The u3a movement

The first organisation of it’s kind began in France in 1972. Ten years later the Third Age Trust was set up to oversee the now hundreds of local u3as that exist in the UK, with it’s recent core message of “Learn Laugh Live”. It is best described as the national support body; there when they are needed. Membership of the Third Age Trust is a requirement for all u3as in order to use the u3a name and logo. Banbury u3a was launched in 1985 for Banbury and surrounding villages. Further information about the u3a movement can be found on the Third Age Trust website.

The Thames Valley Network (TVN)

Banbury u3a is affiliated to the TVN which is part of the South East Regional Body of the Third Age Trust. The TVN organises many study days, mostly held in Benson. During Covid, meetings were held by Zoom which led to the idea of hybrid meetings post Covid. This idea has allowed for a greater participation of members who may not necessarily want to travel to Benson but who would like to join the study day. Information on study days and other events can be found on the TVN website.

Membership and finances

Banbury u3a has an annual subscription rate of £14. Two people from the same address are currently charged £24. for the year. As with all u3a’s, we are self financing and the committee reviews our expenses every year. The payment is due every January and if you join after July you will be required to pay £7  for that year. Our database is renewed annually in February and details on members who have not paid are removed at this time.

Your subscription pays for the Third Age Trust capitation fee, the T.A.M. Magazine issued by the Third Age Trust, various insurances and licenses overseen by the Third Age Trust as well as the running cost for Banbury u3a.

We do however, charge a £1.50 attendance fee for each general meeting which goes towards the fees for the outside speaker, the venue and refreshments. Our registered charity number is 291645.

Banbury u3a has received legacies which have provide extra finance  which has helped start up costs and capital equipment  for new groups. This does not however, include the running costs  such as buying books or hiring venues for individual groups. Members of Banbury u3a should not be significantly  “out of pocket” as a result of their voluntary work for our organisation. All reasonable expenses will be considered. Expense claim forms are available.

Members are not allowed to profit from their membership of u3a. For example, a member cannot charge a fee if they give a talk at another u3a. Necessary travel expenses at 45p per mile are paid where travel is to a venue outside the local area.