THE first meeting of a new organisation targeting retired people in Lymm and Thelwall takes place next week.

A branch of the University of the Third Age has launched for Lymm and Thelwall.

And the first meeting will take place on Friday, April 28 at Thelwall Parish Hall.

James Ashington, press officer, says the group will be open to all and aims to give people something to get involved in when they retire.

He added: “Most people think they retire from something.

“We want them to have something to retire to.

“People often retire and then three months later they think ‘what do we do now?’ “You can only watch so much daytime television.”

And that is where the University of the Third Age comes in.

There is already a group in Warrington but this new branch is targeting people in the south of the town.

The group is tied into a national organisation but is run by a committee of 12 people locally who serve three year terms.

A launch meeting earlier in the year attracted 170 people and more are expected next week.

The model sees people suggest topics they themselves might be interested in exploring.

Whether that be learning Mandarin Chinese, walking in the Peak District or flower arranging, anything goes.

Mr Ashington said the choice is up to the members, who pay a £25 fee to join the group.

He added: “Nothing is imposed and that is the beauty of this organisation.

“It tends to be that people cluster around the same interests.

“It is very unlikely people would suggest something only they would be interested in and it normally sees three or four people at least wanting to explore a similar item.

“We are trying to make things as easy as possible for people and hope that lots of them coming along and take part.”

  •  For more information on the organisation visit u3a.org.uk.

And if you want more on the local group or details on the meeting email lynnbryant3a@outlook.com.