Contents

• Editorial
• 2026 u3a Festival : 1-3 July at the University of York
• Wednesday Book Club - Book Review: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
• Contributions from Creative Writing Group
  • The Toast to the Lassies (Women in Power)
• Human Kind
• Our Committee – January 2026
• About Torbay u3a
• Winter Photos from Members
  • A few more ‘Party’ photos
• On Monks, Books, Snakes and Fire Horses…. Freya Hartley
  • Story One
  • Story Two
  • Story Three
  • Story Four
• Contributions from the Art Group
• This is the fourth Torbay u3a Quarterly.

Editorial

The Quarterly showcases the rich diversity of our special interest groups. It pays tribute to our Group Leaders who are the lifeblood of a u3a.

The content of The Quarterly is provided by individual members and guest contributors. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Torbay u3a Committee or the Third Age Trust nationally.

And so, we enter 2026, nudging 400 in membership and with over nine new groups created in the last three months. We also have a vibrant Facebook group and public page - thanks Abby Beckett-Smith, and much greater public awareness, thanks to a publicity blitz by Freya Hartley. We also have a number of members shadowing existing Committee Members who will be stepping down at our AGM on 11 March 2026.

We are building a much greater interaction with members, facilitated by our Facebook group and our new Membership Management system, BEACON, that enables selective emailing by our Membership Secretary, Karen Daly. Great work, Karen.

Please take advantage of these features to share your ideas with us, including sending Letters to the Quarterly and posting our Facebook Group page.

As, always, it’s your u3a. 2026 offers great opportunities for our u3a to explore new groups and activities, but it needs to led by you, our members.

In this issue of the Quarterly, Kate Parsons, our treasurer, recounts her experiences at the u3a National Festival in York. Freya Hartley offers some musings on making the best of our later years.

Over the coming months I hope to arrange friendly competitions with other South Devon u3as – chess and other groups. And we plan an ‘Exploring Dartmoor’ group that links with similar groups in the other u3as to arrange Dartmoor walks. The first such event is a ten mile walk on 15 February covering Leg 2 of the Dartmoor Way – from Shipley Bridge to Ashburton. You can find details of this walk by googling ‘Dartmoor Way Walks. If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with David Bainger – Chair of Chudleigh u3a.

Last year a number of our members visited Mt Tryon Care Centre to join their residents’ Poetry reading group. I’d like to pick up on this small initiative this year. Anyone interested?

Editor – John Hough

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2026 u3a Festival : 1-3 July at the University of York

I attended the first u3a Festival held at the University of York in 2024 and had a wonderful two and a half days there.  I stayed in very reasonably priced student accommodation on campus, just a few minutes walk to the activities but others stayed in hotels etc in the city centre which is less than 2 miles away.  The university is housed in a lovely green park with a lake.
About a 1000 u3a members from throughout the UK attended and it was good to know there would always be a friendly face to have a meal with in the refectory or bar areas. Most people seemed to have come on their own so travelling ‘solo’ was fine.

Various activities were available to select in morning, afternoon and evening sessions ranging from Walking Tours of York, Musical Performances, an Inter u3a Walking Football competition, talks and workshops on Gardening, Maths, Astronomy, Poetry, History, Flower Arranging, Psychology and much much more.

If you fancy a mini-break in York I would highly recommend giving u3a Festival a chance. You never know, you might learn something!
Tickets and room bookings will be released early in 2026 and details can be found by emailing festival@u3a.org.uk or visiting u3a - u3a Festival 2026

Kate Parsons

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Wednesday Book Club - Book Review: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Average Member Rating: 7.6/10

September’s featured read, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, captivated many of our members with its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Set in 16th-century England, the novel offers a fictionalised account of the short life of Hamnet, son of a famous but unnamed playwright, and explores themes of grief, family, and resilience.

🌿 What We Loved

Members praised O’Farrell’s evocative writing and vivid descriptions. One reader noted: “The death scene, as well as how the family coped with the young boy’s death, was one of the most moving and touching descriptions I have ever read.”

