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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.

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Current issues group. We discuss a wide range of topics around current issues chosen by the members.  We have discussed the NHS, education, population growth, immigration, housing, climate change and the cost of living crisis, amongst many other topics.   Current issues Back to Groups Page We discuss a wide range of topics around current issues chosen by the members. We have discussed the NHS, education, population growth, immigration, housing, climate change and the cost of living crisis, amongst many other topics. We want to grow the group and are planning to invite expert speakers to help inform our debate. We also plan to expand discussions to include local and non-political issues. People come from a wide range of political viewpoints and we ensure that everyone is treated with respect, regardless of their opinion. We want to learn and grow by listening to each other Please contact me, Karen Blakeley, if you would like further information. Venue : Varies Date : 3rd Monday of the month Time : 14:00 - 16:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Family history group. Each meeting generally takes the form of a presentation by a group member on a family history topic, followed by questions, tea, and an open discussion. In the discussion, there is the opportunity to ask for advice or to tell the group of your research successes. Family history Back to Groups Page Each meeting generally takes the form of a presentation by a group member on a family history topic, followed by questions, tea, and an open discussion. In the discussion, there is the opportunity to ask for advice or to tell the group of your research successes. The next meeting is on Wednesday 29th April 2026. The topic to be advised later. The Topic for the next and subsequent meetings this academic year will be chosen from the following list: Searching Parish Registers Other Records beyond Census BMDs and Parish Registers Finding Death Records How to Search War Records Reserved Occupations Sorting Meaningful Information from Noise on FH Websites Advanced DNA Matching Tools DNA Matching Organisation & Strategy Researching School Records Members Talk(s) – Requires Volunteer Member(s) Norfolk & Suffolk County Records Census Records for Fishermen & Mariners Devon & Wiltshire County Records Venue : Christ Church , Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT Click here for website Date : Last Wednesday of the month Time : 14:00 - 16:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Coffee Group group. Meeting up with other u3a members for a chat over coffee or a cup of tea. This group in lovely surroundings is for meeting existing friends and making new ones. Coffee Group Back to Groups Page Meeting up with other u3a members for a chat over a latte, americano or a lovely cup of tea. This group in lovely surroundings is for meeting existing friends and making new ones. When: 4th Monday of the month 2-4pm. Where: Sherfield Oaks Golf Club Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Poetry appreciation group. Each month members decide on the poet or theme for the following month. The main organiser for that month - usually the member who has volunteered to host the session - leads with some information on the poet/theme. Other members bring a related selection of poems for reading out and discussion. Recent poets studied include T.S. Eliot and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Poetry appreciation Back to Groups Page Each month members decide on the poet or theme for the following month. The main organiser for that month - usually the member who has volunteered to host the session - leads with some information on the poet/theme. Other members bring a related selection of poems for reading out and discussion. Recent poets studied include T.S. Eliot and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Venue : Members Home Date : 4th Tuesday of the month Time : 14.00 - 1600 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Cycling group. The cycling group enjoys social rides at a relatively easy pace, with a break for refreshments and chat. The group normally rides twice a week on different weekdays throughout the year. The routes generally follow quiet roads, cycle paths and occasional trails. To give a variety of ride routes, we take the train or drive to some starting points. The group always waits for stragglers so that no-one is left behind. We usually have two or more longer multi-day trips each year - the most recent tours have been to the Ardennes, Brittany, WW1 battlefields, Somerset and the Black Forest. Cycling Back to Groups Page The cycling group enjoys social rides at a relatively easy pace, with a break for refreshments and chat. The group normally rides twice a week on different weekdays throughout the year. The routes generally follow quiet roads, cycle paths and occasional trails. To give a variety of ride routes, we take the train or drive to some starting points. The group always waits for stragglers so that no-one is left behind. We usually have two or more longer multi-day trips each year - the most recent tours have been to the Ardennes, Brittany, WW1 battlefields, Somerset and the Black Forest. Further information and the group rules are on our website - https://basu3acycling.joomla.com/ Planned activities Details are on our website - https://basu3acycling.joomla.com/future-rides Meetings are as advertised Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Golf practice group. Golf Practice - driving range, putting green Golf practice Back to Groups Page Keen to practice your golf swing or putting? This group offers an ideal opportunity to practice in a lovely setting. We have two small golf practice groups that each last 1.5 hours. Members will have access to the driving range and putting green followed by tea and coffee in the club house to discuss the session's highs and lows. The golf course will provide unlimited balls and for those that don't want to bring their own drivers and putters, they will provide clubs. Venue : Sherfield Oaks Golf Course , Windmoor Lane, Sherfield, RG27 0HB. Date / Time : 1st Wednesday of the month Group 1 - 10-11.30 Group 2 - 11- 12.30 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Members on their own group. When you are on your own, it can be quite daunting walking into an event by yourself, not knowing anyone. By joining our group, we hope to help you by introducing you to other members who are on their own. Members on their own Back to Groups Page When you are on your own, it can be quite daunting walking into an event by yourself, not knowing anyone. By joining our group, we hope to help you by introducing you to other members who are on their own. We meet on various days of the week, so as to try not to exclude anyone. We usually meet twice a month for coffee or tea in local venues (garden centres, cafes, etc), plus occasional lunches, suppers and individual visits to National Trust properties, gardens, etc. It's up to you - it's your group. We don't organise coach trips, as there is a thriving Excursions and Holidays group within our u3a. There is only so much time in the day, so we rely on members of the group to make suggestions and be the contact point for that activity. To this end, we circulate a diary to members of the group, detailing what events have been proposed, which will contain your email address, for members to contact you for more information. Jackie administers the group ably assisted by Margaret, who does a lot of legwork researching venues and organising events. Meetings are as arranged Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings Guidance and Disclaimer document for this group Guidance and Disclaimer document for this group

