In a break from the usual talk given by a visiting speaker at the Bude & District U3A Open Monthly Meeting, for the June meeting members and guests were treated to a performance by the u3a’s very own drama group.

Playing to an appreciative audience, the Drama Group performed a collection of humorous sketches, short comedy playlets and monologues, mostly written by members of the Group.

U3A chair, Tina Hyndman began the meeting, held this time in the Bude Methodist Church Hall, before introducing the Drama Group. The Group were forced to make several last minute casting changes when one of the Group became ill just a few days before the performance. The six remaining members each played several different parts including a female cast member covering for the absent male. She was given a special round of applause.

The presentation included a short sketch about the launch of a fictional ‘Radio Bude’ disastrous phone-in programme, a guest appearance by ‘Superman’ (who turned out to be an actor ‘trapped’ in the costume), a sketch about two sisters lost in the dark on the local bowling green (not in the woods as they think), a comedy sketch about a chance meeting of three ladies who turn out to have the same husband, a poignant short sketch about an older father and his son trying to come to terms with the effects of aging, as well as a few other comedy items. The audience was encouraged to participate at the appropriate moments, and so a fun afternoon was had by all.

After the group had taken their final bows to loud applause, Tina Hyndman thanked them for their hard work and for providing an enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment. Members and guests then enjoyed the customary tea and biscuits.

The speaker for the July meeting at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude, is Bude resident, Paul Martin who will be offering in informal insight into life as a TV extra and double, with particular reference to his work as a double for Martin Clunes in Doc Martin.

The Drama Group is one of almost 40 activity Groups available to u3a members in Bude. The list includes three Walking Groups, Creative Writing,

Dowsing, Social Bridge, Singing for Fun, Family History, Poetry, Photography, Art and Artists, History, Sharing Music, Gardening, and much more. Several Groups, including Drama, have space for new members. Further information on all the Groups and on other u3a activities can be found on the Bude u3a website: www.budeu3a.co.uk.

In addition to the Open Monthly Meetings and all the Group activities, Bude u3a offers two Coffee Mornings each month, one at the Weir Café on the first Friday of the month, and one at the Falcon Hotel on the third Thursday of each month. Members and new and potential members are welcome. Details are on the Bude u3a website.

As a result of an appeal last year, u3a members raised sufficient funds for the planting and care of a tree as part of Queen Elizabeth’s Green Canopy appeal and to commemorate 40 years of the U3A movement in the UK. The chosen oak sapling was planted in January at Atlantic Rest Natural Burial Site at Woolley and appears to be developing very nicely.