An organisation set up to encourage lifelong learning has held its annual open morning and cut a cake to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Alsager and District U3A, launched in January 1998, has been organising events and activities for a quarter of a century.

Many of the organisation's 59 groups had a stall at the event. (Photo: Nub News)

And today (Monday) around 500 people attended an event at Alsager Civic to showcase its activities. 

Alsager and District U3A held a successful 25th anniversary concert led by its own orchestra in October as we revealed here and is now looking forward to the start of the new term in January.

The Alsager branch of the organisation has over 1,000 members attending 59 activity groups. 

Alan Bell, chairman (back standing) with some of the founder members. (Photo: Nub News)

Many of the groups were represented at today's open event, including the walking groups, French classes and ancient Greek.

Chair, Alan Bell, was delighted today's turnout. "Members are so enthusiastic about the organisation which is not only about learning but about making new friendships and socialising," he said.

"We're basically a youth club for retired people and the membership number shows just how successful we are.

Graham Bagnall and Eileen Carter from the U3A walking groups. (Photo: Nub News)

"There is something for everyone, whatever their interests are and some people are doing something every day with different groups.

"The open day is basically to show the public of Alsager what the U3A is about."

The organisation will be meeting again between 9.30 am and 12 noon on Monday, January 8th when new members can join or existing renew their membership.

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