The South East u3a Forum’s Summer School – September 2023
Well, this really was a SUMMER School with temperatures hovering around the 30° mark, a bit too hot for some - but only summer attire was needed throughout!
The last-minute cancellation of Manuscripts on Sunday and re-organisation of Cycling from the previous Wednesday, due to one tutor unable to travel, the other returning from holiday with Covid, caused some challenges, especially as some members were already travelling!
We are grateful to those members who accepted the option of transfer to their second or third option - and tutors who accepted another member/s - at short notice, and to one member particularly who stepped up to run the Cycling Group!
The Cycling and Walking group leaders took the heat into consideration and adapted as needed. The Yoga and Mindfulness group found a grassy, shaded area away from the hot studio, which suited them perfectly, with bursts of happy laughter from the Creative Writing group as they utilised shaded, seated areas outside in the afternoon. The trip to Bignor Roman Villa by the Archaeology group on Wednesday was enjoyed by all, as was the input from a Detectorist the day before! The other six groups whose subjects were more ‘house-bound’ were in airy rooms shaded by blinds, enjoying their chosen course.
During the morning break on the last day the members were given a 10-minute recital by the Ukulele group, with a sing-a-long, very uplifting - and excellent.
The evening entertainment helped bring members together, with a Quiz on Monday evening, when a couple of members helped overcome the sound problems! On Tuesday there was a choice of a talk on Tangmere Museum or a film – ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’. On Wednesday, Jane Glennie, the actor, gave a performance on Violet Jessop’s life aboard the Britannic and the Titanic, and the sinking at sea with Violet on board. Performance received by an appreciative audience, with Jane answering questions on her research. The talk, film and performance were well received by all.
The restaurant looked spectacular for the last dinner, where course members and tutor sit together for their last evening meal. The food, as in other years, was plentiful and delicious, with welcoming staff – nothing was too much trouble! This was mirrored by the staff in the accommodation area.
Thank you to the University for the brilliant organisation on all aspects of our stay!