Gosport's 'life-saving' U3A group aim for 'biggest year yet' after successful open day

Members of Gosport U3A showcased the vast network of interest groups during an open day event on Saturday.

Held at the Gosport Gallery and Search building in Walpole Road, the event attracted more than 200 visitors, including the town’s MP, Caroline Dinenage.

The action is all part of a concerted effort to make 2020 the organisation’s ‘biggest year yet’, as it approaches its 25th anniversary this summer.

Pat Humphries, chairman of the U3A, said the weekend’s event had defied all her expectations.

The 64-year-old told The News: ‘It’s been absolutely brilliant. We’re really pleased with how things have gone. We have more than 200 people come through the doors today which has been amazing.’

The University of the Third Age is for anyone retired or semi-retired who would like to get out, make some friends and take part in activities which they enjoy.

Gosport has almost 60 organisations, with activities including ukelele, a swing band, dancing, fine dining, science and technology and games.

Saturday kicked-off with a display by one of the U3A’s dancing groups, with the town’s mayor, Councillor Kathy Jones getting involved.

Kathy Parker, the U3A’s group co-ordinator, said it was fantastic to have so much interest on the day.

She added the group was a huge part of hundreds of people’s lives in the town.

‘This group is a lifeline for so many people, it’s an extremely important thing,’ Kathy said.

‘The U3A is a wonderful, international organisation. We’re trying to keep the U3A alive and vibrant and attract more people.

‘So today has been a celebration of our diversity and what we do.’

Set up by three friends in their homes in 1995, the group has gone from strength to strength over the years and Pat has booked a special treat for the anniversary: a four-hour cruise on the Gosport Ferry in July.

Each interest group will be planning their own special celebration to mark the organisation’s 25th birthday, including the gardening group which is planning a garden party and the walking group which is spending a weekend away in Swanage.

Pat added: ‘We’re looking to make 2020 our biggest year yet.’

Anyone interested in joining can visit u3asites.org.uk/gosport/home for more information.