Founding secretary Pat Andrews said: "Little did I know when I joined the Southend branch of the U3A in April what was in store for me. I was asked to 'help' set up a branch in Thorpe Bay. On the 20th July, just one month from from the first meeting, lo and behold Thorpe Bay Branch appeared with over 100 members.

 

"I've gone from pottering about in the garden - headlong into 'full time work'. And there was I, thinking the U3A was for semi/retired people. I have cajoled shopkeepers into displaying posters, persuaded people to become committee members and group leaders, engaged speakers, suffered earache making 400-odd phone calls and held a relaxation group - for others."

 

But it has been rewarding, Pat says, "to look at a sea of faces at the second meeting, listening to eager people wanting to know about the 17 and rising interest groups, and meeting wonderfully friendly people willing to help this branch become a success."

 

 

Meetings are held monthly on the third Friday of the month, from 1.45pm, at St Augustine's Hall in Johnstone Road, Thorpe Bay. Interest groups include Gardening, Photography, Birdwatching, Walking and Cycling. There is a Friendship Book in the hall in which members can record places they may with to visit and how many spaces they have available in their cars. Mini-outings can be arranged with others who share the same interests and costs can be shared. There is a Relaxation Technique group; and the Local History Group has many ideas flowing.