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u3a Bakewell An Open Day to Remember



There was a buzz in the air at Bakewell's Medway Centre on May 21st, when u3a Bakewell held its first-ever Open Day to launch several new activity and interest groups, and to showcase the already wide range of subjects covered by its existing groups. Jonathan Wicksteed, who had masterminded the event, said afterwards how delighted he had been to meet so many new and enthusiastic participants. Like many other local organisations, he said, u3a Bakewell had felt the effect of lockdown on its membership but this Open Day confirmed that there is and always will be a need for small groups of like-minded people, getting together socially for discussions, for creative activities, to pursue mutual interests and for more energetic pastimes.

This is what the u3a movement is all about – it provides an opportunity for those approaching or in retirement, or who simply find they have a bit more time on their hands, to expand their horizons and make new friends. New groups propose to discuss the Big Issues of the day, to go out and about with sketch pads and pencils, to explore ancient tracks and roads, to find out more about today's local industries and Derbyshire's traditional mining and quarrying, to develop a taste in craft ales – to name but a few And these are in addition to the established groups which stroll or stride, sometimes looking at birds at the same time, play bridge, paint, philosophise, visit interesting houses and gardens, improve their foreign languages, write prose and read poetry, read and discuss the latest books – the list goes on and on.

The Open Day was a noisy affair with up to a hundred people at any one time, all chattering, asking questions, giving answers and enjoying afternoon tea and home-made cakes – another of u3a Bakewell's specialities and all laid on by the stalwart social team.

If you'd like to know more, look at our website, u3a bakewell will find us – it's full of information, contact details, and an invitation to come along for a taster session.

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