U3A

The University of the Third Age began in France in 1972 and was adopted in the U.K. about 25 years ago. The term “third age” means “no longer in full-time, gainful employment” and not a specific, numerical age. In the U.K. , U3As are self-help endeavours, consisting of groups of people who come together to share their knowledge, skills and experience in an informal situation.

Membership of a U3A is open to all men and women without discrimination as to race, religion or politics and each U3A belongs to the national organisation, the Third Age Trust , which is run by a democratically elected committee of members. Each U3A is part of a Region of the U.K., Scotland being one of them, and each region is represented on the National Executive Committee by a Regional representative or Trustee who has been elected by the U3As in that Region.

There are now over 700 U3As in Britain, with about 28 or 29 in Scotland.

 

DUNDEE U3A

Our U3A , which is a charitable organisation, was founded in 1992 by one of our Honorary Members, Norman Tully, who had returned to live in Dundee after spending several years living in Australia, where he and his wife had been active members of a U3A.

At present we have just over 240 members and offer approximately 20 classes which are run by voluntary Group Leaders. We have quite a range of subjects on offer, but like many other U3As we are always looking for people who would be willing to give up some of their free time to share their expertise and experience in any other activity.

We are very fortunate in Dundee in that we are given free accommodation in Community Centres around Dundee by the City Council for our classes. We also have free use of part of Coldside Library for our Socials which normally take place on the third Tuesday afternoon of the month. Our working year runs through from September to June.