Obituaries of U3A friends
Mary Earl
After a 40 year dedicated and distinguished nursing career caring, training and teaching; moving and working between Leicester, KGH, St. Mary’s, The Isle of Sheppey, London and finally returning to Kettering, Mary eventually retired, embracing all that was U3A.
She was one of the founding members of Kettering Branch, becoming a valiant Committee Member, serving in many capacities over the years. Mary’s passion for all things U3A was demonstrated by the number of groups she either led or became involved in throughout the past 21 years. Right until her last couple of months she was still Card Making, Baking and Faking, Knitting and Nattering, Musical Circling, Book Worming, Play Reading and really relishing the monthly Discussion Group where her highly respected and informed opinions always had an impact.
Above all else Mary remained a truly loyal and very dear friend to so many of us; maintaining contact with everyone, even those like me, who go back almost 60 years! Mary always appreciated a good party, with nothing better than her house filled with friends and her wonderful extended family, loving all the joy and laughter we shared together.
I know she will be with us at our Xmas Meeting, directing operations from above!
Terry Young
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November 2024
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Janet Lambert
Carole
Janet was a very keen founder member of Kettering U3A. She began the group for Family History and ran it for many years, until Richard Boyles took it on. She was a very enthusiastic person, always smiling and full of fun.
Although Janet had no family or siblings, the crematorium was packed for her funeral, which shows how many friends she had made in her 95 years. She was left a widow for over 25 years, but she made a busy life for herself.
Janet had a long career at KGH as personal assistant to Mr. Ritchie, the hospital gynaecologist, a job she loved. She stayed until Mr. Ritchie retired.
At one time, her father was the Mayor of Kettering and Janet took on the role of Mayoress to accompany him, which she enjoyed as she met so many people.
Janet was a member of the League of Health & Beauty for many years, and she was very athletic. At one time she was encouraged to become a Keep Fit teacher, but as she had a busy career at KGH she could not do the training needed. She was chosen to perform in displays at the Royal Albert Hall several times.
Very talented, she could write poetry and stories, and plays for her League of Health and Beauty friends to act at Christmas. She was always keen on newspaper crosswords and TV quiz shows and she once won a holiday to India in a national newspaper writing competition. If you got onto Janet’s team in a quiz you would invariably win.
Janet moved to Sunley Court in Kettering, and enjoyed the social life there. A big party was held there for her 90th Birthday. As her health deteriorated, she moved south to be near to her Goddaughter and family. When she died recently, she was brought back to Kettering for the funeral, in order to be near to her beloved husband Phill.
Janet Clements
July 2023
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Carole Bradbury
It is with sadness that I have to announce that Carole Bradbury passed away two weeks ago after a long period of ill health. She will be sorely missed by her husband, Ray (often known as Brad), her sons, Carl and Paul, and their families of whom Carole was immensely proud.
Carole was the first Chairman of the Kettering branch of the u3a, being in post for four years. She was an enthusiastic and excellent leader. Together with an admirable Committee she forged a strong membership. The numbers grew and rapidly reached 300 people in the first two years. Carole was very innovative and interest groups blossomed, many of which still exist today. Carole also oversaw the formation of the Ise Valley u3a when the numbers of members at Kettering u3a grew to more than the venue could accommodate.
On a personal note, as her Vice Chair for a number of years, I will never forget some of the antics that the Play Reading Group got up to at AGMs and Christmas meetings when we performed hilarious sketches and playlets that were always well received.
Carole must have remained very proud to have steered Kettering u3a to where it is today. The u3a is an organisation that allows older people to live interesting and productive lives with firm friendships being established in retirement years.
Mary Earl
July 2023​
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