u3a Summer25 teaser

ISSUE 67

SUMMER 2025

D isc

Picture perfect

u3a.org.uk

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Frien ds Extra !

HOW TO TAKE BETTER PHOTOGRAPHS

Coastal culture

Stay safe

Supple and strong

Visit the seaside places with artistic inspiration

Be wise to new scamming techniques

Get more flexible at any age

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EDITOR’S LETTER CONTENTS u3a Matters is published by the Third Age Trust Trading Company.

Company number 11899419.

Contributions for consideration: email: editor@u3a.org.uk Enquiries and issues: email: support.magazine@u3a.org.uk Other communications, please send to: u3a office Third Age Trust 156 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8EN Email: u3a.office@u3a.org.uk Tel: 020 8466 6139 EDITORIAL Editor Sharon Parsons editor@u3a.org.uk Sub-editors James Hundleby, Amy Beveridge DESIGN Art Editor Yvey Bailey Picture Editor Jessica Marsh PRODUCTION Jane Easterman ADVERTISING For advertising enquiries, please contact our sales agent Redactive Media Group.

For display: u3amatters@redactive.co.uk 020 7324 2775 For classifieds: u3aclass@redactive.co.uk 020 7324 2773

PUBLISHERS Redactive Publishing Ltd 9 Dallington Street London EC1V 0LN redactive.co.uk THE SMALL PRINT u3a Matters is published in February, April, June, September and November.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material or for the views of contributors. None of the Third Age Trust, the editors or the publishers are responsible for verifying the content of any advertising materials that may be included within u3a Matters, and express no view or recommendation on any service or product advertised.

Readers should always take appropriate professional advice.

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welcome ver since I was given an Olympus Trip camera as a teenager, I’ve been a keen photographer, and over the years have invested in various pieces of kit to try and get better. I must admit, though, in more recent times my impressive – but cumbersome! – model is often left at home when I’m out and about or on holiday. Like many of us, it seems, I rely more and more on my smartphone camera to capture what’s around me, simply because it’s so convenient and more than capable of producing good-quality images. If you feel the same – but maybe aren’t sure you’re getting the most from your clever phone camera – check out our feature on page 26, where you’ll find a wealth of practical and creative tips that really can turn ho-hum scenes or images into something special. And even if you do prefer to use a more traditional camera, you’re sure to find some of the expert

E

contents 5 CONNECTIONS News and views from across the u3a 26 PICTURE THIS! Take better photographs with your smartphone 31 LIVING WELL Is it time to ‘right-size’ your home?; keep ahead of the he latest scams; delicious strawberry recipes 41 STORIES TO SHARE Magazine memories; an East End wartime childhood; remembering g Max Wall 47 YOUR GOOD HEALTH Easy ways to stay flexible; dealing with stress incontinence; latest health news 55 EXPERTS ON CALL Meet Subject Advisers specialising in Scottish country dancing, magic and microscopy

suggestions on taking a great photograph useful (I did!).

Elsewhere in the issue, you’ll find coastal spots with artistic connections (great photo opportunities there too!); what to consider if you’re thinking of downsizing; how to wise up to scammers; simple ways to stay supple; and much more besides.

Finally, thank you to everyone who completed the reader survey in our Spring edition. It really helps us to know your views on the title – good and bad! – so that we can provide you with what you want in every issue. u3a Matters is your magazine, after all! We’ll report back in the next issue.

Sharon Parsons, Editor

60 SUBJECT ADVISERS DIRECTORY 63 GOOD TIMES Coastal regions with artistic connections; entertainment recommendations;; a member’s favourite books 7 MAILBOX 71 Your letters Y 7 A PROBLEM 78 SHARED... AND S ANOTHER A DILEMMA D Your advice to a member – plus a new Y quandary to consider q 8 PINBOARD 80 A lively round-up of events and celebrations a 83 BRAIN GAMES 89 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS 90 COMING OF AGE Why good grandad figures are needed more than ever SUMMER 2025 u3amatters 3

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NEWS CONNECTIONS

connections News and views to share what’s been happening across u3a

-

The tank visit that started it all

Worth a wish!