Agnes, Hamnet’s mother, emerged as a favourite character—admired for her closeness to nature, knowledge of herbs, and emotional strength. The relationship between the twin children, Hamnet and Judith, was also deeply affecting, especially the dramatic twist when Hamnet swaps places with Judith on her deathbed.

The prose itself drew admiration for its poetic quality. One member highlighted a passage: “The colours seem to fight, vying for supremacy, vibrancy: the green versus the blue, one against the other.”

🧐 What Could Be Better

While many found the book immersive, some felt it lacked balance. A few members wished for more lightness and humour, commenting that “there was little laughter in the book.” Others found the portrayal of Anne Hathaway as a mystical forest figure unrealistic, though her herbal knowledge was appreciated.

The structure drew mixed reactions. The ending was described as “predictable, but delivered skilfully,” while the middle section felt less engaging to some. The twin-swapping plot device divided opinion—some found it moving, while others felt it undermined the story’s authenticity.

There was also some frustration with the anonymity of key characters, particularly Hamnet’s father, referred to only as “the father” or “the husband.” As one member put it: “If you are going to sell your story on the hook of it being linked to someone famous, it seems coy not to give them a name.”

👍 Would We Recommend It?

Most members agreed they would recommend Hamnet to a friend and were keen to read more by Maggie O’Farrell. Her storytelling was described as “wonderful, creative,” and her ability to evoke time and place was widely admired.

📝 Final Thoughts

Hamnet is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that offers a powerful meditation on loss, love, and the bonds of family. While not without its flaws, its poetic style and historical atmosphere made it a memorable read for many. As one member charmingly put it: “Maggie O’Farrell is a wi Zara (wizard) with words”—a whimsical typo that somehow captures the magic of her prose.

Group Leader: Pam Hartigan

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Contributions from Creative Writing Group

The Toast to the Lassies (Women in Power)

I was a little uninspired this month, maybe it is the time of year. However, while searching round in some of the more remote corners of my brain, I was reminded of a short conversation I had with Betty, a very talented Scottish member of our group, when I made the observation that her countrymen seem to get more patriotic the further away from the auld country that they are.

This observation was based on my experiences whilst living in Cyprus when St Andrew’s Day and more crucially, Burns Night were celebrated with… how can I put in kindly? Much enthusiasm. It is the latter occasion that became a highlight in our social calendar, a night of doubtful food comprising a starter of haggis, neeps and tatties, smuggled into the country by some dubious means, and rather like the contents of this delicacy, shouldn’t be looked into too deeply.

The haggis was piped in with great ceremony, although rarely by a Scot but usually by a Gurkha, from one of the military groups stationed on Cyprus, supposedly as part of the peacekeeping force for this still divided island, but in practice, more like R&R.

Usually, the main course was beef casserole and once again, it wasn’t too obvious what part of the wee beastie it came from. But by then, the whisky and wine had been flowing and nobody really cared.

The most looked forward-to event was the ritual that begins with the Address to the Haggis followed by the Selkirk Grace, neither to be attempted by a Sassenach. However, I was invited to give the Toast to the Lassies. At this point I should add that having been to a couple of Burns Night celebrations since returning home, they bore no resemblance to the un-woke diatribes that formed the highlight of those evenings in Cyprus.

My contribution was no exception, so I offer you a segment of my oration…

‘Good Evening, Ladies, Gentlemen, Chieftain and fellow Sassenachs. Yes, as the more observant of you will have noted, I am not of the Scottish persuasion. My only justification for standing before you this evening is that I have a Scottish wife. Yes, some of us are just born…. What’s the word? Ah… lucky!

Flattered though I am to be asked to give the Toast to the Lassies, I view it not so much as an invitation from your Chieftain, but as a dare, particularly as I am very aware that the Wee Wifey is giving the response. Yet again, she will have the last word.

The Last Word… this always happens should we have an argument, because if I try to make one last point, it is considered to be the First word of a new argument.

