The May monthly meeting for members and guests of Bude & District U3A was a monthly meeting with a difference, for this was a celebration marking 25 years since the beginning of U3A in Bude. In place of the usual guest speaker, there were tributes and reminiscences, a panel game entertainment provided by members, a special quiz, and, of course, a 25th anniversary cake.

U3A chairman, Jim Buck, welcomed everyone to the event at the Parkhouse Centre and spoke briefly about how the celebration, and the number of people working together to stage it, typified the spirit of U3A. He ran through the programme for the afternoon (‘no boring announcements’) and then introduced Mary Dobson, a founder member and early chairman.

In her presentation, Mary shared some of the history of U3A in Bude as well as her own reminiscences of events over the last 25 years. Her talk was accompanied by slides illustrating U3A life over the years. She had also set out copies of everything from old ‘Welcome’ leaflets and photos to programmes saved from theatre trips and more, on a table at the back of the hall for members to browse through later.

First up on the screen was a photo of Carol Harriot who brought the idea of U3A to Bude after moving here from Looe where she had been an active member of the local U3A branch. Carol worked tirelessly to get Bude U3A going, said Mary. She was made ‘President for Life’ in 2001, in recognition of all that she had done. Sadly, she died of cancer in 2003.

After further reminiscences, Mary handed over to Beth Moore who stepped forward carrying a very large, decorated balloon. ‘You can’t have a party without a balloon,’ she said, before dramatically revealing her second surprise – her t-shirt emblazoned with the words ‘Hooray for Bude U3A’! She then read her monologue, ‘Hooray for U3A’, a humorous look at the various U3A Activity Groups on offer to members, ending with a thank you to U3A for what the organisation had meant to her. She concluded to warm applause and handed back to Mary for the ‘ceremonial’ cutting of the special Anniversary cake!

Then it was time for “I S’pose You Think That’s Funny”, a panel game entertainment especially written for the occasion. Taking part were Mary Dobson, Elizabeth Hooker, Sue Neale, Lindsey Sandilands, Crispin King, and Jim Buck, with technical help from Nick Faulks and John Weller.

The panelists successfully made their way through rounds of word games and ‘sound charades’, culminating in a lively ‘pick-up song’ round, to great applause from the audience, before the audience themselves were called upon to contribute and sing along to Sonny and Cher’s ‘I’ve Got You Babe’ with Sonny’s words sung by one half of the room and Cher’s by the other side – the panelists probably did it better!

Next, over tea or coffee and slices of anniversary cake, U3A members formed teams to tackle a special, humorous Quiz devised by Les Stevens. In a break from traditional rows of seating at monthly meetings, on this occasion members sat around large circular tables which were decorated with pretty posies provided by Anne Lee and Christine Davey. This mode of seating made it easier to work in as a team for the Quiz, as well as promoting greater opportunities for socializing.

Members of the Walking 2 Group, with help from various other volunteers, prepared and served the refreshments – after carefully cutting the cake into exactly the right number of slices! Throughout the afternoon, ‘official’ photographer for the event, Anne Reece Pinchon, Photography 1 Group Leader, could be seen snapping away to record the latest milestone occasion in the history of Bude U3A.

The successful afternoon concluded with a few remarks from the chairman who thanked everyone who had contributed to the organisation and success of the anniversary event.

It’s a return to the more usual format for the U3A monthly meeting in June when the topic is ‘Beyond the Garden Gate’, and the speaker is Hilary Philips. Her talk takes a look at wildlife in the Bude Stratton area. Information about Bude U3A meetings and activities and how to join, can be found at: www.budeu3a.co.uk.

Bideford Artist Pete Newell is exhibiting his latest work at The Castle Centre, Bude from 14th June to 3rd July 2025, showing in the Blanchminster Room, 10am to 4pm each day.

The title of the exhibition,”Boats, Harbours and Crows” reflects his inspiration coming from the coast and rivers of North Devon and North Cornwall. Pete works from sketches made on site. Some of these sketches are then developed in the studio into acrylic paintings.

Work in the exhibition also features images of the crows Pete has observed on the quayside at Bude, their quirky personalities catching his attention while he was drawing there.

Pete has long been fascinated by all things maritime, and this exhibition showcases the diverse range of subject matter inherent in that theme. He will be at the exhibition to discuss his work and show his sketchbooks on Sunday, June 22.

Pete is represented by the Pier Gallery, Ilfracombe and the Appledore Gallery. For more information visit www.petenewellpaintings.uk

Holsworthy Hamlets Flower Club welcomed Barbara Clatworthy from Ilfracombe for our June meeting, with her demonstration entitled “Showtime”.

Barbara entertained the audience with beautiful flower arranging as well as her stories of “cruising” on the Thames and the various shows she has seen.

Barbara’s first design depicted “Starlight Express” It was constructed in a cone shaped container, supported by a metal spiral decorated with lights. Dried agapanthus seed heads sprayed lime green, ruscus, rosemary, avalanche roses and white lisianthus were arranged into a striking design. It was complemented with an arrangement in a wicker cup and saucer to replicate tea at the ritz.

The Greatest Showman, CATS, and The Phantom of the opera were also featured during the evening.

A modern horizontal creation concluded Barbara’s demonstration. She manipulated golden wave phormium leaves and threaded red gerbera’s through the

Knots she had constructed giving width to the design. Fatsia leaves, osmanthus and purple lisianthus were arranged into the oasis to create a stunning display.

The evening concluded with Sylvia Harris thanking Barbara for coming to Holsworthy and for her amazing arrangements

The next meeting will be on June 10 when we look forward to welcoming Janet Ward as demonstrator for the evening at 7.30pm in Holsworthy Methodist Hall.

Two meetings in one this month – as it was time for the AGM too!

Members had been busy over the last few weeks, so there was feedback from attendance at the Jigsaw Challenge (our team managed it in 1 ¾ hours), a coffee morning, a craft day, a walk in Lostwithiel and a resolutions roadshow – plenty of variety, with many more events coming up. During the AGM section, we heard reports of the year from the President, Secretary and Vice treasurer. It was a great chance to reflect on what the WI brings to members and to the community around – we are proud to have raised over £1000 for various charities during the year too, alongside giving great value for those who attend meetings and take the opportunities presented.

Cups were given to the highest points for the monthly competitions in the year: For flowers: Verna Dawe and for Monthly ones: Jenny Rendle.

The bring and share supper was full of delicious food – even two types of savoury scones (they didn’t last long!). Members enjoyed an individual cake each, beautifully decorated by talented member Cherry.

The judge had a difficult task to choose the May competition winners there were so many items with a story attached – a teddy and a panda (both much loved), a hat belonging to a parent, a necklace given on a special day, a hand painted jug and many more, but the results were: My most treasured possession: 1, Alison Willis; 2, Jean Hoare; 3, Jill Pascoe.

Flower of the Month: 1, Maureen Walker; 2, Trish Thomas; 3, Jill Pascoe.

Pensilva WI are still Continuing to collect used stamps for CFWI. Recently the group have sent in 3 ¼ pounds of stamps (all trimmed!) to CFWI. Thank you to all who have added to this! We are always happy to receive more.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11, starting at 7.15pm, entitled ‘A talk about holidays’ – we wonder where it will take us? Come along and find out!

On June 15, Alan Read, the CRT 70 manager, is holding a walking football training session to put together a team for the Okehampton competition on June 29. This training session will be held at Callywith College, Bodmin, 11am to 1pm.

If you'd like to attend on June 15 don't hesitate to get in touch with Alan on [email protected]