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a BCOT Luncheon group. Have you ever looked at an artwork and wondered about its meaning, about the artist, the context or the techniques involved? If so, then you’ll enjoy the Art History and Appreciation group. BCOT Luncheon Back to Groups Page This luncheon is open to ALL paid-up members of our u3a. Forms for each lunch are available from the group leader in the weeks leading up to the event. This is a pleasant social event with good food and good company. Venue : Robert Newman restaurant, Basingstoke College of Technology, Worting Road, RG21 8TN Click here for website Date : Meet once a term, on a Thursday. Time : From 12:15pm until about 3pm for a 3 course meal. Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Patchwork and quilting group. The group is a mixture of beginners and more experienced quilters. There are demonstrations and projects usually on the 4th Wednesday, and we bring our own work to do at the other meeting. Patchwork and quilting Back to Groups Page The group is a mixture of beginners and more experienced quilters. There are demonstrations and projects usually on the 4th Wednesday, and we bring our own work to do at the other meeting. Venue : Christ Church , Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT Click here for website Date : 2nd and 4th Wednesdays Time : 10:00 - 12:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings

Join our u3a and come to our Monthly Meetings at Popley Fields Community Centre in Basingstoke. Discover forthcoming events and connect with the local community. Monthly meetings Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of most months. The usual timings are: 13:30 - tea, coffee and biscuits; time for chatting 14:00 - presentation 15:00 - Q&A; tea, coffee and biscuits to finish Please bear in mind that the lengths of individual presentations will vary. Popley Fields Community Centre Carpenters Down Basingstoke RG24 9AE Forthcoming events Wednesday 8th July Please note the change of venue - Queen Mary's College Main Hall AGM Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a Annual General Meeting The speaker is our old friend, Tony Harris. This year he will be coming as Donald Trump. I know that one or two members were concerned that this would be seen as promoting Trump. Please be assured that Tony is a comedian and satirist. You will not be laughing with DonaldTrump, you will be laughing at him. He will be portrayed as the 'buffoon' that he is. August 2026 Please note that there is no monthly meeting in August

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Short mat bowls group. Fun, friendly, good exercise, sociable and very easy to play.  Runs from October to March.  First time players are welcome but numbers are currently restricted to 18 per session.  Players must wear flat soled shoes that must be changed into at the venue. Short mat bowls Back to Groups Page Fun, friendly, good exercise, sociable and very easy to play. Runs from the end of September to March. First time players are welcome but numbers are currently restricted to 18 per session. Players must wear flat soled shoes that must be changed into at the venue. Venue: Hook Bowling Club, Bowling Green Lane, Hook, RG27 9TZ Date: 1st & 3rd Monday Time: 10:00 - 12:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings