About u3a

u3a is Your Third Age, a self-help organisation for everyone.  We provides educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.

Make New Friends   Join Interesting Groups   Explore Days Away   Learn From Each Other

There are local u3a’s all over the UK which are entirely run by their members.

The u3a’s are democratic, self-funding organisations that provide all types of educational Social and leisure activities for everyone  at minimum cost  by making use of knowledge and skills of their members.  The main emphasis is on participation,  u3a is a non-religious and non-political organisation.

History of the u3a

The original concept of the u3a started in Toulouse, France in 1972.  The u3a in the UK started by the creation of the Third Age Trust, a registered charity No 288007 and a limited company No 1759471.  The Trust represents all u3a’s in the UK at national and international level.  It is run by a National Executive Committee democratically elected from the membership and offers a range of services to support and advise local U3A’s.

There are now over 1057 u3a’s in the UK with in excess of 450,000 members.  Northern Ireland has 25 groups with around 8,000 members.

Downe u3a

Downe u3a was established by William Devlin with an inaugural meeting in 2006. The u3a movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities for everyone to come together.  Members share their skills and life experiences with others having a shared interest.  The u3a movement is supported by the national organisation, the Third Age Trust.

Downe u3a, serving Downpatrick, Crossgar, Killinchy, Killyleagh, Ballynahinch, Strangford, Clough  Ardglass and towns in between. Downe U3A is a vibrant group  with a wide range of activities, there is sure to be something of interest for everyone, including bridge, play reading, table tennis, walking, art appreciation, gardening and many more.  As a member, you can become involved in as many activities as you like.  There is also a monthly meeting, with the opportunity to catch up with other members over a cup of tea and listen to guest speakers who share their interest or knowledge of a wide range of subjects.

Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC102502