Monthly Meetings

Our monthly meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 2pm in the Bourne End Community Centre. These are free for members, and as well as a talk by an invited speaker include complimentary refreshments and updates on other activities at our u3a. 

Our Meetings

 

 

U3A SPEAKERS MEETINGS FOR 2026

27TH January 2026

Unlocking the Conclave: a key to understanding the election of the first American pope

Following on from her earlier talk about working as a journalist in the Vatican under the three previous popes, Philippa Hitchen returns to shed light on the election of the first U.S.-born successor to Saint Peter.

Find out more about what happened when the cardinals gathered behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel to elect a new leader. Discover details about the new Pope Leo XIV, why the cardinals chose him, and what are the major challenges he faces over the coming years.

 

24th FEBRUARY 2026

Desert Island Flicks 3: Last Star Standing

Now in his 89th year, Sir Anthony Hopkins is the only British actor of his generation to be still prolific in international film and television.

In the third of his illustrated film talks for Bourne End U3A, Little Marlow author Quentin Falk, who wrote an authorised biography of Hopkins, will trace the star’s remarkable seven-decade career via eight clips including two Oscar-winning performances, in The Silence of the Lambs and The Father.

 

24th MARCH 2026

Christine Keeler & the Profumo Affair

Following on from his talk last year our Speaker for March is Richard Anderson. War Minister John Profumo caused a political sensation by resigning from the Government on 6th June 1963. In a dramatic letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Profumo admitted that he lied to the commons about his association with red-haired model Christine Keeler. “I have come to realise that, by this deception, I have been guilty of a grave, misdemeanour”.

 

28th APRIL 2026

Our Speaker today Jon Woodhouse, his talk is The Saxophone, and my life as an Army Musician

Jon joined the Army as a Musician at the age of sixteen, he served in her Majesty’s Lifeguards Band for 25 years. During his time Jon has Clarinet and Bass Clarinet and saxophone. He has participated in concert tours across Europe, America and Japan. He retired from the Army in 1999 and will talk about his experiences, and the people he met during his long career.

 

 

26th MAY 2026

Our Speaker today is Duncan who will talk about his attempted World Record Morris Dance. The current World Record is 146.25 miles. He will be dancing from Hampton Court to Abingdon and back to Trafalgar Square along the Thames path. It should take 7 days and he will cover 200 miles. The attempt is all about raising money for local charities in the Thames Valley area.

 

 

23rd JUNE 2026

Our Speaker today is David Allen, his talk is the Life of Dame Agatha Christie. Born towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, this talk explores the incredible life story of the world-famous crime writer Agatha Christie, from her young days on Torquay Pier to her mysterious disappearance and glittering career, including the inspiration for her two most famous characters, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. With wonderful photographs of Agatha and her family.

 

 

 

28th JULY 2026

Our Speaker today is Toastmaster Timothy Lee, his talk is about the History, Traditions and some stories in his role as a Toastmaster. As a member of the Association of the UK School of Professional Toastmasters, he follows the highest standards of etiquette, timing and service. His role is to manage the flow of an event, coordinate with suppliers and speakers and ensure your guests feel welcomed and well informed.

 

 

25th AUGUST 2026

Our talk today is from Silvertime Legal “Tax, Care & the New Guy”. It looks at how tax, care costs and recent changes may affect families, explained in straightforward, practical terms. The session is relaxed and informative, with our speaker able to answer your questions after the talk.

 

 

22nd SEPTEMBER 2026

Our Speaker today is Tom Hartwell, a Wildlife & Documentary Cinematographer. Tom will be telling us about some of his experiences whist filming wildlife and talking about his projects since his last visit to us in 2025.

 

 

27th OCTOBER 2026

Our Speaker today is Andy Thomas, who makes a return visit to Bourne End u3a with his talk “Paranormal Mysteries and Cover Ups”. Andy delves into some famous unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, ghosts, strange creatures, psychic powers and ancient enigmas – and why many investigators believe they are covered up.

 

 

24th NOVEMBER 2026

Our Speaker today is Celebrant Ann Vincent, her talk is entitled “Four Weddings, three funerals and a naming ceremony”. A light hearted – for the most part- look at the role of the celebrant: Weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, vow renewal etc. The skills and qualities needed to work with families experiencing the very high and lows of lifes journey. A look at how millennials have changed the way we marry today and a brief history of marriage in the UK

 

 

15th DECEMBER 2026

Christmas Party