Isles of Scilly

Welcome to the Isles of Scilly u3a

On this website you will find information about us, our activities and how to join.

BACKGROUND

u3a stands for University of the Third Age. It began in France in 1972 in association with a university. The core of u3a starting in Britain in 1982. It is a friendly, informal, co-operative organisation that draws on the strengths and enthusiasm of all members who share their knowledge and skills with one another so there is no curriculum, no entrance qualifications, examinations or certificates.

The IoS u3a started up in 2011 and we now have around 40 members. (Jan. 2024) We are always looking to increase our membership and hope that this website will help spread the word. A number of mainland u3a members have visited us during their holiday and we welcome many more, either to our monthly meetings or interest groups. We would also warmly welcome any member from the mainland who would be willing to give a talk or demonstration on a topic of interest. We somehow manage to engage an interesting speaker every month but our 'resource pool' is very restricted due to our small population. Therefore, a talk by a mainland u3a member would be very much enjoyed and appreciated!

Our monthly meetings (third Thursday) are held at the Methodist Hall, St. Mary's at 10.30 a.m. After a chat over coffee, we enjoy a talk by a guest speaker or member. These meetings are also an opportunity to inform members of forthcoming u3a events both locally and nationally.

With Climate Change very much a cause for concern amongst members, the u3a organisation has responded and across the country, u3as are setting up environmental interest groups. So far, we have been featuring environmental issues in our Newsletters, organising beach cleans, a tour of the Council's recycling centre and inviting speakers on environmental matters to our monthly meetings.

We would love to welcome new members. Age is irrelevant! Our monthly meetings and interest groups take place during the day so if you are free then and would like to meet socially, have fun and learn something new, the u3a could be for you!

To find out more, please contact our Secretary via the CONTACT tab.