SEE THE EVENTS PAGE FOR 'DATES FOR YOUR DIARY'
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Greetings and welcome to our November Newsletter.
Hello from the Chair.
Lately, we have enjoyed a busy social schedule with the 20th Anniversary, Silver Saturday and Coffee Morning. All these events could only be possible with the extraordinary effort from the organisers, Leaders, volunteers and army of helpers, resulting in great success and fun for all.
Special thanks go to the Coro team who gave unstinting support and help at these events. Thanks again Coro!
It was a great pleasure to host our local mayorality along with David Blanchflower from NWRegion. They were very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed being with us. This is particularly gratifying as at least five u3as in our region are facing imminent closure, moreso, as 75 are similarly affected nationally. So, a massive ‘pat on the back’ for all our members!
Looking ahead, remember that November's Monthly Meeting on 10th November is the last chance to get tickets for our Christmas Social on the 8th December.
See you there,
Richard Lewis
Chair
Richard Lewis Chair Furness u3a
20th Anniversary Celebrations
At the 20th Anniversary celebrations last month, a video was made during the afternoon session, to capture the atmosphere.
This is a link to that video, enjoy!
COMMITTEE NEWS
Richard will not be able to stand for re-election as Chair at our next AGM in March. This is because he will have completed 3 years as our Chair, and the constitution doesn’t allow anyone to stand as Chair for more than 3 consecutive years. So: we are looking for a new Chair. If you think the role might be for you, why not have a chat to Richard at one of our monthly meetings or message him at Chair?
Meet our Secretary
Last month, Richard introduced himself to you as our Chair. Now it’s the turn of Neil, our Secretary.
My role includes preparing agendas for, and taking minutes at, our monthly Committee meetings.
I also make sure we keep on the straight and narrow by always operating in accordance with our constitution and policies, and in the spirit of the u3a movement. So: I develop policies for approval by the Committee; develop standing orders for our AGM and ensure such meetings follow due process; liaise with the Third Age Trust and vote on your behalf at their meetings; and liaise with the Charity Commission, preparing an Annual Trustees Report and making sure that the Commission’s records of our Trustees are kept up to date.
As well as working behind the scenes, you will see me welcoming members to our monthly meetings, taking part in various activity groups, and leading the Fell Walkers group. You may also have seen me acting as compere at our 20th anniversary celebrations and Silver Saturday!
When I take off my u3a hat, you can find me at 2 local catholic primary schools, where I am Chair of Governors; leading walks for the walking festival; and volunteering at the Coro and Dalton Castle [sometimes dressed as a monk….]!
Finally, in my role as keeper of our constitution, I need to inform you that Richard will not be able to stand for re-election as Chair at our next AGM in March. This is because he will have completed 3 years as our Chair, and the constitution doesn’t allow anyone to stand as Chair for more than 3 consecutive years. So: we are looking for a new Chair. If you think the role might be for you, why not have a chat to Richard at one of our monthly meetings or message him at Chair?
SILVER SATURDAY
As the pictures illustrate, this year’s Silver Saturday event at the Coro on 17th October was another great success.
Many thanks to: the String Chickens, and Uke Troupe for their great performances; the English Country Dancing and Sequence Dancing Groups for teaching us dances; the Drawing Group for their stall, and the Digital Photography Group for a great series of photos displayed on the big screen throughout the afternoon. Eagle-eyed guests might also have seen u3a members in other roles, including serving as Coro stewards and acting as compere. Lots of other groups had stalls as well, the Coro volunteers served great refreshments, and we enjoyed lots of great songs from Rebecca Williams.
If your u3a Group would like to get involved next year, please email Neil McLaughlin Cook, via Secretary.
COFFEE MORNING
A busy u3a October ended with another event at the Coro, the public Coffee morning. Many thanks to all the groups and volunteers who made this another success.
Christmas Social
Tuesday 8th December 2026
Furness u3a
Christmas Social
Tuesday 8th December 2026
1.00pm to 5.00pm
The Coro, Ulverston
£12 incl. Buffet and Entertainment from the
Furness Music Centre Choir
LAST CHANCE
Tickets on sale at The Coro at the November Monthly meeting
9.30am – 10.15am and after the speaker until 11.30am
Please inform of any allergies or intolerances when buying ticket
GROUP NEWS
Proposed new Quiz Group
One of our members is keen to set up a monthly general knowledge quiz group. The venue they have in mind is Tyson Square Community lounge, probably on a Thursday afternoon. It is a comfortable setting with a seating capacity of 35-40. Tyson Square is adjacent to Sir John Barrow School, Ulverston, just off Hill Fall, ten minutes' walk from the town centre.
