U3A False Bay

What is U3A?

The University of the Third Age, commonly known as U3A, began in France in 1972 and was originally closely linked to universities.  When the concept reached Britain, it became more of an independent organisation as most of the teaching came from within the ranks of its own members. U3As have since spread to many other countries, including South Africa.

At the beginning of 2000, the first U3A in South Africa started in Cape Town. New groups were formed from within it - Tygerberg, the Atlantic Seaboard, False Bay and Athlone. Other groups have since opened in the Western Cape and throughout South Africa, now numbering twenty-five, and the enthusiasm is still spreading.

U3A False Bay was founded by a small group of committed people following an inaugural meeting in Fish Hoek in June 2004. Existing members from U3A Cape Town, who lived in the Southern Peninsula, transferred and an influx of new members swelled the membership to over 600.

U3As are democratic, self-funded, self-managed, non-profit organisations, open to people who wish to exercise their minds by learning and helping others to learn through participating in courses, discussions and activity groups covering a wide range of subjects.

Meetings

A General Meeting is held on the third Wednesday of every month (except for December) and prominent speakers, usually experts in their fields, are invited to give talks on a wide range of interesting subjects. 

The meetings take place in the Main Hall of the Fish Hoek Civic Centre at 09:30 for a 10:00 start. Members of any U3A get in free, visitors pay R10.

Courses and activities

Members can participate in a wide variety of courses, such as small study, discussion and activity groups, and members of one U3A can attend any activities or meetings at another U3A.  The cost to attend a course is nominal and depends on the discretion of the Course Leader, but usually just covers expenses such as photocopying and refreshments.

What does it cost to be a member of U3A?

Membership fees of U3A False Bay are currently R40 per person per year, renewable annually on 1 March. This covers the cost of administration, communication, venue hire and other associated running costs. Other U3A branches pay different annual fees.

How do I join U3A False Bay?

You can join using the Application Form by clicking this link, or at monthly meetings. You can also contact the Membership Secretary who is always happy to assist. Applications for membership and renewal forms are available on the website or on arrival at monthly meetings.  

Membership Application

What additional benefits are there?

Friendships can be formed, companionship, camaraderie, entertainment and new knowledge can be the outcome.  Occasionally tours are advertised for U3A members only.

Contact:

Membership Secretary:  u3afalsebaymembers@gmail.com

U3A Cape Town website: U3A Cape Town 

National website: https://sites.google.com/site/u3asafrica

Above l to r: U3A South Africa founder Sylvia Schrire, long-time member Lynne Abrahamson and U3A False Bay Chair Mary Shears.