You are leader of the Marbella University of the Third Age? What is it and how does it work?
Founded some 30 years ago in France, the University of the Third Age or U3A now has associations across the world. Promoting learning for enjoyment and personal fulfilment is its goal and no qualifications are required nor awarded. It relies on volunteer group leaders who share their particular interest or expertise with members and anyone who speaks English, whatever their nationality, can join.
How long has the Marbella group being going?
The U3A here in Marbella was originally founded in the mid-1990’s and two of its founders are still involved today: Carmella Dight, president of U3A Fuengirola, and Averil Watson, group leader of the writers’ workshop in Marbella.
How did you become involved?
Six years ago, my daughter saw an article in SUR in English about the U3A Book Club. We hadn’t heard of U3A before and were pleasantly surprised to learn that there were other classes. We subsequently joined and a year later I found myself on the Committee and eventually running the Group.
Where do you meet?
The Jewish Community kindly let us use their rooms for a number of years but this sadly came to an end and we have not been able to find a replacement, so at present we hold classes in various locations and are grateful to Restaurant El Chef, Hapimag, and Skol for their support. We are looking for a permanent base.
What classes does Marbella U3A offer?
The academic term runs from October to May and we are fortunate in having very talented group leaders who enable us to offer a programme that ranges from beginner Spanish to meditation, opera appreciation to bird watching as well as a book club and yoga. And we always welcome new group leaders who can extend this range.
In addition to the classes, we hold monthly dinners at a different venue every time and organise occasional trips. We are currently arranging a May trip to see the patios in Cordoba. We put on the odd lecture and are able to attend the classes and monthly lectures arranged by our sister group in Fuengirola.
How have you benefited from U3A?
I have been a member of U3A Marbella for over five years now and can honestly say that it has enhanced my life immeasurably with both friendship and knowledge and all for just 25 euros a term.
Are there many members?
Ours is an international group. We currently have around 110 members from ten nationalities all exercising their ‘little grey cells’ and making new friends.
This News Item is Courtesy of Sur In English
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