It was a Year... ...of cancelled gigs. Ken took his “European History” class up into the 12th Century but after that, the U3A shut down before the official lockdown started, as we are all in a vulnerable group. In order not to go mad, Ken spent much of this weird year, working on more talks but, as we approach more modern times, the pace of creation is slowing, as so much more material needs sifting.
Because of the loss of the U3A, Ken started writing essays, mostly on contemporary political events, of which, there were plenty but some other personal stories etc. These went to a list of U3A members & often, stirred up much debate, all of which he recorded in his diary, which has consequently stretched to 4 volumes this year. These essays went on Facebook as well & he has collected them into a separate book but not the debate, because of the potential copyright issues.
All Ken & Avis' talks are available to any club in London that wants them.

Ken's reading list of books for the year
Surprisingly, a much shorter list than usual, because of the demands of lockdown & his being the household manager, now.

“Winter” by Ali Smith. Less strange than Autumn but insightful & funny at the same time.
“Judging Religion” by John Holroyd. Very valuable contribution.
“The Cockroach” by Iain McEwen. as in Boris Johnson. Kafka’s Metamorphosis the other way round.
“La Belle Sauvage” by Philip Pullman. First of a new trilogy about Lyra Belacqua.
“Spring” by Ali Smith. Dark-hued piece, much set in a detention centre.
“The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker. Up to her usual standard.
“The Essex Serpent” by Sarah Perry. Unusual historical novel in the 1890s.
“Lethal White” by by J K Rowling (R Galbraith). Best Strike so far & far better than the TV reduction.
“Why I'm no longer talking to White people about Race” by Remi Eddo-Lodge. Necessary reading.

Not much but much re-reading in our History library & on Wikipaedia for the U3A talks