BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//U3A Communities - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:U3A Communities
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://u3acommunities.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for U3A Communities
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251027T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251027T163000
DTSTAMP:20251013T131704Z
CREATED:20251013T131704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T131704Z
UID:13590-1761577200-1761582600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Neuroscience of Consciousness
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Professor Anil Seth\n University of Sussex \nYou may well know Anil Seth from television appearances or his popular science books. \nWhen you look around\, it feels like you’re simply seeing reality. But neuroscientist Anil Seth argues that what you see\, hear\, and feel is more like a story your brain tells itself\, a ‘hallucination’ shaped and corrected by sensory signals. In this engaging talk\, he explains how the brain’s predictions create not only our experiences of the world\, but also our sense of self.  \nIf you are not already subscribed\, subscription is free and you will receive joining details and news about forthcoming Leading Edge meetings https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-leading-edge/
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-neuroscience-of-consciousness/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Leading-edge Research Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/neuro-16x9-1-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251022T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251022T113000
DTSTAMP:20251018T082037Z
CREATED:20251018T082037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251018T082037Z
UID:14936-1761127200-1761132600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:CLIMATE CHANGE\, BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEMS
DESCRIPTION:Biodiversity is a measure all living things on Earth & their interconnection (animals\, plants…). Population of living things has declined by 69% globally since 1970 due to climate change\, pollution and loss of habitat. But we rely upon biodiversity for food\, clean air and water. We describe the UK and global response to this crisis. \nianhawker101@gmail.com
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/climate-change-biodiversity-ecosystems/
CATEGORIES:Climate Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/freepik__the-style-is-modern-and-it-is-a-detailed-illustrat__84371.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251021T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251021T170000
DTSTAMP:20251016T080423Z
CREATED:20251006T150304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T080423Z
UID:11745-1761058800-1761066000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:3D Printing
DESCRIPTION:21st October @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm \nThis month\, David Price will be gently taking us through an introduction to a table top scale manufacturing process. \nAs usual\, plenty of time is reserved for discussions. \nJoining details will be emailed to subscribers nearer the time.  If you aren’t a member\, it’s free to join here https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-computing-forum/.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/3d-printing/
CATEGORIES:Computing Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/U3A-intro-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251016T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251016T113000
DTSTAMP:20260515T162537Z
CREATED:20251004T135123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T162537Z
UID:11078-1760610600-1760614200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Demographic Time-bomb
DESCRIPTION:In common with many other developed countries\, the UK’s birth-rate has been falling for some time\, and now stands at around 1.5 children per woman\, far below the so-called ‘replacement’ rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population profile. If this decline is not turned around soon\, there will eventually be too few working-age tax-payers to fund the ever-growing number of older people requiring costly medical and social care (let alone the workforce to provide this care). Several potential solutions have been suggested\, both fiscal and societal\, but most of them are either expensive\, controversial\, or both. So\, at this month’s meeting\, we’ll look at the various options\, and – who knows – maybe we’ll even come up with some novel ideas of our own for the Chancellor to consider as she prepares her upcoming Budget! \nIf you haven’t yet done so\, there’s still time to join our mailing list\, which will ensure that you receive those all-important Zoom log-in details… just click here: Subscribe to the Current Affairs group
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-demographic-time-bomb/
CATEGORIES:Current Affairs Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CA-group-Meetings-archive-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251014T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251014T120000
DTSTAMP:20251008T111951Z
CREATED:20251008T111748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T111951Z
UID:12203-1760437800-1760443200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Colour in dinosaurs
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Professor Mike Benton\, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology\, School of Earth Sciences\, University of Bristol \nThis month we’re privileged to have Professor Mike Benton speak to us about colour in dinosaurs. Come and find out what we know about what colour dinosaurs were and how we came to understand this. \nProfessor Benton’s work focuses on large-scale evolution of major groups such as dinosaurs and exploring the effects of mass extinctions\, environmental change and biological innovation on the evolution of reptiles\, birds and mammals. \nSubscribe to Geology
