Twenty groups have been launched under U3A umbrella

In just three weeks, after their amazing launch event, the U3A movement in Arran is gaining strength at a fast pace. A total of 75 people are now fully registered members and another 20 in the process.

In all, 20 groups have already been formed and leaders are going through the process of finding venues, equipment etc and, most importantly, getting to know their members and what they want to get from each particular group in addition to the friendship, fellowship and fun that should go with all.

Monday of this week saw the start of the ballroom and Latin dancing with photography on a Thursday. Tennis has already started, as has gardening, and another five groups are due to start next week. The first groups will enjoy a wide range of subjects. In addition to those mentioned, there will be creative writing and languages (French, German and Italian).

Some people will be going on bat walks while others prefer chess, badminton, book club, philosophy, genealogy or learning the fiddle. Botanical illustration, walking for pleasure, observing wildlife or learning about archaeology, joining the lunch club – all will all be happening around Arran in the next few days and weeks. Eleven more groups require leaders and no doubt there will be many more as time goes by.

U3A, the University of the Third Age, is aimed at those who are retired or semi-retired to meet like-minded people and follow new interests or revisit old ones.

To find out about all that is on offer, be sure to come to the next monthly meeting on Tuesday February 25 in Brodick Hall at 2pm where membership cards will be available. Come and meet old friends, make new ones and chat over refreshments. New members are always welcome.