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Celebrating 25 Years as a vibrant part of the Tonbridge community
Nationally run events and more
There are many different online learning events and other activities, run by the national u3a movement, that are available to you as a member of Tonbridge u3a. Further details of what is available currently can be found on the national u3a website - https:// www.u3a.org.uk/.
Please send any comments using the e-mail secretary@tonbridgeu3a.uk
Free Online Event
Flight Inspirations Aviation: Thrills and Spills at Northolt Airport
Tuesday, 2 September
This lighthearted briefing explores RAF Northolt's rich history, from its 1915 founding s to WWII heroics and modern defence roles.
This briefing is a not-too-serious look at the colourful and often surprising history of RAF Northolt, which is Hillingdon’s lesser-known but historically rich airfield. Established in 1915, RAF Northolt is not only one of the oldest RAF stations still in operation but also played a crucial role in the pioneering days of British aviation.
In the early years, Northolt was a hive of experimental and training activity, as the Royal Flying Corps tested new aircraft and techniques in the skies above northwest London. These formative days were filled with the thrills and spills of early flight with daring young pilots, flimsy machines, and the exhilarating and often perilous pace of innovation. It became a launchpad for both military and civil aviation developments, even briefly serving as London’s main civil airport in the 1920s before the rise of Croydon and later Heathrow.
During both World Wars, RAF Northolt was a vital strategic hub. In WWII, it was home to several Polish fighter squadrons, notably the heroic No. 303 Squadron, whose skill and bravery played a pivotal part in the Battle of Britain. The base’s runways buzzed with activity, and its control towers witnessed both triumph and tragedy.
Post-war, the airport saw a mix of high drama and routine service. There were aviation mishaps and near misses, but also quieter moments of service with transport flights, VIP movements, and military operations that quietly kept the country running. Northolt even found fame on-screen, doubling as everything from Cold War airfields to international terminals in TV shows and films.
Today, RAF Northolt remains an active and important part of the UK’s defence infrastructure. Though its military role is less visible, it supports operations for the Ministry of Defence, serves as a base for government and royal flights, and hosts intelligence and logistical units. It stands as a living tribute to a century of British aviation history being a part working airbase, part heritage site, and always ready for the next chapter.
Rainer Maria Rilke: The Journey Within
Thursday, 4 September - 2 - 3pm
A series of talks by Professor Christopher Dowrick, illustrating how the creative arts, including literature, poetry, music, sculpture and painting, can enhance our wellbeing.
Rainer Rilke (1875-1926) is a superlative German-language poet. Despite being commitment-phobic and at times stylistically self-indulgent, he displays a ferocious emotional intensity which offers us deep insights into the human condition and our relationship with the world around us. His poetry is transformative, bearing witness to our ability to withstand suffering and find joy in the stir of creation. In this talk I will consider a selection of his New Poems and excerpts from his Duino Elegies; and explore his famous injunction: 'You must change your life'.
This event is for u3a members only.
Free Online Event
Railway History at the National Archives
Tuesday, 9 September - 10 - 11.30am
In this talk, Dr. Jessamy Carlson will discuss the wide variety of records relating to railways in the care of The National Archives. Drawing on collections which cover the whole country, to very niche sets of records relating to short-lived rail companies, the talk will consider a variety of sources for tracing the history of the railways, and those who worked on them across the last two hundred years.
This event is for u3a members only.
Free Online Event
The Life & Music of Ian Gillan – Deep Purple
Thursday, 11 September - 2 - 3pm
We are delighted to invite you to a special event with Ian Gillan, the legendary singer of the iconic rock band Deep Purple.
Join us as Ian shares stories from his remarkable career, his life and his music. This is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about his journey through decades of music history.
Deep Purple was formed in 1968. Deep Purple is one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal. Their best selling album 'Machine Head' (1972), features the classic anthem 'Smoke on the Water'
Beyond Deep Purple Ian has enjoyed a successful solo career and briefly fronted Black Sabbath. With a career spanning over 50 years, he remains one of rock's most influential voices.
For this event, non-u3a members are welcome to join - please do invite a friend.
To find out more and to join u3a visit our website
For further details including how to book your place on the above events, please go to the national u3a website - https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/u3a-week
South East u3a Forum’s Summer School 2025
University of Chichester
1-4 September 2025
Courses and booking information
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