U3A is an association of people in the “Third Age” of life. The term is used to describe the phase when the “First” and “Second” ages of personal education, career ad family responsibilities are over. There is time to pursue personal interests, to broaden ones horizons and to learn simply for pleasure in the company of like minded individuals.

The idea originated in France in 1972 and is now world-wide. In 1982 the U3A began in Britain and there are now some 650 local U3As with over 180,000 members. There is a national organisation, the Third Age Trust, to which the Mayfield and District U3A is affiliated. Each local U3A is autonomous, democratic and through its committee arranges its own programme to suit the needs and interests of its members.

Do not let the word “University” put you off. It is used in one of its original meanings to denote a group of people coming together to pursue common interests. The U3A is dedicated to the concept of life-long learning. No qualifications are needed to join and none are awarded. It is a voluntary self-help learning co-operative enabling members to share educational, creative and leisure activities and to which members bring their own particular knowledge, skill or enthusiasm.

 

Following initiatives by Peter Davie of Age Concern a meeting was held in London House, Mayfield in March 2005 when the members of the steering committee were cajoled, persuaded and volunteered to take on the formation of a new U3A

Subsequently the unique nature of the organisation was explained at an open meeting held on March 17^th in the Scout and Guide Hall attended by some 80-90 people. Visiting speakers included the former Chairman of the Tonbridge U3A and the Deputy Chairman of the recently formed Battle U3A. They gave an informative view of what happened at their respective U3As highlighting the monthly meetings and study/interest groups. At the close of the meeting Peter Davie proposed the formal launch of our U3A which was carried by a sizeable majority.

The inaugural meeting followed in May when Matthew Scott presented a fascinating account of the geology underlying the formation of the British Landscape which was accompanied by a slideshow At the same meeting several study/ interest groups were formed, including Art Appreciation, Digital Photography, French Conversation, Genealogy, Music Appreciation, Play Reading and Science.

 

At any one time there are a number of small study/interest groups, most comprising ten to twelve members

Most groups meet once a month but this can vary. Almost without exception the groups meet during the daytime at a local venue or in the home of one of the members