Whitby Whaler U3A Was Established in 1987 with a View to Affiliation with the Third Age

Whitby Whaler U3A was established in 1987 with a view to affiliation with The Third Age Trust, more commonly known as The University of The Third Age (see below) and affiliation with the Third Age Trust took place some years later. Whaler, an acronym for Whitby Activities, Learning and Education in Retirement would follow the aims of the national network of U3A groups by offering self-help learning groups whose members volunteered their own skills, knowledge and experience to each other.

Initially, six study groups were successfully established by some 34 members. All classes were to take place during day-time hours, and include men and women with common interests in particular subjects. The groups covered gardening, embroidery, typing, creative writing, keep fit and local history.

Over the years membership has grown and currently stands around 500 with some 30 group activities. The group leaders are members passing on their expertise and enthusiasm to others on a wholly voluntary basis although, for health and safety reasons, some trained leaders must be engaged.

Whitby U3A is a registered charity and, because of the voluntary nature of the U3A movement, subscriptions can be kept low, making membership attractive to all. There is no age restriction but members must not be in full time employment.

Whitby U3A is an active member of the Yorkshire & Humber Region of U3A and has always been represented at national conferences. We believe that, during the lifetime of our group, we have become a leading and integral part of the life of the town. Many new friendships have been established during the regular theatre visits, historical visits, music concerts and foreign and British holidays.

Eligible newcomers to Whitby have been welcomed and involved in the work of different groups. We offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that has, on occasions, been recognised by local medical practitioners who have recommended “membership of Whaler” to assist in stressful situations. Many members have, through contact with Whaler, become involved in the work of other voluntary community organisations.

Details of group activities can be found in the curriculum which is issued at the enrolment coffee morning in September of each year. Copies can also be obtained from Church House Volunteer Centre, Whitby Library and the Information Centre or direct from the Curriculum Secretary.

Gift Aid

Whitby Whaler U3A has been granted Gift Aid status in respect of membership subscriptions and donations made in support of our activities. If you pay income and/or capital gains tax we can claim a repayment of tax at the current basic rate from HMRC on all such payments. This is achieved by the completion of a simple declaration by the tax payer, is completely confidential and incurs no additional expense to the tax payer whilst Whaler benefits from an additional source of income.

University of the Third Age

How it all began

University of the Third Age started life in France. French adults did not enjoy the kind of educational facilities offered to adults in the UK and this, together with a legislative decree directing French universities to make provision for older people, led to the establishment of Université du Troisieme Age at Toulouse in 1972.

It is unclear who first thought of the concept of “Third Age” but the French use was to mean “the period of life when one ceases all professional activity, when men and women have absolute freedom to choose” (presumably to do what they will with their time). From that point it developed into the national and international organisation we know today.

The University of The Third Age in the UK (under the trusteeship of The Third Age Trust) was formed with its headquarters in London. All local U3A groups are affiliated to The Third Age Trust but are individually registered charities and are completely autonomous with individual constitutions and executive committees.

“University”, locally and nationally, within U3A is used in its original sense, meaning a cooperation of persons devoted to fostering particular interests, activities and mutual aid, not necessarily academic or intellectual.