South East u3a Forum
The 2026 Summer School Report
Starting with a very British topic – weather. After the heatwaves, in May and then moving to July, for an unprecedented number of weeks, September was back to ‘normal’ for us. This enabled the members to move freely around the campus in sunshine, the only exception being Tuesday, when a little rain appeared in their lives – nothing they couldn’t handle - all cleared up by late afternoon.
Having listened to members from previous years and some of the difficulties they faced on arrival. They weren’t sure whether they had arrived at the right destination, and then, where was the car park? We put our ‘thinking’ caps on - how could we manage this! So, checking with the university that our ideas were okay, we came up with two ‘Banners’, one for the main entrance and one for the main car park, both in u3a colours – blue writing on a bright yellow background; sunglasses were needed!! Also, people – team and helpers - with u3a tabards/arm bands to direct members to their destinations; car park first, with check-in with team second, moving to registration with the university staff and collecting key cards, then on to accommodation – no getting lost this year!
No dramas on the course front this year, all 12 courses went ahead as advertised – unfortunately Poetry didn’t make it to the starting gate, as too few members chose it – first time this had occurred. Don’t worry Poetry lovers, it will return! Maybe in 2027.
Here are the courses that were available at summer school this year:
Returners – AI; Memory, Perception & Thinking; Yoga; Philosophy; Mahjong; Patchwork – but this time no sewing machines, just hand sewing.
New – Art History; Jazz Introduction; Spanish Beginners; Linguistics.
Gapped Returner – Life Story from 2024.
Multiple Returner – Singling out ‘Mathematics’, to say a special ‘thank you’ to Roger, the tutor, who has delivered a different course on mathematics to the Forum summer school members for 11 years. Some members have joined him more than once – so a BIG thank you Roger from organisers and members alike, as he continues to support this u3a venture.
After a sandwich lunch, campus orientation, introduction to their teaching bases with IT set-up, the tutors were ready to greet their course members at 4.00pm. They met them in either the Chapel or Otters Restaurant, before escorting them over to the Academic block for a 50-minute introduction to their chosen subject. And, of course, meeting their fellow course members for the first time, before a full day’s learning on the Tuesday.
Following the introductory session on the Monday, 2½ full days of learning followed, where members could really get stuck into their chosen subject. Just one subject, Art History, left campus on the Wednesday and made an organised visit to the Pallant art gallery in the centre of Chichester – a visit enjoyed by both tutor and members. Philosophy students were also out and about looking at the art displayed on campus, especially the exhibits in University House, whilst other subjects could be found engrossed in their teaching bases.
Entertainment; an integral part of the summer school experience at Chichester.
As usual it started with the Quiz on Monday night, 8.00pm, on campus. This year it was held in the Chapel, as there was a problem with the retractable seating in The ShowRoom, but nevertheless, a resounding success, as the area was bursting at the seams with u3a members. The bonus was the sound-around facility available in the Chapel, as this really helped everyone to hear the questions, with the Quizmaster Sue B at the helm and her helper Roger on the scoring. He really does get everywhere that maths tutor – thanks to Sue B and Roger for another wonderful start to summer school. Entertainment continued on campus on Tuesday night in the Mitre Lecture Theatre, University House, with the film ‘Mother’s Pride’ – just a feel-good British film, with nothing contentious in its content or line-up to upset anyone.
Or, there was the opportunity to attend a production at the Minerva Theatre nearby, entitled ‘a small and quiet light’ by Stephanie Street. This drama is a fictional imagination based on the real events of the life of Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan between 1914-1944. Her experience as a SOE radio operator in 1943 Paris, betrayed to the Germans, captured and eventually executed about a year later as a spy, in 1944. An excellent production – very moving, with an amazing finale.
The culmination was on Wednesday night with the speaker/actor, Tony Harris. His historical portrayal of ‘Winston Churchill’, was enjoyed by all those present, it was a memorable conclusion to the entertainment for this year’s summer school. There were smiling faces and complimentary comments all round about Tony’s performance. Thanks, Sue B, excellent choice.
Well, what would a summer school be without the food; a very sad affair and many hungry people. The catering staff; managers, chefs and staff were on top form again – they never disappoint. Delicious food, excellent service and nothing too much trouble at any time, all carried out with smiling faces – what more could you ask for!
There were two sittings for lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon breaks, so everyone could fit comfortably into Otters Restaurant. Plenty of space between tables to give easier navigation and movement to the members – with an eye on health and safety at all times. No registering at lunch, as members are with their course groups, just at dinner, as this helps the restaurant cater accurately and the team be aware of any potential issues, so they can be dealt with promptly.
Accommodation staff were their usual efficient selves, whether it was registering key cards on the first day, helping members with wi-fi, stuck windows and any other problems, they carried out their roles in a calm, friendly and efficient manner. Again, this never varies from year-to-year, even though staff do.
So, our grateful thanks to Ryan and his team in the Accommodation Office, Josh, Aishah and the team in Otters Restaurant and the site staff who set-up the rooms for the entertainment to take place and the teaching bases for the courses, we are most grateful for everyone’s help in making 2026 a success.
And, a BIG thank you to our tutors, without them there is no summer school.
Also, to the u3a members who are returners, as you are telling us we are doing something right, and to those who are with us for the first time, we hope the experience met your expectations.
Just one thing left, you will find 2026 Testimonials available here and on the menu bar at the top of the page - thank you to David, Helen and Carol, your positive comments are much appreciated. There still is time to send a testimonial in, if you would like too.
Here is the email address: seforumsummerschool@outlook.com
Obviously, improvements can always be made in all areas, nothing is perfect, nor will it ever be, but your feedback has been scrutinised; your comments noted at the summer school evaluation meeting in October. The major points were discussed and we will see what is practicable to implement for next year.
The intermittent sunshine, with fluffy white clouds in a blue sky, helped to put a daily ‘shine’ on a very successful summer school. Thank you to all who helped to make it a memorable one – the u3a members who were enthusiastic, the university staff who made things happen, with super food – no washing up in sight – and the tireless Summer School team, who gave so much to make it happen again this year.
The End - just for this year!! We hope see you all again in 2027.
The South East u3a Forum’s Summer School Team 2026 - David, Richard, Kevin, Sue B, Sue C & Linda
Page updated – 29th Oct 2026