Southwell U3A offer plenty of options to inspire new interests and hobbies

For those no longer in full-time employment and looking for something to fill their leisure time, Southwell U3A believes it has the answer.

The organisation has around 70 interest groups on offer, covering a wide range of subjects and interests.

Southwell U3A is part of the national University of the Third Age that has been operating for 40 years.

It brings together older people no longer in work to have fun learning and discovering new interests.

Southwell U3A currently has around 800 members enjoying various interest meetings.

Interests on offer range from the arts, food and drink, languages, wellbeing and science, to the environment, hobbies and pastimes.

It includes a badminton group that is open to all ages, all abilities, male or female.

Members usually meet for a couple of hours at the Southwell Leisure Centre on Tuesday mornings, and you can be sure of having a good time playing doubles with the friendly group.

Exercise gently or push yourself a little harder, it’s completely up to you. Above all, enjoyment is key.

Alternatively, you might want to try table tennis.

This group meets on Monday afternoons at the leisure centre and you can come along and find out. Age and lack of experience are no obstacle.

You’ll be welcomed by a lovely group of people of wide-ranging abilities.

Members usually play doubles. Those who are better players are happy to play with those who struggle to hit the ball over the net.

Equipment is supplied, so all you need to bring is yourself.

ou can attend two Southwell U3A meetings before deciding if you wish to join the group

Founded in 1982, nationally there are 1,057 U3As with more than 450,000 members. Membership costs less than £20 on average per year.

Southwell U3A’s next meeting is due to take place at Southwell Leisure Centre on Thursday, May 3, at 10am.

It also hosts coffee morning for members at Southwell Garden Centre on Fiskerton Road, from 10.30am on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

Group leaders are happy to answer any questions. To become a member, go to the group’s website.