The proposed format is six rounds of ten questions on a variety of subjects: TV and Film, History, Geography, Food and Drink, to name a few. There is also a picture round and there could be a jackpot question for a cash prize. £2 admission would include light refreshment - tea, coffee and biscuits. Teams of four is the ideal, but it's not a rigid rule.
If you are interested in joining a Quiz Group , please contact Duncan Platts Groups Liaison in the first instance.
For help and support with starting or running groups, please contact
Duncan Platts Groups Liaison
FOLK GROUP
The Folk Club has now reached its 5th birthday, so at our September meeting we celebrated in style with a special cake and other goodies. In a party atmosphere we spent the afternoon singing songs and rehearsing for our upcoming performances at the Furness u3a 20th Anniversary.
It is hard to believe that when we started in 2021 we were at the stage when people could begin to meet up but still with the Covid epidemic at the forefront of our minds. A fairly extensive risk assessment document had to be completed before a gathering could take place. We were then sitting a good few feet apart, all the windows were open and we were only allowed to sing in a restrained manner. Five years on we are sitting inches apart, and we are singing our hearts out.
We meet the fourth Thursday of the month in an afternoon. We have group songs, duets, solo songs, harpists, monologues and we have a trio (Antiques Folk Show) who perform fantastic gigs in the area. If there is a fifth Thursday in the month (there aren't many) we have a purely instrumental session.
We took part in the Furness u3a 20th Anniversary and performed a variety of music - English and Irish folk tunes on a variety of instruments, duet with guitar, harpists and voices and ended with a group song.
New friendships and musical collaborations have been formed and old friendships have been re-kindled but none of this would have been possible without the Furness u3a - long may it continue. Thank you.
Lynne Davies
Folk Club
LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
LHG Meeting 12 October 2026, Croftlands Community Hall Ulverston
Subject – Ulverston Canal and 3 Boats from Ulverston.
Speaker – Jennifer Snell
Geoff Holme opened this well attended meeting by introducing Jennifer on a local subject of great interest to all.
The Canal
The great and the good held a meeting to discuss building a canal at Ulverston in July 1791 rather than the task of loading beached ships near Conishead so improving trade in the town. The canal was to be cut from Hammerside Hill to Weint End (Canal Foot) and a survey was completed in August 1791. Subscriptions were collected by May 1792, estimated at £2,000 to cover costs of building and acquisition of land.
John Rennie provided a new survey and cost estimated at £3,083.16s.2d which the committee increased the subscription to £4,000.
A petition to Parliament was completed by 1792 following permission from various Dukes and Lords and cooperation of promotors of the Lancaster Canal. The official title became ‘The Company of Proprietors of the Ulverston Canal,’ to the digging, puddling, banking, constructing feeder stream, masonry for lock pit, drawbridge, and back drain.
October 1793 John Pinkerton and John Murray were awarded the contract but soon troubles began and persisted until before Christmas 1795 when the builders downed tools and left the site. Mr Baird offered to complete the build for £1,510 which was completed in October 1797 and the sea water let in on November 17th, 1796 by members of the committee, and Mr. Stephens and Mr Miller of Lancaster and the canal formally opened the next day.
The export and import of commodities were economically important being shipped through the Port of Ulverston and the area. These consisted of iron ore, pig iron, timber, leather, clothing and materials.
There were two hundred ships built on Ulverston canal during its time.
The canal finally ceased to operate being closed in 1945 but remains an important and popular leisure location under the watchful eye of the Hoad.
Three notable Boats (Ships)
They are, Ulverstone, Town of Ulverston and Ulverston.
Jennifer presented 3 pictures for display to support her talk, which she had painted herself. These were well received by the members present.
Ulverstone - Launched 1811.
Rigged as a Snow with 3 masts, 354 tons, carried 8 guns and built by Joseph Hunt at Ulverston but too large to pass through the canal lock gates. She had a hard life sailing notably between the Baltic ports and across the Atlantic for American, Canadian and many other ports of call including round Cape Horn and time as a whaler. Ulverstone sank off Portland following a collision with the ‘Concordia’ whilst carry coal for Spain in February 1873, sinking in 20 minutes, 18 crew saved in the ships longboat. Capt. John George Sawyer in command.
