The University of the Third Age is an international organisation. Meon Valley U3a membership requires no educational qualifications, just an interest in lifelong learning and enjoying leisure in retirement.
Dr. Denis May, the founder Chairman, came across U3a in France and brought the idea home with him in 1991. Membership, currently about 75, is drawn from the Meon Valley villages, north Fareham, Bishops Waltham and the surrounding areas. Each year has a theme to act as a study focus. Group meetings are held twice monthly from September to April. There is an input of speakers at university and other levels.
Guests are welcome at a charge of £1 per meeting, with a surcharge of £1 for both guests and members when an outside speaker is giving a talk. The Meon Valley U3a membership fee, which is £10 per annum, also gives access to workshops, summer schools and other activities organised nationally and publicised from time to time by the parent group, The Third Age Trust.
Meon Valley U3a’s own regular activities and leaders are:-
Group Contact
Geology Group Brian Barrett (01329) 833384
Music Appreciation Denis May (01329) 833594
Painting & Sharing Art Margaret Waters (01489) 891485
Poetry Helen McCarthy (01329) 286006
3 Reading Groups - Doreen Barrett (01329) 833384
First Reading Group monthly meeting
Second Reading Group monthly meeting
Third Reading Group monthly meeting
Strolling Group Ginnie Copsey 023 80 692530
Visual Arts Appreciation Hugh Spendlove (01489) 893574
Meon Valley U3a’s Officers and Committee are:
Chairman: Jane England
Vice Chairman: Brian Barrett
Treasurer: Jenny Mallett
Secretary: Julia Field 01489 891353
Committee: Doreen Barrett: Jill Blackmore
Dr. Jennifer Burkett.
Meetings.
Meetings and talks, which are open to visitors, will be held on Tuesdays between 2pm and 4pm at the Community Centre, Mill Lane, Wickham. Meetings always take place on the day listed, but the programme is subject to change without prior notice.