Celebrations to mark 30th anniversary of founding of Inverness and Nairn group of the University of the Third Age (u3a)
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The 30th anniversary of the founding of the original Inverness and Nairn group of the University of the Third Age (u3a) will be celebrated in Nairn tomorrow.
The brainchild of three educational enthusiasts who shared the aim of encouraging groups of people no longer in full-time work to come together and continue their enjoyment of learning subjects of interest to them, the u3a origins in the UK go back to 1982 – a decade before it reached the Highlands.
Convener of Nairn u3a Paddy Maher, a retired academic, said: “From small beginnings with around 20 people and a limited range of subject areas, the movement grew to the point where a separate Inverness and Black Isle group was established.
“The two branches now have over 300 members between them and wide-ranging programmes of external speakers and interest groups.”
The founders of u3a envisaged a collaborative approach with peers learning from each other and developing a wide range of opportunities for members to explore new ideas, skills, and activities. There would be no distinction between the learners and the teachers – everyone could take a turn at being both if they wished.
“The movement grew rapidly and today there are well over 1000 u3as with nearly 400,000 members,” continued Mr Maher.
“There is no minimum age, but a focus on people who are no longer in full-time employment or raising a family.”
The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust– looks after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support.
The celebration tomorrow will include one of the founder members plus representatives from both Nairn and Inverness and Black Isle u3as.
Paddy Maher will welcome participants before Ann Nicol, a previous convener and coordinator of Nairn u3a Interest Groups will look back at some significant events of the last 30 years with material culled from a range of archives by long-time u3a member and well-known local historian, Norman Newton and Nairn u3a secretary, Margaret Patterson.
Mr Maher added: “After reflecting on those early years we will also celebrate u3a today and end by
ceremonially cutting and enjoying a 30th anniversary cake and other refreshments.”
Then, as now, u3a was open to anyone in the third age with no academic entry requirements, assessments, or exams. The u3a’s approach to enjoyable active learning which promotes physical and mental well-being is summed up in its motto: ‘Learn, Laugh and Live’.
Nairn u3a has only recently embarked on its 2022/23 season and anyone interested in finding out more or already thinking of becoming a member is invited to consult the website u3asites.org.uk/nairn for details, which also provides details of talks, groups and other events plus contact details.
