We had a very productive inaugural meeting of this new Group on Friday 14th Aug 2026 at which we discussed a large range of potential subjects to be either covered internally by members, or that we could invite guest speakers to cover.  
An initial, exciting list of possible visits to venues related to these topics was also discussed.

‘Climate Change & Sustainable Living’ was the theme of our recent Group meeting.  Group member Martin Benson delivered a well-researched  & resourced presentation which evoked thought & discussion.

Next meeting dates are:

Friday 9^th October at 1.30 p.m. at Methodist Church, Middlefield Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 9ED  – Laurence Cole on Solar Panels and AI

Friday 13^th November  at 1.30 to 3;30 p.m. Our November meeting is open to all LVu3a members so please do come along. Meeting at BARCLAY HALL (behind St Paul’s Church, Paul’s Lane, Hoddesdon, EN11 8TR)

We have a speaker from HERTS & MIDDLESEX WILDLIFE TRUST who will be talking about the varied work being carried out by the Trust workers and volunteers.
Tea, coffee and cake available from 1.15pm. ONLY £3 entry fee on the door

If you’re interested & would like further details about the Group, please get in touch with the Group Leaders.

Don’t Watch the News by Val Champney

Global warming is here to stay It's exponential the scientists say Years ago the experts said Do something now before we're dead   We'll change tomorrow was our reaction We've got time to change our actions But human greed for burning oils Took its toll, we reaped the spoils.   Now forest fires scorch the land Crops and grass are turned to sand Smoke so thick no sky to see Homes are burnt and animals flee   Animals, birds, fish in the sea None are exempt from catastrophe Ice caps melting, dead polar bears Mass extinction, nobody cares.   Heat and drought cause mass starvation We could be witnessing the death of nations Children dying, no hope to show People crying, nowhere to go.   Melting glaciers, rising seas Famine, destruction and disease Help us please the people say Whilst other humans kneel and pray.

Elsewhere on earth the weather changes Mudslides cover mountain ranges Lovely landscapes we should cherish Washed away - thousands perish   All this proof, some still don't buy it So much easier to deny it With Crypto currency to the fore All they want is more, more, more   Massive mansions, private jets Guzzling cars for oil magnets Cocktail bars and heated pool Give it up? He's no fool   Techno giants lead the way Could they save us another day Perhaps AI could save our souls If it could mend the ozone holes, Hide the sun and bring soft rain To make out planet safe again.   It's gone too far, we're far too late To change the world, to change our fate Global warming is here today Its exponential It won’t go away.