'Founded in 1982, u3a* is a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together.
There are 1,057 u3as with over 450,000members.' www.u3a.org
*University of the third age
‘At its heart, the u3a believe that continuing to learn, develop your interests, make friends and try something new, is a life-long passion.’ (The Third Age Trust)
The Third Age Trust is a national representative body for U3As in the UK, offering support, advice and guidance but it does not control them.
Up Holland and District is a registered charity and as such abides by the Charity Commission rules, reporting our activities to them each year. We are independent but affiliated to an organisation called the Third Age Trust.
Although every u3a may be run differently, each one is democratic, self-funded and self-managed offering a range of educational, physical, creative and social activities drawing upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their members. Membership subscriptions and costs are kept as low as possible.
Between them u3as in the UK offer over 300 subjects from Art to Zoology with a real mix of academic, practical and leisure activities in between.
The subjects covered by our u3a are listed under Interest Groups.
Coffee Mornings, Speaker Meetings and some of the interest groups, are held at St Teresa’s Social Club, College Road, Up Holland, WN8 0PY.
Other venues include:
Appley Bridge Community Hall, Bispham Methodist Church Scout Hall and Church Hall and the Jubilee Hall, Roby Mill. The venue for each Group is listed on the relevant page.
The best way is to come along to a Coffee Morning on the first Thursday of each month when you can have a cup of tea or coffee and be assured of a warm welcome! You will be able to meet Group Leaders, see all the activities on offer in addition to having the opportunity to join.
Alternatively, you can contact the Membership Team at the email address below and request a membership pack is sent out to you: membership@uphollandu3a.org
Membership of Up Holland and District u3a is open to anyone no longer in full time work. There is no lower age limit or entrance qualifications needed, all you need is enthusiasm!
The initial annual subscription from 1 April to 31 March is £12.50, with a reduction of £3.50 if you have current membership of another u3a. If you join between 1 January and 31 March, subscription is reduced to £7.50.
There is no limit, you can join as many interest groups as you wish.
If you are interested in starting a new group there is much support available from Committee Members, Group Leaders and the Group Co-Ordinator.