What is a U3A?

 

A University of the Third Age provides opportunities during the day time for education and recreation for mature people no longer in full time employment.

WHY UNIVERSITY?  The original meaning of the word is a coming together. That is precisely what we do.  We come together in groups to learn, to follow our hobbies and interests for general companionship.

WHY THIRD AGE?  The Third Age is the age of retirement (or semi-retirement).  The First Age is the time of education and training for the Second Age - working life and bringing up children.  In the Third Age, by keeping our minds and bodies alert, we can enrich our lives and slow the ageing process.   There are now over 670 U3A's in this country with about 188,000 members.

BLACKBOURNE U3A, like all others is a self-help organisation with no upper or lower age limits.  The annual subscription is £10 which entitles members to attend the monthly lectures and to receive the newsletter.   Members can also enrol in study groups and participate in educational visits for which charges to meet the costs will be made.

INTEREST GROUPS meet weekly, fortnightly or monthly, often in members' homes. The subjects at present available are shown here but additional groups may be formed during the year in response to demand, if leaders offer their services. Leading a study group can be very rewarding - U3A group leaders will testify to the enjoyment and satisfaction which comes from sharing their skills and knowledge with others.

INFORMATION: Updated details of U3A activities are available at monthly lecture meetings and are also in the newsletter issued to all members several times during the year.

 

National U3A Website