Latest News

Fit for the Future Consultation begins        

On Monday 22nd January Liz Thackray, Chair of Third Age Trust, launched a consultation period about proposed Governance changes which Third Age Trust wish to bring in if there is deemed sufficient support from the movement.

All u3a members are invited to give their feedback, through questions, comments or suggestions, via email to governance@u3a.org.uk

The proposed changes would result in a smaller, more focussed Board of Trustees overseeing the governance of Third Age Trust ensuring compliance, and the creation of a new forum, currently being described as a u3a Council, which would focus on u3a concerns and the movement as a whole. Full details can be viewed in the Fit for the Future Explanation Document, and the FFTF Consultation Process Q&A paper on this page.

Click to access Explanation-document.pdf

Click to access FFTF-QAs.pdf

 

Ilkeston u3a Interest Groups Fair
Tuesday 3rd October 2023
The Arena, Rutland Street, Ilkeston (opposite Tesco)

10 am – 12 noon

Free admission, light refreshments available

Ilkeston u3a will hold an open event showcasing
the many interest groups we have. Come along
and find out how to join Ilkeston u3a and enjoy the fun.

This is our annual celebration of who we are, and what we do, and
anyone who is interested in finding out more, or becoming a member, is
invited along. Being a member of u3a is inspiring, fun and low cost.
There are lots of opportunities to get involved and this event will give
prospective members an idea of the benefits of joining u3a. It is like a
youth club for older people. It’s local, social, friendly and low-cost. We
enjoy later life to the full.

The event attracted many visitors last year, but we’re hoping for a full house this time. People can join u3a on the day, and register with Interest Groups if they wish. Pictured above
are Graham and Maggie ready to tell people all about the Discussion
Group that Maggie led last year, before handing over the reins to June
and Ann recently.

 

u3a Stall at Classic Vehicle Show 

Our Volunteers were kept busy talking to Visitors about the benefits of joining u3a 

Pictured are Lynn, Margarete, Val, Wendy and Graham, all chatting to local visitors enjoying the renowned Ilkeston Classic Vehicle Show on Sunday 13th August 2023. Other Volunteers helped the day along too, so our thanks also go to Alyson, Joanne, Barbara, Christine, Steven and Jill.

We gave out over 100 business cards to interested people and hope to see many of them join our fantastic organisation.

It was a great day out for everyone. Lots of classic cars, lorries, tanks, buses, fire engines, and motorcycles to admire, and a flypast by a Hawker Hurricane in the afternoon.

A few people had heard of u3a” says Margarete, “but not many knew much about it. It was great to see their faces light up when they realised how much we do”.

We had a few heavy showers in the morning, and took refuge under the gazebo but it didn’t put too much of a damper on the event.

 

Ilkeston u3a honours their Volunteers 

At our Open Meeting during Volunteers’ Week, 39 exceptional individuals were celebrated for the time and energy they give to make Ilkeston u3a a fun place to be. 

Learn, Laugh, Live, that’s our motto, and we like to do it with gusto!

Pictured are Dennis and June, regular volunteers who provide refreshments at the monthly meeting, held at The Arena Conference Room at 10am on the first Tuesday of every month.

“We always enjoy ourselves at the meeting and we get to see everyone who comes along, including visitors” says June, who has been a member of u3a since it was established over 10 years ago.

Dennis also leads the Ramblers walking group, along with his wife, Janis.

Our Open Meeting in June was dedicated to the members who volunteer to participate in some way towards making Ilkeston u3a what it is. Certificates of Appreciation were presented individually honouring their valuable contributions. Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give something back to the community, making you feel great in return.  All Ilkeston u3a volunteers make a positive difference to the organisation, whether it’s leading an interest group, helping with refreshments, taking on a committee role, maintaining the website, compiling the newsletter, or welcoming new members, every effort is useful and appreciated.