TWELVE COMMON QUESTIONS

Is U3A Castlemaine a University? No. It is a place where older people are encouraged to share and learn about things of mutual interest.
How old do I have to be to join? Retired or Semi-retired
Do I need qualifications to join? No
How much does it cost to join? The annual subscription is $40
Is there a charge for attending classes? No other than for Computer Classes where the fee is $2 per session per member.
How many classes can I attend? As many, or as few, as you wish
When are the activities held? Most activities are held during the day on Mondays to Fridays.
Are classes held in school holidays? There are special activities organized for School Holidays, but some classes prefer to continue.
How often do class groups meet ? Each Group decides this. Some meet once a month, others fortnightly and others weekly. There are some “once off” short term activities.
Who are the class leaders? Some are members with special interests or knowledge from their previous work experience or from hobbies or recreation.
Others lead groups because they enjoy the challenge of learning and sharing with others. Yet
others act as ‘convenors’ using the knowledge and skills available from members of the group.
How do I join a particular class or group? A prospectus outlining the courses which are to run for the term, semester or year is issued in December and available from the Office, the information Centre and the Watson Walder Hall Enrolment days are held in conjunction with Membership Subscriptions renewals towards the end of January. Thereafter new classes and activities are advertised in the Newsletter where guidelines for enrolment are specified.
Who runs U3A Castlemaine? A Committee of six elected Office Bearers and five elected members. Class representatives are encouraged to attend Committee meetings

Beginnings

In the University of the Third Age, the term “University” is used in the original sense, meaning a community of seekers of knowledge and understanding, for its own sake. It started in Toulouse, France in 1973. It had close ties with programs run by the University there.
The concept grew rapidly in England in 1982 and Australia in 1984, where the nomenclature of the ‘Third Age’ as the age of ‘active retirement’ following the first two ages (youth and work/homemaking) became accepted, but any formal connection with a university was rejected in Australia, and each U3A functions through the co-operation of its own members. Castlemaine U3A began its formal existence in June, 1988.

Today

U3A Castlemaine is an autonomous organization, sharing through a ‘network’ of other Victorian U3As – U3A Network-Victoria Inc.
U3A Castlemaine recognizes and encourages adult education and learning at all levels.
U3A Castlemaine encourages and fosters the development of particular talents.

As a member of U3A Castlemaine, you
have a say in what courses are run.
decide how many or how few courses you wish to participate in.
can participate as a student., a class leader/tutor or both.

There are no
entrance qualifications
exams
certificates awarded

Tutors and administrators are all voluntary
Lots of friends are guaranteed

Membership

Membership of U3A Castlemaine is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired. The subscription is $40.00 per year (plus $10 postage) payable on the 1st January each year. New members joining after the 30th June will pay $20.00 for that year.

Membership application forms may be obtained from the Secretary, or may be downloaded by clicking here.

Membership of U3A Castlemaine allows members to attend as many or as few groups as they wish.

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"As If it Were Yesterday" is a collection of oral histories,
as told by thirty three members of U3A Castlemaine
and published in a book

For more information about this book click here

Gallery

Ballet Russe - 2009