Like everything else involving close human contact, the diverse range of Ruddington & District U3A meetings – which was continuing to expand since the local group established itself in 2018 – came to an abrupt halt early last year because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Although a few online village meetings and talks have taken place on Zoom since then, only following the latest “full” easing of COVID-19 restrictions have local U3A organisers decided to start getting people together in person again.
U3A is short for The University of the Third Age – set up for people who’ve stopped working, or who’re semi-retired, to share in “the university of life!” Local U3As, like Ruddington and District, are part of a national charity providing educational, cultural and social opportunities. The charity says: “No qualifications are required and none are given.”
U3A is run by its own volunteer members, so they decide the subjects. Participants’ learning is through fun and friendship by suggesting and arranging locally based interest groups, from painting to gardening, languages to games. Some of these groups have already restarted walks, trips and gatherings outside. Now Steve Lowe, of Ruddington U3A, has revealed that monthly meetings at Ruddington Methodist Church will restart in September.
Joint Leaders at Ruddington U3A are Barbara Breakwell and Karen Sharpe. They would like to know if current members have suggestions about places to visits, and also if you’ve any contacts to be able to arrange future trips for members. You can get in touch if you’d like more information about membership and click >>HERE<< to join the U3A.
Ruddington members’ experiences have included a trip to the BBC and the National Trust’s Calke Abbey in Derbyshire. Now they’re forward planning to have more days out post-‘lockdown’.
Current members are busy putting together dates for their study and social groups, like Spanish, French, drawing & painting, wine tasting, walking, photography, cycling, table tennis, Tai Chi and their Lunch Club also aims to restart in September.
Barbara is leading a monthly quiz, and more members are invited to become Ruddington U3A group leaders. “You do not have to be an expert to run a group – all that is needed is interest and enthusiasm.”
There’s also a call-out for volunteers “to assist in a number of areas such as administration of our website and help with interest group co-ordination. Please come forward if you think you can help.” You’re asked to make contact with Ruddington U3A >>HERE<<.
New members are welcome at anytime so, if you’re retired or not in full-time employment and would like to join our village’s U3A, do visit its website to find out more about Ruddington and District U3A.
As mentioned, from this September U3A members can once again go along in person to monthly meetings. These are scheduled at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at Ruddington Methodist Church. Please keep an eye on our RUDDINGTON.info Events Diary for details of future guest speakers.
