ABOUT FARNHAM U3A

The University of the Third Age is a worldwide movement encouraging people in the “third age” of life to pursue educational, cultural, and recreational interests. Local U3As are self-help, self-managed co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.

Established in 1991, Farnham U3A currently has over 950 members, drawn from a wide social and academic range. It is open to all – a true University – since anyone may join whatever their qualifications, the only stipulation being is that members should be over 50 and retired or partially-retired. There is no upper age limit.

We provide a wide variety of classes and activities – at present there are over seventy. Some are academic; literature, languages, history, and science. Some have a practical content; painting, photography, computing. And some which purely recreational; t'ai chi, yoga, rambling, and bridge. The groups meet only during the day, mostly at Farnham Maltings our local Arts & Community centre. Our academic year extends over three terms, from mid-September to late June.

Members pay an annual subscription (currently £35) and for this may join as many groups as they wish, subject to there being space available. In some classes, indicated in the programme, an extra fee is payable because they are led by professional tutors, or involve the use of materials bought by the group leaders, and in many classes where printed or copied material is provided, a contribution to copying costs is expected. The great majority of our tutors and group leaders are ordinary members who do the job as part of their own contribution to the U3A. For its essence is that it is run by its members, the groups are responsible for themselves and the task of the Committee is to provide the framework within which the many activities can take place.

We have about eight general meetings a year, open to all members, in which speakers, usually from outside Farnham U3A, lecture on a range of topics. And in many years we run a special project: this year the theme of the project is “The Victorian Era”.

We run two extra-mural Clubs, for Theatre and Concerts, arranging coach transport to London and other venues, to attend major theatre productions and concerts. In addition, a number of our groups organise trips as an integral part of their courses, which include Art History, Archaeology and Horticulture.

Members are kept up to date with our activities by information posted on our notice board at the Farnham Maltings, by announcements at our General Meetings, through our newsletter published three times a year, and on our website. The social side of our U3A is very important to our age group, and all of our group and extra-mural activities provide good opportunities for members to socialise and to form friendships.

Overall, we believe that Farnham U3A offers a wealth of opportunities to us Third Agers to keep our minds and bodies active, to expand our knowledge and capabilities to the full, to make new friendships, and above all to enjoy life.

Join us and enjoy!