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/colour-in-dinosaurs/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Geology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/freepik__the-style-is-modern-and-it-is-a-detailed-illustrat__84371.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251008T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251008T120000
DTSTAMP:20251025T150359Z
CREATED:20250912T090120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251025T150359Z
UID:10071-1759919400-1759924800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: Background\, bugs\, biomes and biofilms
DESCRIPTION:While most people are aware of the huge concerns about antibiotic resistance\, there are often misunderstandings regarding what it means and how it works. In this talk – the first of two on this important topic – Beryl Oppenheim (York u3a) will explain the background to the problem\, before delving a little deeper into the science behind antibiotic resistance: how and why it occurs\, the genetic basis for the development of resistance\, where it happens – both in nature and the human body – and what this all means in terms of risks to individuals and vulnerable populations. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Understanding Antibiotic Resistance (part 1)’\n(the recording is for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/understanding-antibiotic-resistance-background-bugs-biomes-and-biofilms/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Superbugs-image-for-Oct-25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250929T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250929T183000
DTSTAMP:20250911T165858Z
CREATED:20250810T165444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T165858Z
UID:9864-1759165200-1759170600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Seeing to the Event Horizons of Supermassive Black Holes
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Dr. Dan Wilkins \n Kavli Institute\, Stanford University  \nOn Monday\, 29th September at 5:00 PM hear groundbreaking perspectives from a leading figure at the Kavli Institute. \nRecent breakthroughs near black hole event horizons are offering exciting new views into some of the universe’s most mysterious regions. Using powerful X-ray telescopes\, scientists have observed light bending around black holes\, just as Einstein predicted over a century ago. \nThey’ve also detected faint echoes of X-rays bouncing off material hidden behind black holes\, something never seen before. These findings help researchers understand how matter behaves in extreme gravity\, how black holes consume surrounding material\, and how energetic jets are launched. \nIt’s a major step toward mapping the chaotic environments near black holes and unlocking secrets about space\, time\, and gravity itself.  \nIf you are not already subscribed\, subscription is free and you will receive joining details and news about forthcoming Leading Edge meetings https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-leading-edge/
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/new-findings-near-black-hole-event-horizons/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Leading-edge Research Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Untitled-presentation.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250924T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250924T113000
DTSTAMP:20250919T114805Z
CREATED:20250919T114805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T114805Z
UID:10132-1758708000-1758713400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
DESCRIPTION:Global average temperatures are predicted to rise by 2C by 2050 and 2.6-2.9C by 2100. The impact includes increased heat deaths\, changing weather patterns\, and pressure on water supply and agriculture. We examine the expected changes and UK government response to date.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/adapting-to-climate-change/
CATEGORIES:Climate Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/climate-change-2063240_1280.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250923T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250923T200000
DTSTAMP:20250922T154616Z
CREATED:20250922T154616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T154616Z
UID:10148-1758654000-1758657600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Books and Literature Meeting\, September 23 at 7pm
DESCRIPTION:First discussion involving poetry \nIt is 60 years since the death of Sylvia Plath. \nIs she defined by her confessional verse or her eventual suicide?
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/books-and-literature-meeting-september-23-at-7pm/
CATEGORIES:Books and Literature Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sylvia-Plath.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250918T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250918T113000
DTSTAMP:20260515T162716Z
CREATED:20250903T094213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T162716Z
UID:10027-1758191400-1758195000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Current Affairs group: Open Forum
DESCRIPTION:Since we last met in July\, much has happened in the world\, and yet\, in many ways\, little has changed. The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine are no closer to a resolution\, while at home the Government’s headaches regarding economic and social policy continue unabated in the face of popular opposition\, spearheaded by Reform UK (from the right)\, and soon to be exacerbated (from the left) by Jeremy Corbyn’s new party. \nSo\, for this month only\, rather than a pre-arranged topic\, we’ll be holding an ‘Open Forum’\, which is where I open the floor to you – our members – to share your thoughts on anything that’s been making the headlines recently. All I would ask is that\, if there is a topic you’d like to raise at the meeting\, I’d appreciate you letting me know in advance\, so I can allocate time for it on the day. \nIf you haven’t yet done so\, there’s still time to join our mailing list\, which will ensure that you receive those all-important Zoom log-in details… just click here: Subscribe to the Current Affairs group
