U3A stands for University of the Third Age. We are a self-help, self-funded educational and social organisation, that does not confer degrees, but offers our members the opportunity to study and learn largely for the fun of it!

We are part of the nation-wide Third Age Trust. The Trust was founded in 1982 with the aim of providing a 'learning for life' structure, specifically for those in the "third age" and no longer in full-time employment. Today there are almost  800 U3As in Britain,  with more than 270,000 members, and it is the fastest growing organisation in the country.

Our SW Herts U3A is based in Garston. We have almost  600 members  who take part in up to 100 Study Groups that range from Art Appreciation and  Philosophy to Travellers' Tales and American History. We also have a full programme of theatre trips, outings, walks and special events which are open to all members.  More details of all these activities are given elsewhere on our Web-site.

Our Constitution is also available for inspection here. To view the constitution you will need the free Adobe reader. If you do not have this installed on your computer you can download it from the Adobe website.

On behalf of all members of SWHerts U3A  'Welcome' . I hope you will make good use of this website, and indeed will benefit from all the facilities we are able to offer!

Unfortunately we have had to vacate the VUE Cinema, where we have met for the past few years. Our main meetings in February and March will be at All Saints Parish Hall, Horseshoe Lane. The committee is investigating alternative venues, and details of subsequent meeting places will be announced here on the web-site and in the Newsletter. But all our other activities continue un-changed. This set-back does not affect our programme of Study Groups, Theatre and Coach Trips, Walks, and all the other things which make the SWHerts U3A such a lively and popular organisation.

John Britten, Chairman.