An Andover group supporting those looking to learn new skills in later life is hoping to bounce back from lockdown.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a national organisation where individuals, generally those who are retired but can be of any age, learn new skills and try new activities for their own sake. Andover’s group has around 40 special interest groups, including walking, sports and card games among others.

Jean McLeod, from Andover U3A, said: “U3A helps keep the body and mind active, rather than sitting at home and bemoaning getting old. We’re really looking forward to meeting in person once again.”

U3A was established in France in the 1970s, with it emerging in a modified form in the UK in the 1980s. Since then, the organisation has opened branches all over the country, with over 400,000 members.

In Andover, there are around 480 members on the books, hosting activities for 40 different hobbies. The group aims to cater for all, with groups for croquet, bridge, gardening, ancient civilisations and exploring the villages to name but a few.

“We have two walking groups, two strolling groups and two ambling groups,” said Jean. “You can start in your sixties in the walking group and gradually move across as you get older. If there is a gap for your hobby, we can help you to form a group by getting in touch with our national advisors to help.”

She added it was also a great way to meet new people.

“Some people have met their new husband or wife after their former partner passed away,” said Jean.

One of the group’s volunteers, meanwhile, said that the group had been very important to her during a time of need.

“It saved my sanity joining this,” she said. “Getting to know people has been really good, and everyone is really friendly.”

During Covid, the group has had to postpone many of its activities, with only 10 having continued in some form in lockdown.

“It’s been disappointing,” said Jean. “We’ve been missing the usual activity. We’ve been going on Zoom where possible in lockdown, while our walking and croquet groups have been held in small groups of six more recently, with pub lunches returning in July.

“We’re planning on getting them all started again soon, like the Rummy group which we hold in the Malthouse.”

One event in particular is their monthly meetings, where they get a speaker in while having tea and a chat with fellow members.

“We have our monthly meetings in The Fairground Hall at Weyhill,” said Jean. “We normally get speakers on anything from comedy to history to local interest. We then have tea and biscuits with an attendance of around 100 normally.

“We’ve been on Zoom during lockdown, but we’re hoping to return in person in July or August.”

The group has been out in the high street recently, where they said they’ve had a “very good response” from people.

If you would like to learn more, Andover’s U3A will be in the high street on Saturday at the market, or can be contacted by visiting their website: www.andoveru3a.co.uk or emailing: enquiries@andoveru3a.co.uk