Arran U3A celebrates 40th UK anniversary

Arran U3A’s June meeting was special as it was the last monthly gathering before the summer break and an anniversary edition celebrating U3A being in the UK for 40 years.

 

Attending members, whose numbers are still reduced owing to Covid concerns, listened to a short speech from group chairperson Karyn Hall before enjoying the home-baking on offer - some donated by the Big Co-op - and a fun game of bingo.

 

The University of the Third Age, mostly referred to as U3A, is an international organisation with more than 1,000 groups and more than 4,000,000 members around the world. Its aims are to provide education and entertainment for retirees.

 

The movement was first started in Toulouse, France, in 1974. It was allied with the university with professors providing members with information and educational talks. The organisation recognised that elderly people have a wealth of skills and talents and that sharing them was of great benefit to others. Because of this, U3A groups spread rapidly in the country and in 1981 the first UK U3A group was established in Cambridge.

 

Although run on a model slightly different from the French version, concentrating on self-help and sharing, the organisation continued to expand throughout the UK and Scotland and by January 2020, the first Arran U3A group started in Brodick.

 

The Arran U3A now has 115 members and 16 groups which fall under the U3A umbrella. The group meets on the last Thursday of every month, with a summer break in July and August.

 

Membership is open to anyone who is no longer working full time and would like to participate in social, creative, active and learning interest groups.

 

"attachment_741012" "" "300"] Members listen to a talk on the history of U3A before enjoying tea and cake and a game of bingo.

 

Members of the Arran U3A at the June meeting which was also a 40th anniversary celebration. 01_B27U3A01

 

Members listen to a talk on the history of U3A before enjoying tea and a game of bingo. 01_B27U3A02