---

Burnham on Sea U3A - Charity number 106871

“We are not old people, we are young people who have grown older”

---

Frequently Asked Questions

The third age - refers to a period of time after the First Age of childhood dependence and the Second Age of full time employment and parental responsibility.
University - refers to an opportunity to participate in educational and social activities thus encouraging members to remain mentally alert and physically active. The U3A is a self-help organization and we look to members to share their knowledge. Members meet in groups to develop their particular interests. We do not have any paid tutors; group leaders are members who volunteer to co-ordinate groups in subjects of their choice. Members are not students and qualifications are neither required nor given. Members who are fit are expected to offer to help in any way they can in the running of the U3A.

HOW ARE U3As ORGANISED?

Nationwide there are more than 160,000 members across 600 groups and more than 500 are members of the Burnham on Sea U3A. A central Trust acts as an advice centre for groups and provides educational back-up. Each group is autonomous and elects, democratically, its own executive.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

The current annual subscription is £7 per member. Members can join as many groups as they can manage. A small charge is made to cover hall hire and refreshments.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

We offer an environment and a framework in which 3rd Agers can expand their horizons by joining in activities of their choice. These range widely and embrace creative, craft, social, fitness and educational. The list is theoretically without limit because any member is entitled to set up a new interest group where one does not exist.

A bi-monthly news letter will be delivered to your address. This will include reports of group activities and general information about Burnham on Sea U3A.

A Weekly Coffee Morning held 10.00 to 11.45 every Wednesday at the Methodist Church Hall, in College Street: here will be an opportunity to talk to the Committee or Group Leaders and to scan our notice boards for group activities. It is also a popular social occasion.

Educational and Social groups: Presently we offer more than 40 different interest group activities and members are free to join as many as they wish. They extend from Art to Walking and each is organised by a Group Leader. Members are encouraged to propose and set up new groups if they are so inclined and a demand is proved.

WHAT DOES AN INTEREST GROUP LOOK LIKE?

As we have some 40 groups how they are organised differs quite widely. Some examples will help: The Patchwork Group has some 12 members who meet weekly under the guidance of one member who has wide experience in this craft. Members have contributed, according to their skill level at the time, towards quilts, which have been of very high quality and have been donated to a local children’s charity.

The Walking Group meets twice monthly and each of its 25 members takes it in turn to select, research and lead walks. Routes are up to 8 miles and over terrain which ranges from flat and easy to hilly and rough. The programme runs throughout the year.

The two French Groups operate quite differently. One has 10 members who are following a taught programme delivered by a French lady now living in Burnham. The other group, of 12 more experienced members, is co-ordinated by one of their number and the remainder take it in turns to prepare and deliver lessons. Both groups meet weekly throughout the year in the Community Centre.

Our Concert Party meets to rehearse song and dance shows and then to present these to local organisations such as retirement groups and old people’s homes They offer some 20 shows each year.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO AS A MEMBER?

We have two principles to guide us here:

WHAT ELSE IS OFFERED OUTSIDE THE INTEREST GROUPS?

The Travellers Group organises day-long coach outings to destinations in the southwest and trips of up to 5 days to more distant UK destinations and abroad. These are very well patronised. The Theatre Group organises trips to theatres in Bristol, Bath and Exeter.

Our Notice Board is displayed at Coffee Mornings and this contains information about groups and other items of local interest.

Additionally:

• Our notice board may be seen at any time during office hours in the Community Education Centre, Princess Street.

• Each year we organise lectures and social events and provide opportunities for coach outings and holidays.

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER?

Want to find out more? The best way to do this is to drop into one of our coffee mornings, speak to one of our greeters and then to one or two members. You may even sample one of our group sessions without any commitment before joining. Alternatively, telephone the Chairman or any committee member, names and numbers are given below. When you've decided, our Membership Officer is alway on duty at our coffee mornings and will be delighted to sign you up.

You are very welcome to join us at the Burnham on Sea U3A and share our educational, creative and leisure facilities and activities.