Ashby u3a joins in with a national birthday celebration.

A 40th. birthday is always a significant landmark and on Tuesday 13th. September there will be a special event in Ashby when the birth of a nation-wide movement is marked locally.

To celebrate four decades since u3a [the 'University of the Third Age' – as it was then called] was established in the UK there will be displays to showcase what the Ashby branch has to offer.

Ashby u3a is one of 1000 locally-run organisations nationwide which exist to offer people no longer in full time work the opportunity to get together to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment through a wide variety of groups and meetings.

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

The Ashby branch is taking over St. Helen's Heritage Centre. 4 Church Yard, Ashby, LE65 1AA [adjacent to St. Helen's church - at the top of South Street] for the morning of Tuesday the 13th. September to showcase what is on offer to members – doors open at 10 a.m.

There will be representatives present from the majority of the current interest groups who will be happy to tell you more about what they have to offer for those looking for a stimulating pastime.

Tea and biscuits will be provided  and there is easy access for those who have mobility issues or who choose to make use of a wheelchair.

Tony Smith, the current Chairman of Ashby u3a extends a personal invitation saying 'u3a nationally has offered a range of interesting and informative activities for thousands of people looking to enrich their newly-found free time. Our branch in Ashby is thriving and I am sure anyone who visits our celebratory exhibition will be pleasantly surprised at what we have to offer'.

He went on '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.'