“Be Prepared” is the Scouting movement’s motto, and one that Gilwern U3A has used when preparing for the 2018 programme of monthly speakers, so it was very apt that March’s speaker was Pat Hillman MBE, Deputy District Commissioner for Adult Support, Monmouthshire Scouts, talking about “Scouting – then and now”. Pat’s humorous and informative anecdotes brought memories flooding back for many listeners. A Gilwern U3A member herself, Pat ranged from the start of scouting in 1907 by Lord Baden-Powell, the Hero of Mafeking, to the current Chief Scout, Bear Grylls.
April’s meeting is a combined AGM and talk entitled “The Darkness Beckons” – an exploration of our local cave system by Martin Farr. Future speakers are “Otter Encounters of my Third Age kind” by Jeff Chard in May and “Faith in Prison” for June given by Richard Walker. Add “People of Bletchley Park” and “Whitechapel Murders of 1888” and the programme for 2018 offers great variety and interest for Gilwern U3A members.
All monthly meetings of Gilwern U3A are held in the Community Centre, Common Road, Gilwern and start at 2pm. It is possible to join Gilwern U3A on the day, with annual subscriptions of £15.00 payable at the April meeting ensuring an entertaining and fascinating year. The benefits of belonging to Gilwern U3A are open to all retired, semi-retired persons and those no longer looking after families.
Non-members are always welcomed to the monthly meetings and will be charged £2 per head. For full details of Gilwern U3A visit the website on www.gilwernu3a.org.uk.
Kay Blackwell
