by David R.

In 2000 there was a notice in the local paper concerning a proposal to start an educational organisation for older people in Wendover. The meeting took place in the library room one afternoon. We were told that U3A stood for University of the Third Age, and as we were all retired, we were the third age.

The gentlemen in charge of the meeting were John Counsell and Neil Castle, who outlined what the organisation was about, i.e. self-learning. I learn so I can teach.

The meeting was well attended, and everyone was keen for the “club “to start.

It was then put to the meeting that in order to get the organisation going we would need a committee. I was one of the few who volunteered with about six others. We had a first committee meeting when a chairman, secretary, and other officers were elected.

John Counsell was temporary chairman. We decided that monthly meetings would be held in the Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of the month. The first general meeting was a success, and as news of this U3A spread, the membership grew to about one hundred members.

The U3A was so successful that we outgrew the Memorial Hall. At the time I was Chairman, and the suggestion was put forward that we should move to larger premises. The only place was the parish church who were happy to accommodate us.

After we had been at the church a few years, the St Mary’s had a major refurbishment, so we were homeless. Wendover u3a held “Drop In” sessions at the Bowls Club for a year. It is here that the Monthly Meeting Screen was developed to inform members of Group Activities.

On completion of the church refurbishment we returned to what is now our permanent home and  were able to make use of many additional features and still do.