u3a radio podcast: Recent Episodes
u3a
The u3a Radio podcast series showcases every part of the u3a movement from members, interest group leaders, Trustees, national volunteers and Subject Advisers.
The u3a movement is a UK-wide movement of older adults who come together to learn informally, continue their interests and have fun.
We’ve dedicated the whole programme to everything around the u3a Summer Festival which many of you will have attended in July. Our roving reporter, Maggie Dee, travelled from Warminster to York to find out what the festival is all about - from interviewing Johnny Ball who opened the event, to a lady who plays in a steel band and even a builder who switched his career to shoe design! All organised and run by u3a volunteers - what an achievement! If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast we explore the backstories behind famous songs and hear about 1400 young girls who led the way to form the birth of the unionised labour movement & rebel against greedy employers. And how do you fancy breathtaking mountain scenery and unforgettable encounters on the Great Pyrenees Challenge – it will mean a little walking along the way? If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
Today, we’re travelling far beyond our usual horizons to the banks of the mighty Ganges River with an extraordinary story of courage, curiosity, and compassion. We meet food writer and author of over 70 books Jenny Ridgewell to talk about her latest book Cream Horns & Vol-au-Vents and we also visit a busy gym in Sudbury where the weights are heavy, but the atmosphere is anything but.
In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast, we meet Phyllida Scrivens who tells us the story of a young Jewish boy who walked alone across Europe to escape the Hitler regime. We also chat with two quarter century group leaders, Margaret and Robert, on their u3a experiences over 25 years and explore 'decluttering' with Eileen Mahoney. You know we all put it off don’t we? Maybe we’ll do it tomorrow………If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk.
In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast, we meet Annie Elliott, author of a compelling new book exploring the life of Catherine Dickens and the difficult reality of her marriage to Charles Dickens — shining a light on the often-overlooked story of the famous novelist’s wife.We also talk to Sally Lang, whose poetry collection Lines from an Ordinary Life captures the beauty, humour and quiet reflections found in everyday moments.And we hear from Olympic discus champion Bill Tancred, who shares his passion for encouraging older people to stay active and enjoy the benefits of fitness at any age.If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk.
In our January edition, we hear about one of the most debated challenges of our time, climate change. What exactly is going on? And for those of us intrigued by archaeological discoveries, you’ll know that pictures etched in stone were the way of communicating for people of Göbekli Tepe. Our third feature is on something to laugh about, laughter yoga. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
We've got a special episode for you for the Christmas edition of the u3a radio podcast. It's a pantomime called 'Dick Whittington Goes North', written by Wendy Mizen and directed by Hugh Keegan. All parts performed by members of the Elders Council of Newcastle. A stirring tale of Dick's triumph over the evil Donnie Grumple, stopping him from demolishing St James' Park football stadium and building there The Great Grumple Tower, "the greatest and goldenest tower in history ever".
