SARUM U3A

There was a packed St Francis Hall to welcome our speaker Mr Robert Key. Always a robust and hearty public speaker, he did not disappoint. We learned that it was in 1973, Edward Heath’s battle with the miners, the misery of the three day week and anger at Mick McGahey’s threatened socialist revolution which persuaded Robert to join the Conservative Party. He entered parliament in 1983, representing Salisbury until 2010.

What followed was an interesting expose of the work and choices of an M P. First familiarise yourself with the needs and aspirations of your constituents. Identify your interests, in Robert’s case, defence, science and technology and the church in politics and work to inform yourself in these areas. He did and during his parliamentary career sat on committees on defence, science and energy and achieved minister of state and shadow minister of state positions. What was clear was that he was a hard working M P for Salisbury and a true supporter of parliamentary democracy. He had really enjoyed his career in politics. After questions, the vote of thanks was given by Jeremy Martin.

There are vacancies in the Introduction to Western Philosophy group, please apply immediately. A day visit to Bletchley Park has been suggested. Anyone interested in organising this should contact Gordon Pardy. The next coffee morning is on November 17th.

We were very fortunate to be invited to preview a history of this parish in photography compiled by 3 U3A members, this opens to the public on November 1st.