Norton Radstock U3A opened their 2023 programme with a special concert held on 5th January at the Somer Centre in Midsomer Norton to celebrate the start of the New Year.

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the U3A group in Norton Radstock, and was also celebrated on the night.

The u3a concert, which attracted a full house, proved a remarkable success thanks to our member Chairman Gay who produced and directed the programme, involving a full range of artists who were all members of the u3as - fulfilling the u3a principle of members by creating their own enjoyment through learning, laughing, and living by corporate or individual involvement.

The concert was opened by a session from the U3A Crazy for Uke group which was started by their leader Sue Green and now includes fourteen members. The programme included a rage of popular songs which the audience were invited to join in with singing along.

The next act was presented by the popular Dave Stock, who needed no introduction, as he has played in local bands for many years. The session including many hits from the 1970s and 1980s which was warmly received by an enthusiastic audience.

The next artists were the u3a Recorder Ensemble led by Noel Avis which was only formed a few months ago. They provided a really attractive programme of classical and popular tunes. This session was a revelation to members in its quality and range of recorder skills.

The final act of the first half was presented by Ray and His Minstrels, who are all part of the Singing Guitars Group but had been nominated to perform a few numbers on their own with the enthusiastic support of the lady members of the group in the audience.

The first act after the break was Chairman Gay herself who has been singing for many years as a semi-professional. Chairman gave a really polished performance including many of the hits she has recorded over the years. Chairman was warmly thanked for her contribution to the concert.

Charmain followed her own performance by introducing five lady members of the Signing Guitars who with Charmain provided a range of popular songs which was a joy to listen to and received with much applause.

The final act was Charmain leading the Signing Guitars Group. This group have provided several concerts in the district raising considerable funds for Charities including the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. The Singing Guitars proved once again how popular they are.

The concert concluded by the audience singing the Last Night of the Proms favourites Land of Hope and Glory finishing with the National Anthem.

At the end of the afternoon u3a Chairman Colin Tincknell thanked all the performers, including Kim Gay who was responsible for the acoustics, the u3a members who had supported the event, and those who had attended.