A 'hugely successful' open day hosted by Dawlish & District U3A saw 30 new members joining up, and 73 enquiries that are likely to lead to a further boost in numbers.

It took place at The Strand Centre on Saturday, September 18, when the Great Big Dawlish Lawn event was also taking place, bringing extra visitors into the town centre. Members of U3A were on hand in the centre to talk about the range of activities and special interest groups the organisation offers, including Watercolour Painting, Great Lives, History, French Conversation, Wine Appreciation, Scrabble, Art Appreciation, Page Turners and Theatre.

Centre stage was an inflated kayak to advertise the newly formed Adventure Group that will give members the chance to enjoy water sports, paddle boarding, climbing, walking with llamas and many other pursuits they may not have experienced before.

Councillor Martin Wrigley found time in his busy schedule to visit and meet members and express his admiration for the diversity of activities on offer and the contribution U3A makes to the lives of so many people. He will be the guest speaker at the November monthly meeting when he will be talking about the many challenges facing local government.

Members 'delighted to resume almost full programme'

Chair of Dawlish & District U3A John Vick said: "Our U3A is in great heart as we emerge from the frustrations and difficulties of lockdown.

"Members showed impressive resilience and creativity in continuing activities in the past 18 months but are delighted now to resume almost all of their full programme.

"The remarkable response to the Open Day shows how important it is to 'Learn, Laugh and Live' together."

Dawlish & District U3A has over 100 members who meet monthly to listen to speakers on a diverse range of subjects, and to enjoy each other's company. In addition, about 20 special interest groups meet throughout the month.To find out more, visit www.u3a.dawlish.info