University of the Third Age

Friday, April 23, 2010
3:38 PM

Retired and unemployed people in Weston can take up a wide range of classes with the University of the Third Age (U3A).

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There are around 700 members of the U3A in the town who meet at each other's houses to learn about new interests and hobbies as well as enjoying social events and trips.

There are no qualifications to work towards and anybody can start up their own group if they would like to share their passion with others.

There are more than 60 classes, which cater for almost every taste and tipple, from wine and art appreciation, to murders and mysteries, poetry studies, French language and badminton.

The U3A is a self help educational group for anybody, of any age, no longer in full-time employment.

Jo Godfrey attends psychology, walking and opera classes and has made many new friends through the university. She is also a member of the walking group.

Although there are already many U3A members, Jo is keen to attract even more.

She said: "We want everyone to have the opportunity of enjoying things like we do.

"We don't want to see people sitting at home with nothing to do. You can make all sorts of new friends. It's helped me meet some of the most interesting people in Weston."

Members pay a 10 subscription to the U3A, which pays for the renting of halls and insurance fees, and they can then sign up to an unlimited number of classes and enjoy a range of social activities put on by the organisation.

Weston members hold a weekly coffee morning at the Friends' Meeting House in High Street every Tuesday from 10-11.30am. They also go on regular trips and enjoy theatre visits and holidays.

Anyone with any expertise or keen interest in a subject is encouraged to set up a group.

Jack Donkin has been a member for 11 years and is also on the U3A committee. He runs the murders and mysteries group and also attends the walking, singing, English history, jazz appreciation, wine appreciation and book groups.

He said: "There are many people who have interests in their lives that they suddenly realise they would like to share with others.

"It's very hard to find enough time to go to all the groups you'd like to."

The classes are run from Monday-Friday throughout the day. Other popular groups include Scrabble, science, family history, philosophy, natural history, archaeology, creative writing and short tennis.

Jo added: "We don't want people feeling they haven't got anything to do or feeling lonely.

"We want people to know we are here and there are all sorts of things they can do. We would be delighted to see them and they can come along and meet some friends."

THE FACTS:
Name of club: University of the Third Age (U3A).
Founded: 1995.
Membership: More than 700.
Who the club caters for: People of any age interested in learning more and meeting new people.
Meeting place and time: A number of venues across Weston, mainly in the homes of group leaders.
President/ chairman: Roy Comer.
Who to contact for more details: Jo Godfrey on 01934 622113.