Here, you will find a brief outline of the u3a, where Camelot Area sits within it and what we offer you …
What is the u3a?
Founded in 1981, the u3a is a nationwide self-help organisation that brings together people, who are no longer in full-time employment and are motivated to share social and learning opportunities within their local community. The u3a national body - known as the 'Third Age Trust' - is the umbrella institution that offers support to local u3a's across all parts of the UK. Local u3a's are mostly individual charities in their own right and are run entirely by volunteers (such as Camelot Area u3a).
What are Local u3a's?
Local u3a's, such as Camelot Area u3a, are learning cooperatives which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups. No qualifications are needed and there are no exams. This is as much social as it is self-enhancement. An individual is allowed to belong to more than one Local u3a. Thereby providing an even greater range of interest groups and/or timing to suit.
Camelot Area - where and what do we do?
Our membership is drawn mostly from those living in or within easy reach of Castle Cary, Somerset. We have groups covering a broad range of tastes and abilities. Which is great for those wishing to renew long neglected interests or otherwise try something completely new. Those interested in joining us are welcome to participate in a taster session and a warm welcome is assured. We also welcome and wish to help those wanting to share their specific interest by starting a new group.
Here are some of the benefits one gets with Camelot Area u3a membership:
- The company of like minded individuals.
- Opportunity to join our locally-based activity groups,
- Group meetings are mostly during the day,
- Receipt of our regular 'Camelot Area Newsletter.'
- Free entry to Monthly Talk given by Guest Speaker followed by refreshments.
- Annual & Monthly General Meeting.
- Not-for-profit operation bound by the Charity Commission rules
- Additional benefits from Avalon Network Reciprocal Agreement (further info below).
Other entitlements your u3a membership get's you via the national Third Age Trust:
- Option to receive national 'u3a Matters Magazine.'
- Online learning events - such as puzzles & games, participation in talks, etc
- Projects, initiatives, advice and competitions
- Exclusive access to 'u3a Friends Extra' benefits program, featuring discounts, offers, and services (see tab below):
- Online national u3a Friends Newsletter,
- Health & wellbeing offers
- Shopping, travel and holiday offers.
- Insurance offers on car, travel and medical insurance
- Access to financial advice and a legal helpline
You get all this for an annual membership. Full details of subscriptions, including any concessionary fees, are available on the Camelot Area Rules (Bye-Laws) link below. Some interest groups will require additional charges to cover costs such as venue hire charges and expenses.
Avalon Network and Reciprocal Agreement
Camelot Area is a member of the Avalon Network of Local u3a groups. Avalon is one 15 such groupings in the South-West. We meet regularly with the intention of sharing ideas, helping each other solve problems and organising joint activities.
Camelot together with four Local u3a groups, namely Chard & Ilminster, Crewkerne & District, Martock & District and Somerton, have entered into a Reciprocal Agreement for the benefit of their members. Within the arrangement, members may join one or more of the interest groups of any of the above u3as, subject to availability and on the proviso each organisation’s own members be given preference. The reciprocal arrangement means that visiting members will NOT be required to pay more than one u3a annual subscription. More information can be found via the link below ...
Camelot Area u3a uses Beacon
Camelot Area u3a use the Beacon on-line management system (designed by u3as, for u3as), to provide a simple secure interface for managing members, groups, finances and emails between the membership. Beacon is available to all u3as in the UK that wish to take advantage of it. Beacon currently provides over 600 individual u3as with a secure, efficient and effective means of managing their day-to-day business functions.