HGS U3A Monthly Talks

Our monthly talks are held at the HGS Free Church, North Square, London NW11 7AG. Doors open at 14:30, and the talk begins promptly at 15:00, concluding at 16:00. The venue is fully accessible, with disabled toilet facilities available. We look forward to welcoming you.

Group Activities

For information about regular group activities, please see the A-Z list of groups and groups listed by day.

  • Monthly Talk: Gandhi vs Churchill:  Triumph and Disaster at the End of the Raj

    Alyth North Western Reform Synagogue, London, Select, United Kingdom

    Speaker: Peter Popham, Author While Stalin and Hitler caused immense destruction, a modest Indian, defying Churchill, liberated the British Empire's crown jewel without violence. Peter Popham will examine how Gandhi achieved this, and what his legacy is today. Why was Churchill, effective in war, powerless to stop him? Peter Popham, based in London, developed a

  • New Members Tea

    Alyth North Western Reform Synagogue, London, Select, United Kingdom

    Are you new to HGS u3a or already a member? Join us for our New Members' Tea at the NW Reform Synagogue, Alyth Gardens, NW11 7EN — a friendly gathering to meet fellow members, chat with Chair Carole Spiers and group organisers Tina Stanton and Malcolm Brahams, share your thoughts, and explore group sessions. This

  • Monthly Talk: Ecuador & Galapagos: In Search of the Blue Footed Booby

    Alyth North Western Reform Synagogue, London, Select, United Kingdom

    Speaker: David Powers, Former BBC Journalist Ecuador and the Galapagos are home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including over 1,600 bird species. Keen traveller and photographer David Powers will present highlights from his recent visit, showcasing his stunning photographs of hummingbirds, spectacled bears, magnificent condors in flight, and more. One unforgettable moment was capturing

  • Monthly Talk: Good Nutrition for Older Adults

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    How to improve your memory, reduce stress, anxiety and pain, increase your energy and improve your sleep Speaker: Dr Marilyn Glenville, Nutritionist & Psychologist Discover how good nutrition can transform your health and well-being. This talk will show you practical ways to enhance your memory, reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, boost energy levels, and improve

  • Monthly Talk: Suez—A Botched Operation Caused by a Botched Operation?

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    Antony Eden, a distinguished soldier and foreign secretary succeeded Churchill as the next Conservative Prime Minister.  Yet he will be remembered for the abject diplomatic failure of Britain’s desire to retain control of the Suez Canal in 1956.  He was a sick man at the height of the Suez crisis having suffered the consequences of botched surgery.  In this

  • Monthly Talk: Charlemagne—Warrior and Architect of Europe

    A formidable warrior and devout Christian king, Charlemagne expanded his empire, relentlessly fighting to unite lands and eradicate paganism. Crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor in 801, his reign brought stability, earning him the title "Father of Europe". Despite being illiterate, he fostered a cultural and intellectual revival—the Carolingian Renaissance—establishing a renowned court, promoting education,

  • 2025 Annual General Meeting

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    Notice is hereby given that the 8th Annual General Meeting of HGS u3a will be held on Thursday 24 July at 10.30 am at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Free Church, North Square, NW11 7AG. We need at least 10% of the members to attend to constitute a quorum. If the meeting is not quorate, matters

  • 2025 Open Day

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    Discover the world of learning and friendship at HGS u3a. Come along and find out about the more than 60 activities we offer, including book groups, bridge, climate emergency, cycling, current affairs, history, monthly talks, music, table tennis, walking, social events, yoga, and unforgettable outings. All for a small annual subscription.

  • Monthly Talk: Staying Safe in Today’s World

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    Join a member of the local police team for a practical and informative session designed especially for older adults. The talk will cover how to stay safe at home, when out and about, and online. Topics include how to spot and avoid common scams, fraud prevention, home security tips, personal safety, recognising and reporting suspicious

  • New Members Meeting

    Are you new to HGS u3a or already a member? Join us for our New Members' Meeting at the HGS Free Church, North Square, London NW11 7AG — a friendly gathering to meet fellow members, chat with Chair Carole Spiers and group organisers Tina Stanton and Malcolm Brahams, share your thoughts, and explore group sessions.

  • Monthly Talk: Climate Change—What’s Next?

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    Climate change continues to accelerate, and while the solutions are clear—reducing fossil fuel use, eating less meat, and consuming less—progress remains insufficient. The vision of a low-carbon society with energy-efficient homes, renewable energy, and sustainable lifestyles has yet to be realized. Addressing climate change requires strong national and international action, ensuring benefits are shared, especially

  • Monthly Talk: George Gershwin—Bridging Jazz and Classical Genius

    HGS Free Church North Square, London

    George Gershwin (1898–1937) was a musical genius of the 20th century who seamlessly blended classical music with the rhythms of jazz. A prolific composer, conductor, and pianist, he created over 500 songs with his lyricist brother Ira, contributing to iconic films and musicals such as A Star is Born and An American in Paris. His