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Original poster

U3A - is it “full of middle-class snobby, cliquey women”?

94 replies

Ilovecleaning · 21/08/2024 06:47

I am thinking of joining University of the Third Age. Any members, past or present, out there who think this description is reasonable or unreasonable? Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

OP posts:
00BonneMaman00 · 21/08/2024 09:19

What why?

cheezncrackers · 21/08/2024 08:59

My aunt (retired GP) joined U3A after she retired and was widowed and she enjoys it. She's very social, not remotely cliquey, but definitely MC. I think it's a great way for older people to meet, do things and make friends in their area.

RhaenysRocks · 21/08/2024 08:59

My parents go and it's great for them. My dad is not as naturally sociable as my mum so it's been great for him to get involved, go to talks..he runs a quiz now. I am at the point where I'm thinking about how each would cope should they be left alone and this is one thing I think will help them.

SwedishEdith · 21/08/2024 08:57

I looked at my local one online a few years ago. From the photos, 60 would seem to be be very young. My in-laws do a few things but they're nearly 80.

Butwhybecause · 21/08/2024 08:56

How can you tell if someone is middleclass?

Accent?

Notamum12345577 · 21/08/2024 08:55

I googled it as never heard of it before. Sounds like a good thing! Shame you can’t join if you are in work though

AnnaMagnani · 21/08/2024 08:48

My DM went through a number of different Knit and Natter groups for this reason, apparently they are very variable depending on the leader.

But a lot of groups are like this. I gave up the Book Group I went to when I realised the leader hated you if you voiced a different opinion to her.

DreadPirateRobots · 21/08/2024 08:47

My FIL is involved. He is certainly MC, but a lovely, gentle, friendly man, and he enjoys it very much.

Booksandwine80 · 21/08/2024 08:46

The company I work for used to let them hire our rooms. The people I met were nothing but rude, demanding and most definitely snobby.

Butwhybecause · 21/08/2024 08:44

LongStoryLong · 21/08/2024 07:38

This

Show quote history

The U3A in my area is a mix of men and women.
I belong to a craft group and yes, that is all women, they're kind and helpful and I never even thought about what 'class' they might be.

History group is an equal mix of men and women as are many other groups.

I did notice there are quite a lot of ex-teachers who join or are convenors of groups so perhaps their previous experience gives them the expertise to organise groups of unruly retired people. 😃

VimtoVimto · 21/08/2024 08:38

I’m still a member but don’t currently attend any groups. I volunteered for a charity shop and found that more fulfilling.

VimtoVimto · 21/08/2024 08:36

LunaTheCat · 21/08/2024 07:46

God I am 60 and I can’t wait to join!

I was the same and as soon as I retired I joined. I went to two groups Knit and Natter and Patchwork. The Knit and Natter was a disaster, there was one member who had strong views on everything and wasn’t afraid to share them and the ‘leader’ had memory issues. I enjoyed Patchwork but left when I joined a non U3A group that met at the same time but on a weekly basis.

Mischance · 21/08/2024 08:26

SensibleSigma · 21/08/2024 07:36

I would try and see.

It’s pretty big. DM complains it’s cliquey and they don’t do what she wants to do, but she’s a terrible snob and is hard to get on with.

She would prefer to do more ‘culture’ stuff. They do lots of tribute bands she’s never heard of.

It’s big enough you should find a few like minds. Lots of different formats.

I belong... no cliques ... v welcoming .... lots of variety.
If your Mum has seen a gap then why not fill it? I saw that there were no trips to classical concerts so I got on and started organising these. U3A is run by its members so she can offer her services.

ViciousCurrentBun · 21/08/2024 08:24

I’m in the U3a, have been for about 9 months.

I do a dancing class, tai chi and have gone along to a quiz. Have chatted a lot to a retired nurse, a guy who worked as a labourer on the railways, a woman who worked in a cafe for many years, dentist, engineer, factory worker. So pretty mixed.

@PingBeep I am the only non white person so far but I live in a very white area so it’s not a shock. The dance class I go to has only women but the tai chi is two thirds women. Women live longer and there are quite a few widows so as it’s an organisation for the retired there it will always be top heavy woman wise. I would encourage him to go along. My branch let you go to a session or two before joining. But if he wants to meet more men then I think that men in sheds organisation is supposed to be pretty good.

PhoebeFeels · 21/08/2024 08:22

U3A dropped the word 'University' they do not run many courses that teach subjects. I went to beginners Bridge, some had been going for 3years, learned nothing and just wanted to chat.

profiterolesarelovely · 21/08/2024 08:21

A couple of ladies from my cycling club do U3A cycling - apparently they have to wait for the men to catch up with them.
Brilliantly, there is also a U3A triathlon club in my area

Jaboody · 21/08/2024 08:18

Would they allow a 40 year old to join?

RampantIvy · 21/08/2024 08:17

My auntie loved U3A, especially after my uncle died. She went to the more "intellectual" classes, but that was her "thing".

I know a few people who have joined and have had nothing but good to say about it.

Original poster
Ilovecleaning · 21/08/2024 08:14

Many thanks for all your helpful comments (the usual couple of nobhead Mumsnet replies, but that’s to be expected 🙄).
It has been good to get opinions from actual members or those of you whose parents or in-laws who enjoy U3A.
I have signed up for the newsletter and I shall take it from there.
Thank you again, everyone.

OP posts:
VicSynix · 21/08/2024 08:14

Our U3A has a monthly coffee morning, where anyone can drop in and find out more about the groups. It also holds an annual enrolment day and apparently some of the groups are so popular that if you don't get there at 9.30 on the dot, you've got no chance.

RampantIvy · 21/08/2024 08:09

LunaTheCat · 21/08/2024 07:46

God I am 60 and I can’t wait to join!

I'm 65 and really looking forward to joinning as well. I'd like to brush up my french and german and do more hobby type things.

PingBeep · 21/08/2024 08:08

Can I ask what the ethnic diversity is? I think my dad could benefit. But he is first generation Asian, and I don’t know if he would feel odd being the ‘only one’. Both as a man and not being white.

ADaisyADay · 21/08/2024 08:08

I think that description applies more to The Arts Society than U3A.

Baleful · 21/08/2024 08:07

CurlewKate · 21/08/2024 07:36

There are people who describe ANY group of women like that.

Absolutely. Quite a few of the appear to start school run threads on here.

Original poster
Ilovecleaning · 21/08/2024 08:06

MargaretThursday · 21/08/2024 07:33

I used to see a lot of U3A groups, and some classes were very male dominated, some female dominated, and some 50/50.
They do a good job for people who find their interest. One of the most popular was MOTO (members on their own) which also did trips and things.

I'd look and. See if there are classes you are interested in rather than judging the members before you get there.

I’m not judging the members before I get there. I’ve seen some criticisms online but I don’t know anyone personally who is a member; so I was asking for the opinions of people who have experience of u3a.

OP posts: