u3a Kennet launch new branding and recruitment drive

A new national u3a branding and recruitment campaign was unveiled at u3a Kennet’s virtual Annual General Meeting this month.

“The aim now,” said Chairman David Hammond, “is to better tell our story to a new audience and show that we have something exciting for all people no longer in full time employment.  That this is a whole new chapter in their lives, and not the epilogue.”

The University of the Third Age(u3a) is a UK movement formed nearly 40 years ago. It brings people together to explore new ideas, interests and activities in a friendly and informal environment. u3a in Kennet was launched in 1992 and includes Marlborough and the surrounding villages.  With around 600 members, it offers over 60 interest groups.

u3a Kennet would like to encourage more people to join them. David Hammond explained, “In particular, we are looking for younger members, perhaps even in their fifties, who may be newly retired or working part-time and who are seeking to share their own skills and interests.

Our current activity groups, range from languages, history, discussion, books, art, photography, music, poetry and philosophy. There are also outdoor activity groups including cycling and several walking groups.

Our new visual identity and publicity campaign is designed to help attract this next generation of members. This follows extensive consultation and research which has shown a serious shortfall in public awareness of who or what we are.”

In spite of the difficulties caused by restrictions on face-to-face meetings, u3a in Kennet has continued to thrive this year with the majority of its interest groups continuing to operate – using Zoom, telephone conferencing and some limited outdoor activities.

“It is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our group leaders in making sure that we continue to support our members during these difficult times,” said David.  “The vast majority of our members have renewed their subscriptions for the coming year and look forward to our many activities – including new groups which have started during the lockdown.”

For the 90 members attending the AGM, the meeting finished with a presentation entitled Antarctic Lockdown by former chairman, Peter Noble, about his experience as part of the British Antarctic Survey in the 1960s.

If you would like to join u3a Kennet contact David Hammond on 07798 763795 and/or visit the website here