The ribbon was cut to the new u3a premises on Monnow Street earlier this month.

Monmouth U3a popped up for two days to recruit new members and boost their profile in town.

Monmouth u3a, originally known as the ‘University of the Third Age’, celebrates the new experiences that come from being retired.

The Monmouth group offers many activities including cinema, music, yoga, photography, geology, crafts, skittles, bridge, science, theatre, walking groups, languages, and literary pursuits such as reading and creative writing.

The Monmouth u3a is the first to use the new community hub kindly provided by Woolly Monmouth, a valuable community facility available in the future for all kinds of uses and events.

Meetings for members are usually held each month with a guest speaker or entertainment. Meetings are currently taking place online, but have been held at the Bridges centre.

Monmouth u3a programme secretary, Professor Averil Macdonald said: “All of us in the Monmouth u3a group are excited to be taking part in the UK-wide u3a day. Monmouth u3a has set a target to increase awareness in and around Monmouth and to recruit new members to join our thriving group.

‘‘We all look forward to meeting everyone face-to-face, subject to Covid restrictions, of course.”

The ribbon was cut my Monmouth MP and Under-secretary of state for Wales, David Davies.

He said: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to open up the new a3a centre in Monmouth. U3a offer a range of activities to anyone who has reached the stage in life where they are no longer working or caring for children full time. Even on my short visit I could see that on offer were activities as diverse as walking, language lessons, music, photography, and visits to various places and events.

“I cannot think of a better local organisation to support for people who are retired. It’s the first real, face-to-face event I have been able to attend since relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

The University of the Third Age was founded in 1982. Now known as u3a, it is a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun.

Monmouth u3a has around 450 members who meet through subject groups and usually at a general meeting with a speaker on the third Tuesday of every month in the Bridges Centre.

The Monmouth u3a group was founded in the summer of 1988 initially with just 16 people.

Membership of Monmouth u3a is £10 per year and is open to everyone who’s no longer in full-time work. Although originally called a university, u3a has members rather than students, as no formal qualifications are required and there are no examinations, certificates or diplomas awarded. Information about Monmouth u3a can be found at monmouthu3a.com.

Also in attendance was mayor of Monmouth; Terry Christopher, chairman of MCC; Mat Feakins and leader of MCC; Richard John.

Cllr Terry Christopher said: “Coming out of Covid there are lot’s of social opportunities that u3a provides.”

Richard John said: “It was an absolute pleasure to join volunteers and supporters of u3a for their pop-up shop launch. The past few months have been a challenging time for so many people, but u3a has helped enable greater social interaction between members and the opportunity to pursue a wide range of pursuits.”

He added: “The pandemic has taught us many things, including how we should all take more time to look after physical and mental wellbeing. U3a offers the opportunity to take up so many enjoyable new experiences. I wish the organisation well in the months ahead and on behalf of the council would like to thank u3a and its members for their contribution to our community.”

Chairman of MCC, Mat Feakins said: “It’s great to see people in retirement getting out, doing something, and actively supporting each other.”

He added: “As a Council we hope to be able to support Monmouth u3a for many years to come.”