OKEHAMPTON U3A is 100 — members strong, that is. The branch recently enrolled its hundreth member only five years after coming into existence. The Okehampton branch of the University of the Third Age holds its general meeting on the last Wednesday of the month in the Ockment Centre where assembled members can listen to a variety of informative guest speakers. 'University' is used in its original sense of people coming together to share and pursue learning and enrich lives. The Third Age refers to the period of time after the First Age of childhood experience and the Second Age of full-time employment and parental responsibility. Back in 2001, the management of the Ockment Centre were aware of other U3A branches in other areas, and as a community centre thought it an ideal way to engage with older people — a traditionally 'hard to reach' group. Okehampton U3A was born following a public meeting in September 2001 to promote the setting up of a local group. Starting out with 51 members formally enrolled, over the last five years, the branch has grown beyond all expectations and has now doubled in size. The members set up their own activity groups, depending on their own recreational and education interests. The organisation has 23 currently listed activity groups, ranging from photography to philosophy. Other past and present activity groups include art, astrology, genealogy, reading and tai chi. The groups set their own pace and often meet in members' own homes. At last Wednesday's meeting chairman Geoff Shepheard thanked the Ockment Centre and in particular Lindsey Svensson, Mandy Kenyon and the U3A's first interim chairman Monty Lerer for helping play a key role in getting the group off the ground. The group welcomed Cllr Christine Marsh and the former Okehampton mayor helped make a presentation to the U3A's hundredth member Hilary Gilchrist to mark the occasion. Following the presentation, members were treated to a talk by Andrew Brightwell, on 'The Wrong Side of Australia'. The original idea for the University of the Third Age was conceived in Toulouse, France, more than 30 years ago, by retiring academics. There are now more than 560 U3A branches in the UK, with more than 160,000 people registered. The organisation is run by members for members. For further information or an application form, see the U3A noticeboard in the Ockment Centre or contact the membership secretary on 01837 659052.
