The seeds for lifelong learning for older people were sown at the Summer School of the Universite du Troisieme Age held in Toulouse in 1972, and this led within a year to the formation of the International Association of U3As.

The U3A Movement in the UK started with the creation of the 'Third Age Trust in 1982, although contrary to what was happening in France, there was no support from the Universities in this country at that time.

It was quickly realised however, that "Third Agers" themselves had the skills to organise and teach in their own autonomous learning groups, and as a result local U3As' were formed throughout this country.

The aims of Bourne U3A are:

1. To advance the education of the public and in particular the education of middle-aged and older people who are not in full-time gainful employment in Bourne and district.

2. The provision of facilities for leisure time and recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the above persons in the interests of their social welfare.

Since we learn for the pleasure of it, no qualifications are required and none are given.

The inaugural Monthly Meeting of Bourne U3A was held in Wake House in April 2001. Since this time membership has grown to its current level of around 250 members, our members being drawn from both within Bourne itself and the surrounding villages.

Monthly Meetings are held on the third Monday in each month in the Function Room at the Corn Exchange, between 2.45 pm and 4.30 pm, where members are both educated and entertained by a variety of specially invited speakers.

This is followed by light refreshments in a convivial atmosphere where old friendships are renewed and new ones made. The average attendance at our Monthly Meetings is over 50%.

Bourne U3A currently has around thirty groups and information regarding each of these can be obtained by selecting the groups button to the left of this window

All those who are either semi-retired or retired and who are still interested in keeping their mind and body active by learning new skills, or perhaps those who have skills which they are prepared to share with others, therefore have an open invitation to join us and help build an even stronger U3A for the people of Bourne and the surrounding villages

For further information or if you have any questions please feel free to contact our Secretary or any of the Group Leaders.