WELCOME to NESTON U3A
In this page we give an outline of the U3A movement and describe what the NESTON branch of the U3A has to offer to its members.
We hope to provide answers to most of your questions about the U3A. However, if there is anything further that you would like to discuss with us, please do not hesitate to contact the Chairman or the Secretary.
When you have read this we hope that you will be encouraged to join us.
We will make you very WELCOME.
DEFINITION U3A stands for University of the Third Age. University is used in the older, broader, sense of ‘a meeting together of persons interested in sharing and furthering their experience and learning new things’.
The ‘Third Age’ refers to the period of time following the ‘First Age’ of childhood dependence and the ‘Second Age’ of employment and parental responsibilities. It is only in the ‘Third Age’ that we may have the independence to choose the way in which we use our own time.
The emphasis is very strongly on the social aspects of meeting like-minded people, developing our interests and making new friends.
HISTORY The concept of an organisation which could provide a sociable learning environment for older and mature citizens, with more leisure time on their hands, was launched in France in 1972. In that year the Summer School of the Universte du Troisieme Age in Toulouse outlined the idea of ‘lifelong learning for the older people’ Within a year the International Association of U3A was formed and the idea spread throughout the world. The first British U3As were formed in 1982 under the direction of the Third Age Trust.
There are now in excess of 550 branches of the U3A in the UK with a membership of over 150,000.
The U3A thus offers all kinds of educational, creative, social and leisure activities to those old enough to appreciate them.
LINKS The U3A in the UK remains independent of educational establishments. We have no political or religious affiliation and we do not exist as a Third Age pressure group.
We are affiliated to the Third Age Trust, which is a registered charity with an administrative office at 26 Harrison St. London. WC1H 8JG.
ORGANISATION We meet on the last Thursday of every month in the Civic Hall starting at 1:45 pm. There is a speaker for the first half, information is given out on the activities coming up and the current state of the interest groups. Following this there is a break for refreshments. Time is allowed at the end of the meeting for gathering more information on the interest groups from the leaders present and socialising with members.
INTEREST Interest groups are an important component of the GROUPS U3A. We draw on the knowledge, experience, skills and good will of our members in order to establish self-help study and activity groups that reflect the wishes and interests of our members. Most interest groups meet regularly and when possible meet in member's own homes. When you become a member of Neston U3A you can join one or more interest groups.
MEMBERSHIP is open to anybody matching the criteria of being in the ‘Third Age’ and who is not in full-time employment. Come to one of our monthly open meetings, or go to "Contact Us" if you would like more information, and submit a message. Sheila John will reply by email.
The full Annual Fee is £8 of which £3.50 is payment to the Third Age Trust. If you are not sure if this is the right organisation for you, please come to one of our monthly meetings held in Neston Civic Hall on the last Thursday in every month, starting at 1.45pm, admission £1.00.
You will be made most WELCOME
Membership Secretary Pam Steen
Chairman Jan Reddy
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