University of the Third Age

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The U3A for Marple Bridge have now set up their own web site at www.u3amarplebridge.org.uk

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UPDATE INFORMATION ON NEW MARPLE BRIDGE AND MELLOR U3A

Enormous enthusiasm resulted from the first meeting of the Marple Bridge and Mellor U3A (University of the 3rd Age). A capacity crowd filled Jubilee Methodist Church on Tuesday 20th January.  The group heard short presentations from Kath Taylor who has set up several U3A's in the area over the last few years; Anne Edwards, the first chairman at Marple U3A, Ken Sharpe, the Greater Manchester organiser; and Mike Long, Development Officer from the National Office.

Those interested in joining the group filled out application forms and paid the annual fee of £7.50.  They also chose options of small groups that they might be interested in joining.  Many new members offered their services as group leaders for the small groups.  The plan for the next general meeting on Tuesday, 17th of February, to be held at Jubilee Methodist Church, 10 a.m., is for the small groups to get together with the leaders to make decisions about where and when the new groups will meet.

Also at the next meeting, suggestions will be put forward for the members of the committee and the group will get a chance to vote. Those who came to the first meeting were asked if they would like to be considered for the committee and several put their names forward.

Some groups are formed by combining several U3A's.  Among these are Dancing, Beginners Bridge and the Matinee Theatre Group.  Those who joined the new group were given the opportunity to sign on for these groups. The numbers involved were very encouraging.

Some of the groups that are likely to be formed in the near future are: Painting, Creative Writing, Bridge for Players, Computing and Web Page Design, Play Reading and Drama, Literature, Gardening, Walking and Travel/ Holidays.  This list is not complete as there has not yet been a chance to get details from all the forms. Other groups may well form at the next meeting even without a group leader - and those involved might take turns to lead the group.

If anyone missed out on joining or would like more information, contact Jean Day on 0161 427 4149, or email j.day@which.net

Posted on behalf of Jean Day - Marple Bridge & Mellor UDA

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There is going to be a new branch of the U3A  (University of the Third Age) for Marple Bridge and Mellor.

The introductory meeting will be held on Tuesday January 20th from 10-12 at the Jubilee Methodist Church, Compstall Road, Marple Bridge. This meeting is free. There will be an annual charge for membership which will be somewhere between £5 and £8. Charges for belonging to the small groups vary depending on the cost of accommodation (if necessary - many groups meet in each other's houses) and for refreshments.

The U3A is an organisation for over 50's who wish to get together to share educational experiences. There are already branches locally in Marple, High Lane and Romiley.

The idea is to get together to share knowledge, experience and skills in enjoyment of learning. There will be a monthly meeting for the whole group, which usually has a guest speaker.  And then members form small groups from their special interest areas.  Group leaders are volunteers.

Groups likely to be formed for the new U3A include Bridge, Creative Writing, Dancing, Theatre Matinees, Computing, Literature, Languages, Walking, Gardening, and many others.

If you wish to know more, you can contact Kath on 427 0131, Ann on 427 1475 or email Jean Day on j.day@which.net