Our bucket list adventures John Twydle of Maidenhead u3a explains how members’ wishes – big and small – are being fulfilled with a bit of blue-sky thinking... he idea for our Bucket List group really came about four years ago when a lady in our u3a said she had always fancied driving an army tank.

I thought it was a great idea, so I did a bit of research, and in no time, six of us were booked on a tank-driving day in

T

Chopsticks at the ready in Soho’s Chin atown

Hampshire, which h was absolutely fantastic.

Not least, it meant that our fellow member’s long-held wish came true!

Afterwards, I wondered if other members would like to share their ideas for fulfilling

personal wishes, and so our Bucket List group was formed. It’s a very simple concept: once a year, a group of us get together over a few drinks and nibbles to make suggestions (although everyone is welcome to submit ideas throughout the year). Nothing is ruled out, although SUMMER 2025 u3amatters 5

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CONNECTIONS NEWS

of course we do consider if things might be too expensive, impractical or possibly even dangerous!

I then put all the ideas on a spreadsheet and send this to members: they get 10 votes each and mark the suggestions from one to 10 ( 10 being the most popular). Next, I let everyone know what the winning ideas are – usually one or two to try in the year ahead – and ask who would be interested in signing up for them.

Then it’s up to me and a few willing volunteers to check if these bucket list ideas are feasible and, if so, how to get them organised.

So far, we’ve enjoyed a really diverse mix of experiences. We’ve crossed the roof of the O2, had an authentic Chinese meal in Soho’s Chinatown, sailed across Weymouth Bay in a Dutch barge, and enjoyed a splendid dinner and overnight stay in a French château.

This year’s winning suggestion was our most ambitious yet: a long weekend in Antwerp in Belgium. This has proved so popular that we’ve organised three separate trips in order to accommodate everyone: the first visit was in March and 12 of us all enjoyed three great days taking in the sights and indulging in

All aboard for a Dutch barge trip

some wonderful food and drink. As I lived there for a couple of years and still have friends in the city, I found myself acting as the unofficial guide too!

Of course, not every suggestion on our bucket list happens: a ziplining adventure in Snowdonia was mooted but eventually deemed too far away and expensive for members, while a

We are sailing!

dark sky event on the South Downs had to be abandoned because of bad weather conditions. But overall, our Bucket List group gives us all a chance to try something we may not have even considered otherwise – and with 53 of us in the group, we’re never going to be short of suggestions!

Adventures in Antwerp

Have you got a similar bucket – or wish! – list u3a group? Or do you have a dream quest that you hope to make come true?

Email: editor@u3a.org.uk, and head your email BUCKET LIST

6 u3amatters SUMMER 2025

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Wh hy we’rre walkking Cure Parkinson’s was founde ed by fourr pe eople with Parkinsson’s who felt that eriously enou ugh, inccluding Tom m Isaacs. nobody was taking a cure se In 2002, Tom set off to walk the 4,500 mile coastline of Britain over the course a year, to raise the funds that would set up Cure Parkinson’s in 2005.

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Community spirit

Hedge hopes

THOUGHTS FROM THE CHAIR

NEWS CONNECTIONS

From left, Croydon u3a members Joy Ellery, Jenny Wilson and Peter Bolingbroke

nother day, another challenge for the always active Croydon u3a. This time, members volunteered to help a local organisation, Friends of South Croydon Rec, to plant hedging around the town’s historic 8.5-acre recreation space.

“A small group of us pitched up with forks and spades to join about 25 other volunteers, and muck in – quite literally,” says chair Jenny Wilson. “We were given ‘whips’ – twig-like bare branches with sturdy roots – by the organiser of CPRE (the countryside charity), which provided the funding. These were actually a mix of hedge varieties which, we were told, is not only good for different types of wildlife, but is a sensible precaution in case one type becomes diseased.

“We were shown how to plant the mixed hedging in a sort of zig-zag line, so it will look more natural once it’s established, and given plenty of interesting tips and information. We learnt a lot, had great fun – and exercised our muscles as well!”

PHOTO: PETER ALVEY

A

Putting back the fun Chair Allan Walmsley considers the key objectives of the u3a movement

W

ith summer now here, I’ve been reflecting on all that has happened over the last 12 months or so. Introducing and winning support for the governance changes, seeking election as chair and working with a new CEO have made this quite an intense period for me, as well as for many of my colleagues and some in the wider membership. There have been numerous changes at national level, and while these have been welcomed by many, others have felt anxious and uncertain, all of which is understandable, but has created challenges at times.

