This Christmas is going to be like no other we have lived through, and for some people it could be the loneliest, especially for those who are older,  in other words, who are in their third age. That’s why local u3a groups (University of the Third Age) across the country are doing all they can to keep their membership of over 400,000 people engaged and in touch, whilst at the same time holding the door wide open to  new members so that these newbies can join the ‘gang’  and enjoy the many happenings.

So what is the u3a and who can join?

Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.  Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a, and do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join their local u3a can do so. There are leaflets in most local libraries, on  village hall notice boards, other local hubs, word of mouth, and of course, the internet, where you can google your own town or village u3a,  find your way to their website, then Bob’s your uncle – contact them and start to enjoy all they have to offer.

So what is  on offer? For a start there are activities groups ranging from local history to ukulele to creative writing, knitting, patchwork, croquet, rambling and … just too many to list here.

Sounds complicated. How does the u3a operate?

It’s extraordinarily simple: the u3a is a self help charitable organisation run by and for its members. There are over 1000  u3as in towns and villages up and down the country whose members enjoy, not just their activity groups, but  special events throughout the year, and over the Christmas season.

Before the pandemic, holidays were arranged by many local u3as, and, of course, day trips to places of interest like Beamish The Living Museum of the North (see image above) Both will resume when all is sorted. Headquarters, a fount of guidance and information especially during this strange time, will make sure local u3a’s are given the go ahead to get back into their village halls, or a coach to somewhere interesting the moment Government’s guidance allows.

Should you think, however,  that with the lockdown and Tier system,  local u3as are at a loss… think again, because nothing daunted, they have swung into the virtual world, relishing zoom, whats app and email’s ability to help them to keep in touch. As for monthly speakers… without missing a beat they have made a friend of technology, taken on their new normality, asking their speakers to  give the monthly talks on zoom. I can vouch for that, because I have done a number of zoom talks for u3as on various aspects of writing.

‘Thank heavens for zoom,’ one member told me, as I did a virtual talk on short story writing. ‘We’ve had such interesting talks, and have sat at home drinking coffee, learning and laughing, interacting, and all the while wearing our comfortable slippers. Yes, we’ve felt part of it, even though we haven’t gathered at the Hall.’ Their speakers, I was impressed to learn, were many and varied, their groups too. What’s more, wherever I’ve been, either physically before the pandemic,  or virtually  during it, the common thread  of the local u3as has been: inclusivity, fellowship, enjoyment and interest, and the creation of long lasting friendships that spill over into other facets of their lives. One member, when she knew I would be writing this, said, ‘Tell them: ‘We’re here, come join us, we’re friendly, busy and if we don’t have a group that appeals, let’s see if we can start one.  Let’s not wait for the old ‘normal’ because we can more than handle the new one.’

She reminded me that as a u3a member you have access to a range of bespoke events including the summer school programme, their national UK wide events with partner organisations, or simply receive an invitation to take part in their u3a conference and AGM.

So the message is, don’t wait for the old ‘normal’, make contact and join in, extend your circle of friends and interests, and don’t be alone. Or if you are not yet in the third age,  make sure you let any friends or family who are, know there are friends  waiting for them.

Find out more: here.

Annie Clarke is the author of the Home Front series. Her latest is: