TAL is an international movement whose aim is to provide education and social interaction for those in their “Third Age,” a time in life when one is no longer fully employed and/or raising a family, and has the opportunity to enjoy learning for its own sake. Founded in France in 1973, the movement has spread worldwide under a variety of names (e.g., Lifelong Learning, Elder College, University of the Third Age).
TAN is a network of Third Age Learning groups throughout Ontario. Third Age Learning Guelph is one of (currently) 33 members. As such, we benefit from shared ideas and experience, data, speakers’ lists, research and general organizational support.
– A BRIEF HISTORY
Third Age Learning Guelph (TALG) was founded in 1988, and formally incorporated as a non-profit volunteer organization in 2003. Lectures were initially held at the University of Guelph’s War Memorial Hall, then moved to the University’s Arboretum Centre. During the Covid-19 pandemic (2020-2022), lectures were delivered online via Zoom webinars. As of September 2022, lectures are held at Harcourt United Church in Guelph and also simultaneously streamed online, so registrants can choose how they wish to attend. TALG offers four Lecture Series each year, two in the fall and two in the winter.
With lectures ranging over a wide variety of subjects, we strive to create interesting and stimulating learning experiences for our participants. You can see more about the types of topics we’ve enjoyed so far, on our Archives page. We seek engaging speakers who are experts in their field (often affiliated with a university). There are no educational requirements for those who attend – just a love of learning!
A summary of an article about TALG's beginnings, from a Fall 2006 Newsletter in our Archives (back in the day of print newsletters!)
Mark Waldron, a champion of Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Guelph, was instrumental in bringing the concept of Third Age Learning to Guelph. He described travelling in Geneva, Switzerland in 1978, and discovering their "L'Universite de Troisieme Age". He attended a lecture, and immediately thought the idea would appeal to citizens of Guelph.
On his return, Waldron shared information about the Swiss program (also running in several French communities) and how it was organized, funded and promoted. Interested volunteers soon formed an executive committee and organized the first lecture series, with some developmental funding under a New Horizons grant, secured when Bill Winegard was the local MP. "Music is More than Notes" was held in War Memorial Hall over eight weeks - several hundred registered and were most enthused!
Parking on campus eventually became a problem, but TALG then moved to the Arboretum Centre. At the time of this 2006 article, Waldron recalled "The beginnings of Third Age Learning were very much a co-operative venture with many volunteers and a committed group of supporters, many of whom are still coming to the lecture series! We've had almost 20 years of excellent lectures and great questions."
A further 20 years later, TALG still depends on the commitment of volunteers - and continues to offer stimulating lectures and discussions.
– A VOLUNTEER-RUN ORGANIZATION
TALG is a financially independent, volunteer-run organization. We endeavour to keep lectures affordable, though lectures series fees are our sole source of income. Our volunteer Board of Directors operates under provincial not-for-profit legislation and according to relevant by-laws and policies. Our Policies and Procedures page explains more about how we conduct ourselves.
Board members serve specific roles with ongoing responsibilities, but also join ad-hoc committees to handle special projects as they arise. Many dedicated volunteers work together, to keep this inspiring program going. If you would like to volunteer with TALG, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us (see below) and let us know how you might be interested in participating.
Chair - Cathy Farr
Past Chair – Bill Chapman
Vice Chair –
Secretary – Barbara Bethune
Treasurer – Joanne Grodzinski
Program Committee – Co-Chairs, Bill Chapman & Patricia Flood
Marketing and Communications Committee –
Registrar – Kathy MacLean
Social Committee –
Member-at-Large – Gerald Neufeld, Judy Scannell, Kim Wakeford
TALG welcomes your enquiries, input and feedback! We’d love to hear from you, whether you have a question, a great topic or speaker to suggest, or are interested in volunteering.
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