved standing ovation at the end. Many said the quality performances of all the cast and stage production were better than a professional London show, and it was just up the road and very affordable!
A fast-moving, breathtaking show, quite emotional but also humorous in just the right mix.
Tiverton
Burnham-on-Sea Hovercraft Rescue Service
Our group enjoyed a fascinating visit to the BARB Search and Rescue Centre earlier this month.
Founded in 1992 and based on the seafront at Burnham-on-Sea, BARB Search & Rescue is an independent charity run by a dedicated team of local volunteers. The organisation operates two rescue hovercraft and two inshore rescue boats, with crews on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Over the years, the team has saved hundreds of lives while responding to a wide range of emergencies.
During our visit, we were given an excellent presentation covering the history of the service and the vital role it plays in an area known for its dangerous mudflats. We also had the opportunity to climb aboard one of the static hovercraft and take a closer look at the controls — although a ride across the sands was unfortunately not included!
We would like to thank the friendly BARB team for welcoming us so warmly and for generously giving up their time to explain the important work that they do – Tony
Riverblue Ukulele Picnic
Riverblue, the Verwood u3a Ukulele Group, invites you to a picnic at Woodlands Village Hall on 28th July at 1:30 pm.
Weather permitting It will be held on the green outside the hall so bring your picnic (with a beer if you want) and picnic chairs or blankets. Riverblue will perform music from several decades and genres. from 2 pm till 4 pm with a break for 30 minutes. Then from 5 pm a bit of social time if wanted. All Verwood u3a members and families are invited. Come and join in this social 'music and fun in the sun' event.
If the weather is unfavourable the event will be postponed to a future date. Please check the Facebook page or the website to make sure. Further information contact
Gareth (ukulele@verwoodu3a.org.uk)or our website
