Torbay u3a was set up in 1995 and is part of a national network of u3a groups. We are run entirely by our members and draw upon their knowledge, experience and skills to organise and provide interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership. Read about the history of Torbay u3a here
Members can explore a range of subjects and enjoy a variety of creative, active and social events.
Join Torbay u3a and connect with others through the things you love.
Being active in mind and body is what Torbay u3a is all about. We have 400 members across Torbay and over 40 interest groups.
Everything we do is member-led, and member-run, so the opportunities are endless.
If you are in your third age, (the period in one’s life after mid-life employment and parental responsibility) and live in Torbay, you are welcome to join us. Membership costs £16 per year (February - January). Membership from 1st August onwards is just £8 for the remainder of the year. Non members can attend up to two of our Monthly Meetings for a fee of £1 each so you can get an idea of what we do
How it all began
The u3a movement started in the UK over 40 years ago and thrives on the love of learning in a social setting. It is based upon the following principles:
- Membership is open to all who are in their 'third age' (no longer n full-time employment)
- Members enjoy a wide range of learning, social and physical activities They learn from and teach each other in member-led interest groups.
- Each u3a is self-funded and members offer their services voluntarily.
The movement thrives on the love of learning in a social setting.
As a member, you can:
- attend our regular monthly meetings, usually with a speaker and held at 2:15 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Central Church, Torquay.
- apply to join any of the interest groups
- get more involved and help out with tasks such as setting up a new group, helping at monthly meetings, serving tea or helping on our Committee
Members also receive our monthly newsletter and our Quarterly magazine.
u3a Matters magazine is published by the u3a nationally and is available to all members who wish to receive it by post. It is published 5 times a year. A screenreader version is also available online.
How we run our u3a
Our u3a is a registered charity run by our members. Our Committee meets monthly and we have a yearly Annual General Meeting in March each year at which we elect our Committee. In addition, we have a dedicated team of helpers who keep our u3a running at Speaker's meetings (registration, serving tea and coffee, tech support table, audio-visual set-up and more) and over 40 Group Leaders, who devote their time and energy to running our interest groups.
Find out more how you can be part of it all and get involved in running our u3a.