Sherburn & Villages u3a, a thriving, volunteer-led branch, was founded in 2010 and achieved charity commission status in the same year. It was specifically established to provide educational, recreational, and social opportunities for retired and semi-retired individuals in and around Sherburn in Elmet. Founder Lorna and her inaugural committee grew the organisation over its first five years from the ground up to effectively combat social exclusion in the community.
By 2015 the branch boasted nearly 150 members and has since expanded to around 600 members and in excess of 50 interest groups.
Our connection to national u3a
The first u3a in the UK, was founded on March 22, 1982. The u3a movement was based on the French model but was adapted to be a self-help organization in the UK, with a focus on lifelong learning for retired or semi-retired people.
When you join u3a, you join a local group but you also become a member of the wider u3a family with regional and national events and activities. The u3a movement has almost half a million UK members and is non-religious and non-political.
Find out more about the national u3a.
Connecting with the national network provides members with several benefits and resources:
- National Events: Members can attend a variety of social and educational events for free - these include workshops, talks on history, science, and the arts.
- Discounts & Perks: National membership allows access to national programs like the u3a Getaways holiday partnership.
- Resource Sharing: The Third Age Trust provides administrative support, educational ideas, and national campaigns to local groups.
Each local u3a is an independent, registered charity, with its own constitution, policies and procedures.
We have strong links with other local u3as - find out more about the cygnet network and what it can offer you.