Most of my new things last year are not because of covid-19, but because I retired in November last year.

I have joined a number of U3A groups (essentially discussion groups for those typically of retirement age) and have given around 6 presentations to them, on science, computing and maths topics. I have also become the effective leader of one on philosophy, because while the formal leader is still taking part, I have the Zoom account and the provide the course material.

In the science group, a few people are from a medical background, so there have been some really interesting ones from them. A lecture on how light is used medically was especially informative. There is some really interesting exploitation of the fact that different frequencies of light penetrate the skin and underlying layers to different depths. Plus medical use of lasers, naturally.

I've also had around a dozen history lectures, many themed on the development of Southampton over the centuries. Lots to learn there...

I do miss the U3A dance groups and the choirs I joined though.