U3A

Eastlakes U3A

 

 

What is U3A?

Universities of the Third Age, or U3As as they are mor often called, are voluntary, non-profit organisations which aim to offer older people low-cost educational opportunities which operate in a pleasant and supportive social setting. There are no formal entry requirements, no examinations and no 'awards. U3As are basically self-help groups built on the premise that collectively older people have the skills and knoledge to provide learning opportunities (education) for themselves. After all, 'experts' of all kinds in all fields eventually retire!

In fact the word 'university' in the title is used in the broad, medieval sense of a community of scholars coming together to learn from each other. The principles of self-help and mutual support are the very conrerstones of the U3A movement.

U3A is a worldwide organisation. It began in Farance in 1968, when legislation was passed that required universities to provide more community education. In 1973 a highly rated gerontology course led to the formation of what was to be the first U3A. This orgnisation was open to anyone over retirement age; no qualifications or examinations were required and fees were kept to a minimum.

Eastlakes U3A Incorporation

Eastlakes U3A Inc. was found in January 2000 with a membership of 87 and 12 classes. It now has a membership of over 450 offering more than 60 classes.

Like the U3A groups throughout Australia, UK, France and USA, ours is non-political, non-sectarian and its primary aim is educational ... we teach each other. But fun and friendship are high on our agenda!

Who are we?

WE'VE RETIRED FROM WORK ... BUT NOT FROM LIFE! We're the over 50's keeping our minds and bodies active, sharing interests, skills, knowledge and hobbies.

What do we do?

Our Committee organises a range of courses and activities. The courses are led by members, who volunteer to teach or lead groups, sharing their prior knowledge, skills, or interests, free of charge. There are no educational restrictions or prerequisites and no exams.

Where do we meet?

We meet at easy to reach local venues, such as the Neighbourhood and Community Centres at Belmont North and Swansea, the Library Meetiung Rooms at Redhead and Belmont, the Salvation Army Centre at Belmont North, the Lake foreshore at Pelican, Windale-Gateshead Bowling Club and Valentine Heated Pool.

Membership

Anyone wishing to join Eastlakes U3A can apply for membership by phoning Sandy Freeman 49467225 and request an application form for membership. You will also receive a program and enrolment form. Alternatively, you can write to our PO Box or print the forms from our web site:

www.eastlakesu3awebsyte.com.au

IN THE PAST WE'VE ENJOYED

Aquarobics          Middle Eastern Dancing          Book Club          Mah Jong          Canasta Club

Creative Writing          Numerology          Cryptic Crosswords          Animal Welfare

Current Affairs Discussion Group         Bridge          Petanque          Ancient History

Australian History           Australian History          Investment Club          Mosaics          French

Italian          Latin           Luncheon Club          China Painting          Pilates          Drawing          500

Scrapbooking          Water Colour Painting          Sculpture          Water Colour Painting

Sculpture          Singing group          Tap Dancing          Tai Chi          Trivial Purshuit  

Embroidery          Line Dancing          Acrylic Painting          Computer Classes          Luncheon Club

Each week we have a Guest Speaker

What does it cost to join?

Your small annual membership fee of $40 will entitle you to select from as many courses as you wish each term. Only a few might incur an extra cost, e.g. pool entry.

However, entry to classes is not automatic as some classes hav ea limit on the size of the class. Having applied for enrolment in a class, you will receive a receipt/confirmation in the post, or by email, detailing in which courses you have successfully enrolled.

Classes are usually 1 1/2 hours between 9:00am and 3:00pm weekdays.

According to Stephanie Dowrick, writer for the Sydney Morning Herald, statistics indicate that, "one of the happiest groups generally in Western socieites is active retirees. These are the people who are still learning, formally or informally; who continue to be engaged with people and interests beyond themselves; and who maintain a sense of purpose and create an outer structure that works for them internally".

U3A certainly provides a structure that is designed to keep retirees active physically and mentally.