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

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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.

My mum used to go to u3a, she started in retirement (63) and carried on until she moved away from the area (78).
it was full of retired women with a small handful of men. All were middle class due to the area. And all the classes were things like gardening, Thai chi, history
most were friendly with the odd “mean girl”, typical of life really

My Dad is a keen member and was very active in it until his health prevented going out so much. Local history, backgammon and boules in particular.

I’m not a member but my mum joined to meet people after she moved house. She found it very welcoming and has made some lovely friends. I suspect they are mostly middle class, as is she, but not cliquey or snobby. I imagine it depends on the individual group though.

Both my parents were members. U3A is an umbrella to many classes and some will have more men and others more women. My mum did a lot of knit-and-natter and local history clubs, my dad did a lot of walking/cycling ones and a pub quiz which were mostly with other men. You don't even need previous experience or hobby inclination, there was one club that just went for lunch in a different cafe each week which was fairly mixed.

My DMIL used to go to the Art Class and one of the walking groups. I can't think of many descriptions that sound less like how she was.

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.

My MIL is in u3a and as far from that description as you can get!

My mum is a member.

She is middle class but not cliquey or snobbish,

Her u3a is very active.

The archaeology group is mixed. Tai chi mostly women. Yoga mostly women.

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

My MIL joined U3A after my FIL passed away, and she has met some lovely people. I hate class definitions but if had to say, would say she is working class. She has joined them for lots of trips and really enjoyed it

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.

My MIL has been a member since she retired. Lots of women, but lots of men too. I suppose most of the groups are ‘middle class’ pursuits - gardening, bowls, play reading, cribbage, cryptic crosswords - but in her fairly rural, low-income area, it’s a real mix of people.

This

My DMIL was in U3a and she was not the cliqy tupe.
Dh and I are lopking to join our local U3a when we retire in 4 years time

My MIL and DM are in U3A.

MIL basically goes to one group which is now cliquey friendship group. I can't picture newcomers joining. But she is what you describe.

My DM is too unwell now but is not cliquey or snobbish. She picked groups which were more educational and had a great time.

There’s a different type of group around my way for people who don’t work. Most of the people in it are men, mostly drunk, mostly homeless. You could try joining that group just in case people were to criticise you for being too middle class in joining a walking group or gardening club?

God I am 60 and I can’t wait to join!

It's really not. You can find these kind of people everywhere but I do a few U3A classes and don't know anyone like that. There are loads of different classes depending on where you live, run by volunteers with a real interest for their subjects or sports.

I have presented to a couple of U3A groups on my particular specialist topic. In our area it's about 66% women 33% men, middle class yes but it's that sort of area in general. I am 20 years younger than most of them, found them a brilliant audience, very engaged and interested, loads of questions and discussion. Will definitely be joining in later life!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.