Thatcham University of the Third Age

Thatcham University of the Third Age (Thatcham u3a) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing educational, recreational, and social opportunities primarily for older adults who are no longer in full-time employment. Registered under charity number 1112006, it operates in the Thatcham area with the aim of enriching the lives of its members through learning and community engagement.

Purpose and Activities

Thatcham u3a serves as a self-help group that promotes lifelong learning and social interaction among its members, who are often in their "third age"—a phase of life after retirement or leaving full-time work. The organisation provides a broad range of activities and interest groups designed to foster creativity, education, and leisure in a supportive and friendly environment.

The affiliation is open to individuals seeking to cultivate existing interests or discover new ones, with the goal of fostering camaraderie and personal development.

Groups and Interests

The organisation features a variety of groups catering to diverse interests. Available activities include, but are not limited to:

• Gardening
• Crafts
• Scrabble and other games such as mah jong
• Photography
• Theatre
• Book clubs
• Singing groups
• Art groups
• Walking groups
• Music appreciation
• Science and technology

Members have opportunities both to participate in these groups and to meet others with shared interests, facilitating both learning and social connections.

Membership and Meetings

Membership to Thatcham u3a is accessible and affordable, with an annual fee of £14. The group relies on self-funding from its members to support its activities.

Regular meetings and events support its mission, including monthly coffee mornings and open meetings, which provide members and prospective members the chance to engage with the community and learn more about available activities.

Governance and Affiliation

Thatcham u3a is part of the wider network of University of the Third Age organisations in the UK, which are supported by the national body known as the Third Age Trust. The Trust provides educational and administrative support to individual u3a groups, encouraging the promotion of lifelong learning and active engagement in retirement.

Summary

Thatcham University of the Third Age is a charitable organisation devoted to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Thatcham through education, recreation, and social activities. By fostering a self-help approach, it creates a welcoming environment in which members can learn, share interests, and build friendships during their third age.

This article is based on information from the Thatcham u3a official site, the UK Charity Commission, and related local directories.

[1] https://thatcham.u3asite.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4019165 [3] https://directory.westberks.gov.uk/directory-search/details/?id=bc38fe57-9627-4f08-a7f9-b1950113c09f [4] https://thatcham.u3asite.uk/groups/ [5] https://www.u3a.org.uk/about