OUR HISTORY

The Burnham U3A was established as the Burnham and Highbridge U3A on the 1st October, 1992. We are affiliated to the National U3A and became a Registered Charity on 23rd February, 1998. In 2003 Highbridge inaugerated its own group and we dropped Highbridge from our name. Our Charity Number is 1068271.

OUR CONSTITUTION

The original constitution was adopted at the Annual General Meeting on 11th June 1994. and a revised constitution adopted at the Annual General Meeting in 2003. This is the definitive document regarding the Actions of the Committee. A copy can be seen at any Wednesday coffee morning.

OUR OBJECTIVES

a. To advance the education of the public, and in particular those of middle age and older who are not in full time employment in Burnham and Highbridge and the surrounding area.
b. The provision of facilities for leisure time and recreational activities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the above persons in the interests of their social welfare.

OUR CRITERIA FOR MEASURING SUCCESS

a. People want to join
b. No discrimination.
c. Members are involved.
d. Members are open to change.
e. Open Discussion is encouraged.
f. An atmosphere of fun and enjoyment pervades.

OUR STATEMENT OF INTENT

Our AIM is to develop and promote, among the members, opportunities that will enhance the quality of life through a programme of educational and social activities.
Our HOPE is that everyone; whatever their experience or background, will find it possible to play an active part in strengthening our U3A.

The VALUES that we consider important in the conduct of our affairs include: -

INTERDEPENDENCE
MUTUAL SUPPORT
HIGH STANDARDS
SELF EVALUATION
OPEN TO CHANGE.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GROUP LEADER

The success of our U3A hinges on the willingness of members to take a lead and share within a group - their skill, knowledge, or interest. It is not essential however that the Group Leader is an expert. The ability to encourage a group of members to join in a journey of exploration is just as valuable.

CONTEXT

Burnham and Highbridge U3A is autonomous; but affiliated to an international movement.
There is no distinction between those who learn and those who teach
We are a registered charity: number 1068271
No one is expected to be out of pocket; as all agreed expenses are paid
We have very strong links with the Community Centre.
Public Liability is effected through the National Office.

PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

Principles

1. The Third Age Trust and the U3As recognise the immense resources of skills, experience and enthusiasm possessed by older people who are no longer in full-time employment.
2. Individual members are both learners and teachers, giving their services freely. All contribute to any eventual costs of using educational or cultural facilities.
3. Membership is open to all irrespective of religion or ethnic origin. No educational qualifications are required or given.
4. Whilst subscribing to the guiding principles of the Trust, each U3A is independently managed by its own members.
5. As far as is practicable U3A members are willing to help other members of the elderly population to organise themselves to achieve similar benefits to those enjoyed in existing U3As.

Obiectives

1. To encourage those older people no longer in full-time employment to engage in educational and cultural activities.
2. To find and help such people use their skills to teach and learn.
3. To provide affordable education for all members.
4. To make the population, as well as educational establishments, aware of the existence and aims of U3As.
5. To encourage people of all cultures to participate and both give and receive the benefits of mutual experience.
6. To seek to include the housebound and the disabled in the educational and cultural activities of the U3As.
7. To ensure adequate recognition of the abilities of the elderly.
8. To obtain access to, and the use of, facilities for the activities of the U3As from National and Local Government and other organisations.
9. To actively demonstrate the continuing contributions made by third agers to the wellbeing of the community as a whole.