I was puzzled to read in your edition on May 8 that the first meeting of Chippenham Older People’s Forum will be held in St Andrew’s Church Hall on June 11, at 2pm, set up by Age UK Wiltshire and Wiltshire Age Concern “to give a collective voice for older people”.

The North Wilts Branch of the U3A (University of the Third Age) was formed at a meeting in St Andrew’s Church Hall in October 1993 and has grown to a membership of 250. We have just celebrated our 20th anniversary.

We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at the Rotary Hall, Chippenham, at 2.30pm, when we hear a speaker. There are 30 interest groups which meet regularly to cover a multitude of subjects. Nationally there ar 915 local U3As with a membership of 320,521.

I retired just over 20 years ago and have enjoyed my membership of U3A where I have made a multitude of new friends. I was president from 1998-2000, have been on the committee for many years and currently lead the music group and attend the French group.

The Sunday Luncheon Club, with about 30 members, is a very pleasant social organisation.

Incredibly the date chosen by this potential new organisation clashes with our June branch meeting when we shall hear Mike Marshman speak on Collections and Services at Wiltshire Family and History Centre.

Our meetings are always attended by about 60 people who enjoy the social chat afterwards. We are always willing to welcome new members. With so many thriving groups, I see no need for a new group.

Jack Endacott, Publicity officer, North Wilts U3A.