Now, some nine months since the October AGM, we are past the initial stages, decisions have been made, elections have been held, and the new Board and u3a Council have started to operate in their respective areas. It’s time – for me, anyway! – to pause, take a breath, and think about what we’ve gained, and possibly what we’ve lost too.

On a personal level, I’ve had to remind myself why I joined the u3a in the first place. I didn’t become a member of my home u3a in South Birmingham to change the movement. I joined to build a social connection in my local community after many years working abroad. I signed up to various interest groups for the experience of learning from other members. I wanted to enjoy the fun of the group showcases, the Christmas party, and going out for a laugh with my Real Ale group. I believe that what we’ve done is really important for the future of our movement, but I don't want to lose sight of why I joined as a u3a member – and I know that others feel the same.

Since becoming chair, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting lots of u3as and networks in many regions and nations of the UK, and everywhere I go, I aim to make the point that while we are all here to learn, we’re also here to have fun. In my view these two facets are inseparable, and I hope all of us will remember that no matter what's going on in the movement, having fun is at least one-third of the fundamental u3a strap line of Learn, Laugh, Live. So, let’s make sure we do!

My direct email address is: allan.walmsley@u3a.org.uk Or you can contact me via: u3a.office@u3a.org.uk

SUMMER 2025 u3amatters 9

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NEWS CONNECTIONS

Making history

Stitches in time Bakewell u3a members have created an embroidery timeline that showcases their town’s long history, stitch by stitch, as member Jennifer Coffey explains

erts Group leader Gill Rob with Bakewell’s mayor

B

ack in 2020, Bakewell u3a’s Craft group were looking for another long-term project, and member Gill Roberts, who has led and organised the group for the past 25 years, came up with the idea of an embroidered timeline to illustrate the history of Bakewell, from its prehistoric roots to the present day. Gill wanted the members to create something that the people of Bakewell and the town’s many visitors could enjoy.

The result is 28 framed panels of linen and calico with crewel wool needlework, which are all the work of 30 members of the Bakewell u3a group. Some are experienced embroiderers, others complete beginners, but all have worked tirelessly on what has probably been their most challenging project to date.

A few of the members only managed a small contribution, while others worked on two or three panels, and everyone, at some stage, wondered if they hadn’t taken on a bit too much! Nevertheless, all of them agree that the finished product is both rewarding and immensely beautiful – and to everyone’s delight, the panels were unveiled in February at the town’s tourist information centre.

Sewing the seeds The group has been hugely supported by individuals and businesses in the larger Bakewell community, who created the design, raised or provided funds for the materials, paid for the stretching and framing of the linen panels, gave technical advice and encouragement, and then offered display space for the finished work. This unique project has excited much interest around the town and will be on show in the town hall

The timeline panels on display

This unique project has excited much interest around the town before probably becoming the subject of a Town Trail, with smaller groups of panels displayed in some of Bakewell’s tourist hotspots.

The embroideries will also be registered at the National Needlework Archive, which records needlework projects in the community.

The group’s other long-term project that showcases our town is the Millennium Triptych embroidery, showing some of Bakewell’s historic buildings

An appreciative

audience

and landscapes: this is on permanent display in the town’s community hub, the Medway Centre. If you’re in the area, or anywhere near Bakewell, we think our embroideries are well worth a visit!

We’d love to know of any similar creative community projects that other u3as are involved with.

Email: editor@u3a.org.uk, and head your email CREATIVE PROJECTS SUMMER 2025 u3amatters 11

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NEWS CONNECTIONS

Life lessons

WORDS OF WISDOM Pia Helena Ormerod of Dulwich London u3a is the author of novel The Fault Line. Here, she shares her thoughts BE CURIOUS

Curiosity keeps us informed. If you find a word you haven’t seen before, look it up and you might learn something exciting. If someone mentions a country you’ve never visited, spend time googling it to discover more. If you see a recipe with new ingredients, try them and you might find new favourites.

BREAK SOME RULES

At this age, we can break a few rules.

