What is the University of the Third Age?

U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, which is a self-help organisation for people of 55 and over – singles or couples – no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment. It consists of local U3As all over the UK , which are charities in their own right and are run entirely by their members. The U3A approach to learning is – “learning for pleasure”. There is no accreditation or validation and there are no assessments or qualifications to be gained.

U.3.A. is for just retiring or retired people with lively minds looking to link up with others to further their interest in a wide variety of topics – languages, engineering, art, social history, music, computing,, latin, craft, in fact anything you can think of and we always welcome new suggestions

We meet once a month for a get together and an interesting talk by an expert. Members also run groups in their own homes on subjects they are interested in. We warmly welcome new members – couples or singles.

There is a modest subscription of £8 per annum.

MEET: Methodist Church Hall.
2.30.p.m. on the Third Tuesday of
each month for General Meeting.

CONTACT: Carole Allan – 01730 813374. Or Email: bernard.allan@tiscali.co.uk

 

SPEAKERS’ PROGRAMME 2009. GENERAL MEETINGS, with a guest speaker, are held on the THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH at the Methodist Hall, Midhurst, at 2.30.pm. Admission £l, to include tea and biscuits (Guests £2).

February 17th. Trees and Woodlands in West Sussex . Julie Bolton. March 17th. Royal Air Force Research and Rescue Helicopters. Sqn.Leader David Carey. April 21st. The Do’s and Taboos of Public Speaking. Neil Riley. May 19th. AGM. To include a Presentation by two of our members June 16th. Tall Ship Sailing from a Wheelchair. Judith Entwhistle. July 21st. The Sussex Iron Industry. Dr. Peter Brandon. August 18th. Life as a Lady Thatcher. Charlotte Edwards. 15th September. Art Form or Pure Gluttony – Eating and drinking in Georgian England, Alan Green. 20th October. Energy for the Future.Ian Funnell. 17th November. The Royal Commission Land Forts of Portsmouth . Benjamin French. 15th December. The Engish Civil War in Sussex . Paul Ullson. The Broadway Talk to be held in the Garden Room, Capron House, Midhurst, March 9 - 2009. .at 2.30.pm.,including refreshments . The Fight Against Cancer: Funding the Research – Sue Hughes

2010 8th January. New Year’s Luncheon at Cowdray Park Golf Club 12.30 for l.pm. 19th. January Life and Art of Helen Allingham - Victorian Painter of Surrey Cottages. Annabel Watts. 16th February Civic Pride and Good Government in TreCento Siena . Sue Vost. 16th March Surrey Safari. Geoff Lunn. 20th April The Amazing Travels of Marianne North – Victorian Artist. Laura Ponsonby. May A.G.M.

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MIDHURST U3A hopes that soon many more of their members will be using the internet to book their holidays, and much more.

They have just been awarded nearly £4300 by Sussex Community Foundation to finance their latest project. They intend to buy laptop computers, together with software and a printer, which will enable their members to learn, and practice, on computers in small, friendly, groups. Initially Midhurst U3A will be running a beginners’ course, with teaching from a professional tutor, who will also be partly funded by Sussex Community Foundation. As Chairman, Bernard Allan, pointed out, “It is increasingly important that older people learn to cross the “digital divide”. But formal classes from the established further education providers are not necessarily the most appropriate. Some of the people on our waiting list have attended such classes and have left in frustration. We want our members to enjoy their learning and to be able to do so at their own pace. They will be able to borrow computers between lessons so that they can practice at home.” Once members have mastered the fundamentals, they will receive further tuition in the use of the internet and of e-mail communication. Later there will be more specialised courses on such aspects as powerpoint presentations, which will, it is hoped, enhance the work of the many special interest groups that U3A run. Midhurst U3A very much appreciate the assistance given by the Sussex Community Foundation and look forward to a fascinating and rewarding winter! Information on the varied groups run by the U3A may be sought from – The Membership Secretary – Mrs. Carole Allan – O1730 813374.

 

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