Welcome to Derwentside u3a
The u3a is a nationwide organisation based on local groups providing opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to come together and develop their interests, meet friendly people try new skills and make the most of life.
The Derwentside u3a is situated in Stanley County Durham. The famous Beamish Open Air Museum is on our doorstep and is certainly worth a visit.
Stanley is home to some 31,000 residents and our boundaries incorporate the following areas:
Annfield Plain, Bloemfontein, Catchgate, Clough Dene, Craghead, Greencroft, Harelaw, Kip Hill, The Middles, New and West Kyo, No Place, Oxhill, Quaking Houses, Shield Row, South Moor, Stanley, Tanfield, Tanfield Lea, Tantobie and White-le-Head.
The Derwentside u3a was inaugurated in the year 2000. We now meet at "The Venue" Wear Road, Stanley, Co. Durham, DH9 6AH having met for many years at the Civic Centre Stanley.
We hold meetings twice a month from 10am to 12 noon.
On the 2nd Friday of the month we hold a coffee morning where members can meet for a drink and a chat. Sometimes we have an impromptu speaker, other times we hold general knowledge and music quizzes. On the last Friday in the month we have excellent speakers talking on a varied range of informative subjects. At these meetings we share general information and business matters connected with our local regional and national organisation. We also have several smaller specialised groups that meet at various local locations catering for our members particular interests.
The cost to join the Derwentside u3a is only £13 per year with a £2 entry cost for each meeting. The entrance fee includes either tea or coffee and biscuits of course! Every meeting we hold a raffle (tickets available on the door)
Where to find us:
The Venue By Car.
At the Asda roundabout, turn to go to South Stanley, and at the mini roundabout just past the Asda roundabout, turn left and follow the road round to the Venue. There is plenty of free parking on site for those who drive.
On Foot:
From bus station, come out of main entrance and turn right, go ahead through alley way to Herons and turn right. Go straight ahead past the back of McDonalds and through the underpass. Then turn right and follow the path along the side of Stanley Park Nursing Home, at the end turn left and over to the left is the Venue.
The site is also available via the Number 16 bus, with just a short walk to The Venue.