The U3a name indicates that, after the “first age” of childhood and full time education, and the “second age” of work and raising a family, there comes a “third age” of retirement when people are free to get together to follow interests for which they previously may not have had time. The U3A represents a coming together of such “third agers” in order to enjoy the new opportunities offered to them.
With over 700 U3As, the United Kingdom can boast more than 220,000 members. It is no exaggeration to say that it definitely fills a gap in the market and brings enjoyment to many. On an international basis, one just loses count!