u3a – Learn, Laugh, Live

On Wednesday 2nd June 2021, about a thousand people in Chester will be joining many others around the country to celebrate the first ever national u3a day.

They’re eager to show the amazing and diverse things that u3a members get up to and to challenge preconceptions of what being an older adult means.

The u3a is a nationwide network of learning groups that is run by and for its members. Their aim is to help each other make the most of life once they’re no longer in full time work, by exploring new ideas, skills and interests in a friendly environment. It's learning for fun, not with the aim of gaining qualifications, which is where the strap line Learn, Laugh, Live comes in.

In Chester alone, despite restrictions caused by the pandemic, the monthly talks have gone ahead online, along with many of the ninety-ish interest groups which range from Ambling to Wine Appreciation by way of Arts and Crafts; History and Languages; Mind Games and Music; not to mention things like New Experiences, Story Telling, Psychology and Ukuleles. And the groups are not limited by a need to meet in person, as new groups have been started on Zoom over the last year.

To raise awareness, Chester u3a will be issuing a bumper edition of its monthly news sheet, Chester Times: brimful of articles, retrospectives, puzzles, tips and hints, photos and links. Members will be encouraged to forward details of this to non-member friends, though it can be accessed by visiting the Chester u3a website. That’s also where you can find more information and join online.

As one enthusiastic member said, ‘Weren’t we lucky to find the u3a waiting for us when we retired? I’ve learnt such a lot; and it’s so much fun!’

Find out more at:

http://openday.chesteru3a.org.uk/