The University of the 3^rd Age is not a university in the normal sense of the word; it is a cooperative venture for people who have stopped full time work and wish to be active with others, broaden their horizons, and do different things with the extra leisure time which comes with retirement and semi-retirement. Or for those who simply want to share their experiences and skills with others. The U3A has branches all over the country and is best described as a social club which organises activities according to the needs and abilities of its members.  These activities can cover a huge range – learning a language, studying local history, philosophy, literature, geology, archaeology, listening to music, yoga, scrabble, chess, walking, fishing, dancing, bowling, gardening, crafts – whatever the “university” wants to organise from its own resources.  See Links to access more information on the Scottish and the British U3A web sites.

 Even for “academic” groups there are no qualifications required, no assessment – just a group of like-minded people exploring a topic together for the fun of it and as friends. These interest groups meet monthly or fortnightly, often in each other’s homes. As well as such activities the “university” will hold regular meetings featuring a guest speaker and giving members an opportunity to discuss the activities of the organisation. Speakers will be chosen according to the wishes of members, and trips to places and events of interest will be similarly organised. Members can participate in as many, or as few, activities as they please.

Executive Committee

James Watt (Chair)

Anna Rizza (Vice Chair)

Mary Pickstone  (Secretary)

David Robertson  (Treasurer)

Lesley Cassbow (Membership Secretary)

Linda Robertson

     Helma Purves

     Krysia Bandeen   

Ronald Kerr