Speaker: Ranald Barrie

Kilrymont Rotary met on Tuesday 16^th July when President John Fernie welcomed members. He welcomed member, Ranald Barrie the speaker for the evening, whose topic was “U3A Fun, Laughter and Learning.”

Ranald decided on a change of direction from his involvement in Community activities over many years. Work in Mechanical Services Engineering had left little time and energy for broadening his outlook and gaining knowledge of the wider world which retirement offered as it brought more leisure to ‘catch up’.

University of the Third Age ticked the boxes because it is largely administerd locally and has many volunteers who wish not only to learn but offer their experience to lead courses  providing a forum where differing viewpoints are exchanged, without anyone feeling the need to protect the varying levels of achievement they had in secondary school education.  Ranald now leads an Archery group which meets weekly, and, with the help of his wife, a monthly “Wee Adventurers” group, offering physical exercise outdoors - walking not more than ten miles, fishing and rafting.

As well as physical activities, minds are exercised too in courses ranging from learning a holiday language, philosophy,and learning to write.

Scotland has fifty three U3A’s, the nearest being in Dundee and Cupar. Local groups are autonomous meeting in community venues  for which a small fee is charged.  

A small National HQ in London will offer insurance and public liability cover

U3A depends on peer to Peer learning and is not regulated by exam entry qualifications. All that is required is the curiosity, willingness to participate and enjoyment of the friendly atmosphere in which differing outlooks can be respected.

For those wishing to gain entry to a degree course  the OPEN UNIVERSITY in MILTON KEYNES allows access to their Lbrary and for those looking for a step up to acquire the qualifications to expand a special interest can apply to attend their introductory  holiday courses. For some this can lead to the acquisition of Degree courses, and satisfy their journey of Self Discovery, the very purpose they set their minds on when joining in non-competitive learning through the gates of the U3A.

Ranald took questions, and was asked why St Andrews didn’t have a U3A. He said that the main reason was  that the much appreciated Open Association already filled that need.

Irene Walker gave a vote of thanks on a well thought out talk.