CREDITON and District University of the Third Age (U3A) has a new chairman.

Jane Innes, who helped set up Crediton U3A two years ago, and who has helped run it and acted as chairman, has handed over the baton to David Agasee, who took over this month.

The last meeting of the Crediton branch held at the Boniface Centre, David presented Jane with flowers and thanked her for her service.

Crediton U3A is a not-for-profit co operative for people who are retired or semi-retired to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the organisation through various interest groups.

It currently has 222 members and would like to welcome more.

Set up two years ago, Crediton U3A now has 25 different interest groups for members to attend.

Many groups run regularly such as craft and art groups, meditation, tai chi, walking groups, pub lunches, French and Spanish language groups and many more.

Look at the website for the full list of groups, information on how groups are set up and how to join: u3asites.org.uk/crediton .

Crediton U3A holds monthly open meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at the Boniface Centre starting at 10am.

Doors open at 9.30am for tea/coffee and biscuits and a chance to chat to other members. There is a small admission charge of £1.50. Each monthly meeting features a speaker and members have already enjoyed a wide range of talks on many different subjects which have included the geology of Crediton, bees, being an opera singer, a vet’s life, being a high court judge, and many more.

Last month Professor Michael Dumper from Exeter University gave a talk entitled, "Jerusalem - problems and prospects for a peace agreement."

The next open meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 20, when John Allan will give a talk on the building of Exeter Cathedral.

For more information, please contact David Agasee on 01363 775698.

Alan Quick