U3A Newsletter No 31

FRIDAY 14 AUGUST  at 10 am in the Catholic Church Hall

The evolution of human intelligence, and the challenge of solving the environmental crisis

by Mike Bruton

Several factors have contributed to the development of human intelligence, including manual dexterity, walking on two legs, the controlled use of fire, a carnivorous diet, sociality, prolonged childcare, music, language, and passing accumulated knowledge onto the next generation. Today, human intelligence and tools dominate the planet but, in doing so, we have caused an environmental crisis. Will we be able to use our intelligence to solve this crisis?

TUESDAY 18 AUGUST at 10 am in the Catholic Church Hall

“The 1825 Slave Rebellion ON THE FARM HOUDENBEK at the Cape”

by Professor Hannes v.d. Merwe

This in the intriguing tale of a tragic historical event in the Koue Bokkeveld region of the Cape that punctuated the end of slavery as a local phenomenon. The author of the book HOUDENBEK 200, a direct descendant of the event victims, provides a nuanced, detailed description of the local existential challenges during a time and in a place where cultures clashed in a challenging physical environment. Events are related as they unfolded, as well as the subsequent ideology-infused narratives that inform our current society.

FRIDAY 21 AUGUST  at 10 am in the Catholic Church Hall

Words That Sing and Music That Speaks

by Hendrik Hofmeyr

Composer Hendrik Hofmeyr takes us on a guided journey into his award-winning setting for voice and orchestra of Yeats' Byzantium, an opulent and evocative paean to the transformative power of art.

NOTICE OF BOOK FESTIVAL IN SOMERSET WEST

U3A members IN THE 2026 INDIE AUTHORS RISE UP BOOK FESTIVAL  from 14 to 23 August

Sat 15 Aug at Flagstone: Ghosts and Folklore - Shiloh Noone.

Sun 23 Aug at Imibala:    Writing in your 70’s and 80’s - Jillian Reilly interviews Penny Charteris, Ken McLachlan and others.

Sun 23 Aug at Imibala: Indie Stemme Ruk Op - Dr Annelie Rabie interviews Hennie Greeff and Stefan Schutte.

Angela Heslop has also participated in a previous book festival and this year she has submitted a short story for a national U3A writing project.

U3A members who wish to participate in the 2027 book festival can contact the organiser on info@indieauthorsriseup.co.za