March U3A held its annual meeting last Wednesday, when a successful year of activities was reviewed, including a trip to Saffron Walden, a boat trip to Boston, and a tour of Wisbech Castle, as well as a strawberry tea, and both a pre-Christmas and post-Ch

March U3A held its annual meeting last Wednesday, when a successful year of activities was reviewed, including a trip to Saffron Walden, a boat trip to Boston, and a tour of Wisbech Castle, as well as a strawberry tea, and both a pre-Christmas and post-Christmas lunch. Two coffee mornings had also proved successful.

In September the Third Age Trust's publicity officer, Barbara Lewis, had visited the monthly meeting to present March U3A with its official certificate of membership.

A new board games group had been formed during the year and the quilting/patchwork group had expanded to cover other crafts. The calligraphy, papercraft, poetry appreciation and reading groups continued, with occasional chess and music get-togethers. The luncheons group had gone from strength to strength, meeting at many and varied venues. And it was reported that after a winter break the walking group would be striding into action again.

Many speakers had addressed meetings on varied topics, such as travels in India, Thomas Cook - Trailblazer, the Norfolk dialect, and Pride and Prejudice from a Bit of a Drama Workshop. A member also spoke on her experiences teaching in Saudi Arabia.

Member numbers had reached 68, from 56 at the beginning of the second year. U3A Awareness Month had been celebrated by an exhibition in March Library. Also in 2006/7 the website - geocities.com/marchu3a - and thrice-yearly newsletter had seen the light of day, and would hopefully continue as well as they had begun.

The Constitution was adopted by the membership and new chairman Ron Canter replaced Chris Pringle, who had completed two years' service. John Lea replaced Ron Canter as vice-chairman and Peter Brown joined the committee in place of Rosemary Hyde who had stepped down.

Founding chairman Chris Pringle was presented with a planter of spring flowers on standing down after two years.

After the annual meeting the monthly meeting was addressed by the new chairman and the afternoon concluded with a quiz organised by Pam Burdass.

March U3A meets on the second Wednesday of each month in Trinity Church hall (2-4pm). Those interested in joining can attend a taster-session prior to committing to membership, if wished.