East Grinstead U3A University of the Third Age.

 

I keep seeing things about U3A in the library and the local newspaper. So what is the U3A then? Well, it is an organisation where groups of members meet to do or to study things that interest them. It's not big but it's growing - there are over 400 members in East Grinstead - but the local branch is part of a world-wide network. And what sort of people are you? What interests you? Well, we are mature people, wholly or partially retired. "U3A" stands for "University of the Third Age", and the third age is when life begins again, when the family have left home and you have your independence back. Our interests are social, recreational and educational. With more than thirty groups, there's bound to be something to interest you. So who organises all this? How do all these groups get going? There is a Committee that runs the branch and sets up the general meetings, but the groups organise themselves and decide on their own programme. Groups start when someone comes forward with an interest in a subject and is willing to share their knowledge and experience with others. I fancy the social and recreational side. What sort of things do you do? Take your pick! There are general meetings with a speaker followed by tea, an ambling group, a painting group, a craft club, two lunch clubs, two discussion groups, line dancing, circle dancing, handbell ringing, singing, bridge, an annual strawberry tea, a Christmas Party - and there are new groups starting every year for example we have recently added a Wine Circle and a Musical Memories group. There is also an annual week-end break and a Holiday Group. And what about the educational activities? It's a long time since I was at school! It sounds a bit grand, but we get members together who are interested in a particular subject and would like to study it. You don't need any formal qualifications. For instance, there's English History, a Book Club, French, German and Spanish Conversation. Other members are researching their family histories, and the Science and Technology Group have studied Astronomy and Cosmology. Perhaps the Creative Writing or Poetry and Playreading Groups are for you. So how do I join? Is it expensive? Can I Help? There is an annual subscription of £7, then you pay 50p for each meeting you go to in a private house and 50p per hour in hired accommodation. Everyone can contribute in some way or another. Please go to 'Join the U3A' for membership information.