Welcome

Stanway U3A (in Colchester, Essex) was formed in September 2008 but already has 250 Full Members and 10 Associate Members. We have access to nearly 70 interest groups because we combine our groups with another local U3A's groups and this means we have a much higher than average groups/activities to members ratio.

Due to our rapid success we have taken the decision to cap our numbers, this is so we maintain our small and friendly status and do not outgrow our Meeting Hall. Therefore our U3A is now closed to full membership but you may join as an Associate Member and you will be given Full Membership as places become available. (There is more information on this on the Contact Page)

The annual membership is £11.50 for Full Members and £1 less for Associate Membership which allows members free access to all groups and for Full Memebers to attend our monthly Lecture Meetings, though there is an entry charge of £1.20. The fees are less if you choose to receive your newsletter by email. (£8 and £7 respectively)

At our Lecture Meetings we have a 'Meet & Greet' area where any new member, or those who come alone, may talk to some of the Committee and Social Committee to be introduced to others, given help with joining groups or helped with any aspect of U3A. This area also doubles as a 'surgery' where anyone may come and see us if they have a question or query, or any matter they need help with.

Stanway U3A publishes a monthly newsletter covering much more than just our U3A news and activities. It keeps our members informed of local events and news (when there is room in the jam-packed newsletter). There are features on various subjects as well as many regular articles each month.

We also run coach outings four times a year but these are open to members only, we can no longer accept bookings from friends and guests. We have been to Bluewater for shopping at Christmas, seen the Olympic 2012 site, been to the Freemasons Grand Lodge at Covent Garden as well as several other trips. We have just visited Bletchley Park and Buckingham Palace is our next venture in September.