Havant u3a, now well into its 11th year continues to hold its monthly meetings at Bedhampton Social Centre, giving members the opportunity to hear Speakers covering a wide range of subjects and afterwards socialise over a cup of tea.
However, it has now taken this further by holding extra meetings as and when the opportunity arises. This year we have heard a judge from the Old Bailey speaking of her work and a former head of the Defence Staff speaking about the geopolitical challenges confronting us today.
At the most recent of these meetings, we heard from Ken Arkell, born in 1926 and possibly our oldest member, in conversation with another member, Nigel Gossop. He reminisced about life, technology, and social attitudes in the 1930s & 1940s, all of which were so very different from those of today.
As a thirteen-year-old, he recalled particularly hearing the fateful broadcast at 11am on 3rd September 1939 when the then Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, formally announced the Declaration of War with Germany.
The purpose of the u3a was described by one of the founders of Havant u3a in these words: “The u3a is for everybody who wants to live an active life in retirement whether physically, intellectually or culturally.”
This is achieved by the formation in each u3a of special Groups covering the interests of members. In Havant we have upwards of thirty groups covering subjects including walking, local history, languages, art, scrabble, wine tasting and even bus riding.
With over 460,000 members nationwide in over 1,000 branches, many cities, towns and villages have a u3a, each working in line with the general principles laid down by the Third Age Trust.
Why not join us and make new friends?
At Havant we always welcome new members. If you are interested, then please contact our Membership Secretary at membership@havantu3a.org.uk