The Bushey University of the Third Age showcase was officially opened yesterday by deputy mayor Linda Silver.

The U3A, which has around 600 members, holds the showcase to attract new members to its many clubs and groups.

Edith Bain, Chairwoman of Bushey and District U3A, said: “There's no need to be bored when you retire. Nobody gets paid to be here, if you have a talent you can share it with other people.”

Stalls were set up to display the work done by several art groups, walking groups, and other clubs such as photography, genealogy and money matters.

Linda Silver, Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere, said: “The writing group looks excellent. I won't join the debating society because I'm too political, but I do like the look of the embroidery club too.”

There was also a timetable of events put on by the story telling, play reading and writing groups. Several members of writing group read their work to an audience of prospective members.

Norma Luetchford, from Elstree runs the writing group. She said: “We've been together since 2007, we were called the creative writing group but it was taken for granted that we were being creative!”

The U3A is open to anybody not in full time employment and was set up to offer people an outlet for talents that they either used previously at work or in the personal lives, and as a way to make new friends.

Alan Taylor is from the French Beginners club and lives in Park Avenue, Bushey. He said: “When you leave work you leave a collection of people and this is a good substitute for that. Once you start it's hard to find time for everything!”

Betty McBean from the Story Telling group is from Gravehall Road, Bushey. She performed a story about using a computer.

She said: “I've been a member for about three years, it's love to be able to use my skills again. There's an awful lot of expertise here.”

Taking up a large area on the balcony was the art group. Paintings and sketches of all variety were on display.

Lynn Dearman, from Art Group lives in The Comyns, Bushey. She said: We're one of the first groups that started, most of our members started as a hobby and they come on in leaps and bounds.”

For further information contact the membership secretary. Email membershipsecretary@busheyu3a.org.uk or telephone 01923 662280