In the November edition, we hear about the battle against scammers, are we destined to always be one step behind them? And music brings people together – have you ever wondered what really makes a great song so memorable? November is a month of remembrance of the two World Wars so let’s also remember women munitions workers who risked their lives & well-being for the war effort. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In our October edition we talk to Roger Brooks, who interviewed some of the biggest names of the 60s and 70s during his journalism career, we look at how plants have been used in medicine and introduce a song written by a member called u3a new horizons. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In our September edition, we introduce our newest team member, we visit an old music friend for many of us from our school days - the good old recorder and we explore a great way of stimulating our thinking - cryptic crosswords. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
Back again with another special summer episode of our ‘Blast from the Past’ where we’ve selected interviews from our archives that we think you would like to hear again.If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
We've delved into all 51 episodes that we’ve shared with you since 2020 and selected 6 little nuggets we want to encourage you to re-visit – 3 for July & the other 3 will be with you in August.If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In the June edition you're going to hear from a group of members who prove to all of us that age will never be a barrier to making dreams come true. We also have an interview with a man who used to be a fast bowler for England and we bring you a story about a baby given away at birth and the happy ending that resulted. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In the May edition, we are still celebrating 250 years of Jane Austen, then after that we want to encourage you to sharpen your thinking even more by understanding a little about what is behind it. And our finale features a very talented man who wears many hats…..If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In the April edition, you can hear about breaking the Enigma code at Bletchley Park, the natural rhythm of life on Earth and the Guernsey secret family. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In the March edition, you can hear about the world of alphabets, what it takes to form a new u3a with some tips & advice from Newham u3a, Jane Austen and what the life of an executive jet pilot is like?If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, Jo speaks to the manager of the Imperial War Museum's digital volunteering project to find out how u3a members can get involved with documenting war memorials; Martin learns about the world of Hitchcock tours, Maggie D talks to a gemmologist and Bob discovers the joys of Scottish Country Dancing.If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
Listen to the January 2025 u3a radio podcast with interviews from across the u3a movement. If you want to share your story with the u3a radio podcast team, please contact communications@u3a.org.uk
In this festive edition of the u3a radio podcast, you can listen to a pantomime written by the u3a Stockton/Sedgefield Creative Writing group.To share your stories with the podcast team, email communications@u3a.org.uk
Hear interviews with u3a members about butterfly conservation, an adventurous autobiography, and stories from ventriloquist Ken Wood of Kidderminster u3a.If you have a story you'd like to share with the u3a radio podcast, please email communications@u3a.org.uk
In this special episode, Charles interviews outgoing Chair and CEO Liz Thackray and Sam Mauger, as well as the new Chair and CEO Allan Walmsley and Iain Cassidy, while attending the Third Age Trust AGM 2024.If you want to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, please contact communications@u3a.org.uk
The u3a radio podcast returns after a summer break.If you'd like to share your stories for the podcast, email communications@u3a.org.uk
This month, the team delves into the world of pirate radio, team member Lee talks about his love of music.If you have a story you'd like to share with the u3a radio podcast team, email communications@u3a.org.uk
This episode takes us on a journey around the globe. Warwick u3a member Gordon talks his travels in the footsteps of Garibaldi to learn more about the figure of Italian Independence; Margaret from East Suffolk u3a talks about her experience working as a volunteer at the London Olympics in 2012, and member Nick of Ilkley & District u3a talks about his adventure travelling around the World using only trains, bus and container ships.
Elsewhere in the episode, Rob Eastaway talks about maths in Shakespeare, and Stamford resident Bill talks about about some of the interesting people who have lived in the East Midlands town.
New u3a radio podcast episodes come out each month on the 17th. It can be listened to on podcasting platforms, YouTube, and on the u3a website.
If you have a story you'd like to share, email communications@u3a.org.uk If you have a story you would like to share with the podcast, please email communications@u3a.org.uk
Ilkley u3a member Peter Higginbothom talks about his research into workhouses and how they evolved through the years. Later on in the episode, Margaret Fiddes talks about the first ever u3a festival taking place later this year - with opportunities for life drawing, stargazing and walking football.Plus, learn about how the brain works, discover the history of The Lions Club, and we hear from u3a member Bob Wells who started his own podcast in the pandemic - and will soon be joining the u3a radio podcast team.If you have a story you would like to share with the podcast, please email communications@u3a.org.uk
Hear from a former professional ballet dancer, a US Air Force Pilot who now leads a national online u3a aviation group, and two u3a members dedicated to introducing more members to mindfulness and meditation.If you have a story to share with the u3a radio podcast, email us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, Jo Watson, a member of the team and former sports journalist, talks about her favourite Olympic stories ahead of the release of her new book, “In the footsteps of Olympia - A concise history of the Summer Games”.Also in the episode, hear from Farnham u3a member and member of the European Lute Orchestra David about his passion for the instrument; poet and former publisher Christopher Reid talks about the conversation he had with Ted Hughes which made him pick up his pen again; Dr Mike Trevethick talks about the history of hand-washing, and Alex Connell from Vegetarian for Life returns to share some of his favourite recipes.If you would like to feature in a future episode of the u3a radio podcast, email communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, hear about an organisation that champions older songwriters, what it's like to live with essential tremor and more.If you would like to feature in a future episode of the u3a radio podcast, email communications@u3a.org.uk
In this festive edition of the u3a radio podcast, the team looks back on some of their best interviews from 2023. If you have any stories you would like to share with the u3a radio podcast team, please get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In this bumper edition of the u3a radio podcast, the team learn about what it is like to be a reporter for Vatican Radio, Hayling Island u3a's Sea Shanty group, a penny farthing race, the 2023 u3a creative writing competition and talk to the Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in Wales about her role.
