We are a friendly and vibrant community of around 400 people in Fairford, Lechlade and surrounding villages. Our growing and thriving u3a was formed in 1995 and has +50 interest groups offering a wide range topics and activities arranged by the members for our members. Members are encouraged to join all the groups that interest them. If you have a particular skill or knowledge and would like to start a new group, you will be given every support and encouragement.
We hold a general meeting on the first Tuesday of each month when visiting speakers enlighten us on many topics and, sometimes, simply entertain us; also there are visits to places of interest. As a member, you are also able to participate in activities organised by the national and regional bodies.
We are a registered charity and depend on volunteers to run our affairs. If you have some time and are willing to help, then you would be most welcome. New committee members are always needed to keep our u3a management healthy and strong.
Our History
Fairford and District u3a began in late 1994 when Guen Taylor put a small insert in What’s On magazine asking for anyone interested in starting a u3a in Fairford to contact her. The response was good, and a public meeting held in February 1995. About forty people attended and a steering committee formed. The first committee consisted of Peter Maslin, Roy and Mary Sharp, Eileen Ferguson and Joyce Deane, plus Guen Taylor as Chairman. Initially six groups were formed by prospective members; Barney Rowley for Beginners’ Bridge, Geoff Bishop for Walking with a Pub Lunch, Margaret Bishop for Intermediate Bridge, Humphrey Gillett for Poetry, Guen Taylor for Keep Fit and Dorothy Grobecker for Philosophy.
Following agreement the group would include Lechlade and surrounding villages, the group’s name changed to Fairford and District u3a. A Constitution was proposed and the Inaugural General Meeting was held in July 1995. Membership by this time had increased to 60, with 10 active Groups. Since then, Fairford and District u3a has expanded year by year, and grown into the active and thriving organisation it is today. Many of the original founders have passed on, but their vision of a friendly and sociable organisation with groups of like-minded people sharing and enjoying common interests, has been fully realised.
About u3a
The u3a is a unique movement proving life-enhancing opportunities. It is an organisation for everyone no longer working full time or bringing up a family to pursue their interests or try something new. The u3a guiding principle is encourage members to come together to share knowledge, skills and experiences not for qualifications but for its own reward of the joy of discovery! Joining the u3a is probably the best way to meet new friends and share interests after retirement.
To view the National u3a Mission Statement click here
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Updated August 2023