Barnsley u3a's Big u3a week Celebration
Sue from Barnsley u3a talks about their event to celebrate u3a week, which included music, walking tours and interest group displays.
Over 80 Barnsley u3a members participated in this year’s u3a Week on Wednesday 21 September, and many more showed up to support and enjoy what was on offer.
The Stringalongs started off performances at the Alhambra and were followed by Flutes Galore whose musical talents were enjoyed and caused public to pause so volunteers could talk to them. Interested public were provided with leaflets and good conversation.
Meanwhile, displays were erected in the Library at the Lightbox. Information and artefacts about the Literature, Creative Writing, Writing for Pleasure, Theatre, German and Stitches Groups were on display with group representatives available to talk to interested visitors.
Outside, in the Information Tent, we had contributions from Painting and Drawing for Pleasure, Jewellery Making, Walking Cricket, Games Galore and French. The colourful labels of all our groups drew lots of enquiries.
Walking tours started at this location – Barnsley Then and Now, and Building Stones of Barnsley. The former was hosted by members of the Exploring Barnsley Research Group. The Building Stones of Barnsley tour was led by members of the Barnsley Rocks (Geology) Group, who took a route around the Town Hall and Regent Street. Both tours were well received and added a new feature to u3a Week.
The Old Blowers performed in the central tent, in the middle of the Town Square. Their performance attracted lots of people, who sat on benches in the sunshine and enjoyed the music. Again, this enabled volunteers to share information about Barnsley u3a with lots of local people.
Was it a success? Helen Dew, New Members Secretary reported several enquiries in the following days – in fact, two new members turned up to Walking Cricket and Guitars the next day. Anecdotal comments have been very positive both from members, volunteers and general public – plus requests from Town Centre Management and Alhambra for return visits of the musicians! It was hard work – some members were on site from 8.15am and didn’t leave until 3.45pm. A huge thank you to all involved. We showed Barnsley u3a to be a fun, lively, talented, friendly organisation with an abundance of activities for the older members of Barnsley.
Save the date: Wednesday 20th September 2023