The Teignmouth & District u3a ‘Singing for Pleasure’ group has had a great time throughout the summer.

Says group leader, Val Ellicott (pictured): ‘The good weather has made us search for shade in the orchard, and we all enjoyed our recent evening picnic, joined by some lovely u3a guests.

‘We have several new members and so have thought ahead this month, preparing packs of song words for anyone who might want to join us when we move into Holcombe Village Hall in October.

Continues Val: ‘We enjoyed singing for the Memory Cafe at the Alice across Centre earlier this month.

‘We had a mixture of song requests, with “Danny Boy” proving to be a favourite, along with “Its a Long Way to Tipperary” …not on our usual list but luckily we all knew it!

‘The group joined in and we even had dancing to some of the livelier numbers!

‘We are hoping to fit in another camp fire on the beach before the end of the summer (safely in a raised fire pit) and look forward to singing at Royal Court this month, in addition to our weekly Friday gatherings (2pm to 3.30pm) in Mules Park orchard... where we are thoroughly spoilt by u3a member, Mike, who lives next to the orchard and provides chairs for us every week.

Val concluded: ‘It is important to remind members that this is not a choir.

‘It is a gathering of people, who simply want to sing for fun and relaxation.

‘Several of our group were told by parents or teachers years ago that they couldn’t sing …but they can!

‘There is nothing to learn, no expectations, and when we have ‘gigs’, they are for audience participation as well!’

l To find out more, visit www.teignmouthu3a.org.uk