Halesowen

Welcome to Halesowen u3a

We are pleased that a full programme is in place right through to the end of 2024; the schedule can be viewed on the Calendar within the Beacon system. Click on Beacon in the yellow banner above. Note that this is a dynamic system, so dates from September to December are currently subject to change, but should be fixed from about mid-May.

I can't wait to join...
Then please contact our Membership Team using the CONTACT form, or come to one of our General Meetings (see EVENTS for dates).
We would love to meet you...

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What Is u3a?

u3a is a unique and exciting self-help educational movement for people no longer in full time work.

Recently rebranded by the Third Age Trust, losing the old "University of the Third Age", which was widely seen as a barrier to people joining, and "U3A" became "u3a" with a new logo.
But the NEW strapline is more fitting to what u3a now is.... Learn, laugh, live

What does u3a offer?

• The opportunity to pursue learning for sheer enjoyment and for its own sake
• Shared learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups
• New friendships

What does it do?

A u3a's programme reflects its members' wishes and resources. At Halesowen we cover a wide range of interests, such as art, history, music, birdwatching, walking, and many more.

HALESOWEN u3a

Founded in 1991, we now have over 150 members. Although we have "Halesowen" in our title, and many of our members are from Halesowen, you can still join if you do not live in Halesowen.
We are a secular and non-political organisation. We do hold some meetings in church halls and classrooms - this is because the accommodation we can hire suits our needs well.

We hold a General Meeting at Hasbury Methodist Church, Albert Road, Halesowen, B63 4SL every 4 weeks on Wednesday mornings 10.30 - 12.00 (see EVENTS for details). This is generally a talk given by a visiting speaker, although each term we have "Coffee Plus" when we start with coffee, then followed by a presentation from one of our Interest Groups and/or an "Over To You" session, where we sit and chat informally in smaller groups about how we are doing, and how we can do better, giving every member an opportunity to raise any issues and float new ideas.

Our Groups

We run a number of Interest Groups, some meeting at Hasbury; some at Quinton Methodist Church, some at Lutley Community Centre, other smaller groups meet in members' homes. Meetings are normally fortnightly or monthly. We also have 5 separate walking groups, to suit all abilities, with distances ranging from under a mile (Amblers) up to anything between 7 and 10 miles for the "all day" walks (Walking Group).

Do read through the information on this website about our Groups.

Members Subscription

The first meeting in January is when members renew their memberships and pay their subscriptions. Our new members subscription for the Full Year 2023 is £47 if you join in January, but this reduces each month during the year. Full Year subscriptions for 2024 will be unchanged at £47.

Once you have joined and paid your subscription, there is no limit on the number of Interest Groups to which you can belong, and we do NOT charge you for attending Interest Group meetings!

However, should there be any additional costs your Group Leader or Trip Organiser will tell you.
If you go on trips, costs will be made clear to you, as travel and entrance fees have to be covered, and a deposit may be charged to secure your place.
Some Group meetings have a tea/coffee break, and you can expect to donate a suggested small amount towards consumables!

If you wish to find out about our Interest Groups, a member of the Committee will try to introduce you to the group leader but if that is not possible you will be given contact details so that you can introduce yourself.

How do I Join Halesowen u3a ?

If you are thinking of joining us, please contact our Membership Secretary using the CONTACT form, or come to one of our General Meetings (see EVENTS for dates).

Not sure yet?

You may attend three sessions before deciding whether you would like to join.
It is preferable, but not essential, that your first visit is to a General Meeting.
If you prefer your first visit to be to a Group Meeting please contact the Membership Secretary for further details.
The Visitor's charge for these first three taster meetings is only £5.
The second and third visits can be to any combination of General Meetings and Interest Group meetings.

Can I join during the year?

Subscriptions for new members are on a sliding scale, depending on the month you join, and the visitor's charge is normally deducted.

We look forward very much to meeting you

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Halesowen u3a Annual General Meeting (AGM) for this year took place on Wednesday 1st November 2023 at Hasbury Methodist Church, Halesowen. A copy of the AGM Meeting minutes for 2022-2023 can be found here AGM minutes 2023

A copy of the u3a Financial Report for 2022-2023 can be found here Annual Statement 2023

A copy of the latest Committee Meeting Minutes can be found here 230908 Committee Minutes

Please note that these documents are only available for viewing by members, using the password.
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A Message from the Third Age Trust

Click on one of these links to watch it
Message from Third Age Trust or A Message from the Third Age Trust #