Study Days and Short Courses
Study Days
Study Days provide all members with the opportunity to study a topic thought to be of general interest. In the past days have been arranged on Climate Change, Gardening for Wildlife and many other interesting topics.
Further study days will be listed below when they are arranged.
Study day – Understanding Dementia
Tonbridge u3a has invited Chris Parker to talk on Wednesday 14 August from 2.00pm - 3.30pm at the Riverside Suite in the Angel Centre. Chris is Chair of “Dementia Friendly Community (Tonbridge DFC) and Tunbridge Wells DFC.
These are community groups made up of local residents, business representatives and volunteers who focus on work in the Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells areas to improve the lives locally for residents living with dementia.”
The effects of dementia as we all know also affects families and friends. If you would like to have a place on the study day contact support@tonbridgeu3a.uk
A summary of the discussions at the 'Women - their changing roles and status' study day can be viewed here
A report on the Cyber Crime study day can be viewed here
Study Days by Local u3as
When we are aware of study days that local u3as have opened to our members they are listed here
Short Courses
Many short courses are arranged by the u3a Trust, their relationship with leading organisations, built up over many years, has meant they are in a position to offer selected national events online ensuring that learning is still available to our u3as and their members. This includes events with the National Gallery, Royal Institution, Guildhall Art Gallery, and the British Library (for which there may be a charge).
They are also offering a number of workshops, webinars and interactive sessions delivered by members for members, which are free to join. We will highlight some of these on the National Event page here. For full details of all National events click here.
Many online events are being delivered via the Zoom video conferencing/webinar platform. They have some ‘How to Guides‘ and are offering ‘Online Tutorials‘ for using Zoom that may assist you if you are not familiar with this tool.
First Aid course
Tu3a is now able to offer the following course for up to 12 people. All participants must be able to kneel down, and be prepared to be placed into a recovery position, as this will be a practical session. The course will be held at the Riverside Suite in the Angel Centre. The session would be for 2 hours and our instructor, Mary Matson, who is prepared to give up her time for this great cause, will try to cover as much of this list as the participants’ questions will allow: Primary survey (what to do with someone who is unconscious); Recovery CPR and using an AED (defibrillator); Heart attack; Stroke; Bleeding and Shock. A date has yet to be confirmed. If you are interested contact support@tonbridgeu3a.uk If more than 12 people apply they will be placed on a reserve list.
Free Online Event
Thursday, 25 July 2 - 3pm
Numbers with Shapes with Dr Knott
Join Dr Ron Knott for a talk about square, triangular and oblong shapes of numbers and how geometry provides proof
We call some numbers square numbers because they can be arranged into a square shape.
Here we look at other polygons of dots such as triangles, pentagon and so on - the polygonal numbers. Such polygons are flat and two-dimensional but we can extend the idea to three and even to higher dimensions or to other falt shapes that are not regular polygons, such as rectangles or star shapes and these are called figurate numbers.
They have been an object of interest for mathematicians since the time of the Ancient Greek mathematicians such as Pythagoras around 500BC and Hypsicles circa 150BC and later Diophantus around 250AD and on to mathematical giants such as Fermat (1601-1665) and Euler (1707-1783).
They still provide an excellent vehicle for spotting intriguing number patterns, proof using algebra at school lever as well as "proofs without words"..
To register click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/numbers-with-shapes-with-dr-knott-tickets-891043373717?aff=oddtdtcreator
Free Online Event
Tuesday 6 August - 10.00 - 12.00
The ‘Bloody Hundredth’ Bomb Group
Don Mobley will present the history of the 100th Bomb Group serving honourably with 8th Air Force during WWII.
The ‘Bloody Hundredth’ Bomb Group was an indispensable unit serving in the 8th Air Force, distinguishing themselves in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany and leaving an indelible mark on the history of aerial warfare.
From their arrival in England in 1943, the men of the 100th Bomb Group demonstrated unwavering dedication, exceptional bravery and remarkable skill. Stationed at Thorpe Abbotts, they flew the revered B-17 Flying Fortress conducting perilous missions deep into enemy territory. Their contributions were instrumental in crippling the German war machine by targeting vital industrial sites, transportation hubs and military installations.
The 100th BG earned its fearsome nickname due to the high casualty rates it suffered, a testament to their resolve and the relentless nature of their missions. Despite facing fierce anti-aircraft fire, treacherous weather and the ever-present threat of enemy fighters, the airmen pressed on with a steadfast commitment to their duty. Their valor was reflected in numerous commendations and awards including Distinguished Unit Citations.
One of the most notable operations involving the Group was the Schweinfurt-Regensburg mission in August 1943, a daring and costly raid aimed at crippling Germany’s ball-bearing production. The mission exemplified the group's courage and sacrifice losing 10 aircraft and 100 men while delivering a significant blow to the enemy's industrial capabilities.
The legacy of the 100th BG is also defined by the tight-knit camaraderie formed under the extreme pressures of war. Their stories told through books and film ensure that the heroism of the 100 BG will never fade from memory, inspiring future generations to honour their legacy and understand the profound impact of their service.
In essence, the 100th BG not only fulfilled their mission with honour and courage but also symbolized the invincible spirit of the Allied air forces. Their relentless pursuit of victory, often at great personal cost, was a crucial element in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany and the restoration of peace in Europe.
This event is for u3a members only.
To register click here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flight-inspirations-aviation-meeting-the-bloody-hundredth-bomb-group-tickets-933544906947?aff=oddtdtcreator
Free Online Event
Thursday 8 August - 10.00 - 11.30
Agriculture and Climate Change
Ian Hawker of East Suffolk u3a discusses agriculture's effect on Climate Change.
It is estimated that the global food gap between demand and supply will reach 50% by 2050. Climate change is already producing weather extremes, resulting in reduced crop yield, soil erosion, desertification and flooding. Where adopted, regenerative farming methods have produced healthier soil, more resilient to climate change, and with less greenhouse gas emissions. However, introducing regenerative agriculture requires significant changes to current farming practices, including maintaining an all year cover crop, zero tillage, and eliminating use of feriliser, herbicides and pesticides. The talk describes the challenges and progress in UK, US, and Australia.
This event is for u3a members only.
To register click here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/agriculture-and-climate-change-tickets-894415750587?aff=oddtdtcreator
Free Online Event
Thursday 15 August - 10.00 - 11.00
National Gallery Treasurers to Celebrate Its 200th Anniversary, 2024
From Monet to Modern: Exploring 'The Water Lily Pond' 1899 and Beyond
Catherine Stevenson of Newcastle u3a presents the fourth in the series National Gallery Treasures to Celebrate its 200th Anniversary.
From the exhibition, we will discover some of the captivating art by various artists who influenced Monet then focus on the centrepiece, Monet’s iconic ‘The Water – Lily Pond’ 1899.
Let’s explore the cultural exchange between East and West and the enduring legacy of Monet's masterpiece which transcends boundaries and resonates with and inspires modern artistic expressions.
Please note this presentation is animated. Catherine uses powerpoint animations to bring her words to life. If you do not like an animated presentation then this may not be to your taste.
This event is for u3a members only.
To register click here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-monet-to-modern-exploring-the-water-lily-pond-1899-and-beyond-tickets-853638966127?aff=oddtdtcreator