Visitors to this web site requiring further information please contact the Webmaster, Derek Henry. e-mail webster@devizesu3a.org.uk It is the policy of the Branch Committee not to display personal telephone numbers or home addresses.
The University of the Third Age
WHAT IS U3A? The Universities of the Third Age are democratic, self-funding organisations, that provide all types of educational, creative and leisure activities for retired people at minimum cost, by making use of the knowledge and skills of their members. They come under the umbrella of the national body “The Third Age Trust”. Each U3A is essentially a co-operative of men and women who meet to share common interests and a desire to learn for its own sake.
ORIGINS; The seeds for 'Lifelong Learning for older people' were sown at the Summer School of the Université du Troisième Age held in Toulouse in 1972. This led within a year to the formation of the 'International Association of U3As' (AIUTA).
The U3A in the UK started by the creation of the 'Third Age Trust' in 1982 as registered charity, No.288007 and limited company No 1759471. Contrary to what was happening in France, there was no support from Universities. It was realised that Third Agers themselves had the skills to organise and teach in their own autonomous learning groups and local U3As were formed.
Most U3A groups in the UK operate in a similar manner and most have adopted a standard constitution, tweaked to suit local circumstances. As autonomous bodies they run their affairs within their constitutions and as members of The Third Age Trust their representatives can attend the AGM of the Third Age Trust and help to set policy nationally.
Since we learn for the pleasure of it, no qualifications are required and none are given.
The Third Age Trust is a member of AIUTA which aims to promote active learning, research and community service among Third Agers everywhere.
WHO CAN JOIN? Membership of Devizes U3A is open to all who are beyond middle age and no longer in full time employment. No qualifications are required or are given. If you are not yet a member of the U3A and would like to join or find out more information about the organisation, please contact the Membership Secretary, Jean Moss, any of the committee members or group leaders. (See the panel at the bottom of each page for e-mail contact.)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The annual membership fee is currently £12.00. This includes a capitation to National of £2.50 and also the cost of £1 per member for delivering "Third Age News" directly to them. Members also receive, by post, a bi-monthly Newsletter which contains details of the group meetings. The frequencies of meetings of the interest groups are fixed by the members of that group. A nominal charge is made to cover incidental expenses (room hire, telephone, postage, refreshments etc.) The U3A year starts on 1st April runs through to 31st March the following year.
WHERE DOES IT MEET? The Groups meet at the Crown Centre, or members homes, usually in the town of Devizes. The events which are out of doors meet at appropriate venues as necessary.
Suggestions for additional groups are always welcome, as are volunteers to run such groups.
The general meetings are held at locations with adequate accommodation for the numbers involved. Often at the Devizes Bowls Club and the Wharf Centre. There may be an invited speaker or an exhibition of the interest groups’ activities or it may be a social function (usually in January).
Each February we hold our Annual Dinner and in June a B-B-Q.
Useful Links; The Third Age Trust; www.u3a.org.uk
The Wiltshire "Communigate" web site; www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk
Devizes Town Council. www.devizes-tc.gov.uk
The Wharf Theatre, Devizes www.wharftheatre.co.uk
The Watermill Theatre. www.watermill.org.uk
The Devizes Chamber Choir www.devizeschamberchoir.org.uk
If any other organisation would like to be included please contact webster@devizesu3a.org.uk
|
Visitors to this web site requiring further information please contact the Webmaster, Derek Henry. e-mail webster@devizesu3a.org.uk It is the policy of the Branch Committee not to display personal telephone numbers or home addresses. |