Call The Midwife star attends U3A's 25th anniversary party

Burgess Hill's University of the Third Age (U3A) celebrated it's first 25 years with an Anniversary Party featuing a special guest.
Judy Parfitt recieving flowers for opening the anniversary party SUS-180309-084836001Judy Parfitt recieving flowers for opening the anniversary party SUS-180309-084836001
Judy Parfitt recieving flowers for opening the anniversary party SUS-180309-084836001

Judy Parfitt, star of screen and stage, opened the party and cut the first slice of the anniversary cake at the celebrations which took place on Saturday August, 18 at the Burgess Hill Academy.

The Call The Midwife star spoke enthusiastically about the wide range of the interest groups within U3A and welcomed the opportunity to meet the members and visitors. Ms Parfitt was presented with a basket of flowers created by Maureen Peirce and Stephanie Robinson, members of the flower arranging group.

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A selection of the groups showcased their many interests, covering some of the many subjects including art, creative writing, family history, history of architecture, card making, languages, classic cars, gardening, bridge, jazz appreciation, knitting, mah jong, travel, photography, table tennis and boules.

A spokesman for the U3A said: “Altogether it was a happy and wonderful celebration of the first 25 years. It was a grand event with a lovely buzz about the place all day.

Also displayed was a comprehensive set of history boards highlighting the past 25 years along with a memory book with photographs and a brief biography of the early members.”

The cream teas were well received, each one having a slice of the celebratory cake along with other goodies.

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Children tried their hand at decorating ginger bread people, and even got some of the members to join in too.

The various fund fundraising stalls were kept busy throughout the celebrations selling jewellery, puzzles and games.

A bottle tombola and the grand anniversary raffle were also very popular.

The Burgess Hill U3A was founded in February 1993 by local resident Mimi Goldman whose son, Alan Goldman, was delighted to join the celebration. The group has grown from those small but enthusiastic beginnings to the organisation it is today with 850 members and more than 80 activity and interest groups.

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Everyone who is not in full-time employment and 50 years old or above is welcome to join the U3A. Our age range is from 50+ to 80+ and beyond

All of the activity and interest groups are run by current members.

U3A is a UK-wide movement which brings together people in their ‘third age’ to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.

For more information contact Peter Mitchell, 01444 236848 or visit www.u3asites.org.uk/burgess hill.