Party time as club celebrates 20 years
RESIDENTS with a passion for learning celebrated 20 years of expanding their minds as part of U3A.
The University of the Third Age is a group for retired and semi-retired people who want to continue and expand their educational, social and creative interests.
Members of the Macclesfield branch celebrated its 20th anniversary with a day full of activities at the Legh Arms in Adlington.
Caroline Trayes, publicity officer for the Macclesfield group, said the event was also a great opportunity for the different groups to get together, with a display from the monthly photography group and dancing led by the country dancing group, which practises on the first and third Monday of each month.
She said: “The celebratory day started with a get together, as long term and newer friends chatted over a coffee. The day concluded with country dancing led by another of the many groups which Macclesfield U3A mem- bers can belong to.”
Historian and founder member Win Greenwood also gave a presentation about the early history of Macclesfield, long before it became known as the Silk Town, before guests were entertained by magician Nick Barnes.
Long term member Andree Fry baked a cake for the special occasion, which was cut by founder members Jean Alston and Pauline Stewart.
Caroline said joining the U3A is a fantastic way to make new friends and learn in a relaxed environment.
She said: “[The U3A] is a worldwide movement, with over 1,000 clubs and getting on for half a million members in this country alone. It sounds a bit formidable but really ‘university’ only means ‘gathering’ and although we do enjoy learning new facts and skills, it’s always in a very relaxed and friendly environment.
“Groups that need tuition are taught by other club members, and fees are nearly all covered by an annual membership fee of £26.”
She added: “At the last count there were more than 40 (groups), with the latest new one likely to be croquet, starting next spring. So there’s a lot to look forward to over the next decade of the club in Macclesfield.”
Groups run by the U3A include arts and crafts, languages, social, science, sports and games, and music.
For more about the U3A and its groups, go to u3asites.org.uk