General News
3 August, 2023
U3A seeks backing for upcoming expo
The University of Third Age (U3A) has announced details of its upcoming expo and is seeking funds for advertising. The second Horsham and District Community Groups Expo, organised by U3A and sponsored by Horsham Rural City Council, will be held in...
The University of Third Age (U3A) has announced details of its upcoming expo and is seeking funds for advertising.
The second Horsham and District Community Groups Expo, organised by U3A and sponsored by Horsham Rural City Council, will be held in the Horsham Town Hall on October 4 as part of Seniors Month.
U3A members are keen for help to promote the expo, which last year attracted almost 50 community organisations.
U3A president June Liddy said the Horsham Senior Citizens Club had donated $500 towards advertising the event.
To help prevent congestion around the hall, a 12-seater bus will shuttle participants to and from the Park Drive car park every half hour from 10.30am.
The Centre for Participation will provide the bus, as well as a food and coffee van on site.
The Town Hall will supply 30 tables and eight divider boards for the expo, while U3A will provide exhibitors with trestle tables and card tables.
U3A said event participants would be located in the same areas and allocated the same numbers as last year.
Horsham Croquet Club secretary Rachel Cousins described the latest planning meeting as "productive" and said it would help her organisation in its expo planning.
"This meeting allowed us to plan exactly what we will display and how we will put our club forward," Ms Cousins said.
"It made sure we're all on the same page. We can all plan and have a fruitful day.
"I think it's great, and I'm looking forward to the day."
U3A member Rick Walker endorsed one suggestion that a big screen be situated at the entrance to the expo to display a welcome message from all the exhibitors.
U3A expects to host more than 60 exhibitors this year, compared to 46 in 2022.
"Half a dozen more groups have contacted U3A to be a part of it," U3A president June Liddy said.
"Anyone can do anything on their table to raise money for their organisation – for example, a raffle.
"I'm hoping it will help our community groups gain further membership and promotion, because they're all volunteers.
"Last year I saw groups getting together and talking about the problems they have and how they've solved them, and others networking.
"All age groups are invited – we want their attendance."