The AGM held in March attracted a pleasingly large audience. Alwyn Jennings-Bramly, our chairman, thanked group leaders and commented on the excellent anniversary lunch enjoyed at the White Hart hotel.

He said that the U3A website continues to develop and encouraged all to learn how to use a computer.

Unsurprisingly the treasurer, Jon Hampton, found reducing the membership subscription for 2015 to be a popular move.

Three committee members, Chris Lincoln, group co-ordinator and website developer, John Ewington, outings organiser, and Sheila Crone, newsletter editor, handed over to new committee members and were thanked by the chairman.

Our speaker, Diana Holdsworth, U3A South-West Region Trustee, won over her audience by relating how she had forgotten to bring suitable clothes for her talk which followed an overnight stay.

But Salisbury M&S came to her rescue and her 'twirl' to show her outfit off set the tone for a warm and friendly talk about her membership of U3A after a career in teaching and some voluntary work with the National Trust and in social care.

She talked of a healthier older population having an opportunity to do things long desired and the importance of socialisation, not forgetting the benefits of group activities.

We heard of the current concerns of the committee in London which she attends - whether tutors should ever be paid, the importance of Magna Carta, the value of summer schools and opportunities for research. A refreshing talk from an enthusiastic speaker.