MORE than 100 people were welcomed to the Boniface Centre in Crediton on Friday, October 9, to attend the Inaugural meeting of the Crediton and District branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) by the appointed chairman, Jane Innes.

Jane introduced the committee and thanked them for all their hard work in getting this new U3A branch off the ground.

She also thanked the Tiverton Chair and Membership Secretary who attended to show support for this new group.

Tiverton U3A had instigated the first meeting in June as a result of meeting Crediton Mayor, Cllr Frank Letch, who showed an interest in starting a U3A in Crediton.

Since then both Tiverton and a representative from the Okehampton branch attended Crediton meetings to give the benefit of their experience in running groups to the committee.

Diana Holdsworth, a National officer of the U3A who supports the South West UK region, gave a short talk on the benefits recent research has shown of belonging to U3A.

"Better than hospitals" was a quote she shared from a senior neuroscientist - talking about mental health benefits of continuing learning, especially in groups.

Dave Agasee is the Groups Co-ordinator and he spoke about groups and about there being no need to be an expert in a subject before you can get a group going.

People share the responsibility and learn together and, the resources available to all members of U3A are amazingly useful.

Resources are available on the U3A national website.

Dave is there to support the formation of groups, their organisers and to troubleshoot ideas.

There are now 138 names on the Crediton branch mailing list - 72 people joined on October 9, 23 people from surrounding villages, and more people are reported to be signing up through the post.

The public is reminded that they can join Crediton and District U3A at any time - a pro rata subscription is available - whenever you join.

In total 35 different groups were requested, ranging from short walks/longer walks, ambling-type walks, in fact all kinds of walks... political discussion, French, art, history, pub lunches, science and church visits and other outings.

The meeting finished with information about the future website, newsletter and how regular information will be sent out by email and post to those who have no email.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 18, from 10am to 12 noon in the Boniface Centre.

The £1.50 entry includes unlimited tea and biscuits. Frank Letch will be the speaker and his talk will be called, "Feet First".

Groups will have a chance to firm up arrangements and start meeting regularly if you are not already doing so by that time.

There is no monthly meeting in December, but the first pub lunch is on Wednesday, December 16, at the Devonshire Dumpling, Morchard Road, and will be a Christmas Lunch, (plus Veggie option).

For more information or to book for the lunch, please contact Jane Innes on 01363 84376 or, to join, contact the Membership Secretary, Lyn Padley on 01363 773504.