Prince of Wales Bridge - Ingrid Arntzen, Chepstow u3a
SWN Member u3as
Objectives of the South Wales Network
Members of the SWN must decide what they want from the Network and how they want it to be run. The Network cannot tell u3as what they must do and the Third Age Trust cannot tell the Network what to do. The objectives include:
- To establish communication links for u3as within the Network.
- To help u3a Trustees, Interest Group Leaders, u3a Chairs and committees and other volunteers to collectively share their knowledge and expertise with other u3as.
- Sharing best practice and discussion of issues of concern. Generally, u3as helping one another and getting advice from other u3as.. This is a key element of the Network and should be an item on every Agenda.
- Zoom meetings. No travel or hall hire costs so we can have more meetings including shorter more focused ones in addition to the usual General meetings. Eventually we may go back to (some) face to face meetings but there does not seem any desire to do so.
- Inter u3a competitions. Quiz, Bridge, Mah Jong, Skittles, Badminton, Table Tennis etc.
Click for Caldicot u3a Newsletters
Useful Links
- Network Link. What is Network Link, what Networks do sign up for a Newsletter etc.
- Third Age Trust Website. Lots of information particularly in 'Learn' and 'Members Area'. You will need a User ID and Password for the Members Area but this is easy to get and it contains a lot of very useful information.
- Resources. A link to page on the Wales website with further links to information on Resources both inside and outside u3a including the TAT Resources website.
Beacon Training
Information about Beacon training courses can now be found on the Third Age Trust website on the following link: https://beacon.u3a.org.uk/training/
When dates are available for each course they are added to the listings so it is a good idea to keep checking. Courses can be for Group Leaders, Secretaries, Treasurers and Group Coordinators. More will be added as they become available.
We encourage all our members to participate in this project
and help to record the history of their local area
South Wales Network Events
SEP
21
Meeting - The Climate Crisis - And some solutions
Start time 2:00 pm
Brenda Ainsley, a passionate u3a member and trained climate reality leader, brings science, solutions, and hope to the heart of the climate conversation. a founder of the u3a's online ‘Climate Matters’ group, Brenda has empowered hundreds of members through national talks, workshops, and u3a magazine contributions—always with a focus on what individuals and communities can do.
In November 2025, Brenda was invited to attend the national emergency briefing in the Westminster Hall, London, to represent the u3a and has since supported many u3a members to screen the people’s emergency briefing film in their u3as and local communities. Her engaging 40-minute presentation, grounded in peer-reviewed science and trusted sources like NASA and the UK Met Office, connects global climate issues to everyday action. from COP26 in Glasgow to the London Business School, Brenda has led intergenerational dialogues on climate justice. produced by the climate reality project, founded by Al Gore, Brenda's talk is informative, practical, and energising leaving audiences motivated, not overwhelmed.
Whether you're curious about the facts or eager to make a difference, Brenda’s talk is a powerful step toward climate action at any age.
From a u3a member: “I attended the u3a online event during the summer that you ran and liked the factual information about where we are and what needs to happen at local, national and international levels…”
The Climate Reality Project was founded by former US Vice President Al Gore; every effort has been made to ensure that all facts are verified and refer only to peer reviewed research. The work of
institutions such as NASA and the Meteorological Office are drawn on, along with many academic institutions. The presentation is up-to-date and draws on examples from both around the world and here in the UK. it usually lasts about 40 minutes, with time for Q&A.
NOV
2
Meeting - All Wales Networks Meeting
The next All Wales Meeting will again be in Newtown in Mid Wales.
The address is: Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2EH..
It will feature Kate Cowan from the Third Age Trust
who will provide guidance on governance, constitution, and trustee matters.All members of Welsh u3as are welcome to come along.