Welcome to U3A
Learn Laugh Live
First established in Wye during 2010, Ashford Wye and District U3A subsequently moved to Ashford as more members joined from the Ashford area.
U3A is part of a wider network both national and international. Indeed, it was founded in France as an extramural university activity based in university towns and cities. It then began in this country in the 1980’s and today there are about 1,057 branches with a total membership of around 450,000.
So, what does U3A offer?
It provides educational and social activities for those who are retired or semi-retired. Members are sometimes referred to as the “third age” - hence University of the Third Age - but whether retired or near to retirement, all are encouraged and most welcome to share their skills, life experiences and interests.
Above all, in an organisation which is non-religious and non-political, our members (both existing and new) can find new friends, develop new interests and (most important) have FUN! Every member matters and has their own special talents to contribute and share. We learn from each other and as William Shakespeare wrote in “THE TAMING OF THE SHREW”:
“O! This learning. What a thing it is”
At Ashford Wye and District U3A we certainly encourage the three L’s referred to above
LEARN - LAUGH - LIVE.
We want all to benefit from their membership. An annual programme of courses and activities, usually available from August, ranges from Art to Yoga Fit, and includes gallery and theatre visits, day trips to places of interest and short breaks away. Additional courses and activities which may be arranged following publication of the annual programme are advertised in our thrice yearly newsletter and online, Those who do not have IT access, continue to receive all communications by post.
Apart from the many group activities, we arrange a monthly coffee morning with a guest speaker. Such meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Repton Connect Community Centre, Repton Avenue, Ashford - just down the road from Waitrose! Coffee and fellowship from 10am is followed by a speaker and members have enjoyed many varied and fascinating topics over the years, followed by time for questions,
If you are a new member, coffee mornings are an excellent way of getting to know us and we having the pleasure of getting to know you. Many new friendships are formed in this way. You may join us throughout the year, and the annual membership is currently £20 per annum, plus any incidentals incurred through participating in one of our groups. For example, these may include a share of the cost of hall/room hire or photocopying, and £1 per person at each coffee morning to help defray charges.
Many groups meet in members’ homes at no cost, but whether at home or in a hall, we are so very grateful to our dedicated Group Leaders for their commitment and enthusiasm.
Do please enjoy browsing our website. We hope you will find courses/activities that will interest you. If you are not already a member, please do join us with our learning and laughing. You will be so very welcome.
Barry Andrews Chair 2021/2022