Summer School in the South
The South East u3a Forum’s summer school has been a success again in 2024. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, it didn’t dampen the spirits of those u3a members that took part.
As this event is always about learning in the first instance, with socialising coming a very close second – we will start with the subjects on offer:
• Art & Mythology – tutor – Derek Fraser NEW
• Crochet – tutor – Anne Flanagan NEW
• Irish & Anglo-Saxon Illuminated Manuscripts –
tutor – Philip Holdsworth NEW
• Life Story – tutor – Jo Livingston NEW
• Latin Remembered – Tutor – Penny Martin NEW
• Mah Jong – tutor – Sheila Mighall
• Demystifying Mathematics – tutor – Roger Luther
• Patchwork – tutor – Beryl Connelly NEW
• Philosophy – tutor – Shri Sharma NEW
• Photography – tutor – Andrew Mills NEW
• Politics (US & UK) – tutor – Paul Carter NEW
• Demystifying Science – tutor – Bob Hornby
As you can see, a range of subjects were on offer, covering both academic and practical, with 75% of them new to the Forum’s summer school in recent times. Although Mah Jong and Demystifying Science had different tutors from previous years, it didn’t detract from the enjoyment the attendees experienced. The ever-favourite - Roger’s mathematics course, was just as inspiring as ever.
The logistics for practical subjects can be a challenge, but they were in their stride from the start, excellent work being carried out. Latin Remembered took advantage of a trip out to Fishbourne Roman Palace where Latin was prevalent during the Roman period in Britain – an enjoyable afternoon was experienced by all. The photography students could be seen out and about looking for inspiration and objects to capture - some even made it into the centre of Chichester! Members of the Philosophy group left their base on the last morning, focusing on ART and all its forms, not able to separate it even from politics.
The evening entertainment started as usual with welcome drinks before dinner and the Quiz in the evening for those who were not too tired to get to know each other.
Tuesday evening saw the return of a theatre visit to Chichester Festival Theatre with Matthew Bourne’s new rendition of ‘Oliver’. It was absolutely fabulous with a standing ovation; the theatre was packed. If that wasn’t to your taste a film, “The Great Escaper” with Michael Cain, was shown on campus for anyone who was interested.
On the last evening with farewell drinks and dinner before the talk, our speaker was Alan Kingshott, retired Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London. The talk was interesting, personal and informative about the life of a warder and his family, as well as the role played by those who are selected for that prestigious position, and the differing ceremonial and daily requirements that are reqiuired within their working life.
The Catering department again surpassed themselves; the variety of breakfast
items would suit the range of u3a members’ palates and dietary needs, but if there was a special requirement needed then the kitchen would produce whatever was necessary. This applied to both lunch and dinner - nothing was too much trouble for the extremely helpful and pleasant staff.
This accolade also applies to the Conference and Accommodation staff, who have a more challenging role keeping the members happy with only ‘Student Accommodation’. They did a sterling job, trying to sort out any issues that arose - keeping everyone happy, perhaps an impossible task, but they always carried out their work with a smile.
Well done - to the tutors and university staff for a brilliant summer school yet again.
We try each year to ensure that the current team lives up to those who have gone before, continuing their legacy, we hope that has been the case in 2024!
The Summer School Team 2024
Please note: The Courses for 2024, FAQs and General Information remain under the ‘Documents tab’ to give a browser an idea of what the Forum’s summer school is about and has to offer.
website updated 18.9.24