FOUR people have been honoured for ten years of service.

The members of the Crewkerne and District U3A were given special awards to mark their dedication.

John and Gwen Bird, Mary Fowler and Mike Jones who were presented with a certificate and a gift voucher by chairperson Sheila Seymour at the monthly meeting at the George Reynolds Centre on August 5.

John was not able to attend, so Gwen collected the award on his behalf.

Ms Seymour said: “Their enthusiasm and imagination to keep on coming up with new ideas to stimulate their groups is inspirational.”

John and Gwen joined soon after the U3A began more than 20 years ago and have led the skittles, lunch bunch and art groups. Over the years they have also been members of the history, geology, rambling and craft groups. Together with another couple John and Gwen provided the teas at the monthly meetings for three years.

Mary Fowler took over the running of the photography group in 2008 and in 2012 she introduced the very successful annual inter-U3A photography competition. She is a longstanding member of the geology, art and craft groups as well as taking part at other times in the opera, jazz, music appreciation and rambling groups. Mary has also served on the U3A committee as secretary and editor of the newsletter.

When Mike Jones retired his mum’s next door neighbour recommended that he should join the U3A. He has led the rambling group for 10 years as well as being a member of the photography, geology and local history groups. In addition to his U3A commitments, Mike is a trustee of the The Speedwell and a volunteer at the town’s museum.