It’s been 20 years since Stone (Staffs) and District u3a was set up.
It all started with an idea and a public meeting in August of 2005, where a steering committee was formed to look into the possibility of having a u3a local to Stone. Eight further meetings followed and the members of the committee changed a few times, but in the end the idea was turned into reality and on the 2nd November 2005 Stone (Staffs) and District u3a was born. The local population were invited to join, and the committee began the search for volunteers to act as group leaders to facilitate the group sessions.
The first to meet was a Reading Group, who met on 7th November, led by Annabel Evans and closely followed by a Photography Group led by her husband Bruce Evans. These were closely followed by a Digital Photography Group, led by Roy Clarke, on 10th November. Ultimately the two photography groups combined and the one is still going strong today, led by Bruce Evans. Some of the other initial groups were, Meditation for Relaxation and Computer Short Courses.
Annabel, Bruce and Roy are three of the nine of the original 100 members who are still members of the u3a today. The founding members also included, Ken Fulford, Ann Harris, Bob Jones, Sue Jones, Carol Keogh, Dave Roberts, Neil Robson, Sandra Robson, with Bob Jones stepping up to be the first Chairman of the committee. All committee members are volunteers and give their time for free, to ensure that the groups can continue to be active.
“The current Committee wishes to thank the original founding members, and all members who have so diligently supported this u3a throughout its journey”
The current Chair, Chris Norcross added
“On being asked quite recently how our u3a is doing, I’m proud of the happy, positive and supportive environment we all strive to maintain for our members, and intend to continue doing so for another 20 years!”
Today Stone u3a is one of the largest in the area and has an amazing 57 different groups offering a wide range of activities to over 600 members. These include arts and crafts, gentle exercise, sports, music, languages, discussion, and many more. We also hold specialist speaker meetings throughout the year that are open to the non-members. Meetings are held in various locations in and around the Stone area and each group has a voluntary leader who assist the groups to share skills, learn and have fun, in line with the u3a motto of “Learn, Laugh, Live”.
Stone (Staffs) and District aim to help you keep active (in mind and body), enjoy socialising, and is open to all adults.
Membership costs £50 per year, which allows you to attend as many groups as you like, at no additional cost. This works out at less than £1 a week.
For further information please visit our website www.stone.u3asite.uk
The people in the photograph are (from left to right) Roy Clarke, Bruce Evans and Annabel Evans