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/current-affairs-group-open-forum/
CATEGORIES:Current Affairs Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CA-group-Meetings-archive-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250916T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250916T163000
DTSTAMP:20250902T092424Z
CREATED:20250902T092424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T092424Z
UID:10019-1758034800-1758040200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Home networking
DESCRIPTION:16th September @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm \nThis month we look at home networking.  We’ll cover broadband\, Wi-Fi\, standards\, speeds\, firewalls\, in-bound connections plus some additional options. \nAs usual\, plenty of time is reserved for discussions. \nJoining details will be emailed to subscribers nearer the time.  If you aren’t a member\, it’s free to join here https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-computing-forum/.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/home-networking/
CATEGORIES:Computing Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-10.14.55.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250910T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250910T120000
DTSTAMP:20250912T131551Z
CREATED:20250811T112235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T131551Z
UID:9902-1757500200-1757505600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Wonders of Evolution
DESCRIPTION:When\, exactly 200 years ago in 1825\, the young Charles Darwin arrived in Edinburgh to train to be a doctor\, little could he have imagined that\, just six years later\, he’d be setting out on the epic voyage that would not only make him famous\, but also change our understanding of the natural world forever. In this illustrated talk\, Barry Zussman (Torridge u3a) will begin with an overview of how Darwin arrived at the theory of evolution by natural selection\, followed by some fascinating examples of evolution in action\, and in particular\, the ingenious ways that certain insects have evolved to outwit their enemies\, and some amazing plants that have evolved to outwit them. \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘Wonders of Evolution’\n(the recording is for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/wonders-of-evolution/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Beetles.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250909T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250909T120000
DTSTAMP:20250905T154831Z
CREATED:20250905T154831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T154831Z
UID:10046-1757413800-1757419200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Volcanic Tsunamis
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Dr Sebastian Watt\, Associate Professor of Earth Sciences\, and Head of Education\, School of Geography\, Earth and Environmental Sciences\, University of Birmingham \nDr Watt’s research investigates the physical and chemical processes that control how volcanoes behave and develop in the long-term. Most of his work focuses on volcanism in subduction zones. Current projects include looking at past explosive eruptions by analysing the layers of tephra ejected\, studies of large-scale volcanic landslides and associated hazards\, and the chemistry and evolution of monogenetic volcanic systems which only erupt once before being classed as extinct. \nSubscribe to Geology
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/volcanic-tsunamis/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Geology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/tsunami-wave-crashing-into-city-damaging-structures-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250827T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250827T113000
DTSTAMP:20250821T125801Z
CREATED:20250821T125801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T125801Z
UID:9944-1756288800-1756294200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:HUMAN MIGRATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE 10am Wed 27 Aug
DESCRIPTION:Over the past million years human migration has been largely driven by climate change. Since the industrial revolution green house has emissions have resulted in human generated climate change. Average global temperature have risen to 1.4C above pre-industrial levels\, with a projected rise of 2.5-2.9C by 2100. This will generate an estimated >1 billion climate migrants (external & internal) mainly from poorer equatorial countries. A managed population retreat to cooler northern countries is needed to minimise conflict. \nianhawker101@gmail.com \nhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85308474844?pwd=zbCVKQeCoeNgZwKnMw6PIDrjVs0VbI.1 \nMeeting ID: 853 0847 4844\nPasscode: Saturn
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/human-migration-and-climate-change-10am-wed-27-aug/
CATEGORIES:Climate Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/globalheating900.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250826T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250826T200000
DTSTAMP:20250825T084205Z
CREATED:20250825T084205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T084205Z
UID:9969-1756234800-1756238400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Books and Literature Meeting ...... What's happened to Biggles?
