Since being established in 2015, it has grown to almost 1,000 members.
St Pierre Park Hotel hosted an event yesterday for people to find out more.
‘It’s been fantastic, there has been good a good turnout all around of members and non-members,’ said chairman Ian Daish.
‘We’re all about me teaching you, you teaching me, and it’s all for fun. At school you were forced to do things you didn’t want to do, but at this age you can do any subject you want to try.’
U3A’s motto is learn, laugh, live.
‘The living bit has an important social aspect, since when you retire it has a big impact on many people,’ Mr Daish said.
‘Very suddenly you lose a network of people and can feel very lonely.
‘Or when you lose your partner, all of a sudden you wonder how you’re meant to start socialising again on your own.’
Activities are organised by members for members and all but one do not involve qualifications.
Penny Lythgoe and Sue Vermeulen convene the popular iDEA technology course, which is similar to a Duke of Edinburgh award run through the Digital Greenhouse.
‘We’ve taken 160 people through six lessons each for four years,’ Mrs Lythgoe said.
‘We never run out of people. Often people get given iPads by their relatives but aren’t taught how to use them.’
Metalworking convenor Helen Barker said: ‘We do all sorts –braising, soldering, using the forge. Lots of what I make is from old tools and gardening equipment. We meet in someone’s back garden, it’s an amazing facility.’
The U3A Scottish dancing group was in full swing at 11am, followed by an award-winning creative writing piece reading by Bob Thompson.
Afterwards attendees enjoyed music from an accordion, fiddle and hurdy gurdy with plenty of entertainment from various groups to follow.
Interest groups co-ordinator Jane Pearson said: ‘We have almost 90 groups and there’s something for everybody.’
Mrs Pearson said there is no age limit to becoming a member but, since most classes are held in usual full-time working hours, those in their ‘third age’ are encouraged to join.
Groups involve creative activities, things to involve the brain, fitness, wine discovery, quizzes, gardening, Guernesiais and Sunday lunch.
‘It’s amazing to think that it’s all just developed from people having hobbies. It’s an ideal opportunity to do something you enjoy with a supportive group.’
Costs are kept to a minimum.
‘You pay a £15 annual membership fee and then most groups are free, but those that use equipment, like the creative ones, cost a small amount for materials.’
Throughout lockdown course conveners kept in contact with their groups, which Mrs Pearson said was a lifeline for many.
Visit: https://u3asites.org.uk/guernsey/home for more information, email e3aguernsey@gmail.com or phone 07781 193333.
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