I first joined u3a in 2015 on my retirement from education. I worked in Glasgow City for 38 years in 4 different schools. A great place to work; challenging but very satisfying. However I wanted to be involved in new challenges. My first u3a was Bearsden and Milngavie u3a, I then moved to the West End to find no u3a.

However the then Trustee for Scotland Ed Link had an inaugural meeting for those interested in u3a ,this was in 2017 when the Glasgow West End u3a was established. I was involved from the start and have been the Chair until last year.

I then became Vice Chair of u3a Scotland before becoming Trustee for Scotland. With the formation of a Council to advise the Board of the issues that u3as face, I became one of two Council Representatives along with George Cleland from Edinburgh u3a.

Why did I put my name forward? I value very much what the u3a movement is about in terms of learning, meeting people and adding to life. I would like to see it grow in Scotland and become well known. I also think partnership working is very important in order to become a strong voice for our generation.

The number of u3as in Scotland has increased but there are also some who are struggling after the pandemic. I will endeavour to support u3a in Scotland and encourage it to become an important voice as well as enjoying learning and living.

So far I have been privileged to speak at Kinross u3a and to support in hopefully establishing a u3a in Cumbernauld. The Central Network has invited me to join them and its been great to hear and share what other u3as are doing. I also have been part of an armchair discussion on positive ageing which is on the u3a You Tube channel. Fame on screen has never been my aim but things happen when you join the u3a. Next month a trip to the Isle of Bute is on the agenda.

Looking forward I hope more u3as are established and we become a strong voice in Scotland.

On a personal note, I enjoy being part of my two wee grandsons’ lives, they keep me young.