Who said you cannot wear red and purple at the same time – wear what gives you pleasure. Why not try red wine with fish – it can be a surprising delight. Sing loud and joyfully, even if you’re out of tune. And now and then, say what you really think. Others might share your views.Ŋ

SMILE AT A STRANGER

An unexpected smile creates a wonderful chain reaction. Smile at the tired girl on the check-out and wish her a happy day, and suddenly people in the queue will smile at you.

Give the delivery man a cheerful grin and he will go back and smile at the van driver. A smile is more contagious than any virus – try at least five a day.Ŋ

What are your Words of Wisdom? Send your three short and sweet thoughts and why to: editor@u3a.org.uk

Obituary

A shining star With the passing of 91-year-old Joyce Gibson of North Down & Ards u3a in December 2024, the movement has lost a truly distinguished leader and ambassador idely admired and respected, Joyce’s name entered the coveted u3a Roll of Honour in 2015, in recognition of her devoted service to North Down & Ards u3a, which she helped to establish in 1997. Beginning with just 35 members, today there are some 1,300, and it is one of the largest of 24 u3as in Northern Ireland, with around 100 groups.

Joyce chaired this u3a in its early days, becoming an honorary life member in 2013 and its president from June 2018. Even at the age of 90, after 25 years’ service, she

W

continued nued to advise group leaders leaders.

Modern languages were Joyce’s specialist field, and she helped to found and coordinate eight language classes in her u3a.

InŊaddition, she led exciting and dynamic groups in history, wine tasting, museum and art appreciation, and organised many superb trips in Ireland, the UK and abroad.

Joyce was also the National Subject Adviser for Modern Languages (2003-08) and produced a newsletter offering advice and support to UK language group leaders.

As the region’s shared learning sh coordinator for c many years, she m encouraged shared e learning projects in le other u3as and led a o number of these, n including one with in Newry u3a, at N Bagenal’s Castle B Museum in Newry, New which resulted in a popular education pack for 12to 13-year-olds.

Joyce was a committee member on u3a’s National Executive (200003) and a member of its education subcommittee (2000-03). Her achievements and experience were valued and appreciated at this national level.

Joyce, in action, was the epitome of ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’ – a star of the u3a movement who will be greatly missed.

Adrianne Brown, chair, NI Regional Executive Committee of u3asŊ(NIREC) SUMMER 2025 u3amatters 13

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The postal museum in Farringdon, London

CONNECTIONS NEWS

Look and learn

Industrial edge John Alexander of Warley u3a tells us about a fascinating group he has engineered that explores our industrial heritage hen I retired a couple of years ago, my wife encouraged me to join our local u3a and I started to attend the monthly meetings.

Having spent over 40 years as an engineer in the rail industry, I was keen to remain active, and particularly to be mentally stimulated.

What I really wanted was something which was technical, included something about engineering and industry, and could take me to interesting places to learn about the past (and a bit of the present). Having asked a few of my new friends at the u3a monthly meetings, I found there were others with similar interests.

W

Our definition of industrial heritage is very broad. Basically, it’s anything that is industrial, has technical or engineering merits, and/or is regarded as heritage or historical (and with the pace of technology today, things don’t need to be that old).

Typically, about 20 to 25 of us go on our excursions, which take place about once a month and are carefully planned to ensure there is a good mix of destinations that can be reached by public transport (or car sharing).

I don’t think we have ever failed to be surprised by what we have learnt

We all go along on our excursions with an open mind – sometimes we’re not sure that a visit even really appeals – but I don’t think we have ever failed to be surprised by what we have learnt, and of course, we have a great time in each other’s company.

Some highlights have been a trip to Canvey Island in Essex to tour the island’s museums, including the island’s transport museum (made even more special as we went there in a member’s vintage bus!). We have been on visits to three mills in Essex and east London (two wind-powered and one tidal), discovered the first independent materials testing machine – by Kirkaldy – in Southwark in London, visited a dance and theatre organ museum in St Albans, and learnt the history of gunpowder in Waltham Abbey, Woolwich and Purfleet. We also located the British Optical Association Museum behind Charing Cross station, which was so good that we’ve been twice. There are so many places to discover!

If you can’t find an existing interest group that appeals to you, think what you would like, discuss it with a few other members and then start your own! You will make new friends, learn new things, laugh a lot – and enjoy living.

