Issue number one hundred and forty-four (December 2012) from the WorldU3A Service, sent on the first of every month to U3A members anywhere in the world.

Feel free to copy any or all of this information in your newsletters.
 Please send snippets of interest to the editor, Tom Holloway.


The Institute of Lifelong Learning: Forage for later-life learning: Building on European experience

This major project is a European multi-lateral network which aims at communicating the experiences of lifelong learning to create high standards of practice.

Since the first European Year of Older People and Intergenerational Solidarity in 1993 there have been many pan European exchanges, projects, training events, seminars, programmes and networks concerned with learning in later life.

The numbers increased significantly with the Grundtvig programme providing impetus and funding for imaginative and innovative work across all of Europe. However we have not made best use of all these rich experiences in terms of building upon them, sharing information, analysing and assessing value and impact against education and ageing policies and research evidence and creating networks to do all this.

Read their latest Newsletter here >>>

The Third U3A International Conference 2012 was held at Chinmaya Vibhooti in India during October under the auspices of ISU3A, The Indian Society of U3As.

At the following ISU3A Executive, Dr J G Patil was elected Executive Chairperson. In his acceptance speech he said...

"I am proud that I have been elected as Executive Chairperson for the Indian Society of Universities of the Third Age and I am very much thankful to all members of U3A, and Dr R N Kapoor, Founder Chairperson, for showing so much confidence in me and my team.

I am confident of taking this movement of U3A to new heights and making India a leading country in the U3A World". His full message can be seen here >>>
Sci/Tech Groups: "Unpicking bad science is the best way to explain good science". Ben Goldacre is a best-selling author, broadcaster, medical doctor and academic who specialises in unpicking dodgy scientific claims from drug companies, newspapers, government reports, PR people and quacks.

Ben has written the weekly Bad Science column in the Guardian since 2003. It’s archived on his website along with blogposts, columns for the British Medical Journal, and other writing. He has made various documentaries for BBC Radio 4 and The World Service on science, libel, policy, and epidemiology. Strongly recommended is his downloadable 30-minute radio programme on 'The Placebo Effect' and you can watch his talk at TEDGlobal here.

Serious Internet Users: Clay Shirky says "I study the effects of the internet on society. I hold a joint appointment at NYU, as an Associate Arts Professor at the Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) and as a Distinguished Writer in Residence in the Journalism Department. I am also a Fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society".

Those of us involved in setting-up and maintaining online interest groups and organisations will find some of his writings interesting and extremely valuable. As an example, devote thirty minutes to reading his piece on the inexorable rise of free online education at the expense of brick-built University Colleges.

Tapestry/Weaving Groups: Weaving the century at Dovecot Studios 1912 - 2012 is an exhibition now at Compton Verney.
Tapestry is an extraordinary and special art which brings together two worlds to make a new one.

You can also learn more about the art of weaving. Until 16 December in our exhibition resource room you can see the tools of the trade and have a go yourself. There's a special opportunity every Tues, Thurs and Sun when the room is manned and you can have a go on the big loom! This resource room is supported by the Stratford-upon-Avon Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. There is also a free daily tour of the exhibition!
MEGA HEALTH CHECK -UP CAMP; U3A BHAVANA'S Annual Free Health Checkup Camp in association with AASTHA Geriatric Hospital and S C Trivedi memorial Trust was held on 18th Nov'12 at Triveni Nagar, Lucknow. Facilities included free Pathological tests, BMD tests, Diabetic profile, heart checks and consultation by Specialist Doctors . Also initial course of medicines prescribed were distributed free of cost with further follow up. Over 1200 men, women and children availed of the facilities. Patients also availed of Alternative treatments viz. Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Naturopathy and electropathy. Dr Agarwal Director, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lucknow presided over the inaugural function.
Thank you A K Malhotra, U3A Bhavana Lucknow.

Computer Groups: If you are thinking about upgrading to Windows 8 it might be best to read "Seven Essential Things You Need To Know" first, to be found at this Gizmo's Freeware article
Thanks to Gizmo and Rick Swindell's GEMS.


U3A Online: A complete GEMs Archive - Rick Swindell's newsletter - pdf printouts of all prior editions can be found at www.u3aonline.org.au
Do you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter in future? Ask them to email tom@worldu3a.org with a request and they will be put on the list. This webpage may be printed onto both sides of an A4 page and distributed to those with no Internet.