Chelmsford u3a's Picnic in the Park
Chelmsford u3a's Picnic in the Park connected members together, along with members from nearby u3as, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and the u3a East of England Trustee, for a party celebrating the u3a movement.
Member of Chelmsford u3a, Lesley, says "Chelmsfordu3a was delighted that Cllr. Galley, the Mayor of the City of Chelmsford and Cllr. Dobson, Deputy Mayor, were able to attend our festivities, along with u3a East of England Trustee Barbara Cordina. The weather was kind and members enjoyed their picnics whilst listening to Broomfield u3a ukulele band and a community choir called Big Sing. Later we moved into a marquee for talk by Paul Robbins about the Queen's 70 years reign. Committee members and volunteers worked hard to provide a colourful and enjoyable day - with tables decorated with wild flowers and balloons and bunting in the marquee and display area. Tea, coffee and delicious home-baked cakes were provided by Heritage Centre volunteers.
"Members personal memories of the Queen's coronation were on display along with contemporary pictorial news items of the event in 1953. There was lots of information about the benefits of becoming a member of the u3a. Baddow & Galleywood u3a was also represented by their membership secretary. Two competitions were available; one being a free raffle to win a hamper courtesy of Chelmsford Star Co-Op, and the other a guess the weight competition."