Our U3A came into being as a result of the initiative of two local residents  - Belinda Bather and Maureen Cotter. When Belinda moved to Chard in the early 1990s she was disappointed at the range of social opportunities available to her as a retired single woman. She met and made friends with Maureen, and when they discussed how they might make life in Chard more interesting, Belinda recalled being told about the University of the Third Age by an old school friend who was a member. They agreed to find out more about the organisation.

Belinda contacted the U3A head office and asked if there was a local branch. She was told that there wasn't one, but that she might like to consider starting one herself! The challenge was taken up. With assistance and advice from headquarters, and the promise of a speaker, Belinda and Maureen arranged an exploratory public meeting at the St Mary's Church rooms on 29 March 1995, and set about publicising it around Chard.

Much to their surprise, more than fifty interested residents turned up. Audrey Cloet, vice-chairman of the national U3A, gave a talk and spoke enthusiastically of the work of the U3A and the benefits for retired people in Chard.  The response from the audience was equally enthusiastic: a steering committee was formed, further meetings were arranged, and the show was on the road. This first meeting also agreed on an annual subscription for membership of Chard U3A, and discussed what courses might be run.

Belinda agreed to be the first Chairman.  Maureen was secretary and John Brookes treasurer, both now sadly passed away. But other members of that first committee continue to play a major role in the organisation.

A second meeting was arranged for a month later, and the precedent was set for holding monthly meetings open to all members. There were already 47 paid-up members.

At the May meeting it was noted that there were now 59 members and that nine special-interest groups were already up and running: gardening, painting, history, languages, social studies, comparative religion, current affairs, Scrabble and information technology.  By the following month, June 1995, the number of members had increased to 70 and there were eleven courses in operation. Monthly meetings continued to be held at the St Mary's parish rooms, while group meetings were initially held in members' homes.

Since those heady early days growth has been less dramatic, but there has been a steady rise both in overall membership and the number of groups on offer. Many of the groups soon moved into public meeting places because of their swelling ranks, and eventually some found that they had to create a waiting list or split into two parallel groups. 

It soon became the norm to invite a speaker to the monthly meeting, and over the years members have been entertained and informed by a wide variety of talks - some serious, some light-hearted, some straightforward, some technical. It also became the fashion to hold a Christmas lunch, complete with appropriate seasonal entertainment. Many of the groups also decided to hold their own Christmas parties, and still do so. Our U3A and its groups have never been slow to seize any opportunity to have some fun.   

Belinda Bather continued as chairman until March 1998, when Janet Brown, one of the original committee members, agreed to take over the role. After a two-year stint Janet was succeeded by Brian Harper. Brian was chairman from 2000 to 2002 and then again 2003 to 2006, with Don Macdonald fulfilling the role for the period in between. Sue Smith was chairman for the year 2006-2007, and Alan Bamber succeeded her in 2007.

There have also been changes in the choice of meeting places over the years. In January 1996 the monthly meeting was moved to Chard Rugby Club, then three years later to the Football Club. This venue in turn became too small for our membership, and in September 2002 we moved to Crowshute House. Then, following the completion of renovation work at the Chard Guildhall, we moved to our present home in October 2003.      

An important development occurred in 2004, when members voted to change our name from Chard U3A to Chard, Ilminster & District U3A. This new name was chosen because it better reflected the widespread membership, many of whom live in Ilminster or in the various villages round and about the two main towns.

2005 was also an important year: we celebrated our tenth anniversary.  This was marked by holding a celebratory lunch in Chard Guildhall in May. A superb meal was prepared by local restaurateur and U3A member Ann Liddle, with help from her family. All the previous chairmen were present, alongside then chairman Brian Harper. Belinda Bather gave a brief talk explaining how our U3A came into being, and she was presented with a beautiful scroll designed and made by calligraphy expert Iris Leake, in recognition of all she had done for the U3A. The proceedings were much enlivened by a series of amusing sketches and readings, some recalling the early days, and by the sight of members of the committee serving the lunch whilst dressed up like Lyons Corner House 'nippies'. 

During 2007 we were delighted to pass the milestone of 200 members. In that year we also purchased a range of communications equipment with the aid of a generous 'Awards for All' grant. The equipment has been used to great advantage at both group and monthly meetings.