Monmouth u3a (originally known as the ‘University of the Third Age’) has joined u3a groups around the UK to celebrate the new experiences on offer to anyone who has reached the stage in life where they are no longer working full-time or raising a family.
As part of the UK-wide u3a day, Monmouth u3a is popping up for two days at the Old Tidings Shop on Monnow Street.
Monmouth MP David Davies officially cut the ribbon today (Wednesday, 2 June) alongside Monmouthshire County Council leader Richard John, Monmouthshire County Council chairman Mat Feakins and Mayor of Monmouth Terry Christopher.
Monmouth u3a is looking forward to welcoming new members who are retired, no longer in full-time employment or bringing up children.
Like the national group, Monmouth u3a offers many activities including cinema, music, yoga, photography, geology, crafts, skittles, bridge, science, theatre, walking groups, languages, and literary pursuits such as reading and creative writing.
A meeting for members is normally held each month with a guest speaker or entertainment - currently on Zoom.
The UK-wide u3a day annual event showcases the amazing and diverse things that u3a members get up to and challenges preconceptions of what being an older adult means.
This year’s event will be enhanced by the multitude of projects, activities, outcomes, and new approaches to communication that have emerged because of the pandemic lockdown.
Monmouth u3a is the first to use the new community hub kindly provided by Woolly Monmouth, a valuable community facility available in the future for all kinds of uses and events.
Mr Davies said: "I cannot think of a better local organisation to support people who are retired.
"This is the first real, face-to-face event I have been able to attend since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. However, I wish to crush rumours that I am intending to join Monmouth u3a anytime soon!
"I expect to be working to support the people of Monmouth for some considerable time yet. But when the time comes, I shall be joining."
Monmouth u3a programme secretary Professor Averil Macdonald OBE added: "All of us in the Monmouth u3a group are excited to be taking part in the UK-wide u3a day.
"Monmouth u3a has set a target to increase awareness in and around Monmouth, and to recruit new members to join our thriving group. We all look forward to meeting everyone face-to-face, subject to Covid restrictions of course."
All are welcome to attend anytime between 10:00am and 4:00pm today and tomorrow (Thursday 3 June). Covid-19 rules for gatherings will apply. Please bring face coverings.
Cty Cllr John said: "u3a is the perfect organisation for anyone living in and around Monmouth who is no longer in full-time employment.
"u3a offers an opportunity for meeting new friends with a shared interest, especially after this long period of not being able to get out and about.
"The Zoom meetings are excellent and soon face-to-face meetings will hopefully recommence. I wish u3a the council’s and my best wishes for a successful event."
Cty Cllr Feakins added: "It’s great to see people in retirement getting out, doing something and actively supporting each other.
"Monmouth u3a’s programme of events is exciting, stimulating and inspirational. As a council, we hope to be able to support Monmouth u3a for many years to come."
Woolly Monmouth founder Kim Kaos said: "Woolly Monmouth is a fantastic space right at the heart of Monmouth that needs great ideas with something wonderful to fill it!
"The Monmouth u3a event represents the first use of our building which we hope will become a really useful community hub for collaborative arts, socially proactive creative and all-round amazing people who can help rejuvenate Monmouth high street."
For more information about Monmouth u3a, email monmouthu3a@gmail.com
To rent the community hub, email woollymonmouth@gmail.com