Aldwick woman's lust for learning

Janet Bassett is among a growing number of members of the Arun University of the Third Age. At 880 strong, they will soon top 1,000 and there are 70 groups from which to choose.

The network of self-help groups promote life-long learning and leisure activities for older people no longer in full-time employment.

Mrs Bassett, 72, and her husband John, who met in Bognor Regis as trainee teachers, became members three months ago. They have quickly found plenty with which to keep themselves occupied.

"The organisation should be better known," said Mrs Bassett, of Newhall Close. "All of us use our skills to help each other out. It gets people out of their houses and into the community to mix with others. It can be a pretty long day if you are stuck indoors on your own."

Mr Bassett, 78, has become a regular at painting sessions and at a book group. Other activities include Scrabble, poetry appreciation, crafts and languages.

The meetings take place at various community buildings '“ mainly around Rustington and Littlehampton '“ or in members' houses.

An increasing number are in Middleton and Yapton.

The Arun U3A has grown rapidly since it began in 2002. It is far from being a university in the conventional sense but is a great way to keep active mentally, socially and physically.

Chairman Pauline Chappell (74), from Rustington, leads the organisation with her vice-chairman, Littlehampton woman Val Kennedy (65).

Membership costs 1 a month. Small charges are levied for some of the groups. For more details see www.arunu3a.co.uk.

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