THERE was a celebration cake marking the 10th birthday of the West Dartmoor University of the Third Age at a special gathering held at Tavistock College. The Mayor of Tavistock Norma Woodcock and an audience of more than 180 attended.
The event was chaired by life member Gerry Woodcock in a hall decorated with balloons and adorned with plants loaned by Endsleigh Gardens of Milton Abbot.
An exhibition showed examples of the activities carried out by the 30 or so groups run by West Dartmoor U3A.
Guest speaker Professor George Giarchi spoke on Education, Cultural and Social Aspects of the Third Age. Other speakers included Celia Davies of West Dartmoor, Eileen Reynolds of Gunnislake, David Polglase of Launceston and Pat Constable of Plymouth U3A.
Martin Graebe gave a short biography of the Rev Baiing Gould followed by a selection of West Devon folk songs from the minister's collection.
David Gorbutt gave a vote of thanks which was followed by a presentation of Life Membership to three founder members of West Dartmoor — chairperson Esme Wheeler, Jean Thompson and David Gorbutt.
l Professor George Giarchi is pictured with lifelong member and chair of the day Gerry Woodcock, past chairman June Wildman together with life members Jean Thompson, Esme Wheeler and David Gorbutt.