Now, my wife is very fortunate because I do not have any irritating habits, just loveable little ways… but we all know that our wives should be loved, if not understood. And just to help less fortunate couples, may I offer a few tips to the men present, on the real meaning of words women use. It may help them to stay out of trouble.

Words like Fine! This word signifies the end of an argument when they are right and you should accept defeat.

And Just Five Minutes… If she is getting dressed, this actually means half an hour. Five minutes only means five minutes when it is the length of time remaining, to watch the match before you are expected to help around the house.

Nothing! is another word… the calm before the storm. It actually means Something and you should brace yourself. Arguments that begin with Nothing!

usually end in Fine!

If she tells you Go Ahead, treat this as a challenge, not permission. Don’t do it.

A Loud Sigh. This is actually a word in the form of a non-verbal statement. It means that she thinks you are a numpty and is wondering why she is wasting her time arguing with you over Nothing. I refer you back for the definition of that word.

A Soft Sigh… This is another non-verbal statement. A soft sigh means she is content. Do not move, or speak… don’t even breathe, just make the most of it.

That’s OK! This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That’s OK means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when she will make you pay for your shortcomings.

Thank You! If a woman thanks you, do not question it, do not look surprised.

Just say ‘You’re Welcome!’

This is not to be confused with Well, thanks a lot! This is pure sarcasm. She is not thanking you at all. Replying with You’re Welcome will bring on a Whatever! Whatever! Is a woman’s way of saying ‘Sod you’… or worse.

Then there is ‘Don’t worry about it, I’ll do it’, meaning that you have been told many times to do something but now she is out of patience and she will do it. This is another dangerous statement. This may result in the man asking ‘What’s the matter?’ Her answer to this will be Nothing… which you may recall, is the signal to start another argument.

So, we are back to where we began, but I hope you have found my advice helpful. If not, I can recommend a useful book… Women are from Venus, Men are Wrong.

To summarise, if at first you don’t succeed, do it the way your wife told you to do it in the first place.’

Gentlemen… raise your glasses to our lovely ladies.

So, is this misogyny? Or is it an admittance that in most households, it’s the wife who rules? As a footnote, after my wife’s Response from the Lassies, we got a standing ovation… and I think the women were the most enthusiastic.

Bryan Hill

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Human Kind

Do you like the idea of a debate? Would you like to be one of the speakers?

Torbay u3a Chair – John Hough

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Our Committee – January 2026

(Contact information on the Contact page on our website)

Message from Chair: My priorities for the coming year are:

• To grow the membership and increase the diversity of groups
• To extend our u3a’s interaction with the wider Torbay community
• To work more closely with other u3as in the Bay.

The Committee is also looking for members to fill the roles of Business Secretary, Community Liaison Officer, and helpers with refreshments. Please contact the Chair to find out more. It’s an exciting time to join our leadership team!

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About Torbay u3a

Some information about us for any non-members reading this.

The Torbay u3a has over fifty special interest groups run by members for members. Check out our website for details including contact details for the different groups, or visit our public Facebook page

Membership is £16pa, and members can join as many groups as they wish. Most groups are free apart from members sharing venue hire fees when appropriate. Many groups meet in members homes at no cost – an important feature of u3as across the country.

The diversity of groups is huge and we’re always looking for members to initiate and lead new groups. Contact the Chair or the Groups Coordinator if you have an idea for a new group.

New to u3a? You can try out a group (or groups) before deciding to join, or come to one of our monthly ‘speaker meetings’ held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Central Church in Torquay.

Members from other u3as can attend up to two of our group meetings for the nominal fee of £1, but always check with the relevant Group Leader to check availability or ‘last minute’ changes.

Join Torbay u3a today!

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Winter Photos from Members

We don’t have a Photography Group, but here are sample of photos taken by members that reflect Winter and Christmas.

