Senior living
Meet people, learn and have fun at the U3A
At Britain’s most inspiring university, you can study everything from Arabic to Scrabble or take a course in sailing or canoeing.
More than 350,000 students have signed up, even though there’s no qualification to be gained from this educational establishment.
But then, there’s nothing ordinary about the University of the Third Age (U3A) which aims to promote late-life learning for those who are retired, semi- retired or have finished raising families.
For a start, there’s no campus, nor are
there any term-times, curricula or entrance exams. Unlike other universities, where the fees can run into thousands, the annual cost is about £10 to £20, depending on where you live. With just a small head office in Bromley, U3A is not run for profit. Each of the 1,000 local groups throughout the UK is
independent and decides what they study, where and when.
With no age limit, students range from
50 to 90 years old, and groups are run by volunteers who are encouraged to share their knowledge, experience and life skills.
Groups are started by people from
all walks of life, from academics and teachers to those who have raised families and never worked outside the home. As well as learning opportunities, there are outdoor pursuits, social events and outings. Like all U3A activities, you are welcome to suggest a new group to do something you particularly enjoy and think others will want to take part in.
For those who live alone, it can
provide a life-line, giving a reason just to get out of the house once or twice a week. No wonder U3A was described by one GP as “the best prescription for loneliness”.
Barbara Lewis, chairman of the Third
Age Trust, said: “At a typical U3A our members take part in activity groups doing everything from art to zoology, with walking, photography and Scrabble and pretty much everything else in between. There is a U3A near you, perhaps meeting in a local school hall or community centre. Above all, the U3A exists to help you make friends, develop your interests and enjoy yourself. Come and learn with us and have fun at the University of the Third Age.”
For more details, telephone 020 8466 6139, email
info@u3a.org.uk or visit
www.u3a.org.uk
Premier ironing, laundry and dry cleaning service
Iron Maids offer a premier ironing service, alongside our laundry and dry cleaning services, to households all around Kent and East Sussex. Whether you require a regular ironing service or a helping hand with the odd basket of ironing, Iron Maids can help. Our service is quick, flexible, personal and affordable.
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Shirts £1.35 (starching available) All other clothing £2.95 per Kg Full laundry service £4.95 per Kg Full dry cleaning and repair service
T: 01622 870111
www.iron-maids.co.uk
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