Ware

Welcome

What is the Third Age Trust?

The u3a movement is a self-help organisation providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment for people no longer in full time employment.

It consists of local u3as across the UK and overseas, which are charities in their own right and run entirely by volunteers.

The u3a movement is non-religious and non-political and has three main principles:

The Third Age Principle

  • Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.
  • Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a.
  • Members should do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join a u3a can do so.

The Self-help Learning Principle

  • Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members.
  • No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.
  • There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all u3a members.

The Mutual Aid Principle

  • Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent by a member of The Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement.
  • No payments are made to members for services rendered to any u3a.
  • Each u3a is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible.
  • Outside financial assistance should only be sought if it does not imperil the integrity of the u3a movement.

Ware u3a has over 1,100 members and approximately 70 groups that meet regularly. This makes it an excellent way to meet and make new friends.

A monthly meeting with a speaker is held on the second Wednesday of each month at Wodson Park Sports Centre starting at 1.45pm. Doors open at 1.15pm.

The meeting is a great opportunity to meet up with friends or make new ones. Our New Member team will be on hand to show you around if you are a new member.

The foundation of our u3a is the groups, many of which meet in members' houses and share sessions on a huge variety of topics. Other groups sessions are held in local venues more suited to the size of the group or the activity.

The best way to explore the u3a is through the groups, so why not find one you might try, either a subject you already have an interest in, or something completely different? Our Groups team are always willing to help if you have an idea for a group you would like to see!

Just remember - it is NEVER too late to try something new or meet new people!

To find out more about Ware u3a read our frequently asked questions

Website disclaimer

This website contains external links in good faith that we feel are of interest to our members. Ware u3a cannot take any responsibility for the content or endorse the information.

Ware u3a was founded in 2008Registered Charity No. 1132216