THE University of the Third Age began in France in 1973 in association with Toulouse University.

In the early 1980s the scheme reached the UK where its nature was changed to be more of a self-help organisation, with Cambridge, London and Huddersfield being the first cities to take part. With 964 branches across the country, made up of more than 361,000 members, it’s fair to say that the U3A was a huge success.

Alton added its branch to the roll call on September 21, 1993, with founder members Morris Hopkins, David Davis, Gerald Davies, Penny Carmichael and Jean Lee, all of whom are still involved today. Some 150 people attended the inaugural meeting at the community centre, with 90 enrolling for membership. That figure has now ballooned to more than 560.

With an annual fee of £49 members can attend as many groups and courses as they wish throughout the week for no extra charge, making it affordable for everyone. Groups and courses are available throughout the day all week long, so you can always find something to suit your interests.

Courses include Ancient Greek, creative writing‚ French‚ and computing while activities include bird watching‚ gardening‚ keep fit and rambling. Most sessions are held at the Alton Assembly Rooms with classes such as gardening and learning to play the piano at members’ houses.

Against common thinking there is no age limit to join the U3A, the only requirement is that you are retired or semi-retired.

The new term began on September 2 and runs until next May when there will be a break for the summer. But it doesn’t finish there with the U3A annual holiday to Wortley Hall in South Yorkshire on May 22 and horse racing at Kempton Park in August. There are additional costs for excursions and holidays.

You don’t always have to be a member to take advantage of what the U3A has to offer. Space permitting, there may be an opportunity for non-members to attend excursions.

There are also monthly meetings held at the Alton Community Centre which are open to members and non-members for an admission fee of £2. Guest speakers will be invited to give talks on subjects such as Tales of a Scotland Yard Detective, English Sparkling Wine, and Three Centuries of Female Artists.

Coffee mornings are also available to both members and non-members as a social event. So, whether you are active, single, creative or intellectual, the U3A offers everything.

It’s a great organisation which offers a great social life to beat loneliness, a variety of classes to keep you fit and active, and the chance to increase your knowledge and keep your mind sharp courtesy of many exciting subjects.

For more details, visit u3asites.org.uk.