In this episode of u3a radio, Jayne from Cheadle u3a shares the tragic story of her son who passed away whilst travelling after catching dengue fever. She is now committed to spreading awareness about dengue fever.Elsewhere in the episode, the u3a subject adviser for maths talks about how maths can be fun and the fascinating mathematic patterns that can be found everywhere, including in the natural world; members talk about a research and shared learning project exploring old theatre programmes; and Karen from Mawdesley u3a talks about her 'give it a go' group and the adventures that members have shared together.If you have any stories you would like to share with the u3a radio podcast team, please get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
After their summer break, the u3a radio podcast team are back - with interviews with John Tucker from the Woodland Trust discussing how we can make a difference to the environment, a u3a member who lived in Aden in the 1960s, and Neville Lyons who discusses the first work computer - the Lyons Electric Office.This is the final episode for two of our team members - Nick Bailey and Ela Watts. Their contribution to the podcast over the last three years has been enormous and they will be very missed.If you have any stories you would like to share with the u3a radio podcast team, please get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In the last episode before the team take a summer break, discover the u3a off the wall event; the history of J Lyons and Co, and hear some of the winning poems from the u3a poetry competition.
If you have a story you would like to share, email communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, the team learn about how a photography group reached new heights by using a drone; how u3a members celebrated the coronation by creating their own crowning dishes; and what it takes to win a u3a quiz.If you have a story you would like to share, email communications@u3a.org.uk
This month, hear about a group creating post box toppers for the coronation; the u3a member who is an expert in pet psychology; and the u3a member who has created a word challenge, already played by thousands of u3a members.Get in touch with us to feature on the u3a radio podcast by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
This month, hear about the group trying to increase the quality of life as we age; the history of Hadrian's Wall; and join podcast member Sarah as she goes along to experience pickleball for the first time.Get in touch with us to feature on the u3a radio podcast by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In February's episode, we find out more about Pickleball - a game already popular in America - which is now growing throughout the u3a movementElsewhere we look at the many opportunities afforded by the u3a speaker swap scheme and in a month known for Valentines Day - we explore why the Swan is the symbol of love.Get in touch with us to feature on the u3a radio podcast by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In January's episode, Jo attends a cookery group at Farnham u3a specifically focussed on encouraging men into the kitchen - and talks to some of the members who are learning to cook for the first time. Elsewhere in the episode, the team hear about how u3a is celebrating the 1900th Anniversary of Hadrian's Wall; what happened before the Lindisfarne Gospels; some of the highlights of the Royal Collection, and they hear from a u3a member who helped make PPE in the pandemic.
This special episode looks back at some of the highlights of the last 12 months in the u3a radio podcast.What is your favourite interview that's featured in u3a radio podcast? Let us know - and share your own u3a stories with us - by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, three u3a members share their theories on how the stones got to Stonehenge - from social gatherings to summer solstice to glacial drift.
Also in the episode, Biggar u3a member Tom talks about how their u3a will be celebrating St Andrew's Day with a McGonagall dinner and Milford u3a member Alan talks about his fascination with European architecture.
Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, Peter talk to space craft engineer Sian Cleaver about her work, the experience of being a woman in a male dominated industry and whether we'll be off to Mars anytime soon...
Also in this month's podcast, Tony from the Northants Network discusses the success of the Walk A Mile A Member Challenge, David from Boom Radio talks about why they launched a station specifically for older adults, and former Cancer nurse Carolyn talks about how to deal with a life threatening diagnosis.
