2026 Beccles u3a Groups Celebration of Burns
On Tuesday 20th January members from five u3a activity groups joined together to celebrate Burns Night – u3a style! It was a fantastic afternoon, full of fun, laughter and inspiration. Testimony to u3a connectivity, collaboration and creativity.
“It was wonderful to get together with other u3a groups, discover what they achieve, and have a thoroughly good time together. I look forward to many more such afternoons in the future."
-Kathy
This social event was initiated by the Scottish Country Dance and Folk Band groups, who invited members of the A Cappella SSA, Creative Writing and Digital Photography to contribute to the entertainment. The photos were taken by Tony, who even admitted to having "a great day"!
“I really enjoyed it, as I’m sure did everyone else. What a great group of like-minded people.”
-Lizzie
We began with two short Burns readings by members of the Creative Writing group which were still highly relevant today. This set the scene and was followed by a ceilidh dance called Highland Welcome – aptly named for the occasion. As each couple progressed around the hall, they met and danced with everyone else, a great ice-breaker.
A Capella SSA singers entertained us with two beautiful and memorable songs, The Eriskay Love Lilt and My Bonny Lad. They were followed by the Scottish Country Dancers who confidently demonstrated the Beccles Fishing Reel.
The Folk Band played a lovely instrumental arrangement of the Skye Boat Song in three part harmony; the line up included: alto saxophone, clarinet, concertina, flute, guitar and whistle. Hotly followed by an experiment: a ceilidh dance with music played by the folk band. I chose Pat a Cake Polka, an easy dance, reminiscent of primary school country dance lessons. The experiment worked! Live music for dancing is very special.
In the tradition for Scottish Country Dance socials, everyone brought a plate of food to share. So in the break, we all enjoyed tasty afternoon tea snacks and hot drinks. This was followed by another ceilidh dance called Virginia Reel. An easy four couple dance.
In honour of Robert Burns we all sang Afton Water together, lead by Sarah and finished with a lively rendition of My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean.
Our last dance was amazing, everyone joined in. It was Circassian Circle, well known in both Scottish and English ceilidh circles. We finished with Auld Lang Syne, a great way to conclude what had been a marvellous celebration of u3a talent, enthusiasm and fun.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make it happen, including the guests who came and helped with set up and clearing away afterwards.
“It was really an enjoyable afternoon and so pleasing to know that there is so much talent in Beccles u3a. More to that, they are prepared to share their talents with the rest of us.”
-Pippa, Chair
Jo Poole, Convenor of the Folk Band and Scottish Country Dancing groups.
