Welcome to Bury St Edmunds u3a
The u3a movement celebrates our ‘Third Age’ of life. It operates nationwide and provides a world of opportunities for semi-retired and retired people to discover new interests and hobbies, knowledge and skills and to socialise with one another. Many new friendships are formed along the way.
The u3a movement has been learning, staying active and having fun for 40 years – showcasing what it means to have a positive later life.
The core of our u3a is our Interest Groups – which are entirely chosen and run by our members, with a volunteer Group Leader facilitating the running of the group. There is a wide range of interests, and if you don’t see the one you like you are encouraged to set up your own – help is provided. You may join as many interest groups as you like. Many Groups meet monthly, some more often.
Once you have joined, you’ll be able to access the Group Leaders’ contact details in the Group section of our website. In addition, some groups also offer a programme of visits throughout the year. The Committee also runs day coach trips to places of interest, which are open to all members.
As part of your subscription you will have access to:
* our Monthly Talks programme held at The Apex. We engage professional speakers to present on a wide range of interesting topics. Members can buy a coffee and socialise before and after; members of the Committee are always there to talk to.
* You will also receive a monthly u3a In Bury St. Edmunds newsletter by email, and this and the website will keep you in touch with what’s going on throughout the year.
* Plus you will receive copy of the u3a national magazine u3amatters published five times a year and posted direct to members’ homes in an environmentally friendly paper wrapper. It is packed with stories about members and u3a activities, plus celebrity interviews and features on technology, recipes, travel, competitions, and a lively and popular letters section.
About The Third Age Trust
The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for u3as in the UK. It is both a limited company and a registered charity.
The Board of Trustees are responsible for overseeing governance of the Third Age Trust, ensuring it is well run for the benefit of its members. The Board ensures full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and works with the u3a Council to ensure the u3a voice is central to the strategy development process. Trustees are elected by u3as nationally and are themselves u3a members.
The u3a Council’s role is to act as a link between the Board and u3as. With two Council Representatives elected by u3as in each of the twelve regions and nations, it is their responsibility to engage with and listen to the views of members in their region or nation and take ideas or proposed changes from the membership to be discussed and acted upon at a national level.
The Third Age Trust is funded mainly by annual subscriptions paid by member u3as on a per capita basis, with the occasional grant for specific projects and is based in London.
Relationship Between u3as and The Third Age Trust
u3as are independently managed charitable associations with their own constitutions. Membership of The Third Age Trust is a requirement in order to use the u3a name and logo both of which are protected, but once registered, providing the aims and guiding principles of the organisation are adhered to, local u3as are self-governing.
