Plans for the event, which are still being developed, will include socially distanced street and beach cleans, a ‘readathon’, recipe book, and café crawl; as well as a French conversation taster, local history talk, and visual wine tasting using Zoom. Organisers are hoping to have a presence in local libraries and community centres for those wanting to find out more about the u3a movement.
The u3Aas strapline – Learn, laugh, live, with its distinctive brand – will feature loud and large to promote the day of activities with invitations to come and find out more about why semi- and fully retired people should give membership a go.
Wigtownshire Chair Gill Hay said: “Wigtownshire u3a started in 2008 and now has nearly 200 members who enjoy a wide range of activities for just a modest annual sum. We are proud to say that we make a difference to the lives of many semi-retired and retired people who can rediscover old interests, find completely new ones – and make friends in the process. We have more than 20 interest groups ranging from art to astronomy, philosophy to practical gardening, table tennis to textiles, where members learn from one another in a very informal way.
“The focus of the U3A is not on academic qualifications but on sharing interests with like-minded people. It is becoming recognised as a valuable resource for combatting the loneliness many people find in their advancing years as well as giving people a renewed sense of purpose when they have more time to devote to themselves.
“We are conscious that we’ve been hiding our light under a bushel for far too long, so National u3a Day on 2rd June 2021 is going to mark the start of our determination to raise the bar for the organisation and show the great contribution it makes to society.
The event is part funded by a grant provided by Killgallioch Community Benefit Fund administered by Foundation Scotland. For more information contact Lesley Miller email [email protected] or telephone 01988 402318 or visit www.wigtownshireu3a.org.uk
