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Who are we?

Christchurch University of the Third Age (U3A) offers a programme of educational and leisure activities for those not in full-time employment, and is part of a worldwide movement. Members with similar interests meet during the day in small groups, usually weekly or fortnightly and at various venues. The main aim is to advance the education of retired & semi-retired people and assist them in pursuing their interests within a social environment.

Around and about - MOTOR BIKE CLUB

Gardening Group - Making Christmas decorations7

Around and about - indoor bowls on Wednesday

U3A Singers - U3A Singers

Around and about - badminton - thursday

International Folk Dancing Group - Thursday morning action

Annual Group Leaders Meeting - Chris, our Webmaster, answering questions

Longer Walks - IMG_20200206_121756

Around and about - bridge group 4 Tue

Vintage Brass - Baritones and Horns

Around and about - singing thursday 1

Third Age Films - Discussing the next shot

International Folk Dancing Group - Christchurch Day of Dance

Gardening Group - Making Christmas decorations4

Around and about - walking group Thursday am

Around and about - table tennis - group

Plaform Performances - platform group

Annual Group Leaders Meeting - welcoming group

Updates for 2018 - u3a at shake and stir

Around and about - Tuesday evening snooker

International Folk Dancing Group - Quay day of dance 2

Lets Dance Group Christmas Tea Dance - dance practice

Third Age Films - On location in Boscombe 1

Gardening Group - Making Christmas decorations Wreath

Lets Dance Group Christmas Tea Dance - Eric giving some tuition

International Folk Dancing Group - Wimborne Folk Festival

Coming events

(for next 3 months. See What's on page for full details.)

Message from Chairman (dated 23rd Feb 2021)

We are starting the process of reconsidering which groups we will be able to run after Easter 2021, based on the new guidelines issued by the Government on 22nd February.

As soon as we have more information we will post it here.

It is hoped that we will open the Epicentre on Mondays from 12th April.

We also hope to run a full programme as normal from September 2021.

We are looking forward to seeing old and new members alike as soon as the guidelines permit.

Dear Members

We are pleased to be able to announce a limited programme for Autumn 2020.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership subscriptions are now open on the website and the membership form will be in Active News and also downloadable from the menu page of online membership.  If enrolling online please make your payment by Bank transfer or by cheque in the post. Remember to use your name and membership number as the reference and include a SAE with your application.
The membership secretary will be available to take cash or cheque memberships between 10.30 and 12.30 in the Epicentre on:
Mondays 7th, 14th and 21st September
Wednesday 9th September
Fridays 11th, 18th and 25th September.