Plymstock & District u3a
Registered Charity Number 1179337
Welcome to the website of Plymstock & District u3a where you will find full details of the Groups and activities available to all our members
PRINCIPLES OF THE u3a MOVEMENT
The u3a movement is non-religious and non-political and has three main principles:
The Third Age Principle
- Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.
- Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a.
- Members should do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join a u3a can do so.
The Self-help Learning Principle
- Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members.
- No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.
- There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all u3a members.
The Mutual Aid Principle
- Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent but a member of The Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement.
- No payments are made to members for services rendered to any u3a.
- Each u3a is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible.
- Outside financial assistance should only be sought if it does not imperil the integrity of the u3a movement.
PLYMSTOCK & DISTRICT u3a
Our branch of the u3a is informal, friendly and a good way of meeting up with old friends, making new ones, learning skills and using your own expertise to help others. It is divided into local Groups where people can "Live, Laugh and Learn" by taking part in activities within interest groups who meet locally at various times. Plymstock & District is an independent u3a within the movement and is entirely run by volunteers.
ABOUT US
We were launched in June 2013 and now have over 374 members who enjoy our monthly meetings and take part in a variety of interest groups.
Our membership is drawn from the large urban conurbation to the south-east of Plymouth, separated from the city by the River Plym and connected by the road over Laira Bridge. Our u3a covers Plymstock and its environs of Elburton, Hooe, Oreston, Turnchapel, Staddiscombe and the outlying villages of Brixton, Yealmpton, Down Thomas, Heybrook Bay and Wembury.
The General Meetings are held at THE STADDY CLUB, STADDISCOMBE usually on the 3rd Friday of each month (any changes are notified to members). The doors open at 10 am, tea and coffee are available from 10.15 am - there is a £1 charge for a drink which is paid directly to The Staddy as they provide us with what we need. The meeting starts at 10.30 am with notices from the Chairman before the Speaker gives the talk. After the Speaker there are usually notices from Group Leaders, any other matters raised by members, and the meetings end by about 12.15 pm.
If you are uncertain as to whether the u3a is right for you, then do come along to a General Meeting. You will be welcome and under no obligation to join at the first visit.
In September 2022 Plymstock & District u3a received an allocation of funds to the tune of £1300 from Plymouth City Council which enabled us to purchase a much needed projector and a laptop. Our thanks to the City Council for this generous grant.
If you would like to find out about
- Group activities please click GROUPS
- Our Programme please click EVENTS
- Getting in Touch please click CONTACT
Retirement is boring! Who said that?
Certainly not one of our members as you could find a group to join most mornings and afternoons of the week if you wish. Just browse through the website and see what we can offer you.
Plymstock & District u3a now has its own FACEBOOK page for Members only. To join please email our Membership Secretary, Shirley Wheeler.