Last Tuesday saw a very special gathering of members of Ashby u3a when they celebrated the 12th anniversary of their first meeting.

Originally planned for 2020 to celebrate the first decade, a certain virus meant it had to be re-arranged to celebrate the first dozen years.

Ashby u3a is one of 1,000 locally-run organisations nationwide which exist to provide a wide variety of interest groups and meetings for those no longer in full time work or raising a family.

With a membership approaching 200 and rising, Ashby u3a now has more than 20 self-organising groups offering activities from Walking to Wine Appreciation, Computers to Calligraphy - and more.

Members past and present gathered in the Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby along with the Mayor of Ashby Councillor John Deakin and his wife and Consort Mayoress Karen Deakin to share a celebratory cake and raise a toast to an organisation that has provided a range of stimulating activities to those who are lucky enough to have the free time to pursue their interests.

Ashby Mayor and Consort cut the cake decorated with depictions of Ashby u3a's interest groups

The scene was set for the celebratory gathering courtesy of Gresley Male Voice Choir whose harmonies echoed the atmosphere that characterises u3a meetings.

Tony Smith, the current Chairman of Ashby u3a was particularly pleased to welcome the party guests saying: "The past couple of years have been difficult for everyone but more so for those who might have missed the companionship of others who share their interests. Ashby u3a has bounced back offering the many new members joining us the chance to discover the wide range of interesting and informative activities we have to offer.

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"If anyone has an idea for an activity they would like to pursue and we don't yet have a group for it - we can always find other like-minded people and set one up. Or they can come along to one of our regular monthly meetings when we have guest speakers on a variety of subjects."

For more information on Ashby u3a click HERE or phone 01283 760348.