The original concept of u3a started in Toulouse, France in 1972. There are now u3a`s all over the world, with over 1000 in the UK.

The u3a in the UK started by the creation of the "Third Age Trust" in 1982 and is a registered charity (No. 288007) and limited company (No. 1759471). The Trust represents all u3a`s in the UK at a national and international level. It is run by a National Executive Committee democratically elected from the membership and offers a range of services to support and advise local u3a`s.

Local u3a`s are democratic, non-political, self-funding organisations that provide varied types of educational and leisure activities for anyone in their "third age". This is not defined by a particular age, but by a period in life in which one is no longer working full time or raising a family.

Most u3a`s in the UK operate in a similar manner and most have adopted a standard constitution. As autonomous bodies they run their own affairs within their constitution and, as members of the Third Age Trust, their representatives have the option to attend the Third Age Trust AGM and help to set policy nationally.

u3a`s collaborate in learning partnerships with institutions such as museums, galleries and libraries, in which both u3a`s and the institutions themselves may benefit through research, advancement of knowledge and mutual respect for capabilities. The Third Age Trust National Web Site has useful information on the facilities; resources; advice and support sheets offered.

Interest groups are the “beating heart” of any u3a. From Adventures to Wild Flowers, Walking to Talking, Books to Pickleball, Cycling to Canasta – the choice is endless – and the decision about what to do is made by the members for the members. Interest groups reflect the willingness of members to lead each other and join in. Interest groups at Easingwold & District u3a will develop over time, reflecting the input and skills of their own current members. No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards. There is no distinction between the learners and teachers; they are all u3a members.

The virtual u3a went live in January 2009 and is an online facility offered by Vu3a that is affiliated to the Third Age Trust. One of its principal aims is to provide a u3a experience for those who are rendered isolated in some way by circumstance or geography and unable to play a full part in a terrestrial u3a. More information is available through the Virtual u3a home page.