Tower and Town, December 2020

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National u3a Open Day

Despite the Covid-19 Pandemic causing the cancellation of the scheduled National u3a Day in June this year, the planning had already started and the concept of publicising our own u3a in Kennet Day is now set for Wednesday 2nd June 2021.

We have provisionally booked The Mayor, Town Crier and local celebrities to attend our special day and we began the arrangements for a representative number of our over 60 groups of varied interests to go on show to the public in Marlborough that day. Whilst the continuing and increasing dangers of the virus have now put any future plans into an uncertain state, we do hope to find ways of contending with social distancing and presenting what our groups offer. The focus will be at the Town Hall and will involve groups such as art, backgammon, birdwatching, bowls and Flora & Fauna and from the other dozens of interesting and varied groups. Outside plans to have a mobile display of classic cars, cycling, photography and music plus dog walking and wine appreciation are also envisaged. Members of groups in tabards may offer pamphlets and answer questions – at a proper social distance of course.

Members leave us and new members arrive. However, with around 3,500 adults over 50 years of age in Marlborough and over 7,000 in the wider Kennet area, we only have a small percentage of them as members. There is plenty of space for more! There is no minimum age, though the focus is on people who are no longer in full-time employment and have time to spare.

Whatever happens on a national or local basis regarding the pandemic, u3a plans to demonstrate and publicise its attractions to the general public and, hopefully, new members. We will keep you informed on our web site.

Jeff Hide is Groups Coordinator u3a in Kennet

Jeff Hide