Chair - Vacant
We urgently require a new Chair, if you feel you can help do please contact Rex or Lisa for more information. .
Rex Badgely - Vice Chair & joint Groups Liaison OfficerI retired to Blandford 2017 and moved next door to Pat Ashworth (many of you will know Pat, a long standing active member) who introduced us to the u3a.
Since then I have been kept busy enjoying walking, table tennis, eating cake etc. so many things to do.
In addition the Blandford Museum and related archaeology digs have kept me fairly busy!
Contact Rex Badgley
Lisa Kearney - Hon. Secretary
Contact: Lisa Kearney
Anthony Kelly - Treasurer
I have been a very keen supporter of the U3A since my sixties, which was a long time ago. My background is in law and accountancy. My partner Joy and I live in Blandford St Mary and between us we have four adult offspring. My hobbies are music, reading, writing, and watching too many YouTube videos. I go to a local gym but there are others places to drink coffee!
There are several groups of which I'm a member: Art Appreciation, German and Table tennis.
Contact: Contact Anthony Kelly
Bev Lee - Membership Secretary
I worked in banking all my life, rising from a junior clerk to Guarantees Specialist.
My husband, Dave, and I came to the UK from South Africa in April 2014. Our three children and four grandchildren are all here so it made sense to be close to them. Dave passed away in June 2018 after being diagnosed with heart failure shortly after we arrived here.
I joined the U3A in early 2023 and joined the scrabble group. I’ve made some lovely friends so it was a good decision!
My hobbies include reading, knitting, sewing, gardening and my family.
Contact Bev Lee
Lesley Badgley - Group Liason Officer.
I am married with 3 children and two young grandsons. Before having a family, I was a Housing Officer with Raglan Housing Assocation, and later an Activity Organiser in a large Care Home.
Following retirement, we moved to Blandford in 2017 and soon joined the u3a, where I enjoy playing badminton and table tennis, painting and walking (followed by a well-earned pub lunch). I also belong to the Garden and Historic Visits groups. As is so often said I wonder how I ever had time to work!
Contact Lesley Badgley
Lynn Hawkey - Website Editor
I started my working life in the travel industry way before the days of the computer. Everything was done the long way round, including checking the actual routing of a particular aircraft to work out a fare (a far cry from the travel industry of today). After a family break I re-joined the workforce mainly in Administration, Personnel (as it was then) and P.A. roles. I have a son and two young grandchildren living in Hampshire. Hobbies include theatre, gardening, walking and appreciating the arts. Table Tennis appears to have taken over from my love of tennis and badminton!
Contact Lynn Hawkey
Gerald Killingworth - Speaker Secretary
Gerald moved from Wimbledon to Blandford St Mary in 2016.
For many years he was an English teacher (including four interesting years in Greece), but he has now retired from the classroom and is able to concentrate on writing novels and poems.
He recently gained a Phd on the Elizabethan writer Robert Greene. Gerald captains a local tennis team and is to be seen dancing with Wessex Morris Men. He is also a member of the Blandford Museum archaeology committee.
Contact Gerald Killingworth
Claire Smith
I have lived in Blandford for over 30 years and have come to be fascinated by the history and nature of not only Blandford but North Dorset in general.
I am married, have a son and two grandchildren and divide my time between reading, walking and tending my allotment.
Contact Claire Smith
Karen Burden - Website and Beacon Administrator
I moved to Blandford in 2024 from Buckinghamshire, having worked for many years as a school Data Manager. I am married, with two sons.
I am a member of the U3A walking and history groups.
Contact Karen Burden
. . . and finally, although no longer a serving member of the committee (everyone deserves a rest !) Christine Smith is an integral part of B&D u3a and currently edits our newsletter:
Christine Smith - Newsletter Editor
After 30 years working in the hospitality sector in London, Christine retired to Dorset back in 2006 and now divides her time between husband, dog and garden and volunteering at her village's community hubs, as well as B&D U3A. She is a member of our Craft Group.
Christine has served on the committee for many years and although no longer a member of the committee, she does a wonderful job collecting, collating and publishing our newsletters.
If you have news to share that is relevant to B&D u3a, just contact Christine - simples !
Contact Christine Smith