Town Of Ulverston – Launched 1826
Built on the canal by Petty and Postlethwaite. Lost off Liverpool on her maiden voyage during a storm September 1826, no survivors (12 passengers and crew). In command Capt. J. Hewitson
Ulverston – Launched 1862
A 2 masted Schooner of 61 tons, 70 feet long and 18 feet beam, with 2 masts and built by Edward J Schollick on the canal. Captained and crewed by local men. Laid up during the winter of 1862/3 having loaded iron ore for Ulverston ironworks from Liverpool. Sold by her Ulverston shareholders in 1894 to new owners in Liverpool. Ulverston was finally towed and run aground near Drummore, Scotland to rot and settle into the sand her Lloyds Register closed in 1926.
Footnote.
Jennifer Snell grew up in Flookburgh and moved to Ulverston in 1954; ponies and local history are her main hobbies. She has been involved with and has authored several books based on the Furness area.
Further reading by Jennifer Snell – Ulverston Canal its Ships, Shipbuilders and Seamen published 2020.
Our next meeting will be at 14.30 Monday November 9th at Croftlands Community Centre, Central Drive Ulverston when Andy Lowe will be coming to talk to us about Lakeland Bridges. All U3A members welcome.
Geoff Holme Local History Group
VISITING GARDENS
This was our last visit of the year, to a garden in the beautiful Winster valley near Crosthwaite. We had to hit rain sometime and today was the day! However, a good number of members turned out in suitable wet weather gear sporting some very colourful umbrellas.
Taking the route up Gummers How Road, passing a misty Windermere shrouded in cloud, we arrived at Low Fell West. One member had fond memories of family farming in the valley and school buses picking up friends.
The house and woodland two-acre garden have been owned by Barbie and her late husband since 2023. Originally a holiday home, their plan was to convert it from a wilderness jungle with goats. Firstly, they tackled the area near the house and an expanse of rock was uncovered. Later other expanses of rock were found emphasising the character to the garden. The terrain demanded that planting should be loose and natural with trees and shrubs including named trees for her grandchildren. Prairie type planting and wild flower meadows inspiration came from gardening at Holehird.
After we were treated by our host to coffee, tea, delicious ginger cake and drop scones we were escorted round the garden accompanied by a lively springer spaniel called Dora. We were warned not to venture on the rocks, as if we would at our delicate age! The autumn colours were dramatic: golden and crimson leaves, the cerise pink, brown ringed bark on a cherry tree made up for the pink lost blossom of Spring. We spotted some shocking pink chard and some bright red, hard berries. A gypsy caravan was tucked away, a small playhouse for children. The garden is shared with a variety of birds, including a hawfinch in early summer, snakes, frogs and toads, no rabbits fortunately.
Thanks to Mave Clerey for organising this trip and writing the report.
There is no visit in November or December. Our next event will be our planning meeting for 2027 in January.
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY GROUP
Jean McSorley was our speaker on Thursday 22nd. She told us about her recent book, "Mud, Mayhem & Moneymen. The Making of Barrow Town 1840-1890."
Jean promised us an in-depth look at the making of Barrow Town: Central and Hindpool, and the streets, bridges, docks, industries, pubs and churches of the districts that were home to the majority of townsfolk for decades. She didn't let us down. She illustrated her talk with many long-forgotten maps and photographs, and we heard about the explosive growth of the town. Hills and cliffs were removed, and wetlands drained to build houses, railways and industries.
Even our members who were born and bred in Barrow discovered things about their town that were new to them. Several people bought copies of Jean's book. I'm enjoying reading mine and being able to have a better look at those maps and photographs.
Future Events
November 26th - Annual review and meal at Gleaston Village Hall. Our meeting will start at 11.30 with refreshments, followed by a review of 2026 and a look forward to 2027.
Our meal of pie and peas, served with mushy peas. gravy, beetroot and onions, will be at 12.30, followed by tea or coffee and mince pies
There is a cost of £10 for this and must be booked in advance. If you have not already booked please let Jo White know as soon as possible.
There is no meeting in December.
January 28th 2027 - our speaker in Gleaston Village Hall with be Mark Hatton sharing an Illustrated History on Slate Quarrying in the Lake District.
We will invite speakers to Gleaston Village Hall in February and March
Future Visits
April 22nd - The British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Leyland
May 27th - Kath Walley is leading us in Kendal, including a visit to the Lord Mayor’s Chamber.
There is also a visit to Oxleys, waiting for confirmation of the date.
If you would like to join us on any of our visits please let Jo White know.
Barbara and I are already gathering ideas for next years programme, so if you could lead a visit or have an idea please let Jo know.
