Jenny hoped that her talk would suit those u3a members who have already visited India or have thought India to be an interesting place to see, but who may have been a little apprehensive about the many aspects of life in that continent.

Jenny’s talk included details of the usual tourist attractions in this vast country but also gave a real insight into the lives of the ordinary people living in India. There are great buildings left over from earlier colonial rule and others which have been in existence for centuries. Jenny spoke about the various customs, beliefs, and superstitions of people in the country.

Many slides showed the extremes of life in India including the huge crowds of people in narrow streets and at markets. The extremely crowded railways stations, including the difficulties in obtaining rail tickets and the buses which appeared to be vastly overcrowded holding passengers hanging on the sides. Amazing trips were taken in rick shaws travelling up mountains where buses could not go.

A thoroughly fascinating talk, via ZOOM, which was much appreciated by the large audience who demonstrated their appreciation by giving Jenny a well merited round of applause.

The original talk scheduled for this speakers meeting was about the History of Chocolate by John Gingell which was not possible due to John’s illness. It is not known if the talk can be re-scheduled at a later date. It was appreciated that our Speaker Secretary, Margaret Burdon had managed to engage such an interesting replacement speaker.

The next u3a meeting will be the monthly coffee morning which will be held, as usual, on the last Monday of the month which will be the 30th May from 10 – 12 noon.

For June, the monthly speaker meeting will be replaced by the Afternoon Tea Party on 13th June to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee where members will enjoy entertainment provided by the u3a Guitar and Uke Groups. We are also celebrating the fourtieth anniversary of the u3a movement.

Enquiries about the Norton Radstock u3a can be made to the Chairman Colin Tincknell: 01761 413414 or Secretary David Pearson: 01761 232081.

The website for the Norton Radstock u3a is: u3asites.org.uk/norrad/ where full details of the National Organisation can also be found. Colin Tincknell OBE,

Chairman Norton Radstock u3a