Welcome
Welcome to Cramlington and District u3a (established April 2018)
Live, Learn, Laugh
HISTORY
The Third Age Movement originally began in the UK in 1982; developing from a concept pioneered in France . Membership of our 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.
Steeped in a great history of mining, Cramlington, which today is a thriving town and civil parish in South East Northumberland, has records that date back to 1135. In 1964 it was proclaimed a “New Town” after an explosion of new housing. There are good transport links into the town centre from surrounding areas such as Blyth, New Hartley, Annitsford, Dudley and Seaton Delaval from where a great deal of interest in our u3a has been shown.
TODAY
Our Members have formed 15 interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities from Local History to Wine Appreciation. All groups are run 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. A u3a is a learning co-operative of equals. In the words of Peter Laslett, a founder member of the u3a movement:
‘Those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach.’
The enthusiasm and expertise within our membership never ceases to amaze us and it is always a huge delight when members come forward with new ideas for another group.
Most groups meet at least monthly in and around the Cramlington area in the HUB in the centre of Cramlington. A number of groups arrange outings to many varied locations and activities such as the theatre, gardens and other places of interest. (Click on Groups)
FIND OUT MORE
For an opportunity to find out more and meet with our members come along to one of the friendly monthly meetings which are held on the 2nd Friday of the month at 10.30am - 12.00pm. Memberships can be renewed and contact made with group leaders at these meetings. Prospective members may attend one General Meeting and one Group Meeting, if they wish to attend any more they must join as either full or affiliate members.
General Meetings are held at DOXFORD METHODIST CHURCH, DOXFORD PLACE, CRAMLINGTON NE23 6DY. The doors open at 10am (not before) for a 10.30am start. For a list of forthcoming talks to be held at the main meetings please click on the EVENTS page. There will be tea/coffee available but please bring your own cup.
Parking, including disabled access is available at the front of the building.
If you have further queries please go to our contact page where you can email directly.
Membership
Subscriptions can be paid at the meeting and membership cards will be issued for existing members
April 2024 - March 2025.
Full membership - £16.00 PER PERSON.
Affiliated membership - £12.00 PER PERSON
Application forms can be downloaded from the Link on the Right Side of this screen or at the monthly meeting
Please complete both forms and submit along with Cash/Cheque (payable to Cramlington and District u3a)
Chairperson - Maggie Mitford
Vice Chair - Jennifer Smith
General Secretary - Helen McGowan
Treasurer - Judith Moffat
Membership Secretary - Brenda Blacklock
Groups Coordinator - Barbara Sutcliffe
Committee Members
Ros Davison
Izzy Ferguson
Anne Jones
Sandra Indge
Ann Wilkinson