Join Mark Goulding of Wildlife Conservation for an entertaining and thought-provoking talk, Wildlife Sightings – Tales of the Unexpected. This light-hearted presentation explores the unusual and surprising species Mark has encountered – and sometimes not encountered – during his former career as a Wildlife Crime Enforcement police officer in South Wales and his current work… Read more

In the 18th century, much of Wales’s growing wealth was linked to slavery in the West Indies. Welsh people, places and industries played a significant role, from figures such as Captain Morgan and Iolo Morganwg, to towns including Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil, and industries ranging from ironworks to woollen manufacture. William Wilberforce, MP for Yorkshire,… Read more

Who was Miss Muffett?  What was the plum that Jack Horner pulled from his pie? The real stories behind the nursery rhymes you grew up with. In Rhyme and Reason, Australian author Susan Ackroyd uncovers the stories behind our best-loved nursery rhymes, revealing the history, politics and social anxieties hidden beneath their playful verses. Meticulously… Read more

Join us from 12.30-2.30pm for a bring and share social lunch at Hay Parish Hall, followed by a visit from Lesley, CEO of Hay Dial-A-Ride, our nominated charity. Drinks provided by u3a, please bring a plate of food to share. This is a free members only event (although new members are welcome to come along… Read more

At our New Year meeting, we are delighted to welcome Ellie Somme, MBE. Ellie’s father Sven and uncle Jacob, both leading scientists, led the XU Norwegian Resistance movement against the Nazi occupation in WW2. She tells a mesmerising story of espionage and heroism illustrated with artefacts and documents as she traces the survival of the… Read more

Critically acclaimed author and public speaker Fran Sandham took on the challenge of a lifetime by walking coast-to-coast across Africa, from the Atlantic on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast to the Indian Ocean near Zanzibar. This was the first time on record anyone has crossed Africa solo entirely on foot by this route - or at least… Read more

“A Day in the Life”A whirlwind of laughter and smiles about men, women, life, sport and anything else! Engaging and relatable, Kevan’s down-to-earth personality ensures he connects with everyone in the room, creating an atmosphere of fun and engagement. Kevan is a previous President of the Cardiff Speakers Club and formerly licensed by the British… Read more

In this talk Peter explores the evolution of the comedy song in the 20th Century – from the songs sung in the trenches of the First World War to the genius of Cole Porter, Noel Coward and Tom Lehrer and on to the hilarity of Monty Python, Billy Connolly and Victoria Wood. The skill of… Read more

The 17th century cider mill at Fair Oak Farm in Bacton had not been used for a hundred years.But with the help of skilful craftsmen and kind neighbours, a little detective work and several huge strokes of luck, it was brought back to life.When Pye, the Gypsy Cob stallion from Llanigon, arrived in 2014 and… Read more

Followed by AGM (for members) Sally Smith is a journalist and writer who has worked for various publications and media, including the Daily Mail and BBC News. She was named Business Writer of the Year, has a Churchill Fellowship and has had books published by Pelham Books, Rigby Books and the History Press.Sally has also… Read more