The speaker programme for the rest of 2022 has been published and on 11th July the group will be entertained once again by Brad Ashton who is an international comedy script writer for TV and radio, and has worked with the likes of Bruce Forsyth and Bob Monkhouse to name but a few. Brad’s talk during the early part of the Covid lockdown via Zoom was highly entertaining and we look forward to another enjoyable presentation.

The full programme of speakers for the rest of 2022 can be found in the summer edition of the group newsletter which is now available at meetings or on request.

We do however, even at this early stage, look forward to 2023 when the group will be celebrating the 25th year of its formation. Following members suggestions for ideas on how best this 25th Anniversary could be recognised, a group of committee and non-committee members will be forming a committee to organise the celebrations.

The u3a movement itself this year is celebrating the 40th year of its formation since its introduction from France and now has well over 1,000 groups in the UK with over 400,000 members. Norton Radstock u3a is proud to have contributed to the success of the UK u3a movement with member and interest group meetings covering the wide range of members activities. The u3a’s contribution to societies wellbeing in providing for opportunities for members to meet and enjoy group meetings and subject group activities of their choice has been remarkable.

As with many similar groups, the challenge of recovering from the issues created by Covid have been huge for the u3a and the committee has been significantly exercised in firstly just keeping the group going but post lockdown re-creating the former membership base of 550.

Anyone interested in learning more about the u3a, or indeed attending a ‘taster’ meeting (u3a membership is open to anyone of any age not in full-time employment) can contact the secretary David Pearson (01761 232081) or the Chairman Colin Tincknell (01761 413414) for further information.

Colin Tincknell OBE Chairman Norton Radstock u3a