The Old Operating Theatre Museum in Southwark

Our committee is very open to new groups, so I took the plunge and started our Industrial Heritage group. I had a lot of interest in the idea straight away, with several members suggesting potential places to visit, and since the group was established, we’ve been pleased to welcome members of the other two u3as in our town to join us on some of the trips.

The Kirkaldy Testing Works in Southwark, London

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CONNECTIONS NEWS

Here for you

Meet your new Council

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he new u3a Council, which gathered for the first time in April, has been established to act as a conduit between u3a members and the Trust. They will feed your thoughts, ideas and concerns into the ongoing development of the u3a movement.

“I am honoured and excited to have been given the privilege of chairing the Council,” said Sue Russell, appointed to the role by the new Board. “The Council will be actively seeking out the ideas of members and making sure that their priorities are to the fore.”

Jean Cubbin, council representative for the North East, added: “I would like to see that the Council adds value to the organisation and that members nationally will see that it represents them. I want people to care about the Council and what we are trying to achieve.”

Standing: Chris Bulford, Pat Collard, Nicky Lee, Marian Luck, Ian Mathews, Barry Appleby, Colin Luker, George Cleland, John Lewis, Kathy Clegg, David Blanchflower, Sally Ingledew, Rob Rowberry, Valerie Cobain. Seated: Gillian Russell, Susan Parker, Jenny Wilson, Sue Russell, Jean Cubbin, Jean Jackson

With many of the former regional trustees moving across to the Council, they are joined by a new cohort of elected representatives. George Cleland put himself forward for election in Scotland, having found huge satisfaction as chair of Edinburgh u3a.

“I’m excited by the opportunity of working with other Council members from across the UK to help develop a shared vision and purpose for the movement,” he said. “I also look forward to working as a representative

One step at a time

Walking the walk

for Scotland to help our u3as come together, developing a culture of mutual support, and a feeling of belonging which goes beyond just a local group or u3a.”

If you have any ideas that you think would benefit the u3a movement, make sure you know who your representatives are and get in touch.

You can find your Council representatives on the u3a website at: u3a.org.uk/u3acouncil

Member Phyllis Babb is clocking up 200 walks to ra ise essential fund s

We never cease to be impressed by the incredible challenges u3a members set themselves in order to help others. Here’s just one fantastic example t 99 years old, Phyll Babb, a member of Sarum u3a, had set herself a target of walking 100 miles for charity before her 100th birthday in July.

Walking a mile a day a few times a week around Cathedral Close in

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Salisbury, she’s already achieved 159 walks – and has now increased her target to 200.

A former Board trustee, Phyll is taking on this inspirational challenge to raise money for the Salisbury Trust for the Homeless – and has already reached

almost £10,000. You can support Phyll’s impressive challenge on her JustGiving page (b.link/JG-Phyll-Babb).

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NEWS CONNECTIONS

Planting ideas

A valuable record

Ace planning for an AI garden!

MEMORIES OF THE BLITZ

Southport u3a – renowned for its show garden success – is taking on an ambitious project this year, as chair Chris Howarth explains:

MILKMAN IMAGE: ALAMY

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helsea Flower Show launched its first Artificial Intelligence Garden in May this year, which has caused lots of lively discussion and debate.

Inspired by fascinating RHS articles on how AI will transform gardening in the future, Southport u3a are harnessing newly available and futuristic techniques to create a large technology show garden at the Southport Flower Show ( 14-17 August).

Above: Southport u3a have great plans for their unique Al garden Thirty enthusiastic gardening members Below: Member Phil Allison with discussed how AI the ambitious design was being used for commercial horticulture, research and future garden planning. We’re already using plant identification apps, for example, so we wondered, what next?

We brainstormed some rather splendid creative ideas, and as we luckily have Phil Allison on board – a retired professional garden designer who joined our u3a last year – he was able to make our design dreams a reality.

The design was submitted and accepted in April, and a nine square-metre space has been reserved for us in the main show garden area. Our garden will be called ‘Retired Gardeners do AI’, and we’ve got plenty of surprises up our sleeves to make it a winner!

