The East Renfrewshire branch of a movement which runs local and online member-led learning for those no longer in full-time work has celebrated its 15th anniversary.
The area’s u3a (University of the Third Age) was started in 2008 by former local councillor Douglas Yates who heard about the organisation from his brother in Carlisle.
The 15-year milestone was marked following a brief AGM last month.
The cake was cut by Allen Walker, the first chairperson, who stood down from the committee after several years’ service.
The entertainment, meanwhile, was provided by Isabell and David Ackerman, who played hits from the 60s and 70s to the delight of all present.
Current Chair Marbe McNeill, who joined 11 years ago, told the Barrhead News: "I remember when we were delighted to welcome our 100th member.
"Since then we have grown to almost 600 members and have over 70 interest groups covering a wide range of social activities.
“Some groups meet to learn a language, others to discuss books, music or current affairs.
“We have groups that visit the theatre, the cinema or concerts. Groups that go on outings or just out to enjoy a meal together. Groups that meet to play bridge, chess, mahjong or backgammon.
“There are several walking groups at different levels of distance.
“Any member can start a group to follow their own particular interest.”
The u3a movement started in France in the 1970s.
It came to the UK in 1982 and, whilst retaining its u3a name, it lost all connection to universities and became more a gathering of “likeminded people who are interested in sharing knowledge and hobbies".
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There are now more than 1,000 u3as in the UK, but only 54 in Scotland.
Some long-established u3As are large with 2,000 plus members, while others have less than 100 members.
“The u3a movement has no religious affiliation and no lower age limit,” explained Marbe.
"Generally our members are retired, but anyone no longer in full-time employment or raising children can join.
“We have an annual subscription of £24 and members can join as many groups as they want."
If anyone would like to find out more, they can visitu3asites.org/eastrenfrewshire, phone 0743 712 3921 or come along to one of the monthly meetings which are held alternately in Newton Mearns and Barrhead on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
“There is always a good speaker followed by refreshments and a chance to chat,” added Marbe.
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