At the Norton Radstock u3a speaker meeting on 14th November members were treated to a fascinating, informative, and highly entertaining talk by Paul Barwick whose subject was the murder of Alexander Litvinenko by the Russian FBC (formally the KGB) Secret Service using the highly dangerous Polonium 210 poison.

Paul Barwick was a former MI6 Consultant and was serving in Intelligence Service SO15 when the events took place.

Mr Barwick’s talk provided a full background of the case including Litvinenko’s early years, his education and the circumstances surrounding his service in Russian Intelligence. Mr Barwick stated that this was a state sponsored murder in a Mayfair Hotel, London by two agents who were specifically sent to kill him.

The Public Enquiry in 2016 was a matter a national news. Mr Barwick referenced the Salisbury poisoning episode involving the killing of an innocent woman and other suspicious killings of Russian people living in London and the fact that the Oligarch’s now in the UK employed their own bodyguards. A brilliant talk which was warmly applauded by the members.

For the December meeting on 12th December in the Somer Centre, members will enjoy entertainment provided by Tim Lewis, a popular visitor to many community groups who will give a musical version of the Nativity Story told in verse and song. An event not to be missed in the Festive Season.

The final meeting of 2022 will be held on Monday, 19th December which will be the Coffee Morning when members will enjoy mince pies. During the morning at 11.30 am, members who have joined the u3a since Covid lockdown was lifted are invited to a “New” member meeting to learn all about the Third Age Trust, the u3a movement nationally and locally and how they can become involved in our u3a group.

The year 2023 is the Norton Radstock’s u3a 25th Anniversary and to start the celebration year in fine style, there will be a u3a concert on Thursday, 5th January at the Somer Centre organised by our member Charmain Gay who is a well-known vocalist and musical entertainer who has given several concerts to support local charities in the area. Charmain will be joined by several groups and artists at what will be an enjoyable event.

Seats for this event must be booked at meetings as numbers are restricted.

Full details of Norton Radstock u3a: u3asites.org.uk/norrad/