Introduction
Committee
Chairman's Message
Groups
Forthcoming Visits
Recent visits/outings
Mail Form
|
Welcome to
 | The University of the Third Age
Living near Kendal when my husband died, I joined the Kendal branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and realised what a wonderful international organisation it was with its non-sectarian, non-political appeal. On moving to Grange I thought it was time for me to give something back and to enable others to benefit in the way I had. So, in the Spring of 2000 the first meeting of Grange and District U3A was held with 24 interested people attending.
Our first Chairman was Geoff Baguley as he had been a member of the U3A in Bedford. We began with 11 interest groups, ten of which are still going today.
The name University should not be off-putting for, in its widest term it means learning for life. The "Third Age" refers to the over 50's, those who are retired or no longer in full-time employment. It is basically a self-help organisation providing activities and interest groups to develop our skills and learning. In Grange groups are many and varied, ranging from Countdown to Creative Writing, Gardening to General History, Walking to Wine Appreciation etc.
Monthly meetings with speakers, both invited and from amongst our own members, attract a wide audience. Memorable talks have included: Lakeland life and industry, with packhorse in Patagonia, hearing dogs for deaf people, projects in Antarctica", opera, World War II experiences in Singapore, railway building in Malaysia and the Archaeology of Roman Britain - a subsequent follow-up trip to Hadrians Wall with the speaker has been arranged. A regular programme of visits is organised by members to places of interest in the region, to special events further afield as well as trips abroad.
Over the past six years it has been rather like watching my children growing up! There are now over 180 members and 19 groups - why not come to one of our monthly meetings where you will receive a warm welcome. "Great oaks from little acorns grow".
A Founder Member |
|
2000
 | | Our first Chairman, Mr Geoff Baguley |
|
|
