The UK’s only U3A Steel Band – Steelpantastic – will bring a carnival atmosphere to the U3A National Festival this week thanks to a grant from a group of Bassetlaw District Councillors.
The band, made up of members of the Worksop and District U3A are making the trip to York between the 1st and 3rd July thanks to an £800 councillor community grant that is supporting transport, and future maintenance of their instruments.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) brings together people who are retired or semi-retired, encouraging them to be part of one of 30 interest groups. Some of the members formed a full family of steel pans and they have since gone on to entertain the district for over 15 years.
Now, the band will take to the stage at The U3A National Festival, which brings together different u3a groups from across the UK with an estimated 1,000 members celebrating fun, learning and community.
Catherine Williams, from Worksop and District U3A, said: “This support really means a great deal to everyone involved with our group. It helps us continue bringing people together, building friendships and sharing something we’re all passionate about.
“Opportunities like this make a real difference to our members, and we’re incredibly grateful to the councillors for recognising the value of what we do and helping us keep it going for the community.”
The U3A promotes lifelong learning, wellbeing, and social connection during the ‘third age’ of life, following childhood and working years when individuals are retired or semi-retired.
Cllr John Shephard, Ward Member for Worksop South-East and Cllr Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South spoke on behalf of the Councillors who contributed to the grant.
They said: “It’s wonderful to see local groups continuing to bring people together and create such a strong sense of community. On behalf of the councillors, we’re really pleased to be able to support the fantastic work being done and the opportunities it provides for residents to connect, learn and enjoy shared experiences. We’d like to thank everyone involved for the positive impact they have locally, and we look forward to seeing the group continue to thrive.”
The Councillors who contributed towards the Worksop and District U3A are: Cllr Cliff Entwistle and Cllr Deborah Merryweather, Ward Members for Worksop East; Cllr Fraser Merryweather and Cllr Madelaine Richardson, Ward Members for Worksop North-East; Cllr John Shephard, Ward Member for Worksop South-East, Cllr Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South and Cllr Gill Freeman, Ward Member for Langold.
Worksop and District U3A welcome new members to the group with exciting activities taking place across the year. There are opportunities to learn new skills, take trips out, and a chance to meet new people and make new friends.
To find out more information and how to join visit: https://worksop.u3asite.uk
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to community initiatives within their ward. These grants support a wide range of projects, including sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and community development.
Pictured: Cllr Paddy Ducey, Ward Member for Worksop South, Cllr John Shephard, Ward Member for Worksop South-East, Catherine Williams, Member at Worksop & District u3a Steelpantastic group and Members
Last Updated on Wednesday, July 1, 2026