U3A Vall Del Pop Open Day
A resounding success
By Carol Lockhart, Publicity Officer
On Thursday, October 2 the U3A Vall del Pop opened the doors of the Polivalent Centre in Murla to dozens of people from across the valley and beyond who had come to see what we are all about. Fina Roca Llacer, Alcadesa of Murla officially opened proceedings and was presented with a plant by President Bob Welham. The photograph also pictures Señor Jose Vicente Marco Mestre, Alcalde of Alcalali and Rosita Sparkes, U3A Member and a Group Leader, who acted as interpreter.
There were lots of displays 'manned' by Group Leaders and Group Members to show the many visitors the variety of interesting activities available and to gather names of potential new members. For full details of the groups available please visit our website: www.u3avalldelpop.com
In addition there are all the trips and holidays that are arranged for members by the Travel Culture and Entertainment Committee. Plus the quiz nights that raise funds for the Caritas Charity. These are always very popular and in great demand.
During the day there were many demonstrations including tai-chi, ballroom dancing, and line dancing, plus we were entertained by the casual choir and guitar group. Special thanks must go to Anne, Judith and Lynn who worked tirelessly serving refreshments all morning followed by scrumptious sandwiches and cakes at lunchtime, they deserve medals for their hard work.
We were treated to a wonderful exhibition of World War 1 memorabilia for which we must thank Glen Owen and Pat Spencer. Several U3A members also contributed to some of the items on display with pictures of grandparents and other relatives plus medals and certificates. It was very emotive and humbling to see the photographs and read all the stories and poems.
Being responsible for publicity I had put together an album and display board of all the newspaper and magazine coverage we have been given since I joined the Committee in October 2011, this created a great deal of interest and thanks must go to all the weekly newspapers, Costa Blanca News, The Post amongst others for their support and regular coverage.
Finally thanks must go in particular to Group Co-ordinator Stewart Beattie for ensuring as many as possible of the Groups were represented, to our President Bob Welham, his wife Sandra and all the rest of the Committee, Group Leaders and many members who joined in to make the day such a great success. Over 20 new members signed up to join our U3A on the day so we are obviously doing something right. If you are interested please do come to the next General Meeting on November 6 and check out the website, www.u3avalldelpop.com.