u3a radio podcast

Beyond Beliefs, Vatican Radio & Supportign Romanian orphanages

Bicycle along the Ganges, Cream horns & vol-au-vents and Sudbury powerlifting group

Today, we’re travelling far beyond our usual horizons to the banks of the mighty Ganges River with an extraordinary story of courage, curiosity, and compassion. We meet food writer and author of over 70 books Jenny Ridgewell to talk about her latest book Cream Horns & Vol-au-Vents and we also visit a busy gym in Sudbury where the weights are heavy, but the atmosphere is anything but.

Escaping Hitler, two quarter century leaders and decluttering

In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast, we meet Phyllida Scrivens who tells us the story of a young Jewish boy who walked alone across Europe to escape the Hitler regime. We also chat with two quarter century group leaders, Margaret and Robert, on their u3a experiences over 25 years and explore 'decluttering' with Eileen Mahoney. You know we all put it off don’t we? Maybe we’ll do it tomorrow……… If you would like to share your story with the u3a Radio Podcast, get in touch by emailing communic...

Catherine Dickens, Poetry of everyday life, Olympic champion

In this edition of the u3a Radio Podcast, we meet Annie Elliott, author of a compelling new book exploring the life of Catherine Dickens and the difficult reality of her marriage to Charles Dickens — shining a light on the often-overlooked story of the famous novelist’s wife. We also talk to Sally Lang, whose poetry collection Lines from an Ordinary Life captures the beauty, humour and quiet reflections found in everyday moments. And we hear from Olympic discus champion Bill Tancred, who shares ...

Born Free Foundation, Meopham windmill, Creating AI music

Climate change, Göbekli Tepe and Laughter Yoga

This episode features an in-depth discussion on climate change with expert Will Day, covering its impacts, tipping points, and how individuals can make a difference. It also explores the groundbreaking archaeological site of Göbekli Tepe, challenging our understanding of early human civilization. Finally, the show delves into the unique practice of Laughter Yoga, revealing its health benefits and power to connect people.

Dick Whittington Goes North

We've got a special episode for you for the Christmas edition of the u3a radio podcast. It's a pantomime called 'Dick Whittington Goes North', written by Wendy Mizen and directed by Hugh Keegan. All parts performed by members of the Elders Council of Newcastle. A stirring tale of Dick's triumph over the evil Donnie Grumple, stopping him from demolishing St James' Park football stadium and building there The Great Grumple Tower, "the greatest and goldenest tower in history ever".

Online Scams, Pop Songs and Munitionettes

This episode features an expert discussing the increasing threat of online scams, including AI-driven fraud and the issue of under-reporting, emphasizing the need for education. It also uncovers the secrets behind memorable pop songs with a music course creator, analyzing structure and production. Finally, it shines a light on the vital, hazardous work of the "Canary Girls" during the World Wars and advocates for a national memorial to honor their sacrifices.

A career in journalism, medicinal plants and a song from a member

In our October edition we talk to Roger Brooks, who interviewed some of the biggest names of the 60s and 70s during his journalism career, we look at how plants have been used in medicine and introduce a song written by a member called u3a new horizons. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Introducing Alistair, recorders and cryptic crosswords

In our September edition, we introduce our newest team member, we visit an old music friend for many of us from our school days - the good old recorder and we explore a great way of stimulating our thinking - cryptic crosswords. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

US road tip, Buckingham Palace maid, Quantum Physics

Back again with another special summer episode of our ‘Blast from the Past’ where we’ve selected interviews from our archives that we think you would like to hear again. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Bus pass group, Hadrian's wall, Pirate radio

We've delved into all 51 episodes that we’ve shared with you since 2020 and selected 6 little nuggets we want to encourage you to re-visit – 3 for July & the other 3 will be with you in August. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Silhouette Band, Cricket Player to Cricket Coach and Shadow of the Teapot

In the June edition you're going to hear from a group of members who prove to all of us that age will never be a barrier to making dreams come true. We also have an interview with a man who used to be a fast bowler for England and we bring you a story about a baby given away at birth and the happy ending that resulted. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Jane Austen, Human Brain and Historical Impersonation

In the May edition, we are still celebrating 250 years of Jane Austen, then after that we want to encourage you to sharpen your thinking even more by understanding a little about what is behind it. And our finale features a very talented man who wears many hats….. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Bletchley Park, seasonal wildlife and secret family

