Bicester

30th Anniversary Celebrations 2016

On 22nd September 2016, our regular monthly meeting was a rather special one to celebrate our anniversary.

From 11a.m. in the morning, the Clifton Centre was buzzing with activity as a team of helpers prepared the hall for the start of the celebrations at 1.45p.m. Blue and gold U3A balloons filled with helium decorated the tables and large 3 and 0 balloons dominated the stage.

As members arrived, they were greeted by Colin Cockshaw on the keyboard playing favourite pieces of music. Raffle tickets were on sale and many gathered around the spectacular celebration 3 tier cake, made and decorated by Sue Parnell.

Ray introduced National Chairman, Pam Jones, who unveiled the banner, made by the Arts and Crafts group, depicting the various groups within our local U3A. We hope to have the banner on show at future meetings. A great deal of work has gone into its creation, we have some very gifted members!

The entertainment was provided by Paul Megram, a talented magician. His show was well worth seeing and enjoyed by all. I doubt very few of us could work out how he did the tricks. I was relieved when Margaret’s ring was returned to her, although I have no idea how it got into the bubble gum machine!

Frank Hinks cut the Anniversary cake and described how he was one of the twelve founder members who met in the Methodist church in 1986. We now have over 250 members and 30 groups! Then Ray presented a beautiful flower arrangement, created by Julia White, to Pam Jones and the raffle was drawn before the chairs were moved and tea was served in the hall.

The cups, saucers and plates were hired for the day, with the added bonus that they could be returned unwashed to the hire company, no washing up! We had a selection of sandwiches and savouries to start with. These were followed by a wonderful assortment of homemade cakes donated by members. We had so many cakes that we gave out “doggy bags” for people to take home.

We had to vacate the hall by 5p.m. but the clearing up was achieved in record time with many offers of assistance.

The event was a huge success, with all members receiving a special pen to mark the 30th Anniversary. If you have not received your pen because you could not attend the meeting in September, they will be available at future meetings. Please speak to a member of the committee if you require any assistance with obtaining your pen.

Thank you again to all of those who donated the cakes and also to the many people who helped on the day.