Page 10 - Jigsaw May 2019

Thrapston U3A .........................................................................................
Have you heard about the U3A? No? Then carry on reading...
Well, let me tell you a little more about the U3A generally, and specifically about our local branch.
The U3A is a national organisation which has around 424,000 members across 1035 branches in the UK and is for anyone who
is no longer in fulltime employment. It is
an organisation which promotes social, physical and learning pursuits with the sole aim of providing stimulus and enjoyment: learning is for pleasure and there are no exams or qualifications. All activities are run for members by members, sharing their experience, skills and enthusiasm. There are also no paid tutors.
Our Thrapston and District Branch was founded in May 2012 and is now a registered charity with over 310 members. We hold monthly meetings in the Plaza Community Centre on the third Friday of the month starting at 10.30am with tea, coffee and biscuits. It is an opportunity for members
to get together and to hear passionate speakers on a vast range of topics.
in members’ homes. Examples of the interest groups include: languages, creative writing, science and technology, creative groups including lace making and stitchers, physical groups including cycling, walks, table tennis, bowling, line dancing and Tai Chi. This is merely a sample of what is on offer and we are keen to set up groups that our members tell us about.
We hold several social events including
a Summer Party and a Christmas Event, organised by a dedicated group of members.
Other members arrange theatre trips and outings for us. Here are some of our upcoming outings in 2019:
• 9 May - Gates Garden Centre and Farm
Visit
• 26 June - Tour of Peckover House and
Elgoods Brewery, Wisbech
• 28 June - Network Outing to Lamport Hall • 3 July - Annie at Milton Keynes Theatre
• 11 September - Grease at Leicester
Curve Theatre
Upcoming topics include:
A tribute to Les Dawson
You’re never too old to Rock & Roll Love Me Tender, a biography of Elvis Fotheringhay & The House of York
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We have about 40 ‘interest’ groups who meet at weekly, fortnightly or monthly intervals at a variety of locations, sometimes
10
.