Our u3a is 20 years old or there abouts!

Several people have suggested that some details of the early days and maybe some photos would be enjoyed.

Consequently I have asked anyone with memories of the beginning of Blackwater u3a to send me any items you would like included.

 Memories from Anita

Maldon u3a hosted a waiting list meeting at WMCC in late Autumn 2004 to see how much interest there was ... lots... and a Steering Committee was formed of,  I think, 5 people including Roger Smith, and Peter Leggett. One of the interested people suggested  £1 donation for seed money ... As the only person with a handbag, I became Treasurer. Not so bad for me in fact as I was already  an experienced Treasurer for  a Maldon based group.

Early in 2005 we held a meeting at Brickhouse Farm; thanks to Peter Leggett who advertised the event in an MBS interview, we were squashed in! An official Committee was formed as more people volunteered their services. The second meeting at WMCC was very well supported with volunteers from Maldon U3A;  lovely Jennifer Fowler walked in as I was talking to Maldon's Gardening Coordinator and Jennifer hadn't reached the signing in table before she had agreed to become Blackwater's Gardening Coordinator. I can remember Gardening, Art, Family History, and Walking getting started.

Maldon U3A was running a waiting list for the subject I wanted, and the issue of forming a second u3a was raised. My experiences with Maldon were very positive, so I said yes of course, no way I could coordinate Spanish, but so many other interest groups,why not?

Dorreen has already sent some photos; see who you recognize.