Rayleigh
University of the Third Age

Introduction

Rayleigh U3A is an organisation devoted to the concept of encouraging people, who are usually retired from full-time employment, to pursue their interest in a wide range of academic and leisure activities. The word 'university' is used in its original sense of a group of people with a desire to learn. No qualifications are required or given, it simply involves learning for pleasure.

Membership is open to everybody no longer in full-time employment, and covers neighbouring localities in addition to Rayleigh. Membership will be limited due to the capacity of the hall in which the monthly meetings are held. This capacity has now been reached. As there are so many people interested in joining the U3A in this area, a sister U3A also located in Rayleigh has been formed called Rayleigh Grange but with it's own committee and is autonomous. If therefore you are on a waiting list to join or would be interested in joining the sister group which has been equally sucessful please send your contact details to the membership secretary at the e-mail address located on the membership page.

Conducted on a self-help group basis, we are part of the international University of the Third Age movement, which originated in France in 1972 and has now spread to many countries of the world. In Great Britain, there are currently more than 740 local U3As, with over 229,000 participating members. Although U3As are autonomous in their operation, they are supported by The Third Age Trust, whose National Office is situated in London.

Formed in September 2007 as a result of our honoury president, Mrs Marian Allen, a long standing member of the U3A, identifying a need for a group in the area. Rayleigh has already 34 activity groups covering a variety of subjects, with more being formed monthly, and a membership of 350. Activity group meetings are usually held during the daytime in members' homes, although larger premises may be used where this is considered appropriate.

Events open to all members include outings, holidays at home and abroad, quizzes and social occasions. A U3A monthly meeting, often featuring a guest speaker, is held for all members and a monthly newsletter is circulated.

Please browse this web site and if you like what you see and want to know more about the Rayleigh U3A come to one of our monthly meetings as a guest. You will be most welome. Alternatively contact me by email to Chairman (chairman@rayleighu3a.org.uk)

Yours sincerely,Maureen Huntly,
Chairman
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