u3as celebrate anniversaries

Many u3as have been celebrating milestones lately. Woking Area u3a, Wells u3a, Clitheroe u3a and Callington u3a share how they marked the occasion.

Woking Area u3a

Written by Barbara

Woking Area u3a are planning a number of events over the year to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

The first of these was to launch Woking Councils Summer Sounds season by performing in  the bandstand in the park. It was a lovely sunny afternoon on Saturday 24 June when four of their activity groups participated – Hootenanny, Ukelele, Singing for Fun, and Movement and Exercise to Music.

The groups were on stage for two hours displaying what their groups are all about and attracted a large crowd. It was good to see so many performers in their blue T Shirts with their logo specially purchased for the occasion. Everyone, both performers and the audience, enjoyed themselves and had fun.

Wells u3a

Written by Sue and Ann

Wells u3a recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary.

It was started all those years ago by Rosie Lean, who felt there was a need for such an organisation in Wells at the time. After some research and advice from the Third Age Trust, the national representative body of the organisation, she set up several interest groups which have now expanded into 55 groups. Initially the membership numbers were small but at the last count have risen around 700.

Wells u3a were delighted to welcome Rosie and her husband Peter to join 70 guests for the celebratory lunch held in Wells Town Hall. Other guests included the Deputy Mayor, Jasmine Browne, accompanied by Diana Browne, Virginia Nasmyth, a life member, current Chair, Sue Revell, and previous chairs, Anne Walsh Waring and Fran Elkin. Wells Mayor, Tanys Pullin called in to give her best wishes to Wells u3a.

Guests arrived to melodies played by the Making Music group and enjoyed a glass of Prosecco before Sue Revell welcomed everyone to the lunch. Jasmine Browne remarked in her speech how many people in Wells had benefited over the years from u3a. Everyone then settled down to enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch with a drink of their choice. During the meal the very adapt conjurer The Great Baldini, mingled amongst the tables amazing the guests with his tricks. The celebration cake was formally cut by Rosie Lean and enjoyed by all the guests with a cup of coffee while they watched and participated in a full performance by the amazing magician.

Roll on the next 30 years.

 Clitheroe u3a

Written by Chair, Marjorie 

Afternoon tea with entertainment was enjoyed by the local Mayor & Mayoress, Neil Stevenson, founder
members and 157 Clitheroe u3a members.

A memorable afternoon for all.

Looking forward to the next 25 years.

Callington u3a

Written by Ann

 Callington u3a recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary.

The morning was spent reminiscing over the last 20 years with some of our amazing founder members who had the inspiration, 20 years ago, to start up our fabulous Callington u3a.

We heard about the history from Michael Farr, who was on the Steering Committee in 2003 and who was our first Vice Chair, and Phil Rowland, who led the first walking group in 2003 and spoke about his favourite walks. Judy Foweraker and Lucy Thomas displayed some very interesting documents and photographs from the early days. Lucy, who produced and edited the first Newsletters, had the first newsletters on display - which made for a fascinating read!

Callington u3a started with about 19 groups which covered a vast range of skills and interests from computer skills to walking groups. Today we have 25 groups of which many are original and still going strong with three walking groups now to cater for the energy levels of our members.

Many happy memories were shared with older and newer members as they all took part in a quiz based on 2003, a Capitals of Europe and a 'Riddle Me This, Riddle me that' quiz. The morning was rounded off with the Anniversary cake being cut by Lucy Thomas and Judy Foweraker and shared with more coffee and tea. It was wonderful to see so many members, new members and founder members all celebrating together!!