The u3a is simply an opportunity for retired and semi-retired people to come together to share activities, widen their horizons, learn new skills and make new friends.
In September 2021, having been retired for a while and more recently widowed, I decided to join the Calverton and District u3a. The horrors of Covid were receding and we were prepared to mix in large groups again. I opted to join the Garden Group and at the very first meeting I tentatively put my name down to travel to Holland the following year to visit a Gardening Expo called Floriade which only occurs every ten years, something I really wanted to do but would never have contemplated on my own. It was the best thing I could have done.
The Calverton u3a offers a wide range of activities. Creative groups such as Art, Craft, Writing for Fun, Photography for Fun. Or you can exercise the brain with Bridge for Beginners, French Conversation, Quiz Group, Games group, Reading group and Social History.
For those who want to be more physically active there is Carpet Bowls, Badminton, Table Tennis, several walking groups and most recently Pickleball, which I understand has taken the US by storm and is becoming very popular over here. We also have Ukulele for beginners and the Song and Story Group.
Eating and drinking plays a very large part in the u3a, hence the Lunch Club, International Dining, Coffee and Chat and Wine tasting. We also include a group called Grumpy Old Men! I don’t know what they do, I guess they like letting off steam on topics from politics to potholes but I’m not entirely sure.
What I am sure about, for the current 176 members of Calverton and District u3a there is every opportunity for fun, new friendships and increased well-being whichever groups you join. There is plenty of room for more members, costs are kept to a minimum according to the group and you can attend as often or as little as you wish, or as time allows.
Finally, did we get to Holland? YES we did and we had a whale of a time. We’ve also visited a number of gardens, Garden Shows and enjoyed afternoon teas. Have we learnt a lot about gardening? Yes, but just as importantly, we’ve also learnt a lot about each other and enjoyed a lot of laughs along the way.
And that is what the u3a is all about whichever groups you join.
LEARN • LAUGH • LIVE
Anyone wishing to join CAD u3a or find out more, contact Pat Hand on Tel 0115 9654611 or visit the website at: www.calvertonu3a.co.uk.
You could come to a General Meeting in Calverton Village Hall every second Wednesday in the month. You’ll be made to feel very welcome.
Written by Gayle Careless