Erne u3a is marking over 20 years since its formation with a belated birthday event.

The Fermanagh branch of the organisation is 23 years in existence but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was unable to mark its 20th birthday at the time. Therefore it is hosting a belated celebration on Monday, November 13 from 10.30am until 1pm at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen.

Erne u3a is one of 24 affiliated groups in Northern Ireland which is part of a worldwide organisation dedicated to the idea of lifelong learning. There are no formal age limits but it is mostly for men and women who are retired or semi-retired.

The philosophy of u3a is based on idea of friendship and learning combined within a social context.

Ann McGirr has been a member of Erne u3a from it formed in 2000.

"Cathal my husband who died nine years ago, he was one of the founder members and I started then as well. So I've been a member since the beginning.

"What I really like are the trips away," said Ann, adding: "The trips and the social aspect of the group.

"My involvement now is mostly social."

Ann explained that her and her late husband moved to Fermanagh from Dublin in 1992 and becoming members of u3a was a great way for them to meet people.

"There's great friendship in u3a, and there's something for everyone.

"It's excellent."

Erne u3a meets in Fermanagh House in Enniskillen on the second Monday of each month from 10.30am till 1pm, with the exception of January and the summer months, July and August.

There is a business meeting followed by a speaker usually from a local or national organisation. Over the last year they have had a talk on scams, a speaker in from the Aisling Centre, Enniskillen who spoke about the charity's counselling and service provision as well as a speaker from Fermanagh Befriending Service. They have also had a practical floral demonstration on hanging baskets by a local garden centre owner, a very emotive visit to Enniskillen Workhouse and an excellent hands-on demonstration on CPR.

Erne u3a has an annual overnight break in Ireland. This year’s trip was a three-night stay in Athlone with organised day trips on the Shannon, a walking tour of Athlone and a visit to the Famine Museum in Strokestown. En route home there was a visit to Cavan County Museum.

Past trips have included Letterkenny and Portlaoise to name a couple.

Erne u3a Portlaoise trip, May 2015.

Erne u3a Portlaoise trip, May 2015.

Five members of u3a joined others from England and Scotland on a walking trip in Portugal this year.

Interest groups are based on members own interests and lead by fellow members with some skill or background in a particular interest.

Erne u3a activity groups include poetry and storytelling, walking group, ambling group for those less fit, arts and craft, genealogy, watercolour painting and a reading group.

If anyone has skills or an interest to share, a group can be facilitated .With the exception of the walking and ambling, all groups meet in Fermanagh House, also u3a members can avail of the retired member’s fees at the Killyhevlin Hotel Leisure Centre.

There is also an annual Summer residential school for all Northern Ireland members which is a most enjoyable occasion with the chance to meet other members and take part in a wide variety of workshops.

All current and new members are welcome to come along to the belated birthday celebration on Monday, November 13.