North Cotswold University of the Third Age - u3a

We first start to learn at home and then at pre school followed by school further education and work but it doesn't stop there. We carry on with life long learning. The u3a is a national organisation to help you carry on enjoying learning. You can join a local group here which is called the North Cotswold u3a. Just click the links in blue. Members form interest groups which cover a wide range of topics. No qualifications are offered, learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive. Take a look at the website and find out what you could enjoy doing.
We are local people like you living in the North Cotswolds. Begun in 1996 we have grown to currently to 30 interest groups and just over 300 members.

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For more comprehensive information do visit the North Cotswold u3a Website.

Monthly Open Meetings are held at Willersey Village Hall on the second Thursday of each month starting at 2.00pm and usually finishing by 4.00pm. You usually pay £2 entry fee. There are over 30 special interest groups who hold their own meetings at various village halls within the area and at members homes. Meetings are usually held during the day.

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North Cotswold u3a celebrated Silver Anniversary

In September 1996, after several months of preparatory work, the North Cotswold u3a was launched. The prime movers were residents of Willersey, Penny Ingles and Doreen and John Busbridge. Initially, there were about 20 people involved, but, by the end of the first year membership had grown to around 100, with a wide range of activities, including Art Appreciation, Madrigals and Bell Ringing. Many of the founders established groups that are still running today.
Willersey residents have also been prominent in leadership roles, whether on the committee or in running groups. Willersey Village hall quickly became established as a popular venue for meetings, and to this day, it is by far, the most important meeting place.

The North Cotswold u3a has been blessed with having a core of members who have given sterling service over very many years: apart from the founder members, Diana Lucas, Phyllis and Alan Andrews and many others have given decades of service. Over the years, and thanks to the work of successive committees and group leaders, membership grew to a peak of 415 in 2019 pre-lockdown with over 30 activity groups ranging from science to skittles. As with most other u3a branches, the pandemic led to a fall in membership and currently our membership is just over 300, though with the same number of activity groups as before.

Covid concerns meant that it was not possible to celebrate on the exact anniversary, so both events took place in December. Given the origins of North Cotswold u3a, it was felt appropriate that the two celebratory events should take place in Willersey. On December 2^nd a lunch was held at Willersey Village Hall, with Penny Ingles and John Busbridge among the guests of honour. The need for safe spacing meant that attendance was restricted to 62, but all present enjoyed a fine 2 course meal followed by a quiz from regular quizmaster, Keith Horden, a former committee Chair and stalwart of our u3a. A thoroughly enjoyable occasion! Beautiful table decorations were provided by long-term member, Mary Burfitt.

Willersey Parish Council gave us permission to plant a commemorative tree on the village green. On December 20^th a Liquidambar tree was planted in a short ceremony attended by about 30 people despite the cold, damp weather. The formal planting was led by Penny Ingles and John Busbridge followed by other long-standing members.

Membership of the u3a is open to anyone who is no longer in full-time employment; so why not join us ? The ambition of the u3a movement is that members should LEARN, LAUGH and LIVE in a congenial, stimulating environment. We have groups covering a wide range of activities from Food to French conversation, from Science to Skittles and you will be assured of a warm welcome. To find out more contact our Membership Secretary, Liz Reeves E mail: lizreeves17@gmail.com for an information pack and membership form.

   

Our members are drawn from towns as far apart as Shipston on Stour, Blockley, Moreton in Marsh, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Evesham, Stow on the Wold, Winchcombe and the many villages within this area. We also welcome members from outside our immediate catchment area. As a u3a, we are not large but we have approximately just over 300 members who belong to about 30 groups. We are very friendly and, with our size (or lack of it) it is almost possible to know everybody in all the groups.