DESCRIPTION:Sorry to revive memories but Biggles flew through most of our childhoods and has now vanished almost completely. He starred in 99 novels but try and find them in a public library or even a charity bookshop. They are not there. \nSo what has happened? Why has he diasappered like Spam\, Viennetta and fondue meals? \nLet’s discuss …………
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/books-and-literature-meeting-whats-happened-to-biggles/
CATEGORIES:Books and Literature Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Biggles.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250819T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250819T170000
DTSTAMP:20250727T100648Z
CREATED:20250727T100216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250727T100648Z
UID:9729-1755615600-1755622800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Real time bidding (how targeted ads work)
DESCRIPTION:19th August @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm\n\n\n\nThis month we look at the Real Time Bidding (RTB) system – this is the mechanism that provides targeted ads to your web pages and devices.  We’ll cover the basic mechanism\, what data is held\, how do they know it’s you\, main companies involved\, pros & cons and what can be done. \nPlenty of time is reserved for discussions. \nJoining details will be emailed to subscribers nearer the time.  If you aren’t a member\, it’s free to join here https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-computing-forum/.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/real-time-bidding-how-targeted-ads-work/
CATEGORIES:Computing Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/rtb.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250812T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250812T120000
DTSTAMP:20250627T171316Z
CREATED:20250612T171345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T171316Z
UID:9467-1754994600-1755000000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Meteorites
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Dr Helena Bates\, Post Doctural Researcher Natural History Museum\, London \nDr Bates is working to unravel the history of an unusual group of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites that are believed to be similar to a certain group of water bearing asteroids. These include meteorites which are the targets of sample return missions Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx. \nHer aims are to compare these meteorites with those we have on Earth to learn more about asteroid evolution. \nSubscribe to Geology
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/meterorites/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Geology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/space-scene-background-with-meteorites-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250728T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250728T163000
DTSTAMP:20250707T081541Z
CREATED:20250706T180601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250707T081541Z
UID:9648-1753714800-1753720200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Robotic Alchemist - Digital Chemistry
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Lee Cronin\, Regius Professor – Chair of Chemistry\,  \n  University of Glasgow  \nProf. Lee Cronin is a leading figure in the fields of chemistry\, artificial intelligence\, and robotics. His groundbreaking work focuses on digitizing chemistry and automating chemical discovery\, earning him the nickname “The Robotic Alchemist.”\nCoined by Cronin\, “chemputation” refers to the computational execution of chemical synthesis.\nThe Chemputer is a universal\, programmable chemical robot that executes chemical synthesis from digital code. It reduces chemistry to uniform operations—such as mixing\, heating\, and filtering—that can be executed by machines.\nIt is capable of running hundreds of experiments in parallel and aims to create a global digital ecosystem for chemistry\, enabling collaboration\, reproducibility\, and acceleration of discovery.\nXDL (Chemical Description Language) is a formal language to write and share chemical procedures\, similar to source code for computers. XDL is written to control robotic synthesis platforms.\nRobotic Platforms use machine learning to optimize reactions\, identify new compounds\, or rediscover forgotten ones e.g finding inorganic molecules with therapeutic potential.\nHis innovations have accelerated molecular discovery\, reduced experimental waste\, and are making chemistry more universally programmable. \nIf you are not already subscribed\, subscription is free and you will receive joining details and news about forthcoming Leading Edge meetings https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-leading-edge/
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-robotic-alchemist-digital-chemistry/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Leading-edge Research Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/The-Robotic-Alchemist-Digital-Chemistry.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250723T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250723T113000
DTSTAMP:20250717T133130Z
CREATED:20250717T133130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T133130Z
UID:9700-1753264800-1753270200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:UK CLIMATE IN TRANSITION
DESCRIPTION:The UK climate is undergoing a significant transition driven by global climate change. We are seeing hotter dryer summers\, with more frequent heat waves impacting health. Also warmer wetter winters increasing flooding and affecting agriculture cycles. Associated with these changes is coastal erosion\, sea level rise and more wildfires. Government lead climate mitigation and adaptation actions are becoming more urgent. In its July report the Climate Change Committee produced a list of top 10 recommendations for consideration by the government. We review these issues and discuss the way forward. \nian hawker101@gmail.com
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/uk-climate-in-transition/
CATEGORIES:Climate Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/climate-change-2063240_1280.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250722T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250722T200000
DTSTAMP:20250721T131734Z
CREATED:20250721T131734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250721T131734Z
UID:9710-1753210800-1753214400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Books and Literature Meeting ...... Relevance of Scoop today
DESCRIPTION:Back in 1938 Evelyn Waugh wrote the satire of sensational journalism and foreign correspondents called Scoop. \nIt  was named among the Best 100 Novels of the Twentieth Century. \nBut how relevant is his work to journalism today?
