U3A - The University of the Third Age - is an international organisation providing educational, cultural and social opportunities for over-50s who wish to enjoy the stimulation of learning new things and/or passing on their knowledge to others. It encourages these groups of like-minded people in their Third Age to remain active in their retirement and to continue with lifelong learning. Universities of the Third Age are all voluntary self-help organisations.

For more information on the origins and the history of the U3A please click History or the hypertext link on the green navigation bar to the left of the screen.

All U3As are fully autonomous with members organising their own activities and making their own decisions through elected committees. U3As are all self-financing on a non-profit making basis, with no political or religious influences or allegiances, and development is according to the wishes, needs and resources of their local areas. No qualifications are necessary to join - and none are given.

The Mansfield & District U3A is one of 731 U3As in the UK affiliated to the Third Age Trust (Reg. Charity No. 288007), the national parent body, which at the last count had 228873 members. Membership is open to all who are over fifty years of age and have ceased to undertake whole-time employment, or are nearing retirement. For details of the members of the committee click Committee.

Launched in May 1999 and now with over 200 members, Mansfield & District U3A serves those parts of west Nottinghamshire within 8 - 9 miles of Mansfield. Other nearby U3As are the Ashfield U3A (holding monthly meetings at Kirkby-in-Ashfield), the Dukeries Third Age Group (holding monthly meetings at New Ollerton),Sherwood U3A (holding monthly meetings at Mansfield Woodhouse), Hucknall U3A (holding monthly meetings at Hucknall) and the Southwell U3A (holding their meetings in Southwell). There are now thirteen U3As in Nottinghamshire.

Members with similar interests join together to form common interest groups and share their knowledge, skills and experience. Members are encouraged to contribute in this way to shared learning, in an informal atmosphere. They may be a leader (or tutor) in an interest group one day, and a student or participant in another group the next. They may have expertise from their working lives, out-of-work activity or interesting hobby, which they are willing to share with others. As well as academic subjects, groups may be concerned with practical skills, social projects, cultural activities and leisure pursuits. Pace and content of studies depend entirely on the individuals making up the interest group.

There are currently around 30 varied interest or study groups ranging from art, music, English country dancing, discussion groups and wine appreciation through to walking / rambling, garden visits, reading, family history and bridge, etc. Further details of our current interest groups and activities and their programmes can be seen at Interest Groups, whilst details of interest group meetings and outings on a day-to-day basis are found at Diary Dates. Further interest/study groups can be started by any individual member who is supported by a sufficient number of others.

We also hold a monthly Main Meeting for all of the members on the third Tuesday of each month (exceptions August and December), usually with an invited speaker on a topic of general interest, from 10.00 am until 12.30 pm at The Masonic Hall, 155 Nottingham Road, Mansfield (The Oakham Suite, next to The Talbot Inn), which has full disabled access.

(The doors open at 9.30 and most group leaders try to arrive then so that's a good time to catch them before the meeting starts. They are also there to chat and update members during the interval.)

The lecture list is at Membership & Monthly Meetings. Prospective U3A members are invited to contact the Business Secretary to find out more about the U3A and about joining the waiting list.

What do we offer? By joining Mansfield & District U3A you will enjoy involvement; a learning experience; companionship; recreational activities; social occasions; challenges; and a little responsibility if you want it. These experiences, as well as a variety of opportunities for members to share their knowledge, skills and experience as mentioned above and to learn new ones in an informal, friendly atmosphere. An increasing number of stimulating interest/study groups and recreational activities are provided for minimal cost. Members may choose to attend any number of the groups. For further details of becoming a member and the subscriptions please see Membership & Monthly Meetings.

Useful outside links for Third Agers can be accessed at Useful Links.

Interested? We hope you have found these web pages useful and informative. Meeting interesting people and making friends is an important part of the Mansfield & District U3A. If you know anyone who would be interested in learning more about this U3A please tell them about this website (www.mansfield-u3a.org.uk), and give them the dates/venue of the monthly meetings.

This information, and details of how to contact us for any further information, can be found by clicking Here.

Mansfield and District U3A - something to look forward to in retirement