MORE than 120 people turned out to show their support for a new university for Castle Point.

A group of residents is trying to start a University of the Third Age in Thundersley to give older people the chance to learn new skills and hobbies.

Run entirely by volunteers, the self-help organisation enables retired people to study the subjects they want, or start and teach a new group if one is not already formed.

People flocked to Runnymede Hall, in Kiln Road, to voice their opinions on how the new organisation should take shape.

John Fowler, of High Beeches, Benfleet, who is one of the committee members, said: “It was so busy they were queuing out to the door to get in, which was fantastic.

“The reaction from residents was unbelievable.

“So many people were putting their names down to join groups or start them up, so there is clearly a demand there.

“The good thing about this is that it will be run entirely how members see fit. In theory, we could start up anything and everything that someone is interested in, providing there is someone to teach it.”

Suggested subjects, include literature, gardening, leisure, crafts, war history and a luncheon club.

Demand for the U3A in Castle Point is increasing, as universities in Canvey, Benfleet and Hadleigh are full to bursting.

There are hundreds of U3A groups across the UK, which are charities, run by volunteers.

Between them, they offer more than 300 different subjects in fields such as art, languages, music, history, life sciences, philosophy, computing, crafts, photography and walking.

The committee will be meeting this week to discuss how to move forward with the organisation and get the clubs up and running.

Mr Fowler added: “We are hoping to make it the best U3A in the district.”

For more information, contact Jean Fowler on 01268 759958.