University of the 3rd Age

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Website: Website Email: jillypickett@talktalk.net Telephone: 01202 480027

Description "There's a lot of talk these days about how people, for one reason or another, seem to be living longer and this often raises questions not only as to why this should be, but also what sort of plans those fold who are retired or nearing retirement may be making to occupy the bonus years they find themselves inheriting. Not everyone will have heard of the University of the Third Age and so they may not be aware that the U3A in Christchurch offers the opportunity to join in a huge variety of activities.   The Vintage Brass Band is one of them and illustrates very well how a new venture can kickstart what becomes an absorbing interest. About six years ago, euphonium player and U3A member Jeff Bloom put feelers out to gauge interest in forming a band.  The small group of four which turned up in those early days has now expanded to around thirty players who call themselves Vintage Brass.   Their performances, now under the baton of the indefatigable Peter Guntrip, are winning them enthusiastic audiences and a growing diary of engagements, the proceeds of which are often donated to charities. The Band meets every Monday afternoon at 2 pm at St James Institute, Stourfield Road, Southbourne, and anyone who is interested in joining either the Band or one of the  brass instrumental learning or improving groups, which are more recent developments, would be made welcome. Vintage Brass and guest players, also La Nova Singers, will next be performing on Saturday, 13 February at 7 pm.  They will be conducted by Steven Mead, world-renowned solo euphonium player, and the concert will take place at the Salvation Army Citadel, Palmerston Road, Boscombe.  Tickets are £6 and can be obtained by contacting Jill Pickett on 01202 422074 or jillypickett@talktalk.net  For further information about Vintage Brass contact Peter Guntrip on 01202 476862 or pg@hotmail.co.uk For further information about the U3A in this area telephone 01202 480027 or visit www.christchurchu3a.org.uk  "