Wednesday, 2 June 2021 has been designated National U3A Day in the UK.

U3A is a nation-wide movement which brings together people in their 'third age' to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.

If you're wondering what is meant by the third age, it is the time after you have finished working full-time or raising your family and have the opportunity to pursue your interests (some of which may have lain dormant for years) or just try something new. For this reason, U3A attracts a lot of members aged 50 and over, but there is no lower age limit.

U3A has members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. Learning is its own reward.

It's all voluntary; no payments are made to members for services rendered to any U3A.

Each U3A is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible.

A typical U3A will be home to many activity groups covering a variety of subjects.

For example, Cowbridge U3A has Tai Chi, Walking (a choice of four groups), History, Art Appreciation, Table Tennis, Reading (two groups), Natural History and Mah-Jong groups among the 22 activities it offers members.

Each group has its own membership arrangements and is run by its participants. If your interest isn't catered for, U3A members are encouraged to initiate a new group.

There are also monthly general meetings, usually with guest speakers, covering a wide variety of subjects, which are followed by refreshments.

It's not just about learning, as there is a significant social aspect to membership, from pub lunches after a walk, to coffee mornings, to organised trips. There is a group that meets monthly for lunch at different dining venues.

U3A members have reported major benefits to being part of the U3A learning model in terms of confidence, combating loneliness, feeling supported in new communities, learning new skills and, perhaps most importantly of all, feeling valued and enjoying life.

Including the Cowbridge branch of U3A, there are a least ten U3As within twenty miles of the town.

The ethos of U3A is described in three words 'Learn, Laugh, Live'. The more you contribute to the movement, the more benefits you reap for your active ageing and wellbeing! See www.u3asites.org.uk/cowbridge