APRIL is the month when many of the Worcester U3A's activities start to wind down for the summer break. We feel that this is necessary because the months from September to May are packed with activities and even us older people need a rest sometimes.

The modest one-off annual subscription is kept affordable and covers access to all general meetings as well as membership, if desired, of up to 40 different classes or groups. Each of these is led by a volunteer leader which means that there is no further fee due.

All well and good but it does mean that a certain responsibility falls on these group leaders, as well as them having to prepare and organise their fortnightly classes. Which explains why the three-month summer break is necessary and welcome. Not all activities cease for the summer. Some groups carry on an informal basis and, of course, friendships that are made in U3A are always there.

So with batteries charged, U3A members look forward to getting together again in September, perhaps continuing with their present groups, or maybe embarking on a fresh activity. To that end, a U3A open day will be held on Tuesday, September 11, from 10am until noon at the Green Centre, Dines Green, St John's. Or, alternatively, call the membership secretaries, Diana and Martyn Smart on 01905 820018. MAX ABLE