Welcome to the Matlock Area U3A (MAU3A) Website (about this website). We hope that you will browse its pages and find some activities to interest you.
If you are retired or semi-retired, live in Matlock or any of the surrounding communities, would like to make new friends and learn new skills or take up new pastimes in a relaxed and enjoyable way, then come and join us.
U3A members learn from one another by sharing their knowledge and experience – it’s self-help; we don’t require previous knowledge or qualifications, no syllabus or exams, but you are meant to enjoy yourself! With over 60 different groups and nearly 700 members, there are always new things to try and new friends to be made. All this for just £10 per year. There is no excuse for being lonely or bored. use this link to find out more about the U3A.
For those who have just moved into the area, MAU3A is a great way to quickly build a circle of friends or learn more about your local neighbourhood. You may find the introduction to the area interesting. If you have recently retired, it is an opportunity to try out those activities that you always wanted to do but never had the time.
What We Offer
Our subject groups in Matlock range from Art Appreciation to Walking. Each group is led by a dedicated Coordinator, who will be happy to give you more details of their activities. You are welcome to “try” activities before committing to joining the group. For a single annual fee (currently £10) you can join as many of these group as you like. Membership is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired. If you don’t find the subject you are interested in, we will help you to try to start a new group, or you may find that a neighbouring U3A offers it; it is possible to be a member of more than one local group.
If you would like to learn more before you commit, then why not come along to one of our coffee mornings and have a chat. These are held on the first Monday of every month at 10.30 am in Matlock Football Club.
How to Join
History of MAU3A
Matlock Area U3A was formed in November 2007 and had its Inaugural General Meeting in January 2008. Currently we have over 700 members and over 60 interest groups. There are over 1000 such groups across the UK (see other U3A groups in our area) with 425,000 members in all, and these are backed up by county-wide, regional and national organisations (Third Age Trust).
Please have a look at the Accessibility page if you have any problems with mobility, hearing, sight, etc. for more information.
For a quick overview of the activities available through MAU3A, please have a look at our last Annual Report. Whether you have lived in the Matlock area all your life or are new to the area, you will be very welcome.
How we are Organised
MAU3A is administered by a Management Committee, but each subject group runs its own affairs and is largely self-funding. Consequently, there may be a small meeting charge to cover the cost of room hire and refreshments, depending upon the type of activity. A number of groups organise coach trips away that may be opened to all MAU3A members
If you have any questions about MAU3A and its activities, I would be happy to try to answer them. You can either call me on 01629 733654 or email me. You may also find the answer in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
I hope that you enjoy being a member of the MAU3A.
Liz Walker (Chair of MAU3A)