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/books-and-literature-meeting-relevance-of-scoop-today/
CATEGORIES:Books and Literature Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Scoop-Evelyn-Waugh.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250722T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250722T130000
DTSTAMP:20250716T171057Z
CREATED:20250716T171056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250716T171057Z
UID:9691-1753185600-1753189200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:July is ART HISTORY month: A Knight with a Paint Brush
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, 22nd July at 12noon for \nA Knight with a Paint Brush: \nWe will open with a brief exploration of a few of the works of Laura Knight\, a pioneering artist. This will be followed by focusing on ‘The Beach’. It exemplifies her talent for her talent for creating atmospheric scenes with warmth.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/july-is-art-history-month-a-knight-with-a-paint-brush/
CATEGORIES:Art History Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250717T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250717T113000
DTSTAMP:20260515T162851Z
CREATED:20250601T102842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T162851Z
UID:9365-1752748200-1752751800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Freedom of Speech
DESCRIPTION:“I disapprove of what you say\, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it”. This famous quotation\, usually – but incorrectly – attributed to the pioneering Enlightenment-era philosopher Voltaire\, neatly sums up that great libertarian principle of ‘Freedom of Speech’. And it shouldn’t be controversial\, enshrined as it has been\, for over 70 years\, in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19). Yet even today\, under totalitarian regimes the world over\, it’s still too dangerous to speak one’s mind in public. \nBut freedom of speech is now facing challenges in liberal democracies too. From its roots in the largely benign concept of ‘PC’ (political correctness)\, the threat morphed into the more socially-charged ‘Woke’ culture\, which has bred violence on our streets\, persecution of dissenting individuals (especially academics)\, and culminating in the cruel sanction of ‘cancellation’ – which denies them a platform\, and all too often ends their careers. Add to that the often overblown accusations of double-standards (with regard to enforcement) increasingly being levelled by pressure groups against their national Governments\, the Police\, and/or the Judiciary\, and it’s clear that freedom of speech is in trouble. So\, at this month’s meeting\, we’ll examine the issues involved\, and how they might be addressed. \nIf you haven’t yet done so\, there’s still time to join our mailing list\, which will ensure that you receive those all-important Zoom log-in details… just click here: Subscribe to the Current Affairs group \n  \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/freedom-of-speech/
CATEGORIES:Current Affairs Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CA-group-Meetings-archive-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250715T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250715T170000
DTSTAMP:20250708T131612Z
CREATED:20250623T114121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T131612Z
UID:9571-1752591600-1752598800@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Ask the group anything
DESCRIPTION:15 July @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm\n\nThis month we are trying out something different … ask the group anything. \nSo come along with your questions – could be related to a previous talk or really anything broadly related to computer science. \nThe meeting process will be : \n\nIf you have a question\, put it in the zoom chat window\nI will choose a question and raise to the group\nAnyone who has a response to the question can raise their hand\nI’ll choose who to speak as usual\n\nOf course there is a rsk that we run out of time … I will try to manage the time so we get through as many questions as possible. \nSince this is a discussion rather than a presentation\, we won’t record this meeting. \nIf this format works\, perhaps we’ll run it periodically. \nIf you aren’t a member\, it’s free to join here https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-computing-forum/.
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/ask-the-group-anything/
CATEGORIES:Computing Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/qa.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250709T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250709T120000
DTSTAMP:20250727T091544Z
CREATED:20250616T112637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250727T091544Z
UID:9488-1752057000-1752062400@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The History of Timekeeping: From Stonehenge to Strontium
DESCRIPTION:Ever since the advent of agriculture\, our ancestors needed a way to measure the passing of time; not just the time of day but\, more importantly\, the time of year as well. Nowadays\, we’re surrounded by gadgets which do this for us\, but back then they had to work it all out for themselves. In this talk\, John Cosier\, of Bognor Regis u3a\, will take a look back at the development of calendars and clocks\, from the primitive to the hi-tech\, and along the way he’ll also explain the origins of the seven-day week\, the 24-hour day\, the 60-minute hour\, and the 60-second minute. I’m sure you’ll want to make ‘time’ for this fascinating story! \nTo view the recording\, click here… ‘The History of Timekeeping’\n(the recording is for personal/private use only – please do not share this link) \nTo contact us about the Science & Technology group\, click here… Get in touch
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-history-of-timekeeping-from-stonehenge-to-strontium/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Science and Technology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Origins-of-Timekeeping-high-res.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250708T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250708T120000
DTSTAMP:20250627T171215Z
CREATED:20250612T111103Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T171215Z
UID:9459-1751970600-1751976000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Stonehenge Bluestones controversy
