Chesterfield U3A

About the U3A

The idea to form an organisation in order to promote "Lifelong Learning for older people" was developed in Toulouse in 1972. This was soon followed by the formation of the "International Association of U3As" (AIUTA)
In 1982 the U3A started in the UK with the creation of the "Third Age Trust" as a registered charity. The main purpose being to encourage lifelong learning for retired or semi-retired people. With no official connection to the Universities, unlike France where U3As are linked to Universities, it was decided that local groups should be formed and that members themselves would use their own skills to organise and teach. At the 20th of August 2008 there were 687 U3A's nationaly with a total membership of 206,355.

The U3A in Chesterfield
Registered Charity No. 1064504

Chesterfield U3A was formed toward the end of 1994 and has grown steadily to reach the current membership of 640 with approximately 60 groups covering a wide range of subjects and social activities. To qualify for membership prospective applicants should be retired or semi-retired with no lower age limit. This varies from one U3A to another with many having lower age limits of 50-55.
As well as the group activities there is a bi-monthly General Meeting with a speaker, usually to give a talk of some local interest.
A Newsletter is published on alternate months to coincide with the General Meetings.