1. Ushaw Event Update

Don’t forget…12th May 2026 is the date for your diary. 

The timetable for this day is looking very impressive with presentations including: geology, art appreciation, hieroglyphics, local history, photography, creative writing and much more.

Also, taster sessions of Tai Chi and Circle Dancing, a full day of music in the theatre and chapel, tours of Ushaw, a walk around Ushaw and a wildflower walk.

In all 18 u3a members have offered to make this day a success.  

Further details and registration will be made available in the New Year. 

2. New Event: Visit to Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Flass St, Durham, DH1 4BE 

A guided tour of Durham Miners Association, known as Redhills Durham Miners Hall, has been arranged for all Regional u3a members.

The Grade II listed building was opened in 1915 and has recently reopened after an extensive £14 million refurbishment. Explore the extraordinary history of Redhills – a place where working-class community power helped shape Britain. Alongside its proud past, discover how Redhills is being reimagined as a centre for culture, learning and social action.

Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026. 10.00 – 14.00  
There are 2 tours of 15 members each.
1st tour 10.30 – 12 noon    2nd tour  11.30 – 13.00
Cost: £6.50 per person includes tour and refreshments which are available throughout the four hours.

Please contact cecu3a@gmail.com to register, Cecilia will advise if there is a space available and then payment is to be made to The Region’s bank account – details will be given on confirmation of a registered place.  

Flyer for this event is attached.

3. Message from the Events Team

There are 8 members on the Regional Event Team from different areas of the Region. We all contribute ideas as to what we think members, throughout the Region, would like us to organise. We aim to organise a variety of events in different parts of the Region, from the north to the south and in between.

However, we, the Events Team would like to ask all our u3a members if they have any suggestions of venues, places and/or topics of interest, exhibitions, museums, gardens, etc in their locality. We would then consider these suggestions and organise an event in 2026 and beyond.

We are open to all ideas, so please have a think.  Please forward your suggestions to cecu3a@gmail.com ‘lead’ of the Regional Event Team or phone 07881768301. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all u3a members in Northumbria.

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Peter Barnett, Northumbria u3a