Stourbridge U3A

From its inception five years ago, the first Thursday in the month has witnessed meetings of the U3A at the Methodist Church on the Stourbridge Ring Road.

Throughout this time, interesting talks and presentations have drawn large numbers of our 300 plus members to every meeting. Each meeting starts at 2pm and the last three illustrate the wide variety of subjects which are covered.

At our November meeting the speaker was Chris Dingley, a solicitor with many years' experience in tax matters. Everyone who came to this meeting learned about ways to protect their assets from inheritance tax and how they can spot the problems that might affect their life savings.

The December meeting was a complete contrast; Adam Smith is a gifted performer of comedy songs and ballads, almost all of which are his own compositions.

With each piece he accompanied himself on one of the five string instruments he had brought along to the meeting.

At the January meeting we were treated to another interesting talk. Anthony Collis shared his vast knowledge of the history of the pub signs in the Black Country and Worcestershire which form such an important part of our local heritage.

Among his countless examples was The Black Boy in Bewdley, which refers to the escape of the young King Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.

In Enville Street, Katie Fitzgerald's used to be The Stourbridge Lion, named after the first steam locomotive to run on railway tracks in the USA and built just a few hundred yards away.

In addition to the monthly meetings there are over 30 interest groups, covering subjects ranging from bridge, to jazz appreciation. Many members belong to two or more of these groups and new ones are being formed all the time, with subjects including drama, French for beginners, French improvement and knitting.

The group welcomes anyone who is no longer in full time employment. To join, visit u3asites.org.uk/Stourbridge, ring chair Wendy Packer on 01384 372791 or come along to the meeting on February 4, when the subject will be love letters in time of war, a touching insight into life in the area during the Second World War.