NEWS for ...
Petersfield u3a members

Welcome to our latest e-newsletter, giving a quick summary of what’s happening within Petersfield u3a. To find out more, simply click onto the blue links to be taken straight to our website.

Chernobyl: Science, Society… and Vodka!

Based on his experience of working on the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident, Professor Jim Smith will discuss risks of radioactivity and how the media influence recovery of affected populations. Myths surrounding health consequences of radiation have contributed to ongoing psychological, social and economic problems in ‘contaminated’ areas around Chernobyl. Join Professor Smith at 2pm on 26 May to hear about the work he is doing in Ukraine on re-use of contaminated lands and his ATOMIK Spirits project.
Jim Smith is Professor of Environmental Science at Portsmouth University. He has co-ordinated four multinational projects on the environmental consequences of the Chernobyl accident and has regularly worked in the Exclusion Zone.
There may even be a taste of vodka after the talk, from crops grown on the land Jim will be talking about. Some of the profits of his ATOMIK Spirits project go back to the Ukraine, to help the local community.

Dates for your Diary

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2.00pm – Tuesday 28 April
Science and Technology – 100 Piers – Painting at the Water’s Edge
Several years after a commission to paint Eastbourne pier, artist Paul Tracey (a Hampshire resident and Petersfield u3a member) painted Bournemouth pier, then Southsea pier … and so began a series of 100 piers. While painting them, Paul also discovered their “personalities”, some of which will feature in his talk. He has had many solo and group exhibitions of his work which includes paintings, drawings and prints. He is also the UK product specialist for TurboCad design software, used worldwide in the design of engineering and architectural projects.

12.00pm – Thursday 30 April
The popular Members Lunch is preparing to hold its next event at The Queen’s Head in Sheet. All u3a members are welcome.
To book your place and choice from the menu, click on the link or contact Marion Flett directly by email at marionflett@hotmail.com or call 07584 652

12.00pm – Thursday 30 April
The popular Members Lunch is preparing to hold its next event at The Queen’s Head in Sheet. All u3a members are welcome.
To book your place and choice from the menu, click on the link or contact Marion Flett directly by email at marionflett@hotmail.com or call 07584 652

12:00pm – Tuesday 19 May
Health Matters - Heartstart - your actions could save a life!
We are delighted to welcome back our member Gerald Pilkington for this talk. A few years ago, Gerald gave us a most interesting and informative talk and demonstration on what to do in a cardiac emergency. Time for a refresher!

2.00pm – Tuesday 26 May
Science and technology – Chernobyl: Science, Society and vodka!
Professor Jim Smith on his experiences of working in areas around Chernobyl and his work in Ukraine on the re-use of contaminated lands.

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Around & About 

The accounts for Petersfield u3a for the year ending 31st August 2025 are approved and available on our Petersfield u3a website. Jenny Thwaites, Chairperson

Have Your Say 

‘Connect’ always welcomes news and feedback from Petersfield u3a members via The Connect Editor.

To ensure the e-newsletter is easy and enjoyable to read and that the style is consistent, the copy is likely to be edited.  

The next issue of ‘Connect’ will be emailed to you on Friday, 1 May, with a copy deadline for all contributions of Monday, 27 April.