BBC documentary producers are searching for those with first-hand memories of the Blitzday 7 September s we approach the A milkman delivers, 85th anniversary of despite an overnight the end of the Blitz German air raid next year, Minnow Films, an independent BAFTA award-winning production company, are working on a premium feature documentary for the BBC about this momentous time in the history of the Second World War. They would very much like to hear from u3a members who lived through it.

This is a unique opportunity to share these first-hand experiences of the Blitz, and Minnow Films would like to encourage anyone willing to share their stories – or know someone who would – to get in touch (please note that at this stage any conversations would be for research purposes only). Please contact George Grafton at george.grafton@minnowfilms.co.uk

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To read about one member’s memories of the Blitz in London’s East End, turn to Stories to Share, page 41

Remembering VE Day Many u3as and interest groups will have marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day in special ways this year – we’d love to know about your commemorations or activities for the next edition of u3a Matters.

Please send your account, in no more than 150 words – together with a good-quality photograph – to: editor@u3a.org.uk

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INTEREST PHOTOGRAPHY

Picture this!

Taking great photographs has never been easier, thanks to the brilliant capabilities of today’s phone cameras. Here’s how to make the most of yours

WORDS: SHARON PARSONS

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hen it comes to taking photographs, you might have a trusty compact camera that has done good service for many years or an impressive SLR model with all the kit and caboodle that comes with it. For many of us, though, it’s the camera on our smartphones that we’re increasingly relying on to capture special scenes, events or moments these days. Not only are phone cameras convenient, portable and user-friendly, but they mean images can immediately be edited and shared remotely. Nevertheless, often we don’t realise their full potential.

“Many people still think that the camera on their phone is somehow not a ‘real’ camera, but it is the real deal,” points out professional photographer Richard Gadsby.

“Smartphone cameras have come such a long way – these days they are so sophisticated and have fantastic features, which enable top-quality results. Once you appreciate that, you’ll quickly see what it – and you – are capable of creating.”

With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you get more from your smartphone camera. (And even if you’re still using your much-loved traditional camera, you’ll hopefully find some of the creative ideas here helpful too!)

Get familiar Take time to explore what your camera phone is capable of and experiment.

All models have comprehensive online guides that highlight features you might not even know are there and explain how to put them into practice. And a quick online search will almost always take you to a helpful YouTube video that will guide you through features to action when you’re taking the photograph, and those to employ to edit and refine it afterwards. Alternatively, ask someone more familiar with zippy smartphone technology – or, better yet, join a u3a photography group and learn together.

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PHOTOGRAPHY INTEREST

Find the light Artificial light results in harsh, unflattering results, so whenever possible seek out natural light. Even that, however, is not without caveats.

Avoid the midday sun, which creates extreme shadows (most professional photographers prefer overcast days), and if you have options, try shooting your subject in the early morning or just before sunset – the golden hour – when the light is softer and more flattering.

If you’re photographing in daylight but the subject is in shadow, using the flash may help. Conversely, at night, it rarely works well, and many photographers recommend a night mode feature instead, if your camera has one.

Too much light can be just as bad, particularly when using a smartphone camera, as it can dominate the sensor.

When indoors, make sure the light source is not behind someone, as the shot will be under-exposed.

Capturing the light can result in great images

Frame your subject carefully andŊhold the camera securely toŊavoid camera shake

Compose with C i h care Don’t just casually point your phone camera at a subject, press the button and hope for the best! Take time to really look at what’s in the frame.

Experiment with different heights and angles too: try crouching down or shooting from above rather than just at eye level, and make sure that you have framed your subject correctly: an image showing a huddle of people crammed to the edge of the frame with an empty space on the other side is never going to be pleasing to the eye. Symmetry creates a sense of balance, proportion and harmony.

Smartphone cameras have come such a long way Make the most of your smartphone’s focus feature

Stay focused!

IMAGES: GETTY / SHUTTERSTOCK / ISTOCK

Hold steady Phone cameras are highly sensitive to movement, which will result in unfocused images. To eliminate camera shake, always hold your phone with both hands, tucking your elbows firmly against your torso. You can also brace yourself against something like a wall or a table, or place the phone on a firm surface before taking the photo. You could try the self-timer or a remote shutter – this stops shaking when the shutter button is pressed.

Ensure the main subject of your photo is in focus: most smartphone cameras have touch focusing (if you touch the screen on the part of the image you want to be the focal point, the camera will adjust its focus to ensure it is sharp).

