Welcome to Helensburgh & District u3a
Thank you for your interest in our u3a. Membership of the Helensburgh & District u3a is open to people from Helensburgh and the surrounding area including Dumbarton, Balloch, Luss, Tarbet and Arrochar, in fact there are no geographical limits and we currently have over 270 members. There is also no age limit, but our activities are generally aimed at retired or semi-retired people who wish to share in recreational, creative or learning activities or just for companionship. Go to "contacts" to send us a message. Our private members' facebook page can be found on the LINKS at the bottom of this page.
u3a
The u3a is a nationwide organisation made up of independent local groups run on a voluntary basis by their members and for their members. Its name derives from its origins in France when it was originally connected with Universities but this is no longer the case in the UK although the name has never been changed to reflect this. It is all about participation for pleasure, for fun, for learning or for companionship and everyone is encouraged to become involved in the groups and the activities. You can find out more about the u3a movement on the Third Age Trust website and more about events for Scottish u3a members on the u3a in Scotland website both of which can be accessed in "Links"
Interest groups
Like all other u3a groups, we draw upon the enthusiasm, knowledge, experience and skills of our own members to organise and provide a wide range of interest groups and activities. Our interest groups, of which there are currently over 30, are set up and run by the members themselves. Any member can start a new group - you do not need to be an expert, it may be just something you are interested in. More information can be found on the "Groups" page.
Membership
Membership provides access to as many of the interest groups as you wish to join, as long as there are places available, and it also allows you to participate in the ever popular monthly meetings.
Subscriptions
The annual membership for Helensburgh & District u3a runs from 1 July each year to 30 June the following year and is £15 per annum (For 1 Jan to 1 July joiners, the fees will be £10 per member). The subscription includes a capitation fee which we pay to the Third Age Trust which provides liability insurance cover and support services and it also includes a charge which we pay for each member to receive u3a Matters, the National u3a magazine. There may be a small charge in some of the groups to pay for meeting rooms and refreshments.
How to join
You can join Helensburgh & District u3a by requesting a Membership Application Form from the Membership Secretary (see the "Contacts" page) or by downloading it from this page by clicking on the link "Membership Form to download" at the bottom of this page under Links, details on where to send it are included.
Our preferred method of payment is by BACS Bank Transfer, please use your surname and initial as reference. You can also pay by cash at our monthly meetings.
Our bank details are :-
Account Name Helensburgh and District u3a
Sort Code 80-22-60
Account Number 18756663
Renewing members
Renewing members do NOT have to fill in the form again. An email will be sent out to members every year reminding you that renewal is due with fees and payment advice.
Monthly meetings
All members are welcome to participate in the Monthly Meeetings. These are normally face to face meetings and include refreshments with the opportunity to get to know and chat with fellow members, details are contained in the monthly Newsletter. The meetings are held in the Helensburgh Parish Church Halls from 2.00-4.00pm on the first Monday of the month and include a talk on a variety of topics by interesting speakers as well as news of events and interest groups. Look on the "Events" page to find the latest details of our monthly meetings.