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Geoff Barratt \nGeoff will be talking to us about the Stonehenge Bluestones and the ongoing controversy about where they originally came from. \nJoin us and find out about the bluestones\, the various hypotheses around where they came from and the latest developments in this ongoing controversy. \nSubscribe to Geology
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-stonehenge-bluestones-controversy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Geology Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/architecture-ancient-monument-world-heritage-day-celebration.jpg-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250630T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250630T163000
DTSTAMP:20250613T155209Z
CREATED:20250522T202021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T155209Z
UID:9283-1751295600-1751301000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Hybrid Intelligence: augmenting human intellect with Artificial Intelligence
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Professor Prof. Catholijn M. Jonker \n Delft University of Technology  \nProf. Jonker’s research moves beyond viewing AI as a replacement for human intelligence. Instead\, she develops systems that collaborate with and enhance human capabilities\, creating Hybrid Intelligence (HI)—a blend of human and artificial intelligence aimed at achieving goals neither could reach alone.\nHI integrates the strengths of humans (like creativity\, ethics\, and context) with those of machines (such as data processing and scalability). It emphasizes co-learning\, co-adaptation\, and mutual understanding\, focusing on empowering rather than replacing humans.\nThis marks a shift from AI for automation to AI for augmentation\, advocating for the co-evolution of humans and machines through trust\, learning\, and ethical collaboration—envisioning AI as a partner\, not a competitor.  \nIf you are not already subscribed\, subscription is free and you will receive joining details and news about forthcoming Leading Edge meetings https://u3acommunities.org/subscribe-to-leading-edge/
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/from-artificial-intelligence-to-hybrid-intelligence/
CATEGORIES:Frontpage,Leading-edge Research Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/From-Artificial-intelligence-to-Hybrid-intelligence-16x9-v2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250625T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250625T113000
DTSTAMP:20250619T105526Z
CREATED:20250619T105526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250619T105526Z
UID:9526-1750845600-1750851000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:THE OCEANS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
DESCRIPTION:The oceans play a fundamental role in the Earth’s climate system. They cover about 71% of the planet’s surface and have a massive capacity to absorb and store heat and carbon dioxide (CO2​). This crucial function helps regulate global temperatures and mitigate the impacts of climate change. However\, increasing greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are significantly affecting the oceans\, leading to a range of concerning changes. \nIan Hawker \nianhawker101@gmail.com
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-oceans-and-climate-change-2/
CATEGORIES:Climate Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Earth-edited.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T200000
DTSTAMP:20250622T141707Z
CREATED:20250622T141218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T141707Z
UID:9554-1750791600-1750795200@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:Contrasting styles of two Great Authors
DESCRIPTION:Our intended debate on the creative processs of Ernest Hemingway has been updated to now compare and contrast him with the late Frederick Forsyth. \nWe can discuss the different styles both brought to writing and the way they drew readers into buying volumes of their works. \nYet at the same time they possessed many similarities. \nJoin us to discuss the topic. \n  \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/contrasting-styles-of-two-great-authors/
CATEGORIES:Books and Literature Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Ernest-Hemingway.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250624T130000
DTSTAMP:20250620T155818Z
CREATED:20250619T224948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250620T155818Z
UID:9530-1750766400-1750770000@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, 24th June at 12 noon\, is the history meeting. The title is ‘Unsung Heroes Who Have Changed the World’. Although these heroes are mainly from the North East\, they have changed people’s lives for decades. Let’s discover who they are. \nNext month is Art History on July 22nd at 12-1pm
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/9530/
CATEGORIES:History Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250619T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250619T113000
DTSTAMP:20260515T163018Z
CREATED:20250617T100209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T163018Z
UID:9509-1750329000-1750332600@u3acommunities.org
SUMMARY:The Israel-Iran Crisis
DESCRIPTION:This week\, in a change from our previously-advertised subject\, we will now be discussing the escalating conflict that has erupted between Israel and Iran. Could it have been avoided\, or was a military showdown between these implacable enemies always inevitable? And with missiles now raining down on both countries\, is a peace deal even possible\, and if so\, who (if not the UN) has the trust of both sides to mediate it? Finally\, as has already been suggested by Israeli PM Netanyahu\, is it realistic to hope for an uprising by the Iranian people to overthrow Supreme Leader Khamenei’s authoritarian regime\, and should Western powers be more openly supportive of that objective? Lots of questions\, but no easy answers! \nIf you haven’t yet done so\, there’s still time to join our mailing list\, which will ensure that you receive those all-important Zoom log-in details… just click here: Subscribe to the Current Affairs group \n 
URL:https://u3acommunities.org/event/the-israel-iran-crisis/
CATEGORIES:Current Affairs Meeting,Frontpage
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://u3acommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CA-group-Meetings-archive-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR