Small and friendly u3as at the Southport Flower Show
A number of small and friendly u3as from across the region were delighted to take part in this year’s Southport Flower Show, one of the town’s best-known annual events. Our aim was to raise awareness of u3a and show visitors the wide range of opportunities available through their local groups. Smaller u3as offer a particularly welcoming environment in which members can get to know one another and become actively involved.
Our colourful shared stand showed visitors what being part of u3a is really like. The main panel featured photographs of members enjoying meals, meeting friends, visiting places of historical interest and taking part in other events. It also included a map showing the participating and neighbouring u3as. Large posters highlighted activities such as local history visits, walking, book groups, Mah Jong, meals, social outings and Knit & Natter. A table at the front held leaflets, pamphlets and information cards for visitors to browse and take away.
Members of the participating u3as volunteered in turn to staff the stand throughout the four days. They met many visitors, including members of other u3as who were interested in how we promote our groups and activities. A highlight of the first day was a visit from the Mayor of Sefton, who met and was photographed with some of our volunteers. The show gave us a wonderful opportunity to share the friendship, learning and enjoyment that u3a offers, while exchanging ideas with visitors from near and far.
