Seymour and District U3A president Irene Telford (third from left) celebrates the establishment’s 20th birthday with past presidents Lesley Dalziel, Louise Byrne, Jill Fiddler, Pat Coffey, Anne Thompson, Carolyn Braun and (front) Wid Bradley. Photos: Wayne Herring
Seymour’s University of the Third Age (U3A) recently celebrated two decades of its commitment to promoting lifelong learning.
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What began as a conversation between residents Anne Thompson and Lesley Dalziel has developed into a thriving community group which allows retired individuals to continue to expand their knowledge.
The 20th anniversary was celebrated with a party at the Seymour Recovery Hub, where attendees were treated to music from the Just Ukes U3A group, led by Moira Maher.
The hub was decked out with posters, displays and flowers contributed by the various U3A groups and Barry Dunn’s art group created a mini art gallery to be admired by onlookers.
Secretary Jo Gooden emceed the event and president Irene Telford led the proceedings, welcoming more than 70 guests from U3A Victoria, U3A Whittlesea and Cobram and current and past U3A Seymour members.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall was also there and spoke of the value of U3A in Seymour.
Founding president Anne Thompson, president Irene Telford and Sue Steele from U3A Network Victoria cut the cake for 20 years of U3A in the Seymour community.
Reflecting on the event, U3A committee member Carol Smith extended her gratitude to everyone who helped make the anniversary celebrations happen.
“A really big thank you to all of the volunteer tutors and course contacts who keep U3A running and who provided the lovely displays that were available on the day,” Ms Smith said.
Longtime U3A member Loris Wilmont also wanted to thank the volunteers for their hard work.
“I thoroughly enjoyed it, as one who just enjoys other people’s hard work, and I, too, think the people that put it together did massive work behind the scenes,” Ms Wilmont said.
Over the years, Seymour and District U3A has seen two weddings, COVID-19 lockdowns, many friendships, floods and rich programs develop.
U3A co-founder Anne Thompson said the 20th birthday celebrations offered a moment of reflection.
“I think we’ve had, in that 20 years, 11 presidents and lots of volunteers,” Ms Thompson said.
“This 20th birthday celebration was about re-imagining our future and getting in the faces of new people who would enjoy U3A.
“It was a wonderful moment to recognise how much the Seymour and District U3A has been in the lives of seniors in Seymour.”
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