u3a Ethos
- Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined as the period in life in which full time employment has ceased.
- Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a.
- Members should do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join a u3a can do so.
- There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all u3a members.
Sawston Area u3a
We have around 500 members drawn from a large area to the south of Cambridge encompassing Sawston, Shelford, Stapleford, Duxford, Whittlesford, Royston, Cambridge, Abington, Pampisford, Fulbourn, Linton and the surrounding villages. We are able to run over 50 groups encompassing a wide range of interests and abilities. We welcome new members at any time of the year.
Days Out
As well as providing activities for retired people we recognise that simply having fun and meeting other people is vital for our mental wellbeing. Many groups include some form of celebration or outing during the year and for a number of groups and clubs, outings are their primary activity. Just want to enjoy a convivial lunch? This has proved to be increasingly popular and we now run three lunch clubs. Theatre and Outings organise trips to a wide variety of attractions and you will need to book early to be included! Bird Watching, Camera Group, Visiting Local Churches, London Walks and other Walking Groups are examples of groups which meet at a variety of venues and are always well supported.
Learning
We are all learners, we are all teachers and we are all members. This core ethos builds upon the life time knowledge acquired by each and every member. We are a volunteer led organisation and while we invite external speakers, we do not pay fees. As a result we feel our activities provide excellent value for the modest annual membership fee.
Joining Activities
In the interests of fairness no places are reserved in any group for the subsequent academic year. It is essential that all members re-apply for groups each year and we ask that you only apply if you intend to be a regular participant. The ballot is opened on the 1st August and we make every effort to accommodate as many requests as possible evidenced by the low number of members placed on group waiting lists. Where there is a clear demand we seek to form additional groups.
Venues
We use a wide variety of venues and the u3a will finance up to 25 sessions per group in hired venues. Many groups continue their activities in addition to these sessions and arrange for the financing and continuation of the venue hire.