I've been rather lax in making the regional newsletter available on this website, but here it is, somewhat belatedly (see the Newsletters page). As references to the regional Zoom meeting are out of date, I've posted below an update in the form of a letter from Jean Jackson, our current u3a Council Representative. These Zoom meetings are open to all members. Finally, I've also added some current news items to the foot of the post.
REGION MEETING, Tuesday 24 Feb 6pm-7pm : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86342094824
Meeting ID: 863 4209 4824
Any problems joining , please call me on 07310 183428.
Thanks to all who attended last time: there was a pressing question about the COST of membership of more than one u3a.
I have the answer – and of course, “it depends”: it depends on the u3as concerned, who are free to make their own arrangements. Some u3as choose to offer a second membership for a drastically reduced fee, while some insist that full membership fees are paid. U3as who are in the same cluster or network often offer discounted rates because they’re more likely to “share” members. Four things need to be borne in mind:
- If you are a u3a member, you are insured, and that insurance covers you when you’re at another u3a’s event or group.
- If you are already a member of a u3a, and join a second u3a, the second u3a does not have to pay another £4 fee to the Third Age Trust.
- If you’re a member of one u3a, then the second u3a may regard you as an Associate Member, which might mean that you don’t get everything that a “full” member does – e.g. you won’t get 2 copies of the Third Age Matters Magazine.
- Surprisingly few people join more than one u3a, so if a u3a doesn’t offer reduced fees it may be worth asking them – the situation may not have arisen before. You might be able to ask for £4 off? It’s up to the committee.
This has a bearing on another question – can two u3as share one group, and one group leader? YES they can, because everyone’s insured.
Group Leaders are responsible for ensuring that their members are still u3a members, because of insurance.
It can be practical to share groups and group leaders when u3as are close to one another, and when a critical mass of people is needed, e.g. to play games, or get enough people to pay for the hire of a hall.
And finally – I’m sorry to say that there haven’t been any candidates for the Post of Council Representative for the West Midlands, so we’re working out what to do when I stand down in April. I welcome your ideas about how we can best give feedback to the Trust about what members in the West Mids need or want.
I’m continuing to be a member of a recent Council sub-group which aims to help u3as recruit committee members, so if you have ideas about that, let me know!
See some of you on 24 Feb – I return from holiday in Egypt on 23 Feb. My email will have an Out of Office with the Trust’s contact details.
Between now and 11 Feb, I can be contacted on 07310 183428.
PS. I am going to put the attached info about HOW TO UPDATE THE TRUST DATABASE on the Regional website.
Jean Jackson U3a Council Representative, West Midlands Region
Email: jean.jackson@u3a.org.uk
| Events |
 |
u3a Festival 26 booking now open! u3a Festival is back – the biggest celebration of the curiosity, creativity and community spirit that makes u3a so special. Join us for three days of hands-on workshops, musical performances, sports tournaments, fascinating talks and many more surprises. Tickets are limited - let your members know so they can book now and avoid disappointment! 📅1-3 July 2026 University of York Tickets cost £18 for a day, or £50 for all three days🔗 Book your festival ticket and accommodation on the u3a website |
| Festival volunteers needed The Festival team are looking for u3a sports teams and members to host activities at the festival. The idea is to offer participants the chance to try a new sport in an accessible environment, and support them to stay active. Some sports we'd love to see include: new age kurling, walking sports (cricket, netball, football), pétanque, badminton, tennis, croquet and running. Please share this opportunity with sports groups in your u3a - they can get involved by emailing festival@u3a.org.uk. |
| Interest Groups Online Fair 11-13 February Interest Groups Online (IGO) is hosting an online fair, offering 10 free taster sessions on a variety of interesting topics. This is a great way to experience the online learning and social opportunities of IGO for free. The topics covered include dance exercise, local history, creative writing, Canva, and even one on setting up a new IGO group. You can book a free place on any of these events on the u3a website. |