A COMMUNITY group is set to celebrate its governing charity’s 40th anniversary this week.
Reading University of Third Age (u3a), a charity which offers learning opportunities for those who have retired, will be hosting events across the town to mark the occasion.
Dr Harvey Smith, of Reading u3a, said: “The premise of the u3a is retired people helping other retired people.
“The movement is turning 40-years-old and we are across the country. We’re an educational charity, organising discussions in art, French, German, table tennis, square dancing, and much more.”
On Friday, September 23, the member-led group will run an all-day display outside Marks & Spencers on Broad Street.
The performances will include demonstrations from Singing for Pleasure and Tai Chi groups.
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, is set to join visitors to commemorate the organisation’s birthday.
Featuring on Thursday, September 22, there will be exhibitions at Reading Central and Caversham libraries.
Through these events, the organisation hopes to show that retiring from work or family responsibilities does not mean retiring from life.
This week’s activities in Reading are part of the u3a charity’s nationwide series of events to celebrate its 40th birthday.
During the summer, a commemorative quilt was unveiled at a ceremony at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. It is available for members of the public to visit at Blanket Hall in Witney.
At the end of October, the Royal Institution on Albemarle Street, London, will play host to an afternoon of science talks, which will cover topics such as supermassive blackholes, the future of energy and dazzling demonstrations.
Reading u3a Secretary, Virginia Day, said: “There are interest groups for everyone who has retired, and we plan to showcase the mental and physical benefits of becoming a member of Reading u3a.”
The group offers classes on current affairs, languages, seated exercise, town study, science and technology, and chess to name a few.
The community will be able to enjoy the demonstrations at Broad Street from 9.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Prior booking is not required.
All of the sessions are organised and conducted in line with u3a’s motto: ‘learn, laugh, live’.
For the full programme of events, visit: www.readingu3a.org.uk
