Centenary options with Portsdown U3A

HMS Queen Mary sunk during the Battle of Jutland, with the loss of 1,266 officers and men

We cater for people who are no longer in full-time employment and, although we cover the north of the city of Portsmouth, we welcome people from all areas.

Like all U3As we are a learning organisation that runs on mutual support and fun.

Therefore, we make sure that we offer a wide range of interest groups that appeal to people of different ages and tastes.

We also hold general meetings on the third Wednesday of each month (except August) at 2pm in Cosham Baptist Church, 48 Havant Road, Cosham, P06 2QZ.

We normally have a speaker, followed by a chance to meet other members and have a cup of tea. Visitors are welcome for £2 a time. Our yearly subscription is really good value at £16.

On February 15, we had a talk on The Interesting River Thames, by Dave Allport.

Dave is a popular visitor to Portsdown U3A: he has previously spoken about subjects as diverse as the Falkland Islands and the Kings Theatre.

His most recent lecture was very well attended: even the standing room was completely full, which was brilliant to see.

On March 15, we have my own talk on marking the centenary of the Russian Revolution, exactly 100 years to the day since the abdication of Tsar Nicholas.

I have been studying this subject for more than 40 years, and never has it seemed so relevant to current worldly concerns.

At Portsdown U3A, you will also find interesting projects and special events.

We have an ongoing Heritage Lottery funded project, The Impact on the People of Portsmouth of the Battle of Jutland. Currently, we are running free Battle of Jutland Exhibitions in Portsmouth and Gosport.

The first one took place on Thursday, February 16, at Cosham Baptist Church, and was very successful. Our next exhibition will be held in collaboration with our colleagues at St Wilfrid’s Church, as they have their own 20 Streets Project of research on their First World War Memorials.

See all of us from 10.30am–3pm on Saturday, March 25 at St Wilfrid’s Church, George Street, Portsmouth, PO1 5RT.

To take a closer look at the work we have been doing recently, please visit our website: portsdownu3a.org.uk.

Feel free to come along to our meeting on March 15.

We would absolutely love to see you there.