Norton Radstock U3A celebrated it’s twenty fifth anniversary year by holding a grand tea party in the Somer Centre on 12th June 2023. Nearly one hundred members enjoyed an excellent tea which had been organised by a small team of long term members, headed by life member Margaret Briggs.

Colin Tincknell OBE Chairman opened the proceedings by expressing members thanks to the organising team and everyone who had supported the event in so many different ways. 

Mr Tincknell commented that the Norton Radstock U3A was proud to have supported the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Communities and the surrounding villages by providing regular meetings and events for members over the twenty five years.

Members have the chance of meeting together in a friendly social atmosphere either at the popular monthly speaker meetings or the monthly coffee mornings. Members also can pursue existing or new skills in small interest groups meeting throughout the month, using the u3a motto of “learn, laugh and enjoy”. The Norton Radstock U3A group is one of the 1,035 U3As in the UK with nearly 400,000 members. The movement itself is forty years old having begun in France some time earlier.

During the tea party, individual tables were thoroughly entertained by Paul Praeger, a magician and a member of the Magic Circle whose presentation included variety of magic tricks for each table, with individual members helping with his act. A brilliant exhibition of skill was warmly appreciated by Paul’s audience.

A celebration cake was cut by Margaret Briggs and enjoyed by all. Margaret has organised the celebrations for our tenth, twentieth and now twenty fifth year celebrations.

U3A members now move on to the June coffee morning, held on Monday 26th June from 10.30am, and also to the July Speaker meeting on Monday 10th July at the Somer Centre from 2pm. Our Speaker Sara Hillman will talk about the Story of the Guide Dogs for the Blind and include all aspects of guide dog training. Sara will bring an experienced guide dog with her and a young puppy who will no doubt steal the show.

Enquiries about membership may be made to Colin Tincknell by telephoning 01761 413414, or by just turning up at a meeting at the Somer Centre and speaking to our Membership Secretary Ethne Dando.

Colin Tincknell