u3a University of the Third Age - any members?

I went to an open day organised by U3A and they have an amazing selection of activities. I know this is probably not the same one as you will be going to but I gather that most U3A branches offer a wide range.
To give you some idea:- There were groups who met regularly and had a guest speaker on different topics. There was a French speaking group. Stamp collecting, play reading, Ukulele, Mixed choir, Philosophy, Pottery, Drawing and Painting. This is just what I can remember as there were many other groups. Does your branch have a list of activities either online or in a booklet, or both?

We have been going to U3A things since we retired. OH belongs to the Science group and the Croquet group. I attend the Art History group and we both enjoy the monthly lunch group. I used to go to the blues group but it closed down.

U3A groups are run by members so what is on offer depends on the interest, expertise and enthusiasm of the members. I have chaired a U3A book group since 2000, late DH ran a Latin group from 2000 until the first lockdown and a jazz group too. Maybe think about what you could offer?

U3a was a godsend to me when I moved three years ago and didn’t know anyone. I soon made some lovely friends.

Because my new garden doesn’t have room for growing vegetables, the first group I joined was their allotment one. I now run it! 😂

I also belong to their monthly cinema group, World Cuisine, where we visit a different restaurant each month and Classical Music appreciation.

The women outnumber the men but I have noticed there’s always a good turnout of men in the eating and drinking groups! 😂

I joined my local u3A and can recommend giving it a try. There is a lot of different groups to choose from, but no pressure but most people would find something of interest. .

I'm in U3A and start the French beginners group tomorrow. I'm not a beginner but O level French was a long time ago. My golf friend is going to and we are hoping to try our French out on each on the course.
I run the Writing for Pleasure Group and am starting a new Play Reading Group In September. I hate being bored and I want to meet new people. Throw yourself in. you can always leave a group if you don't enjoy it.

Yes ,for a few years now. A lot of groups but not much for me. Only do the Book Club which is great.

I went once and felt so unwelcome everyone knew everyone and no one took any notice of a new comer I m not at all backward at making friends but I ve never tried it since

My local one is totally brilliant. I go to the poetry and music appreciation groups, and also organise classical concert trips for them - these are wonderful for me, as I love going to world-class concerts but live rurally and would not go on my own because of transport and parking - I know that they are greatly appreciated for the same reasons by those who go.

There are dozens of other groups active - and also simple meet-ups for coffee, or a pub night. The list is endless.

It does rely on members stepping up to do their bit and make opportunities available to others. I suggested classical concert trips and before I could blink there I was organising them!

BlueBelle

I went once and felt so unwelcome everyone knew everyone and no one took any notice of a new comer I m not at all backward at making friends but I ve never tried it since

I found the same BB. what I didn't say in my previous post was that I found the people running the open day so obnoxious that I never took it any further.

For instance, I asked the woman on the Play Reading stall when they were meeting next. She replied that they didn't let unknown new members come to readings and you had to be known to other members as readings were held in peoples' private homes.

I approached a man about joining the choir and he told me, rather rudely, that they didn't just take anybody.

Several of the stalls were unmanned so I asked a bossy woman, who appeared to be in charge, when the people running them would be back, she replied 'I dunno" and walked off.

I am sure this is not typical of U3A as I have heard glowing reports from friends and relatives about other U3A groups.

That is a shame Indigo. There are U3As in most towns so why not give another one a try. CErtainly when I joined 28 months ago I felt very welcome.

18 months ago , not that it matters, but 28 months reads a bit weird …..😐

I felt very welcomed at the u3a class I chose to join. I did feel very shy at my first monthly meetings though but I persevered and enjoy most of the talks.

A local U3A group, which is popular with singles and couples, visits an interesting church for a guided tour then meets for lunch in a nearby pub.

Perhaps I should try a group that is not quite so local.* I live quite near a very big city so perhaps I can make enquiries.

*Does anyone remember Tubbs from League of Gentlemen?

BlueBelle

I went once and felt so unwelcome everyone knew everyone and no one took any notice of a new comer I m not at all backward at making friends but I ve never tried it since

Bit like when you are a newbie on GN.

Perhaps, like GN, it would have got better given time.

I found the first time I went I didn’t feel welcome, but the second time was better. We now have the monthly meeting with a speaker in a bigger room and it is much better. There are over 30 different interest groups sothere should be something for most people.

Before the pandemic I joined U3A for Spanish classes. I studied Spanish at school years ago but needed refreshing.

There were about 12 of us to start with but it was very cliquey and we met in one of the “students” houses. Every week we had to listen to how she had new sofas, another time getting curtains made etc so we were always late starting. Numbers dwindled. Then she started putting out a pot for money for coffee! I think if you can’t give out a few instant coffees then don’t invite people in.

Then my poorlyMum needed me so I stopped going and teach myself at home. 🙂

I am sorry to learn that some people have had bad experiences. These cannot be further removed from the wonderful welcome I have had. I suspect each group will be different simply because people are different. The ethos of my local branch is very inclusive indeed, taking pains to include those with disabilities or with limited funds.

Our U3A have volunteers who wear a welcome sash at meetings. Any newcomers are made very welcome and introduced to the various group leaders, who would be of interest to them.

Thank you for all your comments. I've spoken to the leader of the sewing group who seemed really nice and very helpful in advising what to bring with us. She's now running two groups per week as it's been so popular. As my sister is on holiday for the first meeting I'll be going on my own but sewing enthusiasts are generally very friendly and love to talk about their craft so I'm sure I'll be okay.
I'm still looking for something to do with DH but he's happy to sit on his computer and do his projects around the house for now. I'll refer him to the long list of meet ups in our area.

BlueBelle

I went once and felt so unwelcome everyone knew everyone and no one took any notice of a new comer I m not at all backward at making friends but I ve never tried it since

Me too. I tried 3 or 4 groups and all were very cliquey. And forgive me but a bit ancient too. I’m a young mid sixties but felt far too young for some groups. One walking group I tried were all in their 80s and had been together for 40 years. I felt very out of place.

Oh and super snooty. I once enquired about a group. A man called me to ask where I lived. I told him and it happens, due to circumstance more than fortune, to be in a nice area. Oh yes he says, you’ll do. We don’t take people from X or Y area. I didn’t go needless to say.

Primrose comments on the charge for coffee at a group meeting. The aim of this was that nobody should feel disadvantaged because they couldn’t afford to provide coffee and biscuits, so half to the host and half to U3A funds. In 24 years of hosting groups I have always passed on the whole amount (used to be 50p, now £1) because I could, and the contribution made by the various groups has over the years amounted to quite a lot,