Sedgefield & District

Welcome

We're delighted to announce that we have recently received a substantial grant from Durham County Council's AAP fund which is going to be an enormous support in our current project of combating loneliness through U3A activities.
Over recent years we have had to severely curtail journeys outside the immediate area because of excessive transport charges and this funding will be used to reduce those costs for several of our Interest Groups. It means that our Lunch Club will be now able to visit venues well outside the village, our Theatre Group will be able to take further advantage of the many Theatres, Cinemas and Concert Halls across our region, the Science, Industry and Technology Group will be able take advantage once again of the varied sites and settings in the North-East and our trips to beautiful gardens and great houses can occur more regularly. As the warmer,brighter weather arrives we also hope to organise a couple of trips even further afield to which members will be invited to ‘bring a friend’.
As retired pensioners many of us live our lives on a fixed income and have to carefully rationalise how we spend any 'spare' money. Group co-ordinators will be charging a maximum of only £5 for transport for any trip (although some will be free) and we hope that this bonus will encourage all members to join these groups and take advantage of this very welcome addition to our budget.

The national U3A movement began in Britain in the 1980’s with the objective of bringing together people no longer in full-time work who wished to continue learning for fun. We offer unique opportunities to meet new people, develop new skills, enjoy new experiences and get out-and-about and make the most of our retirement. Members share their skills and life experiences thereby enhancing others' knowledge and ability to make the most of all the new things to be enjoyed as we age.

Each U3A has its own set of Interest Groups. These may be academic, practical, frivolous or serious but they individually reflect the hobbies, activities and concerns of the membership. In each, a leader or convenor organises meetings, topics for discussion or investigation, visits or speakers. However, individual members are also expected to share their skills and experience and pass on results of investigations and discovery; thereby mutually growing and extending the knowledge of all members of the group.

Recent investigations into the causes and effects of dementia have suggested that it is important to maintain a healthy, lively and enquiring lifestyle - particularly as age catches up with us. Remember : it's not being old that stops you doing things, its the stopping of doing things that makes you old! So! There's really no need to be bored and lonely at home - do come along and Learn, Laugh and Live with us at Sedgefield U3A. You might like to participate in one of our current groups or we may be able to help you set up a new one. Join us at one of our monthly meetings, peruse the tables for information and to sign up for group activities, enjoy a coffee and a chat and see what we offer. We'd be delighted to meet you.

The national and local U3As are self funding with income coming from an annual membership fee boosted by payments for individual group meetings as appropriate. Our annual membership fee is £20 per annum {this translates to less than a very modest £2 per monthly meeting - we don't meet in August} and entitles members to attend the monthly meeting, access various benefits and supports from the national U3A, including interesting and informative courses and lectures, and to the quarterly U3A publication.

If you are retired, semi-retired, or are planning to retire and are wondering what to do with your time, why not join us. We are a lively and friendly organisation and we offer a wide range of creative, leisure and study groups. A Registration/membership Form can be found in the Links (bottom right) on this page. Please complete and return to the membership secretary, either by post or at the next meeting.

Sedgefield and District U3A recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary. With approximately 100 members, we may be one of the smallest in the region but we are proud to be one of the more pro-active. Members come from Sedgefield itself, Morden and Bradbury, the Trimdons, Fishburn and Bishop Middleham. We also link with Stockton U3A for some smaller groups.

The monthly General Meeting is held on the first Friday of the month in

The Parish Hall, Front Street, Sedgefield 2.00 - 4.00pm

At each meeting we have a speaker and a wide variety of topics are covered. Some serious, some humourous, some of local interest, some of wider appeal – but all interesting, entertaining and informative. Information on speakers and topics can be found on the Events page.

Information about groups can be found on the Groups pages.

Our email address is: sedgefieldu3a@gmail.com

THE COMMITTEE

Ray ManningChair01740 629276
Carol ArcherTreasurer01740469324
Maria MekinsSecretary01740 621296
Susan GregoryMembership01740 620526
Chris BalfourWebsite, Publicity07854 365453
Gillian Bowman 01740 621832
Olwyn Evans 01740 629765
Alison Manning 01740 629276
Maxine PattersonVice Chair01740 620905
Peter WorrellBeacon Support01740 622448

INTEREST GROUP CO-ORDINATORS

Gillian BowmanSpeakers, Theatre, Bus Pass Trips01740 621832
Maria MekinsTheatre 01740 621296
Carol ArcherHomes and Gardens01740 469324
Chris BalfourBridge, Health and Well-being, Pop-upCraft 07854365453
Alison ManningHomes and Gardens01740 629276
Maxine PattersonScribes, Book Club 01740 620905
Bernard Callaghan Photography 01740 469208
Ray ManningWine Appreciation01740 629276
Alan PattersonScience, Industry & TechnologyAV Support01740 620905