JUST FOR THE JOY OF IT

Members of Bristol u3a walking near Monkton Farleigh

Bristol u3a’s geology group undertakes field trips to sites of geological interest in the local area and beyond There are 1,057 u3as in the UK with over 450,000 members; membership costs less than £20 on average per year and is open to everyone who’s no longer in full-time work

u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups for people who are no longer in full time work but want to continue to learn, just for the joy of it. As the organisation celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we take a closer look at the brilliant Bristol branch...

The UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups –u3a (University of the Third Age) –is for anyone no longer in full-time employment who wants to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment. There are over a thousand local u3a branches across the UK, all of which host groups chosen and run by the members, for the members. Each local branch focuses on creating a sense of community, social wellbeing, fellowship and belonging.

Founded in 1982, this year will see u3a celebrate its 40th anniversary and branches across the country are set to enjoy a programme packed full of events taking place throughout the year. The Bristol branch will be no exception. Made up of nearly 1,300 members, everyone is welcome to join and no qualifications are required – all that is needed is enthusiasm, participation and mutual respect.

Bristol u3a hosts over 140 special interest groups covering a wide range of subjects from art appreciation to ukele. Whether you’re looking to get active and join a walking, cycling, or Tai Chi group, or you have more of an artistic mind and want to experiment with origami and explore modern architecture, Bristol u3a offers something for everyone. Special interest groups meet usually during the day at weekly, fortnightly or monthly intervals, either over Zoom, at a member’s home or at a suitable location.

Bristol u3a also runs monthly meetings where members are invited to listen to an interesting talk and socialize. On 18 January, lecturer Siobhan Clarke, who has a BA in Modern History and has worked for Historic Royal Palaces for 20 years, will be speaking about the works of art collected by Henry VIII, looking at what his artwork reveals about who he was as a person.

In the coming months, they will also be welcoming Paul Barwick, who will be speaking about the life and death of Alexander Litvinenko, discussing the attempts to assassinate him and the deadly poison, polonium, that was used. Paul, now retired, was a serving police officer for 34 years and has a career background in the national intelligence and security arena.

In March, speaker Bernard Locket will be exploring the life and works of Gilbert and Sullivan, one of the best known composer/lyricist pairings in operatic history. These three lectures are shining examples of the breadth of topics covered at the branch’s monthly meetings.

During the course of the year, Bristol u3a is set to introduce a number of new groups to its programme. For those interested in stand up comedy, for example, organisers will be starting a comedy and humour group at a North Bristol venue. The group will look at the history of comedy and members can enjoy performances, discussions about stand up, and lectures from scriptwriters. Other new groups will include flower arranging, tap dancing, choral singing, badminton and studying ancient Greek philosophy.

As u3a looks forward to celebrating its 40th birthday, Bristol u3a will be putting on a whole host of anniversary activities in the summer. Keep your eyes on the organisation’s website for more details about what’s to come and contact the branch directly if you’d like to join a group, just for the joy of it.

• For more information visit: bristolu3a.org.uk; and if you’d like to get involved, email: chair@bristolu3a.org.uk

Keeping good company

Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham is turning the tables on loneliness for Bristol’s older generations with a stress-free and affordable retirement option. Almost 8 million people are currently living alone in the UK and one of the largest groups is the over 75’s. Older generations are especially vulnerable to loneliness and with added disadvantages such as limited mobility or lack of confidence in using technology, it’s all too easy to become cut off from society.

“Loneliness is a big issue and we recognise the pandemic has exacerbated this” says Chief Executive, Frances Stretton. “We know that many older people are really struggling to live on their own and sadly are unaware of their options.”

Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham has 5 supported living houses around the city and offers a wonderful alternative for older people wishing to remain independent. Residents enjoy the privacy of their own apartment, either studio or one-bedroom, but benefit tremendously from dining communally, daily coffee mornings and a calendar of social events.

•One bedroom and studio apartments •Affordable all-inclusive rent •Daily coffee mornings and social events •Delicious home-cooked meals •24-hour team member support

Abbeyfield’s apartments are available to rent and fees are inclusive of all utilities and delicious home-cooked meals –keeping true to the organisation’s promise of a stress-free life. Fees vary from house to house, but Abbeyfield aims to be affordable to everyone.

Recently completed show apartments are now available to view. What’s more, the organisation is offering 50% off a trial stay for anyone booking before the 31st March 2022.

To visit any of the organisations 5 Bristol supported living houses, call 0117 973 6997 or e-mail@abbeyfieldbristol.co.uk www.abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk

Designed for you. Built for you. Waiting for you.

Nestled beside the Downs in Bristol’s popular Redland district, The Vincent offers a stylish collection of 64 one, two and three bedroom apartments designed for independent, later living. The Vincent is ideally located within easy reach of Clifton Village or the city centre where some of the best restaurants, boutique shops, cafes and many attractions are waiting to be enjoyed, while the expansive Clifton Downs nearby provide plenty of nature and outdoor spaces to explore at your leisure.

Each of the apartments benefits from an open plan design to create spacious and light-filled abodes. Generous kitchens include fully-integrated appliances and large worktops. Cosy yet spacious bedrooms include built-in wardrobes to maximise storage and en-suites in many of the homes.

The Vincent has the added benefit of its own on-site team who are on hand to handle day-to-day tasks and ensure the smooth running of the building, leaving residents free to live life and enjoy all that Bristol has to offer.

A communal lounge, restaurant and beautiful, landscaped gardens are available for both a tranquil space for relaxation or socialising with neighbours, friends, and families. There is even a guest suite available for visiting friends and family. With exclusive spa facilities, a gym and pool, wellbeing becomes a way of life, not just an occasional treat.

Prices from £275,000 - £1,250,000 to buy or from £2,220 pcm to rent. 0117 981 4352, Web: lifestory.group/TheVincent