MEMBERS of three Swindon U3A (University of the 3rd Age) got together to raise money for Prospect Hospice.

Dave Prior, group organiser of the Ukulele for Fun and the Folk Singers groups and Joan Elder, group organiser of the Painting for Fun group arranged for members to demonstrate their skills at Barclays Bank's Old Town Branch while collecting for the Prospect Hospice shortly before Christmas.

The groups worked together to put on an artwork exhibition and perform Christmas songs and carols to entertain customers who were invited to make requests and join in the singing.

Thanks to the donations from customers, generous support from the bank and ‘match funding’ by Barclays they were able to recently present a cheque for £2,608.79 to the Prospect Hospice.

“We wanted to raise some cash for Prospect, an organisation close to the heart of most Swindonians and we were delighted with the result,” said Dave.

For more details on Swindon U3A, and what is on offer to those no longer in full-time employment, call 01793 614629, email office@swindonu3a.org, or go online to www.swindonu3a.org.uk.