Members of Salford u3a gathered recently for a gala lunch to celebrate the organisation’s 40th anniversary. It was an opportunity to reflect on four decades of shared activity, learning and fun.

Salford u3a is aimed at people who are retired or semi-retired. It offers more than 50 different interest groups – ranging from creative, educational or physical activities – alongside social events including monthly get-togethers, day trips and holidays. They meet at different venues across the city.

U3a – formerly known as the University of the Third Age – originated in France in 1972 and came to England 10 years later. The Salford branch was established following a meeting at Eccles Library in 1986 attended by more than 50 people, including its first Chair, the late Betty Sutcliffe.

“Betty’s enthusiasm and commitment throughout was paramount to its success,” said Carole Bowler, who is also a former Chair of the organisation. “Her vision and enthusiasm for learning, helping people to share their interests and starting new things was an ever-present feature of her life, together with having fun. The senior citizens of Salford and the u3a have much to thank Betty for.”

Among the honoured guests at the celebration lunch were the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Cllr Robin Garrido and the Mayoress Mrs Karen Garrido; and Doreen Bradshaw, Salford u3a’s longest serving current member who joined in 1992.

“Doreen has embraced everything that was going including walking, embroidery, Scrabble and bird-watching. She says, as many of us do, that it was one of the best things she has ever done in her life,” added Carole.

Salford u3a now has more than 500 members and is growing all the time. Its 12th and current Chair is John Halstead who took over the reins earlier this year.

He said: “The celebration lunch was an opportunity for current members to look back on the past 40 years and pay tribute to our predecessors for establishing such a vibrant and thriving organisation here in Salford. Now, my job along with the current committee and indeed the whole membership, is to take us forward into the coming years, ensuring that what we do is always engaging and meets the needs of older adults in Salford. “

Other activities planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary include a ceremonial tree planting later in the year and the unveiling of a commemorative quilt, made by members of the quilting group. The u3a rock and pop group will hold an eighties themed celebration event.