Honorary members
Wrekin u3a can only flourish with the support and ideas of our membership and volunteers. It’s through their creativity and knowledge that we can deliver our aims and values.
But there are times when the committee wishes to award an honorary membership to an individual in special recognition of their long service and significant contributions to the organisation.
Here we profile recent honourees, with thanks and admiration for their work.
Roger Phillips
A lifetime of service
Brummie Roger Phillips is a retired Wing Commander and former engineer who dedicated 34 years to the RAF and later played a pivotal role in running the Cosford Airshow.
After retiring full-time in 2011, Roger joined Wrekin u3a, where he used his passion for technology and people development to empower older adults in the digital age.
He founded the Computing group, offering guidance on things like word processing, device troubleshooting and ICT skills through meetings and a drop-in service.
Roger also has around ten-year’s service on the Wrekin u3a committee in various roles, including treasurer, membership secretary and vice chairman. He was also instrumental in the introduction of Beacon, our on-line membership management system.
At one time he was a member of 10 interest groups and is still active with several including wine tasting and singing for fun.
With his background in leadership and a dedication to fostering connections, Roger has helped create our welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
He says: “In many ways the branch has changed very little over the years. We have managed to maintain a very open and friendly approach.”
Roger’s story reflects a life well-lived, marked by service, innovation, and the pursuit of human connection through education and engagement.
Eileen Dowell
A flowering talent
An article in Women’s Weekly and a chance conversation led Eileen Dowell to become one of Wrekin u3a’s longest serving members and group leaders.
Born in the Black Country, Eileen held many different roles before retirement including secretarial positions, working as a library assistant and at David Austin Roses (where she was on a team that went to the Chelsea Flower Show one year).
Her involvement with us began when she read an article in Woman’s Weekly on "Growing Old Disgracefully". Inspired by the piece, she reached out to several individuals mentioned in the article and got one response from someone who lived in France but owned a flat in Telford and recommended the local u3a.
Eileen eventually took over the Gardens group and later the National Trust group, merging them to form the successful "Houses and Gardens" group. Under her leadership the group grew from taking small car trips to hiring coaches for organised visits, and at its peak the group made up to ten trips per year.
Eileen finally stepped down from leading the group in 2024. She says:
“Running a group like that takes quite a lot of time. But I love gardens, like people and it’s been very popular”
For Eileen, the u3a has provided a fulfilling retirement filled with friendships, social engagement, and diverse experiences.
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Barbara Burtenshaw
an open book.
Wrekin u3a members who are book lovers have much to thank Barbara Burtenshaw for because for 12 years until 2024 she ran the bookstore at the monthly meetings.
She says: “I love books, I’m a great reader and really enjoy meeting other people who like books.”
Originally from Bath and a trained children’s nurse, Barbara led a fascinating life marked by travel with her telecoms specialist husband, before settling in Shropshire after his final post as an instructor at RAF Cosford..
The bookstore has been a roaring success because many Wrekin u3a members are bookworms and enjoy browsing the latest donations, and it makes extra income for our work.
Barbara still runs the Scrabble 1 Group which meets regularly at the Plough in Shifnal.
With around 13 dedicated members, the group exemplifies her commitment to creating spaces where people can connect, share interests and enjoy meaningful activities.
An open book