Wine appreciation, gardening, games and puzzles, astrology, birdwatching, Sidmouth nature, languages, table tennis and so much more!

These are just a few of the groups run by a Sidmouth organisation which prides itself on introducing its members to new hobbies and helping them pursue interests they haven't previously had time for.

The Sidmouth u3a branch has more than 400 members who are no longer in full-time work. It has more than 55 groups, run by members for members.

They are all about learning, staying active and having fun in later life.

Janet Bailey, the organisation's chairman, said they wanted to raise awareness of everything u3a had to offer the Sidmouth community.

She added: "The main point of U3A is to provide people with new interests and activities, and, in a normal year, many different social activities.

"A lot of people may have been interested in something but didn't have time for it while they were working.

"We have so many different groups - like wine appreciation which is good fun and is run by a very knowledgeable member.

"There is everything from book groups, geology, yoga, modelling and art groups, to walking and nature groups. It is not all educational but we also have games, puzzles, and a quiz group. A full list can be found on our website."

Janet added: "Due to the current climate, a number of the clubs are being run via Zoom. The ones that cannot do that are waiting for lock-down restrictions to be lifted.

"We also have monthly events where we invite a guest speaker to talk about their interest or subject and these have now started again on Zoom.

"We have had a beaver specialist, talks on historical buildings in Exeter, talks on Far East and India and so many more."

During normal times u3a also has social activities, like going the theatre, visiting stately homes and attending music concerts.

Reflecting on the current situation Janet added: "Everything is a bit different at the moment, but we are doing our best to keep as many groups going as possible."

The membership fee for Sidmouth u3a is £12 a year.

If you would like to find our more about this wonderful organisation right on your door step CLICK HERE.

Do you know of a club or organisation that you think people should know more about? Get in touch by emailing [email protected] for us to do a feature on them!