A retired senior police officer from Paisley has become the 200th member of Paisley and District u3a as the organisation celebrates Volunteers Week Scotland.
Martin Papworth, a former Assistant Chief Constable with Strathclyde Police, joined the self-learning organisation earlier this year after hearing about it from fellow members of Paisley Ramblers. Since signing up, he has become involved in several activities and is now standing for election to the group’s committee.
Paisley and District u3a will hold its eighth annual general meeting on Thursday 4th June at the Salvation Army Hall in Paisley, where Martin will receive a certificate marking his milestone membership.
Speaking about his involvement, Martin said: “Being part of u3a allows people moving into the area to meet a circle of like-minded people. It’s a friendly place where we can try new things and go places together. I’d no idea when I signed up this year I’d become its 200th member. It’s just amazing.”
Martin moved to Paisley after meeting his late partner Myra and became involved with local groups through walking activities. Following her death nearly two years ago, he was encouraged to join u3a by fellow ramblers and quickly found a welcoming community. He has already attended several monthly meetings, taken part in a lunch group and is considering joining a conversational Spanish group.
He said: “I like u3a to keep me busy. I’m a new recruit so I’ve been to several of the monthly meetings. It’s great to have time to chat with people and I’ve heard some interesting presentations.”
u3a chair Kathy O’Donnell said volunteering is central to the organisation’s success.
She said: “Volunteering is at the heart of u3a. It’s how we operate. u3as are sociable, self-learning communities run entirely by volunteers.
“Since we started in 2018, our membership has grown year on year, as do the number of groups we can offer.
“It’s encouraging to attract so many members and we value people like Martin who are willing to contribute towards its future.”
Martin has now agreed to stand as treasurer at the AGM and hopes to play a role in helping the organisation continue to grow.
He said: “I understand u3as only work if people give some time and skills to it. So I agreed to be nominated and I’ll find out if they’ll have me at the AGM on 4 June. The fact that this is happening during Volunteers Week could be a positive sign?”
Paisley and District u3a is one of more than 50 u3a groups across Scotland, offering activities and learning opportunities for people who are no longer in full-time work. The AGM takes place at 2pm on Thursday 4th June, with refreshments available from 1.30pm.
Headline image: Martin Papworth, Paisley and District u3a’s 200th member, is set to receive a certificate at the organisation’s AGM and has volunteered to stand for election as treasurer during Volunteers Week Scotland
Photo Credit: Paisley and District u3a / Martin Papworth