"This branch of the University of the Third Age is one of over 500 branches of the Third Age Trust, the national body that represents the U3A in the United Kingdom.
It caters for retired people who are looking for stimulation through the means of monthly and informal talks on all manner of subjects ranging from Travel through history and the arts to language and nature.
This last year we covered such subjects, through illustration and talk, as The River Wye, Old Churches. the history of Newtown, travels in Tibet, Art and Inspiration, the RSPB and the history and art of the Cartoon.
In addition there is the Christmas Lunch that is preceded by Members' Choice in which members volunteer to give a brief ( ten minutes or so) talk on any matter that interests them, read a story, a poem or an article of interest and this is usually rounded off with a quiz.
We meet once a month on the first Wednesday at Plas Dolerw, Milford Road, Newtown. The meetings commence around ten and finish about noon and there are, at this stage, over fifty members who attend on a regular basis.
Coffee, tea and biscuits are available at a nominal charge of 50p. Non members attending are asked to contribute £1.50 but the full year's membership fee is £12.00.
In addition to the monthly talks the membership has several smaller groups which meet at prearranged times ( to suit the group memberships) and in various members' homes.
These groups pursue subjects such as creative writing, painting, canasta, walking, the Spanish language, Rummikub, poetry , discussion and even a lunch club. Any member can elect to start up a group with sufficient enthusiasts to study any subject.
From June to October we take a break from the monthly meetings but the smaller interest groups continue to meet and in June and July we arrange Outings, by coach or car to places of interest.
Whilst the meetings aim to cater towards stimulation of the brain cells they are not an academic drudge. The purpose is always to educate and entertain."
Article by Graham Harris
