Welcome to Formby u3a
OUR HISTORY
Founded over 35 years ago, the UK u3a movement (based loosely on the French model) aims to encourage groups of people in their third age to come together and develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.
If you’re wondering what we mean by the third age – it is a time after you have finished working full-time or raising your family and have time to pursue your interests or just try something new.
The u3a has members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. Learning is its own reward. It’s all voluntary; a typical u3a will be home to many activity groups covering hundreds of different subjects – from art to zoology and everything in between.
Today, the UK movement includes over 400,000 u3a members in more than 1,000 u3as and is continuing to grow every day.
Since its formation in 1990 Formby u3a has grown steadily such that there are now about 1100 members, nearly 50 different subjects and over 70 individual Groups. A mutual interest leads to new friendships and many Groups meet in members’ homes, adding an important social dimension.
AN INTRODUCTION TO FORMBY u3a
Formby u3a is a member of the Third Age Trust, which is the national body looking after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support.
Formby u3a operates as a charity and is ‘governed’ by a committee of members voted at each AGM. The current officers of Formby u3a committee consist of the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Groups Secretary and Speakers Secretary. They are supported by members who have specified roles ( e.g. the Webmaster) and those that provide general help and assistance with the operation of the u3a. The Committee welcomes any expressions of interest from any member in joining them in any role.
The Committee organises ‘Speakers’ meetings once a month (click here) for schedule and Coffee mornings every second Thursday of the month, both of which are free to members. A free newsletter is published roughly once a quarter to publicise the activities of groups and update members on forthcoming events. (click here to see past editions).
The Committee aims to ensure that a wide variety of activities are available to members and promotes the formation of new groups where demand exceeds supply or new activities are identified. Each Group has a nominated leader or leaders who act as a central contact; Group Leaders are key to the organisation in the delivery of activities and we would not be able to function without them.
This website provides information on becoming a member (click here) and the group activities that are currently available (click here) to view our groups.
For more information about the National u3a organisation (Third Age Trust) please click here