Henry Ford was once quoted as saying ‘history is bunk’, others have said history is the lies the present tells about the past, still others have said history is the version of events proclaimed by the winners. Dr O’Farrell would like to try at least to separate Myth from History.

The speaker will introduce some of the principles of yogic philosophy and discuss how, together with mindfulness techniques, they can be applied to a range of every day situations to help people develop happier, healthier habits and experiences. 

THIS PRESENTATION WAS OVERBOOKED LAST WEEK. ANOTHER CHANCE FOR THOSE MEMBERS WHO MISSED OUT. With one of the highest life expectancies in the world, Spain should be the place to retire blissfully. But as life expectancy increases, so does disability expectancy. Why do people expect to slouch and shorten as they age? Is there another way to stay healthy and young, no matter what age? In this second workshop Glenn Duffy explains how a healthy spine should look inside AND out. He shows how bad posture damages our health and ages folk prematurely, and how they can take control of their future health and happiness.

The transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture in Spain took place during the later years of the fifteen century and the first quarter of the sixteen. The period is dominated by a style known as Plateresque meaning ‘silversmith-style’.  It is descriptive of a taste for ornamental surface decoration with no relation to the underlying structure. The Portuguese Manueline style was contemporary with the period of Renaissance Plateresque in Spain.

Canals are a familiar sight around the countryside of Great Britain but the question is why there are so many either meandering along following the shape of the land or rising many metres through complex locks or other structures. This talk examines how canals have developed over the centuries to become the World’s First Integrated Transport System long before railways or anything else known today.

Major Controversies. Why is yet another analysis of Dunkirk needed after all the books and movies there are about it?

This presentation gives information about the risks and security of commercial flying with an on screen demonstration of what happens in a cockpit.

This presentation will set out how aircraft navigation has evolved from holding a map and peering out of the window to present day airways, ground control in high density areas around airfields and the final approach to the runway at night or in fog.The presenter, Rod Ellis, is a long term member of U3A International and has had long experience in flying helicopters and commercial planes.

MEMOIRS BY CARMELLA DIGHT. In order to whet curiosity the talk is entitled: “When Hitler visited my Home” – “What? Hitler visited her home? When, where? Some members would be questioning and doubting. Thus, in order to allay further suspense, the true title of the memoirs is “Bombshells and Butterflies” written under the real name of Karola Feld. Who is Karola? Why not Carmella Dight as known to U3A members? Further confusion would arise, which later in the book would be brought to light.

With one of the highest life expectancies in the world, Spain should be the place to retire blissfully. But as life expectancy increases, so does disability expectancy- not so blissful. This informative and fun workshop challenges the current view of ageing and health. Looking at how we were designed to age healthily, we explore the beliefs and behaviours which get the best long-term results. 

MAJOR CONTROVERSIES.Some of Britain’s rulers have been portrayed as less than wholly heterosexual, some even as practising homosexuals. How accurate is this portrayal?

A presentation by two experts on the subject: Professor O´Connor will be speaking on loss of hearing while Miguel Briales will be speaking on hearing loss and the latest technology in hearing aids including remote hearing aid programming.

Architecture in England from 1500 to 1830 did not pass through a chronological sequence of styles as found in the continental Europe. There was an initial delay in the arrival of the Renaissance which makes very difficult to identify architectural styles with specific periods.  For these reasons, several divisions based on the successive dynasties of the Royal family have been retained.

The presenter’s goal is to help people change their lives one minute at a time.“WHEN YOU MASTER YOUR EMOTIONS, YOU MASTER YOUR DESTINY!” Based on the history of people’s emotional experiences, they habitually react to the triggers of the environment 40-45% of the time unless a conscious choice has been made to recognize the patterns and to change them.

BRITISH INSTITUTIONS: An appreciation of the Uplands and Lowlands of Britain is crucial for an understanding of the histories of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and how they have interacted with each other over the years.

A fresh perspective on the perceived irreconcilable disharmony between these two great knowledge systems. The central thesis of the presentation being that paradigm shifts in science (scientific revolutions), and the concept of ‘progressive revelation’ as the theory linking all the world’s great Faiths, are almost identical processes. Illustrated with historical evidence, and a bit of fun.

THE LATEST UPDATES ON SPACE DISCOVERY PROGRAMMES: Space agencies around the world have recently invested $ billions on space and land-based observatories. It can take years to decipher, collate and interpret the data collected. What are the emerging discoveries from these programs and what is in the pipeline for further exploration? How is the resulting view of the Universe changing?

BRITISH INSTITUTIONS: An essential part of the Constitution of Britain, how it has evolved and what its present and future prospects are.

This lecture will:- set out the main features of the current system of global governance, including its strengths and weaknesses, provide a broad assessment of its achievements and failures to date, review the new threats that have arisen to the continued existence of the system, highlight some dire consequences of a breakdown of the current system and discuss reforms required to defuse current threats to its existence and to improve its longer-term effectiveness.

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.

BRITISH INSTITUTIONS: The real governance of Great Britain and how it came to be the power that it is.

A fresh perspective on the perceived irreconcilable disharmony between these two great knowledge systems. The central thesis of the presentation being that paradigm shifts in science (scientific revolutions), and the concept of ‘progressive revelation’ as the theory linking all the world’s great Faiths, are almost identical processes. Illustrated with historical evidence, and a bit of fun

For those who thought moving to Spain was a challenge, how about moving to Zambia in 1980 with 3 small kids with no idea of what to expect! Imagine moving to the middle of Africa without the benefit of internet research?  Ann Patras reveals all (well nearly all) about their escapades, which are to be found in her Africa Series books.

Pending

BRITISH INSTITUTIONS: This unique institution, how it evolved and how it kept its influence even though its religious influence has waned.

The Bowen Technique is a gentle, fast and effective therapy that works mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically to empower the body to heal itself.  Gentle and precise moves over the fascia of the muscles and the tendons of the body can help back, neck, frozen shoulder problems and much more. 

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.