This group meets in the John Lewis third floor cafe on the 4th Friday of the month at 10.30am. It aims to discuss the latest developments in the fields of science and technology and related topics like the environment. The direction of the group will be determined by the members with everyone having an opportunity to speak and fully participate while enjoying good company in a relaxed atmosphere.

The idea is to keep the meetings informal, but with a little structure so everyone gets a chance to contribute. No technical knowledge needed – just curiosity and a cup of coffee.

It is also planned to cover smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices if there is a demand by group members. The range of topics covered could be inexhaustible.

There is a SciTech Cafe WhatsApp group where members can keep up to date with topics for discussion and post anything that may be of interest:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMUmGCrF4DCBnY8XdFLjAj?mode=gi_t

Why SciTech Cafe for the group name?

SciTech is short for Science and Technology, and Cafe describes the setting in which we talk about it.

Why hold our meetings in a cafe?

Cafes began in the 15th-century Islamic world as sober public spaces for conversation, news, and games. They spread to Europe in the 1600s, becoming “penny universities” where coffee bought access to debate, ideas, and business—helping spark institutions like stock exchanges. Over time, espresso and pastries shaped the modern café, which remains a “third space” for work, social life, and community.

SciTech Café – Plan for Friday 24th April

• A quick chat about how we organise the group and future volunteer chairs 

• Suggestions for topics that members might like to present at future meetings 

• A short Science & Technology News Round-up – bring along anything interesting you’ve seen or read recently 

• A short presentation titled ‘The Artemist Moon Mission’ followed by discussion.

If anyone would like help with smartphones, tablets, Smart Home Devices, the u3a website, or email attachments, there will be an informal help session at the end of the meeting (roughly 12–1 pm if needed).

I’ll be taking names of anyone interested in a visit to the Apple Store for a free session on iPad. (You don’t need to be an iPad user).

The presentation and other topics are posted on the groups WhatsApp page. You can join directly with this link :https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMUmGCrF4DCBnY8XdFLjAj?mode=gi_t

A PDF version of the presentation will be available here shortly before the meeting. (Scroll to the bottom of the page)