The self-help, charitable organisation is hosting a showcase event at King’s Premier Health Club next Tuesday from 12.30-3pm, for anyone interested in discovering the groups and events they offer to active individuals wanting to remain engaged after full-time employment.
‘Retirement shouldn’t be a time to slow down,’ said chairwoman Jane Pearson, ‘but rather an opportunity to grow, engage with others and make a meaningful contribution to the community.’
Mrs Pearson said U3A Guernsey has seen a recent influx in younger people and men, with the age range starting from people in their 50s.
‘We want to have that very active and healthy retirement, with lots of fun’ said new members coordinator Ian Souter.
Founded in 1982, U3A launched locally in 2015 and now has more than 1,000 members exploring new ideas, skills and interests together.
‘We’ve got functions to go to, sometimes three times a day,’ said member Keith Wellington.
‘It’s a tremendous social life over here, we’re going into old age very well – jolly.’
U3A provides a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment run voluntarily, by members for the members. Currently it has 90 groups covering a wide range of activities from boxing to drawing, metalwork to photography, and petanque to wine and gin appreciation.
‘I’ve found a lot of friends and I’ve done so much since I’ve joined,’ said Joan Norledge, who joined eight years ago, after losing her husband.
‘I belong to the dance group and the skittles group and it’s just lovely.
‘They’re like little families. If you’re feeling a bit down and you go to the group, you come away with a sigh of relief, thinking “I’m glad I went”.’
Interest groups can be formed in whatever subject or interest that members would like to follow.
‘Usually drink is involved,’ said social secretary Mary Brogan.
‘We want people to avoid loneliness. When you’ve been working with a group of people and suddenly that ends, a lot of people can feel so isolated and that’s the thing that U3A will help with. Reaching new people from outside your circle of working life.
‘Everyone’s got a story, especially as we get older, everyone’s had interesting lives.’
With additional opportunities for socialising at coffee mornings, men’s and women’s breakfasts, group visits and talks, members can join as many groups as they like, forming strong friendships.
‘We made such a group of friends that over two years ago, seven of us who play petanque together on a Wednesday morning all went on a cruise over Christmas and New Year around the Bahamas. Nearly four weeks we were away,’ said Ann Marie Ferbrache, who became a member four years ago after taking early retirement.
‘We’re only just coming up to retirement age now. It’s an opportunity to do things and you only pay if additional costs are needed.’
n For more details about U3A’s upcoming showcase event or how to join, visit www.guernsey.u3asite.uk or email Jane Pearson on u3aguernsey@gmail.com.
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