Meeting Calendar

Monthly Meetings are the regular meeting point for all our u3a members. Usually we have a guest speaker with an opportunity for a Q & A after.

In this area you will also find details of meetings by Ayr u3a groups that are open to all Ayr u3a members.

SubjectThe Tornado and the wall of death.
Date 17th September 2026 at 2pm
SpeakerPaul Marshall
VenueNorth Hall, Castlehill Church, Ayr

The Tornado and the wall of death.

Paul describes himself as a one time marine engineer and a long time lover of travel. Always interested in food and machines but not at the same time. How does it work, don’t know, well let’s take it apart. Do you know what you’re doing? What’s that got to do with it?

SubjectAyr Choral Union : Celebrating 150 years of making music 1876 - 2026
Date 15th October 2026 at 2pm
SpeakerMargaret Crankshaw
VenueCastlehill Church, North Hall

 
Despite having choral roots at school in Falkirk, Ayr Choral Union rehearsals are where I have spent Tuesday evenings  (happily) since 1979. In 2012, our excellent Archivist, Ronnie Brash, retired from the post. It became obvious  that we had a treasure trove of an archive but nowhere obvious to keep it temporarily. My husband's wardrobe was pressed into service and since I was "winding down" from work and could claim two history degrees,  I signed up to sort  out the archive, which led to a book being put together for our 140th anniversary. We have now reached our 150th anniversary and major celebrations are planned starting with Handel's  Messiah  in October and an Exhibition of the Archive in the MacLaurin Galleries opening on 8th November.
SubjectThe Canine - Human Bond
Date 19th November 2026 at 2pm
SpeakerFrank Whitecross
VenueCastlehill Church, North Hall, Ayr

The relationship between Canines and Humans is one of the oldest and most profound inter species partnerships. In considering how we came to share our homes with this prehistoric predator I will look at our shared history, the different breeds that were developed and the service that dogs provide.  

I have had the pleasure of being a police dog handler and instructor for over 23 years. I have handled German Shepherds for general purpose work and a Labrador and Border Collie for specialist detection duties. Retiring in 2001 I reside in Doonfoot with my pet German Shepherd and my wife.