u3a day celebrations

More u3as share how they spent our first ever national u3a day on 2 June.

2 June 2021 was the first ever national u3a day - a day for u3as to celebrate the movement. Below, u3as share some of the ways they marked the occasion.

Great Glen u3a

"The weather favoured us and the sun beat down as the committee and a helper set up our tables and display outside the Sports Hall. The posters with clues were already up around the village and maps showing the route to the 20 sites of the trail plus recording sheets waited on the tables.

Leaflets were prepared and volunteer members had already delivered them to every Great Glen household. On the day, competitors responding to the Treasure Trail included a spectrum from grandchildren with grandparents through currently unemployed to retired individuals. It produced an encouraging number of enquiries about joining.

A draw followed from the correct answers to the Treasure Trail and the lucky winners will partake of an afternoon tea at our favourite cafe in the centre of the village." - Elaine, Great Glen u3a

Cheshunt u3a

Cheshunt u3a had a gazebo and display at a local shopping centre which was very busy on the day. Well supported by the committee who were there. One highlight of the day was a visit from a member of the Dave Clark 5 Band.

Broxbourne u3a

Broxbourne had a stall on Hoddesdon High Street on 2nd June. It was in a brilliant position and the area surrounding them was very busy. The banner photographed here was originally made in 2003 by Broxbourne u3a's Craft Group and has been updated twice, most recently in 2020, so that it now represents all 56 of their interest groups.

Buntingford u3a

Buntingford u3a held an afternoon picnic in a local garden open to the public, bring your own food and chair. Beautiful surroundings, everyone in the shade of a huge tree, lovely relaxed atmosphere.

Aylsham & District u3a

"Aylsham & District had our u3a Day on Saturday 5 June. We had a stall at our Farmer’s Market. Our gazebo was up and we had committee members, group leaders and a member talking to the people of Aylsham. Our membership Secretary ended up with 11 names requesting a membership form and many taking our leaflet saying that they will look at our web site.  A member also took two small groups on a short historical walk around the town centre. It was lovely to see many members face to face." - Jean, Aylsham & District u3a

Fleet u3a 

"Members of Fleet and District u3a turned out in blue and yellow for the first ever national u3a day. I saw a handmade yellow flower brooch, a chap in a yellow tee-shirt and a blue tie and lots of yellow and blue scarves draped artistically around necks and even tied on a blue wheelchair.

It was great to chat with everyone who called at our stall. Isn’t it wonderful to see people in real life again? In fact, one or two committee members had never met until yesterday. It was a bit odd to see them below the shoulders having established good friendly relationships exclusively through Zoom.

I did severa‘ ‘walkab’uts’ to see the dioramas created by some groups and displayed in shop windows. Appreciation and thanks must go to Adrian Van Klaveren and his team who did all the hard work in planning and organising the event and to the Hart Centre and local shops and businesses for supporting us." Paddy, Fleet u3a

Islington u3a

Islington u3a had a varied schedule, with Zoom events including a Coffee morning, Zoom Birdwatching quiz, as well as a petanque demonstration.

Great Oakley and District u3a Day 

"We had an open day at Corby Heritage Centre. Our event was well publicised by Corby FM Radio, and the Northants Evening Telegraph. We had display boards highlighting the work of some of our groups including photography, art, writing and history and a table of items produced by our craft group. We had a PowerPoint presentation running continuously throughout the Day highlighting the work of our u3a, and a rolling program of members playing ukulele just outside the entrance completed the setup. The event was very successful and as a result have managed to recruit a number of new members." - Phil, Great Oakley and District u3a

Parbold, Newburgh & District u3a

"Our event was a treasure hunt which took place on Sunday 6 June 2021 - it was open to small groups, grandparents and families with children; the majority booked in by phone and were given a time slot to prevent overcrowding. 

Our small Recruitment and Publicity subcommittee organised and publicised this, working on the planning of the route and quiz questions. Paper bags with u3a stickers on the outside were given out with the printed routes, quiz and u3a leaflets inside.

This has been well publicised by us in local newspapers, magazines, Facebook, and using posters and leaflets, as well as e-mail and post to our members. We were very lucky, as it was a beautiful day and we felt that the day was a success and we have several new potential members as a result." - Pam, Parbold, Newburgh & District u3a

Find out more about u3a day 2021, including more stories from u3as, on our website.