Hessle U3A
Founded in 1982, U3A is a UK-wide movement with locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities for members to come together to explore new ideas and learn different skills or activities for fun. U3A stands for University of the Third Age, although it is not at all high-brow and is intended for everyone. U3A exists in many countries around the world and brings together people who are no longer in full-time employment to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.
U3A began over 35 years ago and there are now over one thousand U3As across the UK, with a multitude of interest groups between them and more than 450,000 members nationally. U3A members draw upon their knowledge and experience to learn from and teach each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. Learning is its own reward and it’s all voluntary.
Hessle U3A will be thirty years old this year and has nearly thirty interest groups, some of which meet weekly, some monthly and others two-weekly, depending on the activity and the wishes of the members. In addition, there are two general meetings every month. Many of our meetings are in various public halls in Hessle, but others are held in members’ own homes. The essential ingredient of Hessle U3A is informality and flexibility. Our motto is:
Learn, Laugh and Live with Hessle U3A.
Prior to the restrictions that have been in place because of the pandemic, Hessle U3A had the following interest groups:
- Busy Fingers
- Classical Music
- Appreciation
- Computers
- Cycling
- Family History
- French Conversation
- Gardening
- German
- Healthy Ageing
- Literature
- Magic
- Mustn’t Crumble
- Opera Appreciation
- Painting & Drawing
- Quiz
- Photography
- Posh Puddings
- Scrabble
- Shambling
- Singing for Fun
- Solo Lunch Club
- Table Tennis
- Telephone Chat
- Third Friday Group
- Walking
- Writing
Hessle U3A
A few of these groups have been able to operate during the restrictions via on-line meetings, Email or telephone conversations. In addition, we produce a comprehensive newsletter which is normally issued every three months but, during the restrictions, we have been producing one every two months to maintain contact with our members. Once the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, we hope to be able to restart normal group and general meetings. New members are always welcome and encouraged to suggest further interest groups that may appeal to them. If you would like to join us, please contact our membership secretary:
Brenda Bridges
14,Paterson House
Rainhill Road
HU5 4HY
Tel: 01482 470237