The Northern Ireland Region of u3as has held its first Summer School since June, 2019, with Greenmount Agricultural College, Antrim, providing the perfect backdrop for the two-day event.

More than 60 delegates from u3as all over Northern Ireland, including local delegates from Erne u3a, attended for the busy event.

The u3a is for men and women who are no longer in full-time work and who want to get involved in group activities, to meet old and new friends, and to keep body and mind fit.

The u3a philosophy is ‘Learn Laugh Live’, and the Summer School’s wide-ranging programme ticked every box, with more than 20 activities for delegates to choose from.

Walks, talks, fun drama, Tai Chi Qi Gong, canoeing, RevivR CPR training, wine tasting and flower arranging were just a few of the activities on offer for delegates.

The keynote address was made by Eddie Lynch, Commissioner for Older People, who covered a number of recent changes in the legal system which affect older people, as well as discussing financial abuse and scams to be aware of.

Speaking of his role, he said: “[My office’s role] provides assistance to individual older people who need advocacy or legal support.

“Later life care is an important issue for older people, and it is vital that the family, nearest of kin or legal advisers are familiar with our wishes and choices.”

Also speaking was Fearghal McKinney, NI Head of the British Heart Foundation, who led the training session on the BHF RevivR web app, which teaches CPR and the use of defibrillators in just 15 minutes.

All of the other sessions were led by members, which further emphasised the ethos of the u3a, that of “by members for members”.