A historic celebration was held in Carrasco’s on Wednesday 30 April. 180 members turned up to witness a celebration of two decades of friendship and fun, and have a trip back to ‘The Good Ol’ Days!”. The audience included Special Guests from the past, including Past Presidents, Committee Members, and many others who contributed to the foundation and growth of this great organisation. Claude Grealy (the (un/lucky?) 13th and present President!), opened the event saying “Today is a chance to honour all those who have brought us to this moment. The Javea U3A has grown from a germ of an idea, to an organisation of over 1,300 members, of over 15 different nationalities and 47 active Groups”. Then Mike Frost, our Founder Member, gave us a humorous insight into how it all began (as best he could remember anyway!), and introduced each of the Special Guests and invited them to stand for a round of applause. He thanked many others who unfortunately could not attend the event.
Claude then asked the members present if they agreed to the proposal that anyone with over 20 years membership, and who has served on the Committee (in any capacity), or has been a Group Leader at any time, be awarded Lifetime Membership. The proposal was enthusiastically approved by the audience, and will be put to the next AGM. In the meantime, Mike Frost was presented with a Lifetime Membership certificate. Mike now joins Betty Guinness awarded for her 100th birthday, and Angela Chantry (for her contribution to the U3A) as the third person to receive the award. Claude then presented flowers to Mike’s wife Katrina, saying “Please accept these flowers on behalf of ALL the partners of volunteers who have to put up with all the interruptions to their lives”.
Then the audience was treated to a trip back to ‘The Good Ol’ Days’ of the annual Extravaganza, with a humorous monologue (from Lindsay Johnson) about Madeline’s hairdressing salon!
This was followed by a short sketch ‘A place in the sun’, with Caroline Drewett-Mansell, Gary Johnson and James Ward.
Then we had Duncan Robson and Lena Elster singing ‘Drinking beer’. And that was followed by music from Bobby Valentine and Peter Allin, including the Javea U3A Anthem – ‘Hooray, hooray, we’re in the U3A…..’ etc. Finally we wrapped up with Claude endeavouring to imitate Leonard Sachs from ‘The Good Ol’ Days’ by inviting all the performers back on stage and saying “There is only just time for the last chorus of ‘We’ll meet again’. Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Bobby Valentine, Mr Peter Allin, the entire cast, the Committee, Special Guests, the entire orchestra (sorry?), but this time Chiefly Yourselves”. After a rousing rendition of a few verses, everyone adjourned to the terrace for some excellent Tapas and Cava.
All in all, a great day out! Thank you everybody, including those who could not attend – you were in our thoughts!
Text by Claude Grealy. Photos by Linda Grealy. More photos on our Facebook page.
Video by Ross Ord HERE
