This April our Open Meeting returns to our more usual format of teas and coffees from 10am with a chance to catch up on any u3a news and chat with friends. One of our many wonderful groups will also have a table where they will be sharing what they get up to when they meet! This month it is the turn of our Arts and Crafts group.
The speaker this month will be John Home-Robertson who will be talking to us about Edinburgh Direct Aid (EDA)
John has always lived at Paxton and in 1988 gave Paxton House to a heritage Trust. He started as a farmer at Paxton South Mains; was elected to Berwickshire District Council in 1974; and then was selected as the Labour candidate (aged only 29) for Berwick & East Lothian at the by-election in 1978; that was the start of a thirty year career at Westminster then Holyrood, during which he started volunteering with EDA; since retirement in 2007 has had a spell on the Press Complaints Commission, done some construction work, and some archaeology on local sites.
With EDA he has done various projects since 1994 in Bosnia, Kosovo, Palestine, Pakistani Kashmir, Kenya, among Syrian refugees in Turkey, Greece and Lebanon, and most recently Ukraine.
Among other things EDA is collecting donations of good quality supplies for the Syrians in “their” outpost at Arsal in the Bekaa area of Lebanon. They are able to get freight containers delivered to those forgotten refugees. If you have anything you would like to donate to these people please feel very welcome to bring your donations to the Open Meeting.
WHAT’S NEEDED ?
CLOTHING FOR MEN AND WOMEN, YOUNG AND OLD, BABIES, CHILDREN, TEEN-AGERS.
COATS, FLEECES, WATERPROOFS — Weatherproof clothing of all sorts.
GOOD SHOES AND BOOTS –MOUNTAIN BOOTS — WELLY BOOTS — PADDED BOOTS
UNDERWEAR (NEW only!)
TOILETRIES: SOAP, SHAMPOO, TOOTHPASTE, SANITARY TOWELS, RAZORS
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: paper, pens, pencils, Laptop computers WIndows 10 capable
Calling all singers! A plea from Melrose Music Festival!
CARMINA BURANA
Community Choir event – Carmina Burana (27th May) in Melrose (part of Melrose Music Festival).
Thursday rehearsals – 13/04; 11/05 (19.30 – 21.30)
Sunday rehearsals – 30/04; 21/05 (14.30 – 17.00)
Obviously, the more rehearsals that people can attend, the better. So, please try to attend all of them – failing that, all that you can, please.
Concert day – Saturday, 27th May – 19.00
Rehearsal on the concert day – 10.30 – 13.00
(Rehearsal and performance in Melrose Corn Exchange)
Rehearsals will be held in Holy Trinity Church, 20 High Cross Ave, Melrose TD6 9SU
A beautiful building, but not one known for its warmth – please dress accordingly!
Scores will be provided.
No charge to participate and no need to give prior notice.
Just turn up to rehearsal

40 years of positive ageing
The u3a movement has been learning, staying active and having fun for 40 years – showcasing what it means to have a positive later life. Join us and find out what events are happening near you.
2023 Success story for two of our groups
Numbers have risen this year for both Scottish Country Dancing and Intermediary Bridge.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the search form to search the site.
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.