Marlburians celebrate lifelong learning

For the past 25 years, encouragement for lifelong learning, friendship, and inspiring talks has been on the agenda for a Blenheim association with an intriguing name.

U3A is an acronym for University of the Third Age, and the objective of this organisation is to encourage education for semi-retired and retired people. Originally founded in France in 1983, it has grown to over 3,000 groups worldwide, with 88 affiliates in New Zealand, where the official name is U3A due to restrictions around the word “university”.

In 2001, forty-two people attended the first Blenheim meeting. Today, the Marlborough branch consists of over 260 members – and many gathered last Monday (13 July) at the Cloudy Bay Funeral Rooms to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

It was an afternoon of speeches, fellowship and refreshments. Mayor Nadine Taylor recognised what the welcoming club has extended to the community over the years.

Helen Hannay, president of Marlborough U3A, explained that the programme focuses on lifelong learning and “enables members to keep their minds active.” To stimulate this activity, options include Scrabble, poetry, creative writing, gardening, photography, travel, wine tasting and painting. “Variety is huge,” Helen noted.

Members not only meet in homes to explore their topic, but also go on field trips, listen to speakers, watch videos and experience hands-on activities.

Dale Yeoman, who has been a member for around 10 years, explained that there is “something for everyone” and that “we always have an interesting speaker.”

U3A members agree that the focus on learning goes hand-in-hand with a strong sense of companionship. Helen said she “found it so welcoming. Fellowship is so great. Everyone is so friendly.”

On joining U3A, she declared: “It’s the best thing you could ever do.”

U3A meets on the second Monday of the month at 2pm at Cloudy Bay Funeral Services. Visit www.u3a.nz for more information.