Do you have a story to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, Joanne learns about how u3a members have taken to juggling and tight rope walking, Peter talks to physicist and presenter of the Life Scientific Jim Al-Khalili ahead of his u3a talk next month, and Peter celebrates the 40th Anniversary's Quilt's arrival at it's home for the next year at Witney Blanket Hall.
Do you have a story to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, Peter plays a game of croquet with Witney u3a, Sarah learns about a UK-wide bridge competition to celebrate u3a week and Sam Mauger updates us on the 40th Anniversary celebrations.
Do you have a story to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, Tricia from Ashbourne u3a talks about dancing with her u3a disco group, Keith from Gloucester & District u3a discuss the joys and struggles of robot programming, and Ken from Havant u3a's Bus Pass group talks about the places the group has explored using their bus passes.
Do you have a story to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
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The u3a radio podcast talk to a u3a member who has taken in Ukrainian refugees; discover an initiative in which u3as in the Northants Network are walking a mile for every member of their u3a to celebrate u3a week and talk to the winners of the u3a poetry competition.
Do you have a story to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, the u3a radio team talk to the Alysoun Owen from Bloomsbury who is one of the judges of the 2022 u3a creative writing competition, the group convenor of Swansea u3a's Natural History Group who took to video making when unable to meet in person and a group at Harborough Welland u3a that introduces members to new experiences - from axe throwing to juggling.
Do you have a story you would like to share? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode, we celebrate the Queen's upcoming jubilee and the u3a 40th anniversary with an interview with a u3a member who worked as a maid at Buckingham palace, talk to Bingham u3a about their Picnic in the Park plans for the Jubilee weekend and ask Eric Midwinter, co-founder of the u3a movement, about how it all began.
In the latest episode of u3a radio, the team hear about the Specsavers partnership with u3a which showcases the skills of #GenerationWOW, talk to u3a members who contributed to the 40th anniversary quilt and learn about the many usages of seaweed.
Do you have a story you would like to share with u3a radio? Get in touch with us at communications@u3a.org.uk
The team hear about how u3as will be having picnics across the UK to celebrate the 40th anniversary, learn about a shared learning project into the health of postal pensioners and introduce the newest member of the team, Sarah Goodall.
If you would like to contact the u3a radio podcast team with a story, get in touch at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode of u3a radio, the team learn about the u3a 40th anniversary woodland, talk about the u3a Kindertransport learning initiative and talk to a u3a member in Australia about how the organisation works abroad.
If you would like to contact the u3a radio podcast team with a story, get in touch at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this festive special of the u3a radio podcast, hear a choir singing carols and a message from Third Age Trust CEO Sam Mauger - along with so much more.
If you're not yet a member of u3a, join us now - https://u3a.org.uk/join
Do you have a story you would like to share with the u3a radio team? Email us at communications@u3a.org.uk
In this episode of the u3a radio podcast, the team talk to a man who invented cricket rankings, to one of the u3a radio team Jo about her experience on working on the Olympics and to a member of Burnham on Crouch u3a's Archaeological group.
Not yet a member of u3a? Join us now - https://u3a.org.uk/join
In the October episode of our u3a radio podcast, our team talk to a u3a geologist about his adventures travelling the world, the winners of the u3a creative writing competition and much more.
Not yet a member of u3a? Join us now - https://u3a.org.uk/join
The u3a radio podcast is back, with an episode that features an interview with Islington u3a member Rosemary who travelled in the footsteps of Victorian explorer Nellie Bly, new Third Age Trust Chair Liz Thackray and more.
The u3a radio podcast is created by our team of talented u3a members with radio experience. u3a is a UK wide movement where older adults come together to learn, continue their interests and have fun.
Listen to previous episodes of the podcast on the u3a YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqc8qYDZ4U24lq0J4qx0fQ
Not yet a member of u3a? Join us now - https://u3a.org.uk/join