Art appreciation and wine tasting via Zoom - life during lockdown for Dawlish U3A
By Philippa Davies
23rd Jul 2021 | Local News
Dawlish U3A's normal meetings and activities haven't been possible since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.
But in this article, publicity officer John Vick describes how some of the U3A's special interest groups are still managing to meet up remotely – and he's encouraging anyone who's feeling isolated because of coronavirus restrictions to make contact with the U3A and connect with like-minded people.
As we all know only too well, millions of people across the country are facing very difficult situations every day during the pandemic.
While there are now reasons for hope in 2021, the reality is that we face many more months of limits on our everyday lives and contacts with our friends and families.
In the face of these challenges, Dawlish & District U3A members are renewing their efforts to reach out to members, and to spread the word to everyone locally about what the U3A can offer them.
While most of the face-to-face U3A open-air activities have had to be suspended now that autumn has come, a great many interest groups are continuing.
Which groups are meeting via Zoom?
Members' IT skills have been given a boost by the use of Zoom for activities ranging from a weekly quiz to wine appreciation, art appreciation and French conversation. While some members were initially cautious about this, most are now converts and happy to meet their friends on Zoom and continue their activities remotely. Other groups such as Literature, History and Bookworms are exchanging ideas and opinions on email. In November the first full monthly meeting was held on Zoom and Chair Graham Carey was pleased with the attendance..
Members listened to Hugh Scudder, who has been a volunteer providing aid and support to people in Europe's poorest country, Moldova. His experiences made a powerful impression on his audience and many will be responding generously in the weeks and months ahead; find out more here: Christmas shoebox scheme for Moldovan children. The success of this meeting means that there will be further monthly meetings in December and the New Year.U3A meetings are 'a lifeline' during lockdown
Existing members know how important – and enjoyable - the regular U3A activities are, whether they are face-to-face or online.
They bring people together to share interests and form great friendships.
Members believe that many other people in the community would enjoy what we do and feel supported and connected in these challenging and isolating times.
Efforts are under way to encourage anyone else in the area who is no longer in fulltime employment to connect with U3A to see whether they would like to join in.
.Another important initiative is the Keeping In Touch team who are making sure that members who are feeling isolated, and lack the support network enjoyed by others, are able to get friendly social contact and help which can make all the difference.
In March, few people anticipated that we would face such a long period but for many local people, the U3A is a lifeline!
To find out more, visit the Dawlish U3A website, email [email protected] or ring 01626 862486.
New dawlish Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: dawlish jobs
Share:
