U3a

Is there anybody here who is a member of this organisation?

I wanted to join a local club for socialising but it seems to have folded, and I remember hearing about this at the 50+ show in London.

Had a mooch around two local groups and it all looks jolly good fun, so have sent in a query form to both. Quite cheap to join for a year (but the London one is a lot more, but you don't pay any extra once joined, just attend courses).

A wide range of activities and interests, including days out and holidays. I might even take up something completely different!

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Tried to change the title. It should read U3A.

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I've been looking at joining my local U3A. There's a very active group in my area with a wide range of activities. The year runs from 1 September, I believe, so will probably wait until then to join, after my hols. The cost is £12.50 a year I think and they charge around £1 per time for each activity we join in. So its not expensive.

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I know a couple of people who belong to U3A and seem to enjoy it .

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I joined our local U3A mainly for the walking groups ... but I found them to be a bit cliquey and quite "highbrow".

Went on a few walks with them but found that most "went with their friends and stayed with their friends" ... but perhaps it's just me - I prefer a smaller group of people and I find it difficult to push my way in.

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Yes myrtle, I know that feeling! They are cheap, the local ones, and the London one is more like >£70 pa.

They keep advertising themselves as friendly! Myrtle, do you still go on the walks?

Though there is one in my immediate area, an another one close by covers places quite close to me and offers even more opportunities, so as it's cheap thought I'd join the two.

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Hi Jazzi ... no I don't go on their walks anymore - felt too uncomfortable to really enjoy it so let my membership lapse.

I didn't try any of the other activities as they were of no interest to me - it's a case of try it and see and you may be lucky in your area in that they are more welcoming.

Just go for it !

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Well for something that is only £12 or £18 pa I'm prepared to give it a go. Just had a response from the one further away from me and will deal with that when I print the forms out.

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I think it probably depends on the area you live in as to whether it's "cliquey" or not. Our nearest one seems to be retired academics and business people. The trips are quite expensive and the activities and talks etc. quite highbrow. It depends what social group you feel comfy in really.

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I have to agree with Myrtle. Hubby & I joined the U3A but we never really fitted in.

For one instance - we went to a luncheon club and sat at a table for 10 people. The top 6 people talked between themselves and barely acknowledged us.. We did talk to the 2 ladies who sat near us but they were deeply religious & we didn't enjoy the conversation.

Another occasion hubby went to their real ale meeting at a local hostelry. Instead of it turning out to be a men thing - they all had their wives with then supping real ale. I had refused to go with him, thinking it was for the men. I don't drink real ale anyway.
I could mention more things but I won't bore you. Needless to say we let our membership expire..