THE best way to banish loneliness is to meet new people and try your hand at a range of different activities, says a member of a popular Swindon social club.

Swindon U3A (University of the Third Age) is marking its 30 year anniversary this September by encouraging more people with time on their hands to get involved and learn new skills.

U3A is an initiative which enables people who are no longer in full time employment to meet with others who share their interests and hobbies.

Members take part in a wide range of activities, 140 in total, including language learning, dancing, painting, walking and even debating.

Sixty five-year-old Avril Muirhead, who has been vice chairman of Swindon U3A for just under a year, said: “U3A gives people an opening into a social network and enables them to meet a lot of new friends and follow interests they may not have had time to explore in the past.

“It has helped me get into new things such as tap dancing. I have always wanted to learn how to tap dance and U3A gave me the opportunity to do so.

“There are a lot of people there, so you are bound to meet somebody you get along with – we are a very friendly bunch.”

Some of Avril’s favourite U3A activities include learning Spanish, walking and participating in the reading group.

Fellow student of the Third Age Martin Preston, 73, also spoke of the benefits of keeping your body and mind active.

Martin said: “It’s good to have a reason to get up in the morning. You are never too old to learn new things and it’s all part of staying fit and healthy. A lot of people find it a life saver, and everyone is welcome.”

In nearly July, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland organised a special summit to try to tackle the problem of loneliness among people of all ages.

The MP said: “Loneliness can be felt by people of all ages. But as we get older, risk factors begin to increase and converge. The impact can be devastating and costly to society as well as to the individual.”

There are no restrictions on who can join U3A, but as most activities take place during the day on weekdays, potential members need to be free when their chosen activities occur.

For more information, call the U3A office on 01793 614629 or email office@swindonu3a.org.uk. Alternatively, log on to www.swindonu3a.org.uk.

A year’s subscription of £32 will allow members to participate in any group they like.