Frequently Asked Questions
What does U3A mean?
Abbreviation for University of the Third Age.
University? Degrees and things?
University in the old fashioned sense of learning. We do not offer degrees (or similar) though there is nothing to prevent members from pursuing their interest as far as they wish . For example we encourage the Open Learning concept (coordinated by the (O U) which
is largely free.
How long has this system been in operation?
Go to the History button for details of our background.
What Qualifications do I need to start?
None – other than acceptance of the rules associated with our Constitution.
What qualifications are on offer? None.
So what’s the point? We see ourselves as people with
skills & knowledge that is worth sharing with others of a similar mind. Our
aim is to share ideas and enthusiasms with each other on a mutually cooperative
basis.
Third Age? What’s that about?
In the Shakespearean sense of the ‘older generation’. Or possibly Tolkien’s fictional time-period in ‘Middle-earth’. However, most of us object to being labelled as ‘old’ and simply
prefer to identify ourselves as ‘no longer in full-time gainful employment’.
There are no age limitations.
Is there a goal?
What are you aiming for? To keep our
Bodies, Brains and other faculties fully functional through activities (both
physical and mental) by involving others of a like mind.
Equal Opportunities; is this a problem?
We don’t think so. We all have the same opportunities, we all have differing skills, we
can all learn what we like – how and when we wish. It is up to the individual
to identify his/her interests in life and to act accordingly. However, there
are many people with recognised disabilities and since we recognise this we
obviously do our utmost to accommodate them as best we can.
How does it all work?
We have a formal meeting every month (see Activities Schedule)
invariably there is a visiting speaker on a topic of general interest.
Additionally there are various special interest groups (SIGs) that meet and
operate in places of their own choice (see Interest
Groups button).
I am not very keen on formal meetings.
There is no compulsion to attend the monthly general meeting – though most members do if
only to meet and hear our visiting speaker(s) and enjoy a bit of gossip with the
refreshments.
The Interest Groups, what do they do?
For the current list follow the SIG button. You
could always drop in to see us for any of our activities – try the Activities Schedule button for time and place.
Suppose I want to take part in an exotic event; like Tai Chi or Country Dancing?
The reason why an activity does not exist is usually
that we have not identified more than one soul who wishes to do it. There is no
objection to almost anything being started (assuming it’s legality!) it only
needs a few keen participants plus a willing leader (or
coordinator).
Is this a DfES, or other Government Dept,initiative?
NO! The U3A in general is totally independent of political
& religious influences. In fact, each local group is autonomous in its own
right; although we try to adhere to the general principles laid down by our
parent body The U3A Trust.
So, who controls it?
We do. We elect our own
committee, decide our own programme and finance ourselves from our own efforts.
Sounds rather expensive.
Our annual subscription is
only £10 and there are no plans to change it at this stage.
For this you get a quarterly glossy magazine plus our own monthly News Sheet.
Also included are affiliation fees to the Trust, plus the usual legal cover
required when groups of people meet for some pursuit that is nowadays regarded
as a potential hazard! (e.g. walking, talking ..!).
So, it is very cheap?
True, but when we hire halls,
coaches, visit theatres or invite external experts for a SIG (say) .. etc..
there may be charges that need to be met. Participants are charged nominal sums
to help offset these costs (needless to say, the monthly general meetings are
exempt from these extras). Additionally, we have received some Grant support in
the past from various agencies which we continue to pursue
vigorously.
SIG(?)what,s that?
Abbreviation for Special Interest
Group. Guitar (Beginners) is a SIG, Water-Colour is a SIG, as is Walks,
Theatre Visits etc
Do you do ‘taster’ sessions?
Not as such. All you need
to do is come to any of our meetings and see what we look like. Alternatively,
go to the Enquiries? button to
contact us with your query and we will let you have further information and,
hopefully, answer your question(s)
.
If I decide to join you?
Fill in the form on the
Join today tab and follow the next
move. Better still, just come to the next meeting and identify yourself to
anybody that can point you to a Committee member. Don’t pay until you have seen
what we look like!
If I already belong to another U3A group?
Not a problem. You will probably find a difference in style as well as some
alternative SIGs. But we do offer a reduced subscription (for members of fellow
U3As) that avoids your central registration subscription with the Trust (known
as the Capitation Fee) being duplicated. Your quarterly copy of ‘U3A News’ will
still be sent to you via your original group.