U3A Roseland and District

The University of the Third Age gained its name in the 1970s when it was first formed, in France, through the universities. In 1982, the idea was brought to England when the system changed from being affiliated to universities into becoming a self-help organisation. In other words, members band together because they are interested in a particular subject, and one member ‘leads’ it. Alternatively, one person acts as a co-ordinator and works to get other people involved (as in the case of the local interest group).

There are currently more than 740 independent U3As across the UK, most of which are affiliated to the Third Age Trust with over 230,000 members.

The movement first came to this area when U3A Carrick, which holds most of its meetings around Truro and Falmouth, began a Roseland Group for local residents in late 2005.

In August 2006, a public meeting at Portscatho determined that sufficient people wanted to form an independent U3A specifically serving the fairly isolated rural communities in and around the Roseland and U3A Roseland and District was born.

The first of our community funding grants was received from Awards for All in 2007, for the purchase of computer and multimedia presentation equipment. Later that year, the Co-operative Community Fund paid the costs of an interactive history event for our members.

In 2008, we were awarded a Grassroots Grant by Cornwall Community Foundation to cover the start up and development of our new Patchwork Group and in 2009, a second Awards for All grant to fund a membership recruitment campaign.

The Charity Commission officially registered us as a charity in March 2009 under charity number 1128425.

You will find a comprehensive set of links to most other U3A websites in the UK and around the world, giving a picture of both the national and international scope of the organisation, at Harrow U3A's site.

Leading a group is a wonderful opportunity for you to share your knowledge with other like-minded people whilst developing your own personal skills – and self-confidence.

In order for U3A Roseland and District to develop it would be useful to have more members and also, for all members to take an active part in the day-to-day running of activities, decision-making, tea-making, and giving guidance and support to others.

Do you think you would like to join the U3A? If so, please contact us by clicking here.

We have also included answers to some of the more frequently asked questions, which we hope will be helpful to you. Click here or on the FAQs button.

Please also look at the National U3A page for a wider variety of U3A activities