Gransnet influence

Just read through some old posts MayBee70. I’m not interested in joining anything at the moment, but I noticed you said you were ignored on a walk, as was another newbie and just wondered why you didn’t speak to her/him, if only to pass the time of day?
I hope you find something that ‘ticks the boxes’ for you soon.

Tried the local group again and still felt like an outsider. I don’t understand because, whenever I’ve been involved in anything I always make a point of including someone who’s new. I don’t think I’ll go again.

Go for it supergranuation, you can be a visitor as I was and then decide. I plan to join tomorrow so I can join a few groups which will help me get to know people with similar interests.
They will give you a list of all the groups, which are held mostly in the home of the person leading it. Don’t Think there is a problem if you change your mind about a group, it’s all fairly fluid. It will be fine.

Thank you Siverlining, I feel a lot more confident about joining now! I've been wondering about this since I retired 2 years ago but I'm now really looking forward to it. Thank you again 🤗

Gundy

hollysteers…
Good to know what your U3A is - for men too. They too (some, not all) could use this vehicle. I should look up the organization.
USA Gundy
PS - I wonder if there are any other USA readers on GN? I hope the “powers that be” don’t throw me out.

I have never heard of a U3A that is not for everyone in the UK.

Members run the groups so you will get those someone is prepared to run. This means one U3A can be running very different to another's.

Think you will find most people left at 15 or ‘stayed on’ til 16 as that was normal in those days, do give it a try. I am going tomorrow.

Supergranuation I typed your correct name twice but this has a mind if it’s own.

It’s fir everyone super graduation. Its not academic at all, but there are all sorts of groups which are run by members which you can join if you are interested but not a requirement.
It’s a social club fir anyone who wants to go. I left school at 15 too by the way.

I've just been reading all your comments on U3A. I am thinking about joining our local one but just a bit cautious. Is it just for educated people? I left school at 15 to work in a shop. Since joining I worked up through the ranks and enjoyed the responsibilities and challenges that it brought. However I have no qualifications other than a few college courses I went to in my 30's, typing, shorthand, NVQ level 1 in business admin so I don't want to feel silly joining a group with people who have university degrees

First ever post though enjoy hearing from you lovely ladies everyday.
LRavenscroft words resonated with me.
Love to read the varying opinions on topics, big and small.
Big Thankyou to everyone who contributes 🌻

We have a coffee morning and lunch clubs at our U3A and the leaders always make sure any new members are included in the general chit-chat.
The groups I belong to are all really friendly. Our walking group sends an email before each walk with details about the walk and always mentions if someone new will be joining us and asks us to make them welcome.
I have made lots of friends that I see in the groups and several really good friends who now meet up regularly outside of U3A (and I am quite shy and not particularly outgoing!)
I would definitely recommend it

I was chatting to one of our U3A committee members at the meeting, last week. She asked for ideas on how to make new members feel welcome. Unfortunately quite a few members go to the twice monthly coffee morning meetings just to sit with their friends, and ignore everyone else. Some actively repel 'outsiders' who ask if they may join their table.
It's not always easy to make friends. Although I have quite a few casual friends that I have met through U3A I, sadly, haven't made any close ones. Maybe it's just me!
Anyway, I always make a point of being friendly to anyone new, and made a few suggestions which may encourage members to be less cliquey, but I doubt that many will change their ways.

hello Gundy.
there are several north american GNtters, and that's just the ones that come on here to post and declare themselves as such.
there are probably many more who read it.
it is a community where no visa is required.
U3A as i understand it is has classes/groups run by its members. so anyone can start up a group to discuss or learn more about their area of knowledge or interest.
U3A stands for the university of the third age, as it was aimed at retired people but is open to anyone who does not work full-time.
it's non-profit making.
started in France; there may be something similar in USA.

www.u3a.org.uk/about

hollysteers…
Good to know what your U3A is - for men too. They too (some, not all) could use this vehicle. I should look up the organization.
USA Gundy
PS - I wonder if there are any other USA readers on GN? I hope the “powers that be” don’t throw me out.

Nice post LRavenscroft and good to read a positive posting.
I enjoy Gransnet very much and not being of a practical nature, but rather arty farty, I lap up a lot of the everyday advice, just simple things, which help a lot.
Gundy, the U3A is an organisation for both sexes. I’m thinking of joining myself, but already have quite a lot on so can’t complain.

