The Third Age
After
the first age of childhood and full time education, and the
second age of work and raising a family, there comes the third age of
retirement.
This is when people are free to come together to develop
interests for which they may not previously have had time.
What does the University of the Third Age mean?
The
University of the Third Age takes its name from the
Université du
Troisième Age, which began in France in 1972. It is a
charitable
organisation devoted to education in the broadest sense of the
word.
U3A
is not a University where students study in preparation for
examinations. However it does create the opportunity for retired people
to meet together to pursue various educational activities -
intellectual, cultural and social.
Local branches
Local
branches are affiliated to the Third Age Trust, the national body
of U3A.
Through
the Trust, branch members may receive a copy of the Third
Age magazine every four months, containing information about travel and
nationally organised courses.
The Winchester U3A
The
Winchester branch was founded in 1989. Our principal activities are
focused around special interest groups, of which there are over 90. The
subjects we cover include languages at varying levels, the arts,
literature, history and science.
The groups are small in
size, and
they determine their own course of study under a chosen leader. There
are no formal lectures and members are encouraged to share in a joint
process of learning and discovery.
We hold general meetings every month, to which we invite guest
speakers. We also hold monthly walks and arrange special outings, such
as theatre visits, from time to time.
All of these activities, together with reports of previous events, are
covered in a bi-monthly newsletter distributed to all members.
Who can join?
Membership is open to all retired people and no qualifications are
required.
