THE May Open Meeting of the Crediton University of the Third Age (U3A) group included an interesting talk about Palestinians under the Occupation given by Liz Brookes-Hocking.

Liz, wearing her multi-pocketed flak jacket, described the training she received as a volunteer for EAPPI (The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel) in occupied Palestine and the rural part of the country where she was based.

The EAPPI involves international volunteers and has three aims: To witness - monitor human rights abuses; To engage – be a protective presence; To change – speak out about the situation under the occupation.

We learnt about the hardships the local population endure including the demolishing of their homes and refusal of planning permission for farm buildings and houses.

The next open meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 20, in the Boniface Centre from 10am, and will include a talk by Mark Barnwell entitled “The Evolution of the Spanish Guitar”.

On Wednesday, July 18 Stephen Miller will talk about “The NHS Chaos Theory”.

Groups within U3A, which meet either weekly or monthly, include astrology, tai chi, French, mindfulness, arts and crafts, historical buildings and churches visiting group, walking, science, wildlife walks, pub lunches, Spanish, photography, creative writing, history and singing.

It’s not just about interest groups, however, trips are also organised for members – a group visited the Met Office in Exeter during May (thank you to the visit organiser, Heather) and there is a visit to Morwellham Quay being planned for July.

For more information please visit the website: u3asites.org.uk/crediton or telephone David Agasee (chair) on 01363 775698.

Jo Poulton