Frequently Asked Questions

This page has the answers to some questions which are often asked by new members

What is u3a and who can join?

The u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups that provides educational, creative, and leisure opportunities for older adults no longer in full-time employment

Who runs the local u3a?

Although it has a committee, it is entirely member-led, meaning members share their skills and teach each other.

Are there other volunteer opportunities?

Yes, there are volunteer opportunities. Please submit an enquiry for through the website to register your interest or Enquiries@Basingstokeu3a.org

What is the national "Third Age Trust"?

The National u3a is a UK-wide, cooperative network of local charities where retired or semi-retired people come together to learn for fun. Entirely volunteer-run, it focuses on peer-to-peer teaching, social connection, and lifelong learning without exams or formal qualifications

Where and when do monthly meetings take place?

Monthly meetings happen once a month on a Wednessday. Please see the U3a News Edit for more information.

Who is the safeguarding contact and what should I contact them about?

If you are concerned about the welfare/safeguard of a member, your first action is to discuss this with the group leader. If it is an emergency contact 999. If not, the group leader will review and contact the committee lead for safeguarding.

I am a member, can I try a group out before I officially join?

It is possible to attend a group as a taster session. Please contact the Group Facilitator groups@basingstokeu3a.org who will inform the Group Leader and they will arrange for you to visit the group.

What happens if I want to join a group but it is full?

Please still apply to join the group and the Group Leader will add you to the waiting list and keep you informed on progress.

I have written to a group leader for information but have not received a response, who can I talk to?

Contact the Group Facilitator on groups@basingstokeu3a.org

If I want to join a group, can I just turn up?

No.

What should I do if I have an accident during a u3a group session?

The Group Leader will deal with the situation and complete an Incident form which we keep centrally. If necessary, the Group Leader will inform your emergency contact. e.g. if you are taken to hospital.

Can I start a new group if my hobby isn’t listed?

If you are interested in starting a group please contact NewGroups@basingstokeu3a.org We would be delighted to to discuss the process and find out whoelse would be interested in joining.

How much does joining the u3a cost?

£50 per annum from 1 September to 31 August

Is there an alternative to PayPal to pay my membership?

Yes, you can pay be debit or credit card. Detailed instructions are available from the Membership Secretary by emailing 'membership2@basingstokeu3a.org'

I have mobility issues or use a wheelchair—can I still join?

We welcome everybody and try to ensure the facilities we use are accessible. However, sometimes this is not possible so when you join, please go to the group you are interested in on the members portal and contact the group leader to check. If you want to know in advance of joining, please send an enquiry to Enquiries@Basingstokeu3a.org

Are there any extra costs after I pay the annual fee?

Most of our Groups are free with the exception of a few groups where there is a nominal weekly charge, or where the Groups involve trips or meals

Is there a limit to how many groups I can join?

There is no limit to the number of groups you can join

If I join halfway through the year, do I still pay the full fee?

No, you will pay a half-year fee of £30

Does my membership allow me to visit other u3as?

Sorry, no, each u3a group is independent of the others

I am a member of another u3a, can I come to your groups without additional cost?

Sorry, no, you would need to join our group as a new member

I am thinking of joining the u3a and want to check if there is space in a specific group and get more information, who can I talk to ?

If you want to check availability in advance of joining, please contact Enquiries@Basingstokeu3a.org

I am having trouble joining the u3a, who can I contact?

You can contact the Membership Secetary by emailing 'membership2@basingstokeu3a.org'

How will I find out what is happening each month?

Visit the u3a Basingstoke Web Site, www.basingstokeu3a.org. There are multiple charts under the group section showing the groups, by day, by month, by alphabetical order and geography. The website also contains information on our monthly meetings. Read the News Edit, which is mailed to you each month for updates on the monthly meeting, information on new groups that are starting that month, and articles from the Group Leaders.