CAROLE CHAPMAN: Help yourself to the learning on offer with the U3A

The business secretary of Portsdown U3A says there's an interest group for everyone
Part of Portsdown U3A's research this year will focus on Portsmouth suffragettesPart of Portsdown U3A's research this year will focus on Portsmouth suffragettes
Part of Portsdown U3A's research this year will focus on Portsmouth suffragettes

Portsdown U3A was founded 11 years ago and caters for those who are no longer in full-time employment.

We cover the north of the city of Portsmouth, but we welcome all-comers.

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Our interest groups are wide-ranging and you should have no trouble in finding something that suits you.

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

We normally have a speaker, followed by a chance to meet other members and have a cup of tea.

At Portsdown, we are creating a local group to look at the activities of campaigners for female suffrage in the Portsmouth area. Like all U3As, we have an ethos of self-help and collaborative learning for its own sake. The more that you put in, the more benefit you are likely to get out.

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Our first lecture of the year was on January 17, when Andrew Negus delivered the second part of his popular series on the history of Salisbury. On February 21, Richard Spearing talked about scout heritage memorabilia and, on March 21, John Webster of the Air Transport Auxiliary Association will give a talk called, Grandma Flew Spitfires.

Visitors are welcome at general meetings, for a small charge of £2.

Our annual fee is also excellent value at just £16.

Our special projects and events are an added bonus. For example, we have been working on our Heritage Lottery Fund-supported study, The Impact on the People of Portsmouth of the Battle of Jutland.

We are currently involved in a project led by Royal Holloway, University of London – Citizens: 800 Years in the Making.

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This explores the history of liberty, protest, rebellion and reform – from Magna Carta to the 21st Century.

The more that you put in, the more benefit you are likely to get out.

So come along to one of our meetings. We would love to see you there.

For further information, go to portsdownu3a.org.uk.