WHAT IS THE NATIONWIDE u3A MOVEMENT?

The u3a movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, through individual u3as all around the country, life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Retired and semi-retired people come together to socialise and learn together, not for qualifications, but for its own reward; the sheer joy of discovery!

Members share their skills and life experiences; the learners teach and the teachers learn, with no distinction between them.

The u3a movement is a charitable concern supported by its national organisation, The Third Age Trust.

WHAT EXACTLY IS u3a ALL ABOUT?

The term “u3a” stands for “University of the Third Age”. Your “First Age” is as a youth, likely complaining about everything yet responsible for little or nothing. The “Second Age” is when you realise complaining does no good and your offspring make you responsible for everything!

The “Third Age” then is when the kids have grown, you can get your own back by spoiling your grandchildren and you find yourself with Time On Your Hands. u3a seek to help you fill that gap by providing you with the opportunity to “Learn, Laugh and Live”.

HOW DO YOU DO THAT?

We hold Monthly Meetings on the first Tuesday of every month (see below) and boast an ever expanding number of “Interest Groups” which, as a member, you can join.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS TO MY JOINING?

Yes there are. We ask that you be 55 or over and at least semi-retired, that you pay your membership fee (currently £17 per year!) and it would help if you were friendly and sociable but that is not essential as if you join us, you will soon find yourself making friends!

SO WHAT ARE THESE MONTHLY MEETINGS?

We hold monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, with doors opening at 1:30pm for a 2:00pm start.

Most afternoons will begin with the Chairman's welcome, and we can then settle back to enjoy an invited speaker. Following the speaker, refreshments will be served, and the Chairman will deliver any announcements. This is also a chance for Interest Group Leaders to share group news with the assembled members.

There's time at the end of the formalities for friends to meet up for a chat, and make new friends too. This is also a chance to look for news on the notice board, and to browse the Interest Group table, where members can sign up for an activity or interest that takes their fancy. Committee Members will also be circulating, and will be available to answer any questions, or just say hello.

All members are welcome at our monthly meetings, which alternate between The Curlew Centre (Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 9SA) and Market House (9 Market Street, Long Sutton PE12 9DD).

Visitors are welcome to attend monthly meetings with no limitations, on payment of a small fee per meeting. The fee will be agreed by the Executive Committee each year (currently £2) and visitors will be encouraged to become members. Visitors who join at the monthly meeting will have their visitor fee for that meeting refunded.

Visitors are not permitted, however, to attend more than two meetings without joining, enrol in any Interest Group or to attend an Interest Group meeting until the membership fee is paid and a membership number issued. They are also not eligible to vote or participate in the Annual General Meeting or attend the Christmas social event.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THESE “INTEREST GROUPS”

These Groups have become an increasingly popular reason for people to join us. We are so proud of the diversity and friendliness of our Groups that we have a page dedicated just to them. Please click on the “Groups” link above to find out more.

I HAVE QUESTIONS. HOW CAN I CONTACT YOU?

Simply click here.

SO I JUST COME ALONG TO A MONTHLY MEETING?

…and pay your £2, yes. But not our December meetings as they are reserved for members only – sorry.

See you soon?