Over the last sixty years, Marbella has transformed itself almost beyond recognition. Following on from previous highly successful talks for U3A International, local celebrity and broadcaster Giles Brown provides an informative, fascinating and anecdotal account of the development of this extraordinary city – along with some speculation on the future for Marbella.

In Central Europe Renaissance elements were introduced by native architects around 1510 into largely Gothic buildings, while contact with Italian trading centres, particularly Venice, inspired several examples. The Austrian Habsburgs continued the tradition of importing Italian architects as well as craftsmen and as their power increased they produced magnificent examples of the style.

The UK’s forthcoming exit from the EU means life will change. This multi-presenter talk explores Spanish taxation, retirement planning and currency management – all of which have implications for individuals in Spain. Whatever the ultimate outcome, options and alternatives exist for everyone to consider.

The brain grows exponentially depending on one’s thoughts and activities. Everyone should understand the rapidly growing field of neuroscience and increasingly astonishing knowledge regarding the ability of the brain to change and develop. Recognizing one’s ability to change the brain and its neural pathways makes it possible to also recognize that much of one’s mind and body depend on what an individual does with his/her brain.

The Battle of Trafalgar was the most comprehensive victory in naval history. It was fought between the greatest Admiral that ever lived and a combined Franco-Spanish fleet on 21 October 1805 after a campaign which began in May 1803. Nelson was killed but the enemy fleets were annihilated.

The Civil War broke out on 17th July 1936 when a group of generals attempted a coup d’état against the democratically elected Republican government. This presentation focuses on the period around February 1937 – what happened and why the battle for Málaga was not so much a pitched battle but more a massacre.

This informative and fascinating presentation explains how the present Spanish democratic system arose as well as exploring the mysteries of proportional representation and pacts. Additionally, it provides an overview of the political parties from Vox to Podemos and the Catalan Nationalists. For over 30 years, Francis Jacobson has lived in Spain and has assiduously followed Spanish politics.

While references to economics abound in daily life, many still have questions about the discipline of economics, its purpose and utility. This informative talk from Thomas Mulvey seeks to answer some of these questions and, where applicable, explore application of economic ideas to address modern-day issues.

The 1600’s architecture in Rome is dominated by two of the greatest architects of the 17th century, and a lifelong rival. The sculptor-architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the architect Francesco Borromini. A detailED description of their architectural projects will be given along the background information about their patrons. In Rome during the Baroque period the Popes were responsible for commissioning major projects, therefore the presentation will also include a timeline of the development of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.

The speaker will present his views on illness, why it occurs and how it affects the body, exploring the impacts of factors such as nutrition, contamination, lifestyle and emotions. Drawing upon his education, research and experience, Dr Manniello will provide his own explanation of steps required to enhance health, quality of life and longevity.

Paddy O’Farrell discusses his books about a village twinned with Shangri La and Brigadoon and the villagers who don’t get out much but when they do create absolute international havoc causing confusion, hilarity and heartaches. He talks about his inspirations, and the trials and tribulations of publishing.

This question can have a very simple answer: we are here because the universe is the way it is. But can science explain the extraordinary fact that the universe appears to be so spectacularly well designed for our own existence? This talk will try to outline the current approaches to this fundamental question from the physical and cosmological points of view.

This lecture concerns the early stages of Picasso’s life beginning in Malaga in 1881 and travelling to the north of Spain and then on to Paris. The presenter will explore with the audience his changing and developing style and the circumstances which will take him out of Malaga and on to the world stage.

During the reign of the Bourbon kings, specially Louis the Sun King, Louis XIV, France reaches a period of splendour known as the Classical Period.  His reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest of any monarch of a major country in European history. A detailed explanation of the uniqueness of the French Style will be given with several examples of its development which culminates in the construction of the palace of Versailles . Along with architectural information there will be references to the historical timeline of the House of Bourbon.

The history of Spain under the Habsburg kings culminating in the transition to the House of Bourbon gives Spain the special character of its architecture.  Several examples of the period in Spain and Portugal will be given with detailed explanations of the elements that make the Baroque in the Iberian Peninsula different from the rest of Europe.

……………..AND THE FUTURE OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES. Will knowledge of the head and/or the heart command most value in future? Alan Burton-Jones discusses the impacts of technological change on medical, legal and other professional jobs versus the jobs of nurses, beauticians and other personal carers – and comes up with some possibly surprising conclusions.

In this talk, author and book artist Joan Burton-Jones describes how the art and craft of book design and production is reemerging through the medium of Artists Books. These unique, personally designed and hand produced works, combine traditional and modern methods including narrative, poetry, printmaking, graphic design and bookbinding

The Stuarts were monarchs of the British Isles until the death of Queen Anne in 1714, except for the period of the Commonwealth between 1649 and 1660. During the turbulent years that led to the Restoration of the Monarchy the architectural framework of the British Isles undergoes a gradual transformation towards the Baroque Style and Palladianism.

This lecture focuses on the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a World Heritage site considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Built in four stages over 200 years, it is the prototype for most Moorish and Mudejar architecture on the peninsula and beyond.

The architectural character of Central Europe is defined by the many countries that form this vast region and their diverse political structure.  Regional differences affect the development of the Baroque architecture in this area and lead to the adaptation of Italian models to suit the idiosyncrasies of each culture.