We spoke with Roy Scott, Cheadle u3a Chair to find out just what is u3a and how it connects to our town. Roy told COGNEWS:
Part of a national organisation, the Third Age Trust, Cheadle u3a boasts over 700 local members. A common misconception is that you have to be over a certain age to join. There are no age limits to membership, although membership is ideally suitable for those adults who are retired or semi- retired and have free time during weekdays to make the most of their u3a membership. The majority of activity groups take place Monday to Friday during the hours of 9am and 4pm. There is an impressive range of group activities on offer, based around a common interest, with more that 50 currently running. These include Tai Chi, Verse and Worse, Guitar, Folk Music, Hockey and Rambling. One newcomer is the Current Affairs Discussion Group which meets every fourth Wednesday. Group Leaders volunteer their time, many have led groups for several years, some more than twenty, and have lots of knowledge and experience to share.
For any member looking to start a new group there is a group leader team, Cheadle u3a are keen to pursue ideas for new groups and short courses. This enables them to deliver the type of activities which interest their members, and encourages new members to join. The ethos of Cheadle u3a is for all members to have the opportunity to ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’, providing a safe environment where everyone is valued and treated with kindness.
Their main base is at the Guild Hall in Cheadle, with activity groups meeting at several venues in the local area. All venues have disabled access and facilities, except for the computer suite at the Guild Hall where access is via stairs. Groups are active in community activities too. You will see them at Cheadle Art Festival, music performances and drama events. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month they hold a coffee morning in the Guild Hall at 10 a.m. This is open to everyone and you will have the opportunity to meet, and talk to members and leaders, and also join.
Activities are listed on their website, cheadleu3a.org.uk. Come along and join in with whatever interests you, you won’t regret it.
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