The University of the Third Age, more commonly known as U3A, was started in France in 1972 with the aim of improving the quality of the lives of older people.
Because of its success in France, the idea quickly spread to other countries and U3A chapters have evolved into democratic, self-funded, self-managed, non-profit organisations.
They are now learning cooperatives of older people, enabling members to share many educational, creative and leisure activities during the latter stages of their lives, which might otherwise have been unproductive, dull or lonely.
Helderberg U3A offers a wide selection of courses and activities for its almost 2 000 members.
The courses and groups currently offered are all given voluntarily and without remuneration by members who are either experts, or have an interest in their subject.
They fall into categories such as arts and crafts, cultural, languages and literature, outdoor and environmental activities, and social groups – which include the theatre, current affairs, media groups, book clubs, exploring the countryside, hiking, money matters, and palaeontology groups.
If you would like to know more about the Helderberg U3A or some of the courses and groups offered, join them on Tuesday December 4, at the Strand town hall, for their open day.
The doors open at 9.30am, with tea and coffee.
A number of group and course leaders will have displays of their activities, and visitors will have an opportunity to interact with the leaders as well as with the committee members.
For more information, contact Brodwyn at 083 6040 784 or brodwyn@wilson.st