ABOUT

A growing nationwide network of self-help educational activities organised for and by retired and semi-retired people of all ages
The first Université du Troisième Age was founded in Toulouse in 1972. The Universities in France made available their facilities and tutors to provide courses for older people.
The UK University of the Third Age started in Cambridge in 1981. There are now over 350 U3As in this country with a total membership of around 100,000.
When the idea was taken up in the UK in 1982 the approach was different. It became a ‘do-it-yourself’ model with the term ‘university’ used in its original meaning where a group of people gather together to learn from one another.
U3A is about involvement in learning new things, expanding horizons sharing skills and experiences, making new friends, helping others to learn, accepting new challenges to show that age need be no barrier to learning or to helping others to learn. And to enjoy!
Penrith and North Lakes U3A
Penrith and North Lakes U3A is administered and managed by an Executive Committee. Full details of the constitution can be found under Policies and Procedures.
Any member may stand for election to the Executive Committee and elections are held annually at the AGM.
The Executive Committee has ultimate responsibility but many other members are involved in the running of Penrith and North Lakes U3A: for example the newsletter editors, those helping to run the monthly meetings and especially the Group Co-ordinators. If you are interested in helping or becoming a member of the Executive Committee please contact any of the Committee members or use the Contact Us page.
The current Executive Committee elected in September 2020 is:
Officers
Chair Josie Dunlop
Vice-Chair. Sue Tomlinson
Secretary Andrea Willett
Treasurer. Denise Walker
Full list of Executive Committee members and their responsibilities:
Alan Beale IT, link with Beacon Management System, equipment assistant
Josie Dunlop. Chair, newsletter (liaison with editor), North Cumbria, Network
Lesley Hall. Database Administrator, New Members’ Secretary
Jo Laycock. Publicity, equipment assistant
Maggie Neale Renewals Secretary, Open Day
Sue Tomlinson Monthly meetings
Jane Stable Groups’ Co-ordinator
Denise Walker Treasurer
Andrea Willett Secretary, Minutes secretary, Cumbria, Network, Equipment assistant
Other roles:
Newsletter Editor Chris Wilkinson
Newsletter distribution Mike Dunlop
Catering Beryl Armstrong