If you are looking for more information on how our Interest Groups operate or how to start a new group you will find more information here.
As a first step we would recommend you speak to our Interest Group Coordinators. You can contact them by email by clicking the links Interest Groups' Coordinator OR Assistant Interest Groups' Coordinator They will have up-to-date information to help you. When groups are full, some Group Leaders have offered help in starting a new group so this can also be helpful.
Starting New Interest Groups
Sometimes Groups may be full but it is still worth contacting the Group Leader to check, since a place may become available or members' names may be added to a waiting list. New interest Groups may also be formed at any time by our members, whenever there is a demand for them, say by two or three members having a common interest, so if the Group you are looking for is not listed, please contact the Interest Groups' Coordinator OR Assistant Interest Groups' Coordinator with regard to the formation of a new Group.
You can also look for fresh inspiration for your interest group or support to start another one. Information is available at Subject Advisers Directory
More information and suggestions can be found by clicking here Starting a new Interest Group and Suggestions for future Interest Groups.
General Advice
PLEASE keep us all safe by not attending Group or General Meetings when you have a temperature or other symptoms of illness. You are welcome to wear a mask and to keep your distance. Most important is to follow any current advice and STAY SAFE. Continue to protect yourself and others by following public health advice.
Group Leaders should draw up a Risk Assessment to ensure your Group Members are safe to attend and enjoy the activity. This is for your own personal use, and we will not be required to receive a copy. You should, however, inform the Interest Groups' Coordinator when you complete the Risk Assessment as this is a requirement of any u3a Insurance cover.
Meeting Venues
Group meetings may be held in members' houses or, where numbers are large, local halls. Some groups may make a small charge for materials, refreshments or room hire and this will be made clear to you before you join the group. Where meetings are held at a member's house we would recommend a small donation for refreshments.
Please see FOR GROUP LEADERS and our Policy Document for more specific information.
Group Trips
Sometimes members travel to locations and 'car share' to save on petrol and overall cost. The recommended rates for this are 45p a mile plus 5p per person in the car and then the total is divided by the number of people in the car.
For anyone considering organising a trip on behalf our of other members please see FOR DAY TRIP ORGANISERS for advice on procedure and cost.
On all Stanford-le-Hope and District u3a trips, members of our u3a get priority. If the trip has to be opened up to others because there are spare places, members of other u3a's who have asked to go will be offered a place before non-members. Non-members (including spouses and partners) can only go on our trips/outings on two occasions in total. Exceptions will be made for official carers.
Information, reports and pictures of our Interest Groups and their Leaders is available in our monthly Newsletter in a hard copy available at General Meetings or emailed out to members prior to the General Meeting This newsletter is also available on this website.
Click NEWS for more details.
Rail Travel
If you are planning any journey on the Railway please see advice on ticket selection Rail Travel
Changes to your Group
If your group changes please CONTACT the Website Administrator Michael OR Website Administrator Christine OR Interest Groups' Coordinator OR Assistant Interest Groups' Coordinator so the website information can be corrected