After holding its first meeting 10 years ago, the Gloucester District U3A has recently achieved its milestone anniversary.
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At a morning tea event held at the groups’ main clubhouse, the Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre on Thursday, November 1, members and invited guests celebrated.
Founding members, Brian and Susan Dixon and Grahame and Kaye Stelzer, were awarded life memberships by regional director NSW U3A Network, Robert Birrer, as well as, a Certificate of Appreciation for Cecily Mahoney.
Brian passed on well-wishes from other groups who were delighted the Gloucester had reached this milestone.
“And we’re looking forward to the next 10 years,” he said.
Grahame was the master of ceremonies, talking about the University of the Third Age (the group’s official title) and its meaning.
He spoke about the ‘ages’ of life, the first age being until you’re about 21 years old and you pay for education, the second age being when you get married and have children, and the third age being retirement.
“The third age is when you’ll do anything for no money,” he laughed.
Kaye gave a small speech, reminiscing about the first meeting at the Uniting Church. “We had 44 people attend,” she explained. “And we had 44 members by the end of the meeting. We’ve had over 200 members since then.”
Around 70 members attended the morning tea which featured guest speakers, MidCoast Council mayor David West, Federal MP David Gillespie and Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, as well as music by the U3A ukulele group and the Gloucester Singers.
For more information about U3A or how to get involved, email secretary@gloucester.u3anet.org.au or visit: http://gloucester.u3anet.org.au/
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
