The University of the Third Age – East London was started in 2004 by Sally and John Fletcher, Sally being our first Chairman. Initially there were around 40 members though this has now grown to over 250.
General Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 09.30 at St Andrew’s Bowling Club, which is situated in the grounds of the East London Golf Club. The General Meetings are where the “business” side of U3A is discussed, hopefully with a two-way communication. This is followed by a talk by either a Guest Speaker or a member who has something of interest to relate. When required audio/visual aids are used. Afterwards there is time to interact with other members over tea, coffee and biscuits.
Other courses are held throughout the month. Those that are held at St Andrew’s Club are “Open” where the number attending is not limited. Several courses are held in the homes of members which are designated as “Closed” courses being limited to around ten or so people depending upon the course leader’s accommodation available. The type and number of courses in operation at anyone time varies depending on availability of course leaders and demand. Usually courses run for a full year, ten talks, though sometimes for only six months. Occasionally someone will run a course over, say, six successive weeks.
Since inception the Annual Subscription has been held at R25, the year running from July to June. Each time a member attends any meeting they pay R5. Guests are welcome but they pay R10 on each occasion. Income is used to defray running expenses and purchase of equipment.
Contact Persons:
| Portfolio | Name | Tel. No. | |
| Chairman | John Thompson | 043 740 3339 | |
| Vice-Chairman | Joe Kristafor | 043 748 4940 | |
| Secretary | Max Hartmann | 043 740 3684 | |
| Treasurer | Ann Baker | 043 748 6374 | |
| Computing/Newsletter | Ines Behrendt | 082 784 2537 | |
| Planning Co-ordinators |
Joe Kristafor Yvonne Hilton |
043 748 4940 072 799 0426 |
|
| Course Co-ordinators |
Patrick Moran Shirley Baxter |
043 748 1064 043 721 3518 |
|
| Front of House | Wendy Brent | 043 748 4609 |