And stay focused yourself: how often do you see images of people with a telegraph pole sticking out of the top of their heads, objects in the foreground confusing the scene and obscuring a subject, or unwanted clutter or signage dominating the picture? Concentrate and consider what’s in the frame before you take it.

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INTEREST PHOTOGRAPHY

Think in thirds The rule of thirds is a traditional technique used to create interesting pictures: use the grid feature on your phone (check settings), which will divide your screen into nine equal parts to form a three-by-three grid. You then aim to place the main subject of your photo in the intersections or along the lines.

Crowd scenes

No one’s looking at the camera - but it’s stillŊa spontaneous, fun-filled shot!

Using the rule of thirds is a great composition technique

Edit with ease Most photographs will benefit from a little editing – again, this is where learning more about what your camera is capable of, and then experimenting, will pay dividends. Editing apps and tools will enable you to adjust things such as exposure (that is, how much light is in the image), colour balance (correcting unwanted colour casts), and contrast to add depth. You can also straighten and crop – a handy way of correcting that slanting horizon, or losing a stranger who had wandered into shot!

And finally... keep it clean!

If your photos look smudged or hazy, chances are the lens is dirty: a common problem because you’re constantly handling your phone, and the lens is really small. Wipe with a soft cloth regularly – don’t forget the front camera – and keep your phone in a case to protect it when not in use.

Try these tips when you’re taking group photographs: Choose the setting in advance. Think about the best place to take the shot and, if possible, avoid backgrounds that are busy or distracting. Make sure the light is as good and evenly distributed as possible, too – you don’t want half the group in shadow, for instance.

Plan properly. Tell everyone when and where you want to take the group shot, so you can rally the troops quickly when the time comes. Explain what you hope to achieve – for example, people smiling directly into the lens, or interacting with one another as if the camera isn’t even there...

Check the vision. If someone in the group can’t see you clearly, you won’t see them either, and they’ll be obscured on the image.

Adjust positions slightly, or get people to move their heads.

Obviously, if you have tall people in your picture, get them to stand at the back or even sit down. In terms of composition, try to find

a balance, so that you don’t have a lot of tall adults on one side ofŊthe frame and little children on the other... mix everyone up.

Be prepared! Have your camera set up and ready to go – it’s so frustrating for everyone otherwise. Similarly, don’t rush to click, and instead take a moment or two to frame the shot. Tell your group to relax until you’re ready – that they don’t have to smile or engage until you tell them to.

Otherwise you’ll get blinks, fixed grins or someone will have got distracted and looked away (you know those photographs!).

Make the most of burst mode.

This feature means you can take many photos in a second, dramatically improving the chances of getting the right shot of everyone (this is also really useful to try if you’re taking shots of people moving – playing a sport, for instance). Check outŊyour phone camera’s instructions and experiment withŊthis feature – it’s a gameŊchanger!

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PHOTOGRAPHY INTEREST

Creative types

‘It’s so inspiring to see how others interpret and photograph a subject’

This shot of Newark Castle - taken on a group field trip ended up on BBC’s Weather Watch!

know a lot about how their Deb Cook is the deputy camera works, but we group leader of Southwell have relative beginners joining too, u3a’s Photography group: soŊwe buddy up with one another to “There are about 17 of us in teach the basics and share tips. our group, and we meet There are so many fantastic every month for two hours in smartphone camera apps to download, the local library. At the previous for instance, which many people don’t session, we’ll have set some even know about. These really help to photography homework – a theme such edit and improve as ‘nature’ or ‘food’ – so that images. We especially members have a specific A peaceful like a free one called challenge to meet, and our still life Snapseed: it’s so easy group leader, Graeme, will from a to use and the results show the results using a group member are terrific.

PowerPoint presentation.

Sometimes we This is very informal, and it’s organise trips to so inspiring to see how other specific places such people have interpreted as beautiful gardens an idea. or interesting We also have a practical buildings, and last photography lesson where we year we all got up discuss techniques and so on. early to capture the Some members in the group stags in the early are quite experienced and

IMAGES: GETTY / ISTOCK

All in the detail

When you’re capturing a scene, consider taking more than just one photo. “Build the visual story a little more,” suggests photographer Richard Gadsby. “If you’re photographing a tree, for instance, try a variety of different angles, and go in close on the leaves or the interesting shape of the branches against the sky. A set of related pictures centred around a theme can look great displayed together.”

