The u3a Movement
The u3a movement began in 1972 at the University of Toulouse, France, aiming to improve the quality of life for retired people by encouraging participation in academic programs or specially designed short courses. The concept spread internationally, and in 1975, the International Association of u3As (AIUTA) was formed to promote active learning, research, and community service among older adults
In the UK, the u3a evolved into a self-help, peer-led model, emphasizing shared learning and mutual support rather than formal university-led instruction. The University of the Third Age had spread to the UK the following decade and went on to become a world-wide phenomenon.
Ferndown u3a - Newsletter November 2022
In November 2020 Ferndown u3a celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a scrumptious “Afternoon Tea”. Members were also treated to a “Walk Down Memory Lane” presentation.
Speeches were given from Chairmen, past and present. Bob Reeve, the current Chairman, congratulated everyone and remined us what makes Ferndown u3a so successful is long term commitment, as over 20% of current members joined over ten years ago and there is still one member from the founding team.
To date, there have been twelve Fu3a Chairmen, In 1997, members of existing u3a groups were being encouraged to set up new local u3as and ‘spread the word’. Angela’s daughter knew the person who ran the Ferndown Youth Club, and when she said the premises were only used in the evenings it seemed too good a chance to miss. Leaflets were handed out in the Ferndown pedestrian precinct and from that 20 people turned up at the first meeting, all very enthusiastic about the idea.
Bob Reeve emphasised that “These founding members were inspiring, and we should be proud of their vision in establishing the firm foundations on which our current success is based. As a result, today we have nearly 600 members and are able to offer over 80 classes.
Founding member, Gerry Lewis, Honorary Chairman, recalled:
“From that first meeting numbers grew each week, and many offers came from people willing to support groups. We were a little too ambitious and with their enthusiasm tried to run a programme covering 5 days a week without adequate resources. Money was short as were members! We had a very modest grant from u3a Head Quarters, and a little bit of luck. Negotiations with the Youth club also enabled us to use some of their equipment - billiard table and computers. The computers were a real boon in creating promotional publicity & fliers. In return, we shared our equipment with the youth club members. One success was buying a table tennis table for ten pence for the Table Tennis group.”
After the first year, membership grew. People were joining to make friends. They joined as learners, gained confidence and leadership skills, and subsequently ran their own groups thus giving Ferndown u3a the impetus to thrive.
The u3a gives you purpose and inspiration, companionship, and friendship. When you look at the world today, they are the things that people need in their lives more than ever and we look forward to the next 25 years. To date, there have been twelve Fu3a Chairmen, the first of whom was Angela Dennett. In 1997, members of existing U3A groups were being encouraged to set up new local u3as and ‘spread the word’. Angela’s daughter knew the person who ran the Ferndown Youth Club, and when she said the premises were only used in the evenings it seemed too good a chance to miss. Leaflets were handed out in the Ferndown pedestrian precinct and from that 20 people turned up at the first meeting, all very enthusiastic about the idea.
