The North Devon Third Age group of the U3A (University of the Thurd Age) was formed in the autumn of 1986 with a first Annual General Meeting taking place in the following March. Initially it was a branch of the North Devon Group which was affiliated to the University of the Third Age Trust, the first objective of which is to encourage older people, no longer in full time employment, to engage in educational and cultural activities. At that point there were seventy-two founder members. At first there were six activity groups and a programmme of monthly lunches in various local hotels which helped to keep members in touch with one another. The catchment area consisted of the coastal strip of North Devon from Woolacombe in the west to the Somerset border in the east. The same pattern exists today except that with the development of more branches in the area each branch is now an independent group, directly related to the national organisation with its own charity status.

There are now twenty activity groups, most of which still meet in members' homes as was originally practised. A close relationship has evolved with the Community Colege which makes audio-visual and exhibition facilities available and allows free use of premises in the Community Centre for larger academic groups. For our part, we contribute to the provision of amenities for the centre.