WHAT IS U3A?   The full title of the organization is “University of the Third Age”. All U3As are operationally independent but come under the umbrella of the national body “The Third Age Trust” and we agree to abide by its Guiding Principles.   For example, we are open to all retired of semi retired people.   Each U3A has its own constitution and runs its affairs in accordance with the wishes of the local membership.

WHAT IS U3A ABOUT? It is not the intention of U3A to compete with other “Adult Education” opportunities in the area but to complement them. A fundamental principle of U3A is that in the so called Third Age (active retirement) people are capable of managing their own affairs, including their own learning. So the style of a U3A is very much based on mutual aid and self-help. We offer the opportunity for members to dip in and out of groups to see if it is ‘for them’. You don’t have to enrol in a Group for a year and do an exam at the end of the year. The word university is used in its original sense of “a collective of people devoted to a particular kind of activity of personal development”.

WHO CAN JOIN? Membership of West Bridgford U3A is available to people, normally over 50, who are not in full time employment and wish to share in educational, recreational and creative activities and companionship.   No qualifications are required or are given.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The annual membership fee is £18. In addition to that subscription there is sometimes a small payment to cover the cost of hiring a room/hall.  Where groups meet in members homes, if refreshments are provided there is a small charge per meeting. ”Trips out” have to be self financing as does using locations requiring special facilities.   Many of the groups operate all the year round.

HOW DO I JOIN? Contact us as suggested on the ‘How do I join’ page either by phoning or online. We would be pleased to see you as a guest at an Open Meeting, with no commitment to join at that meeting but where you could meet members of our U3A and leaders of groups in which you might be interested.   You can join when you visit us there or apply for a membership form from Iris Wilmot (Membership Secretary) 0115 9233455 or email iris@merlinpoint.co.uk

WHERE DOES IT MEET? The Open Meetings are held in the Baptist Church Hall, Musters Road, on the fourth Thursday at 2pm in the month. These meetings usually involve a speaker and some discussion about evolving U3A activities. Other meetings are held at several locations in West Bridgford and at present a good number are held in members’ homes.

HOW IS U3A RUN? West Bridgford U3A is a self-help organization run by the members. The Committee is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting, held in June.