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Andover
Charity Number
1072274

A very warm welcome to the Andover U3A website. Situated in the Northern part of the Test Valley in Hampshire, Andover is one of two U3A's serving the Andover and District area. Andover was formed in 1996 and has around 360 members.

Andover U3A is a very friendly organisation whose activities are focused on approximately 40 interest groups. Subjects we cover vary from Languages through to the Arts, History through to Photography and Nature through to Music (the variety of our groups can be seen by selecting the "Groups" button on the menu bar).

The groups vary in size and they determine their own course of study under a chosen leader. There are no formal lectures and members are encouraged to share in a joint process of learning and discovery. The smaller groups use members homes to host Group meetings and this adds to the friendly informal atmosphere. Some of the larger groups use a variety of halls in the Andover area. All members are expected to join one or more groups on enrolment to the Andover U3A.

General meetings are held monthly at the Fairground Hall, nr Weyhill to which we invite guest speakers who cover a wide range of topics; the 2007/8 programme can be viewed by selecting the "Diary" button on the menu bar. The atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly and the meetings closes with a cup of tea and biscuits.

Possibly the most popular groups are the Walking/Strolling and Quester groups. There are weekly walks and strolls and our Quester groups arrange visits to places that the general public are not normally allowed. Quester One recently arranged a tour of the "Saga Rose" at Southampton while she was between trips.

Andover U3A has an active nature group that has visited a number of nature reserves this year, the most notable being Titchfield Haven on the South Coast. Field study days are held where we look at Flora and Fauna and at least one day is spent by the sea; this year a trip on a glass bottom boat was enjoyed down on "the Fleet" at Chesil Beech.

All these activities together with reports from other groups are covered in a regular newsletter published three times a year; the newsletters for 2007 can viewed by selecting the "Newsletter" button on the menu bar. Through affiliation to our national office, the Third Age Trust, members receive a copy of the U3A News magazine that has articles on topics of general interest, national organised courses and travel.

Membership to Andover U3A is open to those no longer in full time gainful employment; no qualifications are required. New members are always welcome.

The Membership Secretary for Andover U3A is:
Mrs Eileen Buckell.
16 Linton Drive, Andover. SP10 3TT.
Telephone: 01264 351149. Email. eileen.buckell@tiscali.co.uk