University of the Third Age

The University of the Third Age, or “U3A”, is a worldwide movement encouraging older people in the “third age” of life to take up or continue educational and other interests in friendly and informal settings. No qualifications are required to join – and no qualifications or degrees are awarded.

The movement was founded in France in 1972 where it was closely linked to universities. When it came to Britain it became more of a self-help organisation. Most of the teaching and tuition comes from the ranks of its own members. It is a unique educational and recreational self-help co-operative.

U3A in the UK has grown rapidly since its foundation. There are now some 574 U3As with 153,443 members. It is one of the fastest growing organisations in the country. A typical U3A will offer a wide range of small and informal interest groups, visits to places and events of interest to its members and regular general meetings.

Waterlooville U3A

The Waterlooville group was established in March 2006 and currently enjoys a membership of 180. We meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month, except August and December, in St George’s Hall, St George’s Walk, Waterlooville.

The meetings start at 2.00 pm with general information announcements for members, plus news from the various special interest groups. This is followed by a presentation from a guest speaker. Topics so far have covered a wide range of subjects including, the Horndean Light railway, the life of Flora Thompson (Lark Rise to Candleford), life on the Royal Yacht Britannia and the fire and restoration of Uppark. Future topics will include, Hunter Gatherers, Astronomy and extracts from the Wessex Film Archives. The meeting ends with refreshments and the opportunity for an informal discussion.

Visits for members are arranged periodically. These have so far included a boat trip on the Chichester Canal and the Milestones Museum at Basingstoke. Future proposed trips include the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton to see “High Society” and a visit to the Houses of Parliament.

There are at present 28 interest groups, which range from Archaeology through Family History and photography to Walking. New groups are set up from time to time, as members require.

The current list of interest groups is: Archaeology, French, Music App, Scrabble, Art History, Bowls, Gardening, Philosophy, Singing, Computers, German (Advanced), Photography, Spanish, Computer Forum, German (Basic), Poetry, Tai chi, Family History, History 20th C, Reading, Textile Crafts, Local History, Science, Walking.

If you are interested in the U3A activities and would like to find out more, you are welcome to visit (up to two times) any monthly meeting for a fee of only £1, or attend a “taster session” of one of the special interest groups, or you can contact our Chairman Mrs Jill Gulliver on (023) 9224 0409. Yearly membership is £15 single and £25 for a couple, which includes delivery of quarterly national and local newsletters. More information is available through our website www.waterloovilleu3a.org.uk or through the National website www.u3a.org.uk