A SPECIAL guest paid a Reading charity a visit to help commemorate an important landmark.
Mayor of Reading, councillor Rachel Eden, attended Reading University of Third Age’s 40th anniversary event in Broad Street.
Cllr Eden saw displays presented by interest groups in topics such as ambles, birdwatching, photography, art and current affairs, learning about the benefits of becoming a u3a member.
She was also treated to a selection of songs performed by The Singing for Pleasure choir.
Dr Harvey Smith, of Reading u3a, said: “All in all, it was a great day. We were very happy with how well it went.
“The Mayor spent 45 minutes, if not longer at the displays on Broad Street. She was really interested in our organisation.
“Whether it was from the event, or through the publicity, we’ve had a spike in visitors and an increase in membership.”
Dr Smith added that the purpose of the event was not to recruit more users, but instead to celebrate the organisation’s 40 years of activity.
Reading u3a provides a place for retired people living in and around the town to meet others with similar passions and interests.
Sessions serve multiple purposes, helping members pick up new skills, meet new people, promote positive mental and physical health, and have fun.
The Mayor’s visit at the Broad Street displays brought an end to the charity’s programme of celebratory events, which included displays at both Reading Central and Caversham Libraries.
The organisation hoped to show that retiring from work or family responsibilities does not mean retiring from life. Its core values are encapsulated in its motto: ‘ learn, laugh, live’.
This week’s activities in Reading are part of the u3a charity’s nationwide series of events to celebrate its 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.”
