History of the University of the Third Age

THE ORIGINS OF u3a

The idea of “lifelong learning for older people” and a University of the Third Age originated in Toulouse in 1972. The UK u3a was created in 1982 but unlike France, where support was obtained from universities, it was realised that “Third Agers” themselves had the skills to organise and teach their own autonomous learning groups and local u3as were formed.

SALTBURN DISTRICT u3a

It was at a discussion in May 2004 at the Saltburn Library Forum about providing community education that Diana Stevenson mentioned she had heard of the u3a when she had lived in Loughborough. Thus, the idea of a Saltburn District u3a (SDu3a) was born.

Soon afterwards a public meeting was held to canvas opinion about forming a local u3a in East Cleveland; 100 people turned up and support for the idea was overwhelming. Initially, while we found our feet, we were a sub section of the Whitby Whaler u3a, who were very helpful and supportive during our first year. We held our first coffee morning in June 2004 which was attended by 55 people. The monthly Friday coffee mornings had begun.

In the summer of 2004, 7 courses were initially offered: Scrabble (which was the very first class to be held), Crafts and Card Making, World Religions, Walking, Bridge for Beginners, Computing and Play Reading. By the beginning of 2005 membership was over 200 with 16 courses on offer.

On 14 January 2005, members voted to establish an independent group within UK u3a. Thus on 1 April 2005 an independent Saltburn District u3a was born and its first AGM was held. Annual membership originally cost £6 and £1 was charged for each session. By December 2005 it was reported in the Newsletter that membership had grown to 400 with 24 groups in existence. Saltburn District was the fastest growing u3a in its first year.

By 2014, on our 10th Anniversary, membership was at a record level of 858 with 58 courses on offer and 46 group leaders. The number of members and courses has remained at a similar level over the last 10 years, with our u3a successfully surviving lockdown and all its implications, to emerge as healthy and popular as ever today.