Jo White Industrial History Group
WORLD HISTORY GROUP
World History October Meeting:
The Japanese Occupation of Korea 1910-1935
Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910 began 35 years of colonial rule that ended with Japan’s defeat in 1945. Korea lost its sovereignty and was governed by a Japanese governor-general. The administration restricted political activity, censored publications and used police power to suppress opposition. Koreans faced discrimination, while agricultural production and industrial development increasingly served Japan’s imperial interests.
Koreans demonstrating against Japanese Rule
Resistance remained strong. On 1 March 1919, Koreans launched nationwide demonstrations demanding independence. Japanese forces violently suppressed the March First Movement, but it strengthened national consciousness and encouraged independence activism at home and abroad. Afterwards, Japan allowed limited cultural and publishing freedoms, although colonial control continued. Railways, factories and cities expanded during the occupation, but their benefits were unequal and closely tied to the needs of the Japanese empire.
Japanese Colonial Officials in Korea
From the late 1930s, Japan’s wars brought harsher repression and demands for assimilation. Authorities curtailed Korean-language education, promoted Japanese and pressured Koreans to adopt Japanese-style names. Koreans were mobilised for wartime labour, including forced labour, and military service. Korean women and girls were also among those subjected to sexual slavery in the Japanese military’s so-called ‘comfort women’ system.
Japan’s surrender in August 1945 ended colonial rule, but liberation was followed by Soviet and American occupation zones and the peninsula’s division. The occupation left deep scars through exploitation, cultural suppression and wartime abuse, while Korean resistance preserved the determination to regain independence. Next month we are studying the Korean War followed in successive months by the spectacular development of South Korea post war and a look at how North Korea has fared.
If you are interested in joining the group please contact Rosie Kyles or via World History Group on the Furness u3a website.
MARDI FRANÇAIS 2
Members of Mardi Français 2 spent several meetings this year planning a presentation for our recent u3a 20th Anniversary.
What a lof of fun was had choosing French characters to represent, with some suggestions having to be discarded when it was pointed out that Marie Curie was Polish and Hercule Poirot was Belgian! It was quite amazing to discover how inventive individuals in our group could be when it came to sourcing outfits. Carolyn's neighbour, a woodturner, produced the perfect pipe for Inspector Maigret!
We were fortunate to have John Brice, a member of Ulverston Outsiders, as our compère while John Sykes provided a wonderful digital display of photographs and music. As the photos appeared the audience were invited to participate by identifying several iconic images of France.
Maigret our first character was followed by Coco Chanel, Marcel Marceau, Françoise Hardy, Président de Gaulle, Édith Piaf and lastly Bizet
Although it took up so much time with hours of planning, learning words and preparing costumes, we all felt that we had really enjoyed the challenge and the excitement of performing. The whole experience became a bonding exercise for the group.
We would like to thank Duncan and the organising sub committee and also our audience for their generous feedback.
Members of Mardi Français 2
ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
In October, the Environment Matters Group met to find out about ‘Futureproof Cumbria’, a registered climate change charity in Cumbria (formerly known as ‘Cumbria Action for Sustainability’). The vision of Futureproof Cumbria is a zero carbon, green Cumbria by 2037 that is good for people, places and livelihoods.
Members shared their researching of the advice various services offered and were particularly interested in the information regarding home energy, draughtproofing measures and retrofit planning. Indeed, one of our members was able to give us an in-depth account of independent advisors visiting his home and the consequent advice given. This included thermal imaging which can detect heat emitted and colder areas, indications of draughts, missing or defective insulation, water ingress, damp and can give insights needed to make a property warmer, healthier, cheaper to heat – and lower carbon footprint.
So as the chillier weather is upon us, here are a couple of lists – food for thought.
Quick Fixes
Door seals
Door brushes around the bottom of the door
Letter box brush or eco-flap
Keyhole brush and/or flap
Loft hatch seals
Chimney sheep or chimney balloon
Upgrade of pet flaps
Turning off radiators in rooms that aren’t used
Curtain at the front door
Long-term, in-depth actions
Apply for ECO 5 grant for storage heaters and solar panels
Insulate under floorboards and cap off cavities
Remove concrete render and replace with thermal lime plaster
Replace single/double glazing with double/triple glazing
Tackling loft insulation
Cavity wall insulation
Home retrofit
Obviously, these come with a hefty price tag. But food for thought if such upgrades are being considered.
More information can be found on the Futureproof Cumbria website,
Chat over tea and biscuits considered practical ways we were already actioning as the season changes. Yes, we close off radiators in un-used rooms, seal where we notice draughts, close curtains at dusk, wear more layers, and some of us rather enjoy a heated throw – but the hero of the day seemed to be the humble hot water bottle! And have you noticed the daisy symbol on the funnel? This shows when the hot water bottle was manufactured. The centre number indicates the year (e.g. 25 means 2025) and the 12 petals around the centre represent the month of the year, starting with January. Although hot water bottles do not have a legal expiration date, rubber and PVC materials naturally degrade overtime so there is a need check if a replacement is needed.
