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u3a 40th Anniversary Blog

Picnic in the Park Round Up Part 1

Published : 17 June 2022 Views: 1294

Picnic in the Park on 1 June and Jubilee Weekend was a busy time for u3as as they met together in parks, rugby clubs and farms to celebrate the 40th Anniversary and the Jubilee. Each u3a added their own spin with activities, performances and games - showcasing how u3a brings people together to have fun and share new experiences together. This is a snapshot of what u3as got up to.

Liphook u3a

People sitting outside in a circle with blue and yellow u3a bunting hanging in the foreground

"Liphook u3a had a stall at our own Picnic on the Green organised by the Parish Council on the Thursday. There was quite a lot of interest, and several new members were enrolled. In addition, our Walking Group had their own picnic, following a walk round the Devil’s Punchbowl at Hindhead, Surrey (picture attached). This is especially significant as their patch now included in the national quilt was designed to depict the areas they walk in, particularly the South Downs."

- Carolyn, Liphook u3a

Belfast u3a

A woman smiling and cutting a cakeA woman in a long dress smiling at the camera next to a man playing the saxophone

"Belfast u3a celebrated the 40th Anniversary of UK u3a and the 22nd Anniversary of Belfast u3a, with a Picnic in the Park in on 8th June 2022. As there was some rain, most of the celebrations and music took place inside. Around 100 members brought and enjoyed their picnics while listening to short speeches and background swing jazz music, led by our Events Organiser Caroline, who is also a professional jazz singer.
We were delighted that some of our founder members were present, including Ann, who cut our cake and regaled us with stories from the ‘early days’. In true u3a fashion, everyone joined in the singing and dancing to bring a wonderful event to a close. Hopefully, we got rid of the post-pandemic blues!"

- Pauline, Chair of Belfast u3a

Photos taken by William, Belfast u3a Photography Group member 

Islington u3a

A group of people standing outside talkingTwo women sitting on a picnic blanket smiling A woman reading a red cape standing in front of a poster

"We had about 70 of our members attending and we were overwhelmed with a wide range of delicious food. The newly elected Mayor of Islington visited in her regalia and read out a few words thanking Islington u3a for supporting the community with our impressive 700 membership. She then cut our 40th Anniversary cake with our Chair and chatted to our members. We used the event also for publicity giving out some leaflets to passing public and explaining to them what was going on and what we were celebrating. Many of our members commented on how they’d enjoyed the informality of the picnic and the chance to catch up with other members."

- Derek, Islington u3a

Thorpe Bay u3a

A group of people standing in front of a green marquee People and a Labrador sat round a table with foodPeople sitting in chairs outside smiling

"We held the picnic on June 1st at Shoebury East Beach. This was open to all our members, all they had to do was bring a chair and a picnic. The weather was reasonable, bit windy but dry. We had about 100 members turn up."

- Shirley, Chair, Thorpe Bay u3a

Bramhall u3a

A long table outside filled with people, above them is union jack buntingPeople at an outside table chatting to each other


"We were blessed with sunshine all afternoon with some 50 members enjoying music, singing (National Anthem, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem) and a “Right Royal” quiz. The Picnic was held in the grounds of Bramhall United Reformed Church which we decorated with u3a bunting together with Union Jacks."

- Robert, Bramhall u3a

Davyhulme u3a

People at a table smiling

Davyhulme u3a had a joint celebration to mark their 25th Anniversary, the u3a 40th Anniversary and the Queen's Jubilee.

Penzance u3a

A group of people outside chatting and socialisingA man outside cutting into a cake

"Penzance u3a met in Penlee Park for a picnic. Members brought their own drinks and provided nibbles to share. The Jubilee cake was made by Zebra Crossing Cafe. The Mayor of Penzance attended, gave a short speech and cut the cake. This was followed by a toast to the Queen. Slices of cake were then passed around to members. It was a very enjoyable afternoon."

- Margaret, Penzance u3a

Tiptree u3a

People sat round a table eating foodA table of people talking and eating foodA choir of people singing from blue books with a union jack on the front cover

"Our tea was held on 3 June. We had 81 guests attend, the choir entertained us beautifully at the start and end of the tea with audience participation. The committee worked well as a team and I believe it was thoroughly enjoyed by all."

Janet, Tiptree u3a

Bicester u3a

Two people in a musical choir playing along to song books A man and woman standing playing musical instrumentsA man in a cream blazer and blue shirt with a yellow flower Two woman standing on a field playing a game

Comber & District u3a

resized comberdistrictu3a

"Comber & District u3a celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and 40 years of u3a

The Comber and District u3a held a picnic to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and 40 years of the National u3a in the grounds of St Mary’s Church Comber on Wednesday the 1st of June 2022.

A large crowd of members turned out and were blessed with wall-to-wall sunshine throughout the afternoon. It was the first face-to-face monthly meeting since the lockdown and members thoroughly enjoyed getting together and catching up with old friends.

Music, which was provided by Jim Quinn, was thoroughly enjoyed and encouraged some members to get up and dance.

In a tribute to the Queen Pauline Diplock recited a poem which was enjoyed by all. In her speech the Branch Chair Joan Cowan thanked everyone for attending and paid tribute to all those that assisted in the organisation. She then cut the lovely cake.

The picnic was rounded off with a rapturous rendition of ‘God Save the Queen’."

- David, Comber & District u3a

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