MORE than 180 people went to the Minehead and District U3A open morning on January 16 – one of the most successful events of its kind since the branch began 21 years ago.

Some 13 new members joined on the day and others went home with application forms in order to join later.

As the visitors looked at the projects and activities of the last year, 39 U3A (University of the Third Age) groups displayed the learning opportunities they offer, and the visitors also saw presentations and performances by six of them.

As well as science, literature, art, history, computers and foreign languages, there are many other active interests such as allotment, bird watching, bee keeping, nature amblers – for which seven new members signed up – and tap dance.

New groups were launched, with philosophy attracting 14 members and a craft group starting with eight.

A sixth book group has been formed and proposals made for classic cars and also for gipsy and Arabic dance.

A third creative writing group and a new one for marquetry are also being planned following the event.

Visitors learned that the organisation is not just Minehead but very much Minehead and District U3A, and there was extra interest in meetings in Williton and Watchet.