About the University of the Third Age
The immediate question is 'What is U3A'? It is all French because that is where it started in one of those too loose or too long cities in France, I think. That is why it has a slightly grandiose name as 'University of the Third Age'.
Now Universities used not to be just those one of those places where you could get some sort of qualification that would look good on your curriculum vitae. No the founders of those 'universitas' (Latin) 'whole world guild or college' as you can see from the derivation of the name had much, much higher aspirations than just being another training centre. Another thought is that present day universities were heavily involved in developing today's internet.
Universities were in fact the internet several thousand years before the electronic Internet was developed.
Sounds a bit over the top? Yes, it is a bit but the idea of WWW and University do have an awful lot in common. In Motueka we do have the Internet and the Senior Net and then we also have the University of the Third Age. There is a whole gang of mature students who know that if you want to learn things then get alongside other people and ask questions just like Socrates said you should.
Of course Motueka U3A does not have a whole gang of Quantum physicists from which to draw talent. However we do have many people of many trades and professions, from many different places with many different interests, hobbies, skills and special experiences. In fact everybody has at least something that others would like to know about.
So what courses do we have that you would like to join. We do have occasional general meetings but these are not the core of U3A. It is courses on particular subjects that are the purpose of all U3As. There is 'China in Transition' or 'Mao to Now', 'Geology' with field trips, 'Western Philosophy', 'Arts', 'Classical Music', 'Civilisations' and there will be others such as 'Astronomy' and the 'History of the English Language'. There will be lots more courses as we increase our membership, so you are very welcome to come and join us.
That is about all there is about U for University. The 3A bit is important as well. It is a great occupation for those of us who enjoy a slightly more sedentary life than they did in their distant youth. You can still take plenty of exercise without puffing or blowing or suffering from aching, old and forgotten muscles. This is because we are talking of Mental Exercise rather than Physical. So let us have an interpretation for the 3As to finish off with.
Robin Charles, Chairman
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