THE February Open Meeting of Crediton and District U3A group saw nearly 100 attendees and included a highly-entertaining talk by Stewart Raine about the History of British Music Halls.

Stewart explained his family connection with this entertainment - his aunt was a pianist in a music hall. Many years later she used to “bang out tunes” in the family house - I’m sure the neighbours enjoyed the renditions!

Stuart spoke about the design of music halls by the architect “Matchless Matchem” and the design breakthrough when the upper circles no longer needed view-impeding columns.

We learnt about the stars of the day and how they only had one or two famous songs which they repeated in the music halls across the country. We were treated to some risqué music by Marie Lloyd and enjoyed an old-fashioned sing-along.

Stewart suggested that we introduced sing-alongs on our next U3A outing! Thank you Stewart - a thoroughly entertaining talk.

The next Open Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 20 and includes a talk to be given by Anne and Martin Greig entitled “Croeso I Cymru/Welcome to Wales”.

April 17 includes a talk by Professor Roy Sambles “The Wonder of Light”. Please put the dates in your diary and come along and join us.

It’s not all about classes though - an outing is being arranged to the Minack Theatre, near Penzance, in June to take in some Shakespeare! We are taking picnics and hoping for good weather.

For more information please visit our website (U3asites.org.uk/crediton ) or telephone David Agasee (chair) on 01363 775698.

Jo Poulton