The "members only" content on this site is in password protected PDF files. When you have joined Merton u3a you will receive the password so that you can open the "members only" files to see:
- Newsletter back-numbers
- Contact details for group leaders
- Committee Minutes and AGM documents
- contact details for committee members and all those in supporting roles
What does membership cost?
The annual subscription is £13 for one person or £26 for two at the same address. If you join in June, July or August, your subscription will be valid until 31 August in the following year. Some u3as offer discount if you are already a member of another u3a. Keeping track of membership of other u3as is very difficult, so we don't offer a discount.
What does u3a offer?
Join Groups
As a member of Merton u3a, you'll have access to all the members' content on this site, including the contact details of the Group Leaders. You'll be able to join as many groups as you wish. Please note however that some groups have an upper limit on member numbers and will not have vacancies at a particular time.
Talks
Attend our monthly talks. These are held at Drake House. The Events page shows scheduled Talks.
Lead Groups
Members are encouraged to create and lead new groups. The Group Leader is not necessarily an expert in the group's subject matter; they may be just someone with an interest that they have chosen to pursue. There's lots of information and support available from our Groups Coordinator and others, to help a new group get going.
Serve on the committee or in another role
The u3a can't operate without members who volunteer to perform the organising and other tasks that make things happen. The current committee and supporting roles are listed on the Committee page which you will be able to see when you have joined Merton u3a and received the password.
Principles of the u3a Movement
The U3A movement is non-religious and non-political and has three main principles:
1. The Third Age Principle
Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased. Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a. Members should do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join a u3a can do so.
2. The Self-help Learning Principle
Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members. No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards. There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all u3a members.
3. The Mutual Aid Principle
Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent but a member of The Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement. No payments are made to members for services rendered to any u3a. Each u3a is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible. Outside financial assistance should only be sought if it does not imperil the integrity of the u3a movement.