Third Age university launches on Arran
At last the launch of Arran’s own U3A (University of the Third Age) has been confirmed for Tuesday January 28 in Brodick hall at 2pm.
Everyone is welcome to find out all about the movement, which will provide opportunities for people who have retired from full time work to meet others and follow new interests or revisit old ones.
Almost 500,000 older people across the UK are members of the organisation which has more than 1,000 groups. One of the attractive things about the groups is that they are all different, all independent, supported by a central trust.
On January 28 Ann Keating, who is head of the Scottish trust will be attending the launch.
The day has been organised because of the enthusiasm of islanders, who have helped by suggesting topics and giving encouragement.
Many people have already asked to join, to provide skills or help generally. This will be possible on the day when there will be approximately 10 tables with a leader on each to explain what is on offer and the opportunity will be available to suggest other subjects people may wish to follow.
There is no commitment, though there will be forms to fill at the time or take away and think about .
Groups already proposed include: games (chess for beginners, social bridge, cryptic crosswords); outdoor pursuits (wildlife, bat walks, walking); arts (visual arts, sketching, photography); languages (French, German, Italian); literature (book groups, poetry, creative writing); sports (badminton, tennis, keep fit, Tai Chi); music and dance (ballroom and Latin, etc, learning the fiddle, music appreciation, movement).
Others could include genealogy, lunch club, local history, computing, crafts, science, cookery and discussion of topical issues.
Of course not all are guaranteed and what happens will depend on the response at the meeting. It is hoped everyone will learn from each other, help each other and have lots of fun. In addition to the individual groups, there will be monthly meetings, many with speakers, and there will be an opportunity to get together informally and to get help from each other.
On the day Mrs Keating will explain the concept and answer questions. There will be refreshments and entertainment from the Arran choir Ain’t Misbehavin’.