And then someone mentioned ‘house burping’! This is the practice of opening windows wide for a brief period to quickly swap stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air and is promoted as a low-cost method to improve indoor air quality, reduce humidity and limit mould growth. Always something to learn!!
QUESTERS
Twenty nine Questers visited the Windermere Jetty Museum on Thursday 15th October, and what a visit it turned out to be!
A big thank-you to Nettie Garforth for arranging this! We arrived at the café for coffee and cake, then went to look at the museum.
The museum oozed with craftsmanship. Not only from yesteryear but the restoration work carried out today, requires exactly the same hands-on expertise as was required on the original boats.
Such as, the steaming of the wooden planking and painstakingly riveting them into place with the same care and skill as the originals.
We were able to walk around to see a number of excellently restored boats that were on Windermere over 100 years ago. Each one is in perfect working order, complete with working engines or rigging.
Even those Questers who were not particularly enthusiastic about leisure boats, marvelled at the condition of those on exhibition.
In the main workshop we saw apprentices at work learning their trade from skilled craftsmen - with an array of modern tooling that the original craftsmen could only dream about!! We were told about the restoration of the RNLI rescue lifeboat that was until quite recently, an exhibit at the Dock Museum. It has completed its journey (by road) to the Jetty Museum where, over the next 12 months will undergo restoration from the Jetty Workshop.
The facilities at the Jetty Museum are no less than superb and once restored the lifeboat will be transported back to the Dock Museum. These three photos were photos taken of some of the boats undercover and ready to take people out onto the lake.
The day wasn't the best weather to venture out in, but that doesn't mean a ride on the lake cannot be planned for the future!!
Our next Questers visit will be to the Royalty Theatre, Bowness. This visit has been arranged by Maureen Houliston and takes place on Thursday 19th November. Maureen writes -
We will take a trip to the Royalty Theatre, Bowness to discover the origins of its famous Wurlitzer organ. This is an opportunity to hear the story of how it came to Bowness, listen to a recital and watch a silent movie. Some time back, a large number of Questers attended this visit and found it so very entertaining and informative.
The Theatre doors will open at 11.30am for an 11.45am start.
The cost is £10 per person.
Questers are invited to either take the bus to Bowness from Ulverston or travel by car.
The No 6 Windermere bus leaves Barrow at 9.55am, Dalton at 10.17am and Ulverston at 10.31am and arrives at the Royalty bus stop in Bowness at 11.15am, leaving time for a quick coffee before the performance.
Afterwards there will be time for lunch in one of the many nearby cafes.
The bus back to Ulverston leaves Windermere at 13.38pm, stopping at Bowness pier at 1.45pm.
Warning!- If you miss this bus, the next one is at 6.00pm.
Should you decide to travel by car, there is the Quarry car-park next-door to the The Royalty Theatre. The parking charges are: up to 2hrs £4.40, and up to 3hrs £5.80. (Petrol donation £3.00 to the driver).
To book a place on this trip please bring an envelope with your name on it and £10 payment to the monthly meeting on Tuesday 10th November. "
Sue and Tim
Please see the Questers Group page for details, or contact Tim Evans
WELFARE AND INCLUSION UPDATE
Cherishing Memories
One of the things I’ve learnt in my life is the value of making memories with your family and friends. Sharing stories and reminiscing can be enjoyable, but emotional too.
Quite often it’s when unexpected things happen, or when things don’t go as planned, it somehow becomes even more memorable.
At the recent 20th anniversary of the Furness u3a, there were lots of memories spoken about and more memories made. The English Country Dancing display of how much fun you can have when it goes wrong, will stay with me forever. It was the best demonstration of a group activity by showing how much we laughed about it.
Continue making and cherishing memories, they are priceless.
Welfare and Inclusion Officer
SOME OTHER SOURCES OF WIDER U3A NEWS
There are several places where you can catch up on U3A news from further afield.
There is a U3A Friends Group who send out a regular newsletter. You can see the October edition here, and if you would like to subscribe there is a link at the bottom of their newsletter.
There is a U3A YouTube channel U3A
The North West Region of the U3A have their own website, and a quarterly newsletter.
This is the August - September 2026 copy. The North West Region's Council Representatives also have a Newsletter read it here.
You can access the national Third Age Matters magazine on line here, including screen read editions.