In the April edition, you can hear about breaking the Enigma code at Bletchley Park, the natural rhythm of life on Earth and the Guernsey secret family. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Alphabets, setting up a u3a, Jane Austen and Executive Aviation

In the March edition, you can hear about the world of alphabets, what it takes to form a new u3a with some tips & advice from Newham u3a, Jane Austen and what the life of an executive jet pilot is like? If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

War memorials, Hitchcock, gemstones and Scottish Country Dancing

In this episode, Jo speaks to the manager of the Imperial War Museum's digital volunteering project to find out how u3a members can get involved with documenting war memorials; Martin learns about the world of Hitchcock tours, Maggie D talks to a gemmologist and Bob discovers the joys of Scottish Country Dancing. If you would like to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

Fairytales, cruising, public pathways and improvised comedy

Listen to the January 2025 u3a radio podcast with interviews from across the u3a movement. If you want to share your story with the u3a radio podcast team, please contact communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast December 2024

In this festive edition of the u3a radio podcast, you can listen to a pantomime written by the u3a Stockton/Sedgefield Creative Writing group. To share your stories with the podcast team, email communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast November 2024

Hear interviews with u3a members about butterfly conservation, an adventurous autobiography, and stories from ventriloquist Ken Wood of Kidderminster u3a. If you have a story you'd like to share with the u3a radio podcast, please email communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast October 2024

In this special episode, Charles interviews outgoing Chair and CEO Liz Thackray and Sam Mauger, as well as the new Chair and CEO Allan Walmsley and Iain Cassidy, while attending the Third Age Trust AGM 2024. If you want to share your story with the u3a radio podcast, please contact communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast September 2024

The u3a radio podcast returns after a summer break. If you'd like to share your stories for the podcast, email communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast June 2024

This month, the team delves into the world of pirate radio, team member Lee talks about his love of music. If you have a story you'd like to share with the u3a radio podcast team, email communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast May 2024

This episode takes us on a journey around the globe. Warwick u3a member Gordon talks his travels in the footsteps of Garibaldi to learn more about the figure of Italian Independence; Margaret from East Suffolk u3a talks about her experience working as a volunteer at the London Olympics in 2012, and member Nick of Ilkley & District u3a talks about his adventure travelling around the World using only trains, bus and container ships. Elsewhere in the episode, Rob Eastaway talks about maths in S...

u3a radio podcast April 2024

Ilkley u3a member Peter Higginbothom talks about his research into workhouses and how they evolved through the years. Later on in the episode, Margaret Fiddes talks about the first ever u3a festival taking place later this year - with opportunities for life drawing, stargazing and walking football. Plus, learn about how the brain works, discover the history of The Lions Club, and we hear from u3a member Bob Wells who started his own podcast in the pandemic - and will soon be joining the u3a radi...

u3a radio podcast March 2024

Hear from a former professional ballet dancer, a US Air Force Pilot who now leads a national online u3a aviation group, and two u3a members dedicated to introducing more members to mindfulness and meditation. If you have a story to share with the u3a radio podcast, email us at communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast February 2024

In this episode, Jo Watson, a member of the team and former sports journalist, talks about her favourite Olympic stories ahead of the release of her new book, “In the footsteps of Olympia - A concise history of the Summer Games”. Also in the episode, hear from Farnham u3a member and member of the European Lute Orchestra David about his passion for the instrument; poet and former publisher Christopher Reid talks about the conversation he had with Ted Hughes which made him pick up his pen again; D...

u3a radio podcast January 2024

In this episode, hear about an organisation that champions older songwriters, what it's like to live with essential tremor and more. If you would like to feature in a future episode of the u3a radio podcast, email communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast December 2023

In this festive edition of the u3a radio podcast, the team looks back on some of their best interviews from 2023. If you have any stories you would like to share with the u3a radio podcast team, please get in touch by emailing communications@u3a.org.uk

u3a radio podcast November 2023

In this bumper edition of the u3a radio podcast, the team learn about what it is like to be a reporter for Vatican Radio, Hayling Island u3a's Sea Shanty group, a penny farthing race, the 2023 u3a creative writing competition and talk to the Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in Wales about her role.