Rayleigh
University of the Third Age

Introduction

Rayleigh U3A was formed in October 2007 as a result of our Honorary President, Marian Allen, a member of the U3A for over twenty years identifying a need for a U3A in the area.

Each U3A is run independently but collectively as part of the International University of the Third Age movement which originated in France in 1972 and has now spread to many countries worldwide. In Great Britain there are currently 761 U3As with over 247,250 members. Although autonomous in their running, U3As are supported by the Third Age Trust whose National Office is situated in Bromley Kent.

Rayleigh U3A encourages men and women who are retired or semi-retired to persue their interest in a wide range of educational subjects and leisure activities and can also use their own skills, knowledge and expertise to help fellow members by starting a group. The number and variety of group subjects increases each month, please see acitvity group page for more details. Group activity meetings are mostly held during daytime in members' homes, although larger premises may be used where this is considered appropriate.

The word 'University' is used in its original sense 'a group of people with a desire to learn'. No qualifications are required or given, simply learning something for pleasure and enjoyment, for example Cribbage, Family History, Art Appreciation, Bird Watching, Sunday Luncheon group, Book Club, Walking, Yoga, Scrabble and Computing. The choice is endless and the enjoyment fulfilling.

Rayleigh U3A monthly meetings are usually held on the first Friday of each month excluding August and December featuring a guest speaker. Annual Membership fee of £20 covers the cost of membership to the Third Age Trust of £3.50, hall hire, guest speakers, refreshments at monthly meeting, a newsletter, Group Information Booklet, U3A National Magazine, 'Sources' Magazine, administration costs, new members Coffee Morning and Group Leaders Day. Events organised by Committee and members can include coach trips, holidays at home and abroad, quiz nights, luncheons and social occasions.

Rayleigh U3A has a membership of 330. There is an intake of new members at the beginning of each calendar year and when the capacity is reached the membership is closed until the next year. The demand for membership was so high in 2009 that a sister U3A named Rayleigh Grange was formed and is run by its own Committee. They in turn have been successful and have reached their capacity of 200 members.

Good news for those looking to join a U3A in this area - Hullbridge U3A has been launched at the Hullbridge Community Centre, Pooles Lane, Hullbridge and a Steering Committee formed. The next meeting will be on 20th July at 1.15pm - 3.15pm and the speaker will be David Clarke giving a photographic illustrated talk entitled Cuba - an extraordinary experience. Monthly meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at the same time except August and December when there will be no meeting.

Please send your contact details to the Membership Secretary at the email address on the membership Page for entry onto the waiting list to join our three U3As.

Thank you for browsing our web site and if you want to know more about U3A contact me by email to Chairman (chairman@rayleighu3a.org.uk)

Yours sincerely,Maureen Huntly,
Chair Rayleigh U3A
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