Try unexpected angles when you take a photograph

The same approach applies if you’re photographing people. If they’re involved in an activity, for example, try

The enthusiastic Southwell u3a Photography group

morning mist at nearby Wollaton Hall.

We experiment with interesting techniques too, such as ‘light painting’: that’s when a torch is waved around and you take photographs of the light’s movement using a long exposure – even phone cameras can capture it. The results are fascinating.

I’d recommend everyone take time to look around them and spot the potential in even the most everyday scenes or subjects. Once you’ve got your photographer’s ‘eye’ in, it’s amazing what you see.”

shooting them from different angles, or go in close on the details. “On holiday recently, I photographed a ceramicist with my smartphone. Along with the various portraits, I took detail shots ofŊhis hands shaping the clay on the wheel, and the pieces lined up ready for the kiln,” explains Richard. “It’s an effective way of telling a story, but it also makes you think much more about the importance of detail.”

There may also be a group shot Finally, for best results, try to go as of members, and some close to a subject possible: using the examples ofas their photography. zoom feature may seem an easy option, Leave space if possible but it will impact on the finished result, and the subject won’t be as sharp or defined as it should be.

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INSIGHT COMING OF AGE

Insight

Good grandfather figures are vital in our society Steve Wells, who co-runs a philosophy group at Elmbridge u3a, discusses the positive contribution older men can make

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hen I’m in the garden planting things with our grandchildren, the words of my own grandad come to mind: “This soil is so good it will grow walking sticks!” His sense of joy, hope and anarchy have had a lasting effect on my life, and that is now echoed in the pleasure I get from being a granddad myself. This, I suspect, is different from the satisfaction gained from being a grandmother.

There is abundant literature and so on about grandmothering, but there doesn’t seem to be so much about the role of grandfathers. This has prompted me to start exploring what’s going on with grandads at a time when there is much discussion about ‘toxic masculinity’ and the alienation of young men from the rest of society.

On one level, I’m learning that today’s grandads can have fun and create havoc, while having the freedom to express love and nurture youngsters in ways that complement those offered by parents and, not least, grannies. Grandads can do crazy stuff, from wild sports and cheeky storytelling to role playing – and it’s OK! In doing so, grandads may discover their fun alter ego too (when their inner Victor Meldrew might hold sway at other times!).

It must be recognised, though, that not all grandfathers can have this licence for endless fun. In today’s fragile

and pressurised world, the need for grandparents to help out is increasing – many must cover for parents who are working or studying, for instance. (And in some cultures, grandparents being left in charge of little ones is the norm.)

I’m convinced that grandads must play a vital role in bridging the generation gap Of course, not everyone is a ‘blood’ grandfather either, but that should not stand in the way of youngsters benefiting from the support that they can experience in the company of a surrogate grandad – and crossing the generation gap benefits the oldies too. I’ve come across older men who don’t have their own grandchildren but have gained a new lease of life by offering support to young people in valuable ways such as mentoring or coaching sport. I recently heard a man in his mid-60s describe the delight of taking a foster child into his family.

As we grow older, we can reflect on, and offer, valuable life experience,

knitting together past and present in a way that can be understood. Grandads can tell stories that give such vivid expression to family history... even if it’s not a child’s own family. Youngsters love hearing about ‘the olden days’, and this provides a vital sense of crossgenerational support in a very uncertain world. Most importantly, it generates a feeling of security: through giving love, children experience and learn what that is.

I’m convinced that grandads – and surrogate grandads – must play a vital role in bridging the generation gap.

I’m writing a book on the subject, interviewing older men in various situations to discover more about what it is to be ‘a grandad’, in whatever way that may be. If anyone would like to contribute, please do get in touch at: steve@wellsandcompany.co.uk

The u3a couldn’t agree more with Steve Wells’ call for good grandfather figures, but we’d also love to know what u3a members or groups (not just grandads!) are doing to engage with younger people in our society. Whether it’s a community project, a one-off local event or an ongoing initiative, do let us know!

Email: editor@u3a.org.uk

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