U3A in Kennet, the local branch of the national charity which encourages people past working age to develop their interests and learn new subjects together, has been celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of its foundation.
Its recent Annual General Meeting in Kennet Valley Hall featured a celebratory cake decorated with the group’s crest.
It was cut by Pam Jones, the visiting Chairman of the National U3A organisation, and Derek Robbins, who founded Kennet’s U3A branch.
Mr Robbins was proudly sporting his U3A tie – and badge. The branch he started in 1992 now has sixty interest groups.
At the AGM three new committee members were elected – Jill Turner, Ashley Hoare, and Bill Buxton.
After the meeting Jane Nicholson gave a talk about her experiences as a former senior civil servant – including some very amusing anecdotes concerning the visits of famous foreign dignitaries.
U3A has a ‘university’ of members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other, but there are no exams to pass – it is all just for pleasure. Learning is its own reward.
The national, umbrella organisation was started 30 years ago, there are now over 1,000 U3As across the UK, with thousands of interest groups between them and more than 400,000 members.
Kennet U3A can be contacted through its website.
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