About University of the Third Age

The University of The Third Age Movement

The term “University” is used in its original sense – a group of people coming together to learn for the pleasure of learning. No academic qualifications are needed or given. The main aim is to enable creative and recreational activities to advance the education of mature people who are not in full-time employment.

The U3A movement, which began in 1982, is one of the fastest growing organisations in the country. There are over 996 U3As in the UK involving over 366,000 people, with more joining all the time. They pursue an amazing range of topics, some purely academic, others recreational. Most local U3As offer a combination of opportunities to study, create, socialise, and in general develop a fitter mind and body. U3A is the only national education organisation in the UK run entirely by its own members.

The Third Age Trust (TAT)

Although all local U3As remain autonomous, they are members of the Third Age Trust, which is their national support and advisory body. The Trust is a registered charity and limited company providing support in the form of training, legal advice, a resource centre, public liability insurance and representing all U3As at national and international level. It is run by a National Executive Committee democratically elected from the membership.

There are some national events organised by the Third Age Trust open to all U3A members. Some future ones which may be of interest, and which are accessible from our area are shown on the National U3A Events page

Haddenham U3A members may register on the website of the Third Age Trust by clicking on this link. This will provide access to news about U3A nationally, details of TAT-organised events / programmes and, most importantly, resources that are available for use by U3A clubs, interest groups and individual members.