The University of the Third age is an international organisation which offers education and stimulation to mainly retired members of the community – those in the ‘third age’ of life. The organisation is commonly referred to as U3A.
U3A is not related to a specific age group but to a period in one’s life (the third age) when the second stage of full-time employment and parental responsibilities for young children has come to an end. Anyone can become a member of U3A and this includes people who are working part-time. There is no lower age of membership. No qualifications or examinations are required or offered and fees are kept to a minimum.
Retired and semi-retired people come together in U3A and learn together, not for qualifications but for the sheer joy of discovery! Members share their skills and life experiences, learners teach and teachers learn and there is no distinction between them. It is a unique and exciting organisation which provides members of the community with life-changing opportunities.
Upper Bann U3A started in March 2009. Initially numbers were small but in the past year membership has increased rapidly and currently exceeds 275. Members of Upper Bann U3A come from Lurgan, Portadown, Craigavon, Gilford and surrounding areas. The enrolment fee for membership is £10 per year.
To read letter from our chairman click here.
To visit the web site of parent body U3A in the UK click here.
Upper Bann U3A is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: NIC100619