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, click the blue links to go straight to our website.

In 1929, Edwin Hubble established a correlation between galactic redshift and distance. For nearly a century, the prevailing scientific consensus has attributed this redshift to cosmic expansion, forming the foundation of the Big Bang theory. However, recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have introduced observations that challenge standard cosmological models. David Youll, PhD., a keen researcher in this field, examines anomalies in the Big Bang theory and other views on the origin of our universe. Enjoy this fascinating presentation at 2 pm on Tuesday 27 October.

Dates for your Diary

2.30 pm – Monday 12 October
General interest –Sailing the Southern Ocean. Growing up in West Wittering, Ian Worley has sailed all his life, including crossing oceans with his young family. In this fully illustrated talk, he will tell the story of his voyage on the 78ft yacht Great Britain II during her third circumnavigation in 1977. They raced furiously, encountering many storms, damage to the boat, injuries and a lightning strike. Get your seaboots on for a thrilling talk at the Petersfield Community Centre

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10 am – 12 pm – Wednesday 14 October 3, 2026
Family History Group 2 – A miscellany of death (records!). This group has been examining old Wills and will be digging into other types of death records during October. You can find out more about your family’s records at our meetings in the PCC Exhibition Room. Don’t be afraid; just let us know that you are coming by contacting Frances Lake.

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2 pm – Tuesday 20 October
Health matters – The work of the Rosemary Foundation
Shirley Leader, Community Fundraising Coordinator and Katherine Lacey, Clinical Manager, will talk about the work of The Rosemary Foundation, founded in 1997 to provide a Hospice at Home service for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Since then, the Foundation has supported many thousands of patients and their loved ones within their own homes. Operating seven days a week, 24 hours a day, within a 15-mile radius of Petersfield, they support adults over 18 who are approaching the end of their life.

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2.30 pm – Wednesday 21 October
Arts and Heritage – Flora Twort and Stanley Spencer in Petersfield
Louise Weller is Head of Collections and Exhibitions at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery. She will explore recent exhibitions focusing on the little-known period when Sir Stanley Spencer lived and worked in Petersfield, as well as Flora Twort's years as an art student and her exceptional skill in portraits and observational drawing.

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12 pm – Friday 23 October
Welcomers Lunch to be held at The Good Intent, College Street, Petersfield.
Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited to 24 people. Please view the menu on the website and make your choices before Sunday 18 October.

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4.30–5.30 pm – Wednesday 4 November
Science and technology – Hands-on Science Workshop at Churcher's College, Science Block. This term's workshop will cover a Chemistry topic: “Perfumes from Plants.” We will be extracting essential oils from plants, so please bring a small bottle or two to take a sample home. All are welcome, and no previous scientific knowledge is required. Reserve your free place and find out more from Lin Piatek before 26 October 2026. Tea, coffee & biscuits supplied by Churcher's for early arrivals.

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2.30 pm – Monday 9 November
Petersfield u3a Annual General Meeting. Please see meeting details on the website and come to the AGM if you can.

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2 pm – Tuesday 17 November
Health matters – Microplastics: What and where they are, and why they matter
Professor Fay Couteiro is Professor of Environmental Pollution at the University of Portsmouth. Fay leads the University's Microplastics Research Group, which aims to establish the impacts of microplastics on the environment and human health. Plastic breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which creates a new and widespread environmental challenge. These particles are now found almost everywhere, from the deepest oceans and remote mountain regions to the food we eat and the air we breathe. Professor Couceiro will explore why these tiny particles have become a global concern, what scientists currently know about their impacts, and the practical steps individuals, industry, and society can take to reduce pollution and limit exposure.

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2 pm – Tuesday 24 November
Science and Technology Open meeting – Evolution in Action
Exploring wide-ranging examples of evolution at work in the world around us, with evolutionary biologist Dr Phil Madgwick.

Group News

New German class for absolute beginners has been CANCELLED

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Science and Technology Group
I am hoping to enlist more people to help run this group. Finding speakers and setting dates involves time and inspiration, as well as a little lateral thinking. If you can help for 2027, please contact Lin Piatek. Ideas for future talks are also welcome. Think of contacts you may have through your children/grandchildren/anyone in technology/science-based companies, or current members. Without help, this group may fold, which would be a pity, although the "Hands-on science sessions at Churcher's" will continue.

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The Film Study group is currently full, which has disappointed some u3a members. However, studying ‘film’ offers a wide range of possibilities, and the group would be happy to encourage and support any new start-up in this field, whether in a similar or different format. Contact Frances Press to discuss.

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There’s a vacancy in Book Circle 6 for anyone interested in joining us. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 2.30 pm. Our aim is to encourage ourselves to read a wider range of books than we would normally read. We are an informal group, and the books often lead to broader discussions fuelled by tea and cake.
Why not get in touch by contacting Shelly Hogg.

Around and about

Bayeux Tapestry exhibition – Joan Shepley has now requested group tickets, but we will not know our allocation until 22 October. Joan had to submit six alternative dates to increase our chances! Unfortunately, the museum has put a strict limit of 30 tickets per group. Joan will send final details as soon as available. Watch this space!

Interest Hub News

The Interest Hubs will be holding their next round of meetings in October. The Pilot Learning Grant Scheme was discussed at the last Hub meeting, and congratulations to the 13 groups that have now been awarded funding to carry out a range of innovative projects this year. We look forward to hearing how these progress.
Another topic was how to help our u3a keep pace with new members (121 this year!) so that there is always a welcome and an activity for everyone. The October meetings are a chance to make your views known and ask questions. Ask your Group Convenor about the Hubs and feed in any comments you have about your u3a. It doesn’t have to be the Convenor who comes to the Hub meeting – any group member can represent the group.

Notices

Esther Jones's funeral will be at 12.15 pm on 19 October at The Oaks crematorium, Havant, followed by a reception at Steep Village Hall.

Have Your Say

‘Connect’ always welcomes news and feedback from Petersfield u3a members via the Editor of Connect

To keep the e-newsletter easy and enjoyable to read and the style consistent, the copy will likely be edited.

The next issue of ‘Connect’ will be emailed to you on Friday, 23 October, with a copy deadline for all contributions of Monday, 19 October.