Caterham & District

Welcome

Welcome to the website for Caterham and District u3a: an enthusiastic group affiliated to the Third Age Trust.

What is the u3a?

The University of the Third Age

U3A originally stood for "University of the Third Age" but it is not a University as you would know it.

We don’t offer qualifications, and don’t require regular attendance.

The u3a is a national organisation that promotes life-long learning for those who no longer work full-time. In our Caterham and District branch we currently have 80 active groups offering a range of activities and learning experiences to keep our minds active, whilst offering friendship and fun.

There are 1,035 u3as, with around 400,000 members, across the United Kingdom.

Caterham u3a

Our local group has over 700 members from a widespread area, including Bletchingley, Caterham, Chaldon, Coulsdon, Godstone, Horley, Kenley, Lingfield, Old Coulsdon, Oxted, Purley, Reigate Heath, Sanderstead, South Croydon, South Godstone, Warlingham, Whyteleafe and Woldingham.

NEW MEMBERS ARE VERY WELCOME!

Please have a look at our Groups and Events pages - with over 80 different active groups, hopefully there are plenty of choices that appeal to you. If you are not a member, and would like to join, please do contact Rita our Membership Secretary, who will be happy to help. An Application Form is on the Membership page.

The groups are led by members, who may offer formal teaching or structured activities, but who may just organise venues and send out reminders, with all members of the group making a contribution. Although there are no formal requirements or age limitations, members are normally retired or semi-retired from paid employment, and wish to use some of their leisure time to acquire new skills and help others do the same.

To find out more about the history and ethos of the u3a, go to the Third Age Trust website.

We encourage members to share their skills or enthusiasms by offering to convene new groups. You don’t need to be a brainbox – a range of games, crafts or physical activities are welcome as well as more academic pursuits.

You can join as many or as few groups as you like, all for an annual subscription of only £12.00 (which includes a subscription to the national magazine, Third Age Matters.)

Where are meetings held?

We have no fixed venue. Many small groups meet in members’ homes, whilst larger groups meet in various locations.

We also have regular coffee mornings, talks every month, and one-off events like lunch together in the summer.

When do groups meet?

Groups generally meet on weekday mornings or afternoons. Meetings may be held monthly, weekly, or every two weeks.

Interested?

How to Join

Our current annual membership fee is £12. The cost for group meetings is variable; maybe just a payment towards refreshments but more if there is hire of a hall or other expense. If you are interested in joining please see the Membership page for further details and to download the application form.

If you do decide to join, you will receive a "welcome" pack, and will also be contacted by one of our members to check if you need any help or advice. We also host new members meetings so you can be introduced to all we have to offer.

I'm interested in being a member - how do I join a group?

How to Join a Group

Groups are open to all members of Caterham u3a, and if you are interested in one of these groups, just click on the "Click to send a Message" icon on the top right hand corner of the relevant page, or the email link if there is one within the page details to send the Group Leader a message. Alternatively, make contact with Liz via the Groups Co-ordinator, shown on the "Contacts" page.

Can I help?

How to volunteer

Our u3a is run by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who undertake all the tasks associated with running a voluntary organisation. We have a small committee of 8 members who set policy, and undertake the major day to day work. They meet regularly, and support all the activities.

They are supported by a larger number of volunteers who undertake specific tasks under the direction of the committee. These tasks include Beacon Management, Website Management, New Members Mentor and a number of others. There are also “one off” projects that need support, such as helping to run open days and managing stands at promotional events.

We are anxious to build up a list of potential volunteers who can be approached to help with new tasks, or one off events. If you think that you could help, please email Paul our Chairman by clicking on Chairman and a member of the committee will get in touch to discuss what you might be able to do. No commitment is implied by emailing, just a general willingness to help!!

Anything else I should know?

We arrange monthly talks to which guests may be invited, outings, and social events throughout the year. See the Events page for details. You may be interested in reading about some of our Earlier Events.

We have our own Caterham & District Facebook page.

Our Latest news page gives details of our recent activities.

There are also wider learning and volunteering opportunities. See the Learning page for further details.

We look forward to hearing from you.