Mayor and Town Crier launch u3a celebration in Marlborough

The Mayor of Marlborough (Cllr Mark Cooper) and the Town Crier (Mike Tupman) joined members of u3a in Kennet to celebrate u3a Day on Wednesday last week (2 June).

u3a Day was celebrated up and down the country during National Volunteers’ Week and is designed to increase the profile of u3a by gaining a wider awareness and understanding of u3a in the general public.

In Marlborough, the Mayor introduced the event by praising the work of u3a in providing support and activities for people when full-time working is over. 

The Town Crier announced the event with his customary Oyez Oyez call and a bell.  With David Hammond, Chairman of u3a in Kennet and Jeff Hide, the organiser of the event, they led a parade around the High Street where they were joined by other u3a members – including the Dog Walking Group. 

Outside there was an information point on the Market together with a rolling display of Classic Cars from the Classic Car Group.  The Cycling Group rode around the High Street with advertising sashes.  Many of the 60 interest groups were represented in a Covid-secure exhibition in the Town Hall which was open all day to visitors with refreshments served. 

David Hammond, Chairman of u3a in Kennet, explained: “As we come out of lockdown, this was a wonderful opportunity to show the support which is available to everyone to make the most of life as we get older.  We all look forward to a long and healthy life. Research for the New Economics Foundation suggests five key things we can all do to help to achieve this:  connect with people around you, be active, take notice of the world around you, keep learning and get involved in activities.   u3a offers support in all these areas.  During the lockdown we have found new ways of interacting with our members and, as a result, most of our groups have continued operating.  Outdoor activities have restarted and we will increasingly be able to meet face-to-face once more.”

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