Maidenhead

U3A was founded in Toulouse, in 1972, specifically to improve the quality of life for older people. The success it gained in France quickly spread to other countries, and in 1975 an International Association of U3A was established, which has now grown to include over 100 member countries.

The U3A was first introduced to Britain in July 1981, and this was at Cambridge University. However it quickly evolved away from University based courses as it adopted the idea of “self help” and “mutual aid” learning groups, in which there is minimal distinction between teacher and students. In fact the U3A theme is that we should all participate, as best we can by teaching, learning or assisting with planning and administration. This creative self help attitude makes the very most of our own capabilities and reduces our dependence on outside resources.

Today the British U3A is a rapidly growing network, with some 120,000 active members, at over 600 locations, including locally at Henley, Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Bracknell, Wokingham, Windsor, Marlow and Reading.

Maidenhead U3A

Maidenhead U3A was formed in 1998 to bring the benefits of U3A to our area. We now have over 500 members, and are continually welcoming newcomers.

We seek to achieve a friendly environment, where like minded people can meet, share and investigate common interests, and especially those for which there previously never seemed to have been time. These we may now enjoy, without pressure, at our own pace, and without that feeling or concern that it is 'out of our depth'.

The social value of our U3A groups and meetings is naturally uplifting especially for those without family nearby. Our activities and groups are recognised by members as a much valued means of meeting others having similar interests, both through the small groups with the chosen specialist activities and through the wide membership attendance of the Monthly Meetings.