Welcome
GENERAL INFORMATION
u3a stands for University of the Third Age. The word "university" is used in its original sense of people coming together to share and pursue learning in all its forms, both academic and recreational.
CLICK on the U3A button at the top right of the menu to see more about the u3a.
The main aim is to encourage and enable older people who are no longer in full time paid employment, and with a little time to spare, to help each other in sharing their knowledge, skills, interests and experience. The remit is very wide, covering educational, cultural, recreational, physical and social aspects of life.
Members take part in activities because they enjoy them; there are no exams, awards or qualifications. The u3a is run by members for members; they arrange and run their programmes to suit their own skills and desires.
Coventry Spires u3a was formed in May 2002, when the existing Coventry Branch was deemed to have reached capacity. We now have close on 200 members.
We hold a general meeting in St Barbara's Church Hall, Rochester Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6AG on the third Thursday of every month. Our meetings start promptly at 2:15pm, so please arrive at around 2:00pm to be signed in.
At most of the general meetings, we invite a speaker to give a talk on a topic of general interest, followed by a welcome, free mug of tea or coffee and biscuits. You are invited to attend three of these meetings as a guest before deciding whether you wish to join. The Committee arranges day visits to places of interest and most years they also organise a holiday. The main thrust of our activities lies with our Groups, which range from rambling and bowls on one hand to art appreciation and current affairs on the other.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership is annually from 1st April until 31st March and you are issued a membership card as a receipt.
From 1st April 2024 our annual membership fee will be £14 with an additional £3.60 if you want to buy 'Third Age Matters' the National u3a magazine, which is sent to you by direct mail.
Membership can be renewed by cash or cheque at a general meeting. Those who wish to renew their membership by post, please make your cheque payable to Coventry Spires u3a and send it with a stamped addressed envelope for your membership card to: Roger Clark, Membership Secretary, 60 Rouncil Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 1FQ.
If you are a member of another u3a and pay their full subscription (proof of membership required), then membership of Coventry Spires u3a is only £10.
You can come along to three of our general meetings before you need to join, as well as attending one group meeting. There is no charge during this period.
HOT OFF THE PRESS (HOTP) NEWSLETTER
We produce a quarterly newsletter called Hot Off The Press (HOTP) which details the general meetings and speakers, general notices including the outings, holidays, social events and the group meetings.
Please CLICK on the EVENTS page at the top menu and under the Links heading on the EVENTS page you will find an online copy of the Hot Off The Press (HOTP) Newsletter.
If you wish to have the Hot Off The Press Newsletter posted to you, there is an additional £3.60 charge along with your subscription. Otherwise it will be emailed or a printed version can be obtained at the general meetings.