The first branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A) was
founded in Toulouse in 1973 and rapidly spread inside and outside France, the
Third Age Trust (the national representative body for U3As in the UK)
being established in 1982. U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older
people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences
in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.
The Buckingham & District U3A was established in 1998 and currently has over 500 members.
We hold a monthly open meeting at 14:30 on, normally, the fourth Wednesday of every month, except in
August, in the Large Hall, Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwall's Meadow, Buckingham. Each meeting, at which prospective
members are welcome, has a guest speaker. Time is allocated for members to investigate the wide variety of outings, visits
and study groups.
We also arrange a number of outings and visits each year to places of interest to the general membership.
A major feature of the Buckingham U3A is the large number of study and interest groups,
which are open to members free of charge - although there may be some costs for materials etcetera.
They normally meet once or twice a month, usually in members' homes but sometimes in a public meeting room.
There is no limit to the number of groups members can join.
Groups are primarily mutual-help rather than tutor-led. Any member is welcome to start a study group; assistance
is provided in setting up new groups. No formal qualifications are necessary and likewise no qualifications are awarded.
Revised 11 Apr 2009