Brad was making his second presentation to the u3a group and followed up his previous talk with further anecdotes and details of his working with many of the famous comedians and celebrities during the last three decades.

Brad provided interesting aspects of working with Dave King, Orson Wells, Frankie Howard, Spike Milligan, Alfred Marks, Billy Connolly, Marty Fieldman and Bud Flannagan. Brad spoke of the rule of three which comedians follow and gave fascinating details of writing for Tommy Cooper and Ronnie Barker.

As well as being a comedy writer, Brad is also an author writing three books about his experiences travelling to seven countries, meeting people and noting the different approaches and attitudes to comedy in the various countries he visited. In all this was a very enjoyable presentation which the audience warmly appreciated.

The u3a, as well as the usual speakers meeting, where the presenter is in the hall with his audience does also use the Zoom facility. This new way of working does have its advantages in that speakers of very high quality can be engaged even if they live many miles away. U3a audiences are now used to Zoom presentations using the large screen. Zoom does also cater for those members who due to illness or incapacity are unable to get to the Somer Centre and the committee consider this to be a service and worthwhile investment to support all members.

The next u3a meeting will be the monthly Coffee Morning at the Somer Centre on Monday, 25th July when members can once again meet up and catch up with all the news. The usual 50p second hand book stall will be available for members The profits from the book stall contribute to the Chairman’s Charity which this year is Meningitis Now which supports research into this very serious illness.

Bookings for the trip to Bath Races on 31st August are now being made. Pre Covid this trip is one of the highlights of the u3a activities with much entertainment in attempting to pick winners. The day is rounded off by travelling to the Old Down Inn, Emborough to enjoy an after-race meal. Any member may bring a friend to this trip. Bookings can be made by contacting Colin Tincknell (01761 413414) to ensure a place and at the coffee morning on 25th July. Choices for the set price meal must be made at the time of booking.

Colin Tincknell, Norton Radstock u3a Chairman.