Celebrating a decade of Beccles u3a

Sarah, Communications Secretary, shares the ways that Beccles u3a celebrated this milestone anniversary.

For the last decade, Beccles u3a members have enjoyed monthly speaker meetings, regular outings to notable places and events, and some 60 different special interest groups. There are now over 750 members actively registered, learning and laughing together.

The 10th Anniversary Celebration event marking the first decade of Beccles u3a took place on 20 November 2024. After a year of planning, it was quite a remarkable day opened by the Mayor of Beccles.

Committee Members, Group Convenors and volunteers gave freely their time and energy to support each other and host the day under the guidance of the current Chair, Pippa. Members heard how it all started from the big-hearted and visionary couple, Susan and Peter who took on the founding roles of Business Secretary and Chairman (2014-2018). They gave valuable insights into the processes involved to start up an organization and support it as it grew. Pippa concluded, “Without these original, hardworking members of the Committee, the Beccles u3a would not be where it is today”.

Members were welcomed at The Hive - Life Church in Beccles, a new venue for u3a events. Although different from the beloved Public Hall used for monthly meetings, it provided space for refreshments and socialising, separate rooms for Special Interest Groups to exhibit their activities, talents and wares and the main auditorium where the morning and afternoon programmes were staged.

The morning programme showcased Jane Hoggar, Bluebell Girl, as the speaker talking about the origins and history of cabaret in Paris with anecdotes, songs, and comedy. One of the newest special interest groups, Scottish Country Dancing also performed. In the afternoon, the Creative Writing and Singing for Fun Groups took the stage before The Lowestoft Longshore Men entertained with sea shanties from around the world.

During the programme, Pippa also took time to thank those unable to attend the celebration who were instrumental in the success of the organization, including Graham who was Chair from 2018-2022 and at the helm during the Covid 19 pandemic. Graham initiated the introduction of online Zoom meetings which were a real lifeline for many members. He also put in place a phone scheme for members to keep everyone in touch with each other during those dark days of isolation. Without these initiatives, Beccles u3a may not have survived.

The audience at the celebration comprised members from the inaugural year (2014) all the way to those whose membership cards were hot off the press. They were joined by representatives from many of the town venues used by u3a groups for their special interest group meetings. Displays, information tables and demonstrations were provided by about 25% of the special interest groups. Social groups had tables in the foyer where members were welcomed. “Busy Beads” made a special contribution to mark the 10th Anniversary; a sampler over 6000 beads was presented in a frame for all to enjoy.

Left: Cabaret meets Scottish country dancing. Right: Busy Beads anniversary artwork.

At the end of each celebration programme, a cake was raffled. The winners were Graham who generously donated his cake to the Waveney Community Centre, and Julia who shared hers with the event helpers.

Members were asked for their memories and sentiments about the first ten years. Janet recalled, “I joined Beccles u3a at its inception in 2014, which, luckily for me, coincided with my then recent retirement from work. It was good to feel, in the absence of work, a sense of belonging again.” Some were thankful for what Beccles u3a offered, especially after bereavement: “... I feel so lucky to have been able to join four groups, meet new friends, socialise and take on new challenges.” A more recent member noted, “I moved to Beccles in 2021 and joined Beccles u3a to meet new people, and I am so glad I did. It is very well run and has so much to offer.”

2025 starts on a high for Beccles u3a, and the Committee will be focusing on a volunteer recruitment drive to train fresh talent for the next decade of leadership.

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Photo credits: Sarah Emes, Rosemary Kerridge