LRavenscroft…
Well said! I stumbled across GransNet quite by accident - and to my pleasure I look into it everyday (although I receive it two days after initial post), by then many pages of responses are there to read.

No, we are not alone - there are many people like ourselves who share the same viewpoints. It’s very interesting to read opposing opinions whether you are my neighbor, in my city, state or different country. In that sense we’re all the same.

It gets heated - yes, but this site is not a contest to see how many people “liked” or “viewed” what you write (like Facebook). GN does monitor for content which is good, yet liberal enough for freedom of speech.

Not sure what U3A is but I pickup that it’s an all-in-one educational/networking/social outlet for women to become more expansive in their freedom, knowledge, new contacts, volunteer opportunities, etc.

There is something for everyone in this world! You just have to get up, get dressed, put on lipstick and get out of the house.
Cheers!
USA Gundy

silverlining48

Madeleine you can always put something on Meet up asking if anyone in your area would like to meet up. I did it some years ago and made a friend who I still up with meet now. You won’t know who lives in North Yorkshire till you ask. Good luck.

I was just about to suggest Meet Ups silverlining. Sitting chatting over coffee/lunch with other people we know on GN, we have a very enjoyable catch up with others in or around Glasgow. We are a friendly bunch and I have been fortunate to now be a close friend to one particular lovely Gnetter who lives close by.

Have a look out for local meet ups in/near by your area LRavenscroft. If you are near our area, you would be most welcome to join us.

Another one in favour of belonging to the U3A. I have belonged to my local branch since the day it opened and made so many friends. I run a reading group and have just set up a Litter Picking Group as well as rehearsing for a Christmas mini panto. Earlier this month I went on holiday with a U3A friend. Some groups may be a bit cliquey but on the whole most members are welcoming and friendly.

A couple of times I have asked for practical advice on Gransnet about health and family problems, and it's been so good to have swift responses. As for the U3A, I can't recommend it more. I run an interest group (Singing) for our U3A and belong to another one (Recorder playing). Numbers for all groups were very much reduced after Lockdown ended and are still struggling to regain participants, but are surviving despite the fact that we are all nearly 3 years older and probably feel that the 3 years has taken a big toll.

Madeleine you can always put something on Meet up asking if anyone in your area would like to meet up. I did it some years ago and made a friend who I still up with meet now. You won’t know who lives in North Yorkshire till you ask. Good luck.

i am happy to meet people anywhere and have made some good friends just from meeting at swimming or even in a queue, but for me the best thing on Gransnet is that between covid situation, moving house, and being in a vunerable group have had to be very much on my own. I often sleep badly and can be awake at 3am in quite a lot of pain. Have had to move to a flat so cant be putting my music on or whatever at that time of day so hurray for Gransnet! I read comments, different threads etc, put my two pennorth in and enjoy reading answers . If I am feeling mad about politics or whatever I know I can come on and see what others have to say and join in. Helps with the frustration. How I wish Spitting Image was still on the go!!. They would have made some great puppets and given us some witty comments on the latest load of shambolic mess going on. Ah well having got rid of the lying cheat and the incompetent there is some chance of an improvement hopefully. Sometimes you expect to see comments from people who have commented before and they are missing. You can wonder where they are and if they have changed jobs or moved and sometimes it is good to see them come back. Of course we all have our points of view but in general I feel that most people are as polite as if they were in the same room,. There doesnt seem to be many people from North Yorkshire on this site but I sometimes have a little fun when people watching and may be having a coffee and wonder if that chap over this is X or maybe that lady could be Y . Of course they may be looking at me and wondering the same thing! So I am happy to be part of you all and very grateful for intelligent conversation even if it cannot be face to face.!!

I’m a complete technophobe and can’t even use a mobile phone. U3A have two groups that help people with things like that. My kids don’t have any patience with me if I ask for help and I get so frustrated not knowing how things work. I did join a few years ago but didn’t really take to it. I went on a walk and no one really spoke to me or another new member. But I know the lady who runs the computer group.

MayBee70

I’m just about to rejoin U3A They meet in my village.

We are members of U3A and have been for many years.

I belong to our local U3a and use eventbrite online, it is affiliated to the U3a. They have lots of talks and things you can take part in. I take part in the laughter yoga sessions and I bet I’m not the only one who feels a bit silly at the time. Afterwards I feel good though so it’s worth it.

Well said Lravenscroft. I agree although I am not someone who is inclined to join groups where I don't know anyone.