Paul Moore to address first meeting of Offaly U3A

Offaly University of the Third Age (U3A) is delighted to have Paul Moore, as the guest speaker at its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, June 25, in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, at 7.30 pm.

Award-winning professional photographer Paul will take outline his journey from using a simple phone camera to becoming a specialist in architectural, commercial and event photography. Paul’s story about how he developed a hobby into a whole new career is both interesting and inspiring.

Geraldine O’Neill, chairperson Offaly U3A, explained that U3A is a network of learning groups aimed at encouraging older people to share their knowledge, skills and interests in an open and friendly environment. Following the inaugural meeting, the committee will be continuing to develop the curriculum further over the coming months with input from people within the U3A and other speakers who have interesting life experiences or talents worth sharing.

The aim is for the group meetings to be both enjoyable and educational, where people can relax in the knowledge that there are no exams or academic stress! The main emphasis is on social well-being and making new friends along the journey, which - Geraldine adds - creates positive and lasting benefit to the physical and mental health of all involved.

From its origins in France in the 1970s, The University of the Third Age has spread rapidly across the world with 30 branches affiliated in Ireland to date. In Ireland U3A branches are affiliated to Age Action but each is autonomous and administered by volunteers within its own branch.

The U3A movement is non-religious, non-political and has three main principles:

Membership of a U3A is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.

Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a U3A.

Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire - by the members, for the members.

No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.

Knowledge is shared in an atmosphere of friendly encouragement and experience shows that confidence grows rapidly as people relax into new friendships and minds are opened- up to new interests.

All are welcome to attend