The Cycling Group of the Malmesbury and District U3A met for the first time a few days after restrictions were lifted.

The Group had been set for its inaugural meeting at the end of March 2020, until the pandemic slightly de-railed plans.

But now they are back on the road, and able to meet in a group of 16. The group recently set out from Malmesbury, cycled on quiet back roads and arrived at a cafe in Sherston for coffee and cakes. Though not everyone knew everyone else, for this was now their very first meeting, all were very happy to be out together, enjoying the company of others.

Towards the end the heavens opened. But as cyclist Christine MacLachlan commented: ”We all arrived home absolutely drenched! But it put no one off and we are all going to make it a weekly event. New freedom … and new friends!”

Malmesbury U3A is a social network of retired or semi-retired people – those of the “Third Age”, free of working and parental responsibilities . They want to stay active, meet new people and share common interests together. Cycling is just one of 40 different groups the network organises.

Many groups have made the best of the last 15 months by meeting by Zoom, but are still champing at the bit for the final release - which the Government plans for late June - when the more sedate indoor activities such as Scrabble, Spanish, Italian or French Conversation, Play Reading, Music Appreciation, Book and other discussion groups can meet face-to-face.

Find out more at malmesburyu3a.org.uk and contact the membership secretary, Elaine Sharpe, on 01666 823568