Gilwern celebrates its 100th member

Starting a new U3A is daunting, particularly when there are successful U3As in the locality, but that’s exactly what Gilwern has done. Gilwern is one of the largest villages in , situated at the top end of the county and lying within the Brecon Beacons National Park, being 5 miles from both and Crickhowell, each with their own thriving U3As. But geographically, Gilwern is extremely rural, as it is spread out along major routes, up hillsides, along the Monmouth & Brecon Canal, and out to farmsteads and small holdings. In fact, it’s very hard to pinpoint Gilwern’s exact centre.

In early 2016, a group of like-minded friends discussed the possibility of forming Gilwern U3A, and within a few weeks, met up with the local and national U3A co-ordinators. Using their valuable inputs, Gilwern U3A was launched in a blaze of publicity in September 2016.

By March 2019, Gilwern U3A had signed up its 100th member, and to celebrate, an Open Day was organised for 20th March, funded by a grant from the Third Age Trust. This proved to be a great success, allowing the existing interest groups to display their wares. There were boots, maps and routes from the Walking Group; fabulous displays of beautiful artwork courtesy of the largest group in the U3A, The Art Group; and fascinating Family History stands proudly displaying their research into World War One in Gilwern and the surrounding area; the Gardening Group’s plant sale tempted people to buy new species for their already crowded gardens; and there were even some hands of Bridge being played by a few ‘good’ players, enticing total novices to have a go. The Open Day attracted quite a few new members, and suggestions were welcomed for new interest groups. The afternoon’s talk on the Art of the Magician, normally at a small charge, was totally free to non-members and interested visitors, and this encouraged more to join.

Although Gilwern U3A has already become a part of village life, there is still the need for more and diverse interest groups, led by enthusiastic people, and this is a problem faced by many U3As. If readers can offer solutions to expanding the number of groups then [email protected] would be delighted to hear from you.

In the meantime, the excellent programme of monthly talks attracts members and guests alike, all eager to learn about the various topics on offer. Where else could you hear about the gory murders of Jack the Ripper one month and the 14, or was it 15, wives of the King of Swaziland the next? END: For further information, please contact Kay Blackwell at [email protected]

Photo: Main Road, Gilwern, from the canal bridge looking towards the Sugar Loaf.