A few more ‘Party’ photos

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On Monks, Books, Snakes and Fire Horses…. Freya Hartley

How do we take the reins of our lives, our health and well-being as we move through this last slice of life? How do we make the most of our remaining years and relationships, so we can bid this life goodbye with gratitude, contentment, and satisfaction, knowing we did all we could? These are, I feel, the most important questions we can ask now. So what can we do? A great deal. But it is vital not to be overwhelmed, so …,,little by little, and step by step. I intended to summarise my thoughts on these steps in this article (next time?), but instead I will tell you some stories…

Story One

Nearly 30 years ago after my elder son died I took part in weekly group therapy to support myself through the grieving process. I stayed 4 years, and when I told Angelika our facilitator that I was going to leave the group she said 'perhaps the most important part of this whole process is the manner in which you leave'. She was, I think, right, and I did achieve a good leaving despite inevitable angst from the group. I believe the same is true of our earthly lives and leaving them…we need to prepare well. Get our houses in order, both practically and psychologically. Deal with loose ends, with unhealed relationships, with unresolved longings or regrets, and find Peace in our souls.

Story Two

Story Three

John and I read this at Christmas while we had colds.‘Humankind.- a Hopeful History’ by Rutger Bregman. This bestselling book by a Dutch historian changed me. It is deeply researched but an easy read. His conclusion is that the good and kind way outnumbers the bad and cruel. That our history has been written by those wanting to convince us otherwise, and that we are rotten at heart. That our self esteem has been battered by institutions wanting to keep us in our place -for example the Church’s emphasis on Original Sin - and by the media now owned by the corrupt rich and powerful who have always wanted to divide and conquer and disempower. This book gives one a whole new perspective. I have long known that what we focus on expands, and this is how we create our futures. He shows how this has worked to lower our self esteem as a species and to make cynicism cool. He shows that realism is actually not seeing the worst, but the abundance of the best. He speaks of a new realism acknowledging the kindness that is all around.

We once met war correspondent Martin Bell, and when I asked him ‘how do you keep your optimism in the war zones’ he said ‘because of all the countless acts of heroism and kindness I witnessed daily’.

Story Four

This year 2026 has interesting stories attached to it.

On February 17th we come to the end of the Chinese Year of the Snake and enter the Year of the FireHorse. The Snake is about shedding the old, often painfully. But now the Horse brings us all some much needed horsepower, and an extra strong fiery power too…it brings great movement. The Year of the FireHorse only happens every 60 years and is transformative, the last one was 1966!

Western Astrology also sees this year as a major threshold. It sees the year as one in which false leadership, hollow authority and empty ‘brands’ begin to collapse. People start to follow authentic values not fake images. Also, on New years Day 2026 we entered a Number One year according to numerology. The beginning of a new cycle. Last year was Number 9, the end of a cycle of increasing blatant corruption and the collapse of the world order, of the rule of law. This year is seen as bringing the beginning of the new one. A year of planting things that will define the next ten years. Our choices now are very important, collectively and personally.

At the moment we are seeing surreal chaos and destruction AND alongside it more and more people waking up to what it is to be aware of being alive, of what a precious miracle it is, what a MYSTERY. Waking up to a bigger love. What a juxtaposition. Is it a race?

All cultures seem to agree that this coming year is the Ignition Year for a new world cycle.

You are of course free to dismiss such ideas. But, can it be anything but good to consider our intentions and choices, and to summon our energy to make the very best of the remaining years of our lives?

I leave you with two Questions. What would you do if you had only a year to live? And what would you most regret not doing if you were to die now?

Freya Hartley

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Contributions from the Art Group

More Paintings can be found on the Arts Group page on our Website

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This is the fourth Torbay u3a Quarterly.

It is intended to share information and ideas from Groups more widely with our u3a members – to promote discussion across our u3a. It can also be a Forum for members to share their ideas with other members. It is vital that you give us feedback. Do you support this initiative? What should be included?

Email The quarterly putting ‘Letters to the Editor’ in the subject line.

Letters will be published in the next Quarterly – at the discretion of the Quarterly editorial team.

The Quarterly may also be used to promote our u3a across the Torbay community. As such, it would be fantastic, to get letters describing what you get from our u3a. Think of it as giving your u3a a ‘review’.

We, the Editorial Team, look forward to hearing from you.

John Hough (editor), Kate Parsons, Glynis Greening