University of the Third Age...to...u3a

The University of the Third Age (u3a) developed as an international movement whose aims were the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community — those in their 'third age' of life. U3A was started in France at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Toulouse in 1973. In France each University of the Third Age is mostly associated with a local university. In the 1990s the concept was broadened in France to the notion of the University of All Ages (UTA - université tous âges) or University of Free Time (UTL - université du temps libre). AIUTA (Association Internationale des Universités du Troisième Âge) is now the global international organization and network of Universities of the Third Age.

By the early 1980s, the concept reached Britain where, under the influence of its four UK founders, its nature was radically changed to be more a self-help organisation. The UK network today comprises more than 1,000 local u3a organisations, in towns and cities; and as of January 2020 their total membership exceeded 450,000.

Each u3a is formally structured as an independent self-financing and self-managing charity with links to the Third Age Trust, the national coordinating body. Each individual U3A comprises a number of activity groups which may cover a wide range of different topics - e.g. arts, languages, physical activity, discussion, and games. Although originally primarily for the retired, The 'third age' is now often defined by a time in your life (not necessarily chronological) where you have the opportunity to undertake learning for its own sake. There is no minimum age, but a focus on people who are no longer in full-time employment or raising a family.

The word ‘University’ became more of a confusion than a benefit in describing the purpose of these organisations and in 2020 it was rebranded in the UK to be simply ‘u3a’ so as to dispel any myths that you need qualifications or to be over a certain age to join.

Lymington u3a

Lymington u3a was set up in 2001 and was registered as a charity in 2003. In 2025 we had 530 members. We are an independent organisation self-funding from membership subscriptions (£20 per year), but like other UK u3as we are linked to the u3a national body – the Third Age Trust – that provides educational and administrative support. Our constitution and policies are based on the national model versions provided by the Third Age Trust.

At the heart of Lymington u3a are our Interest Groups, where members can socialise, study, be creative and generally develop a fitter mind or body. We currently have about 50 Interest Groups, led by volunteer members, with meetings usually held in their homes or local venues. There are Groups where members can speak foreign languages, study history or Shakespeare, and discuss philosophy or current affairs, as well as play card or board games, do line dancing or play pétanque – and much more.

We hold monthly meetings at Lymington St Thomas Church Hall, with a guest speaker giving a presentation to an audience of Lymington u3a members, and we run monthly TED talks where participants, who sit around tables set out in a café style, watch a TED Talk, then discuss it over coffee. There are informal coffee mornings twice a month in the Solento Lounge in Lymington High Street All members are invited to drop in for a chat. All members can also participate in some open Groups such as the Theatre group, Lunch club and Walking group.

If you would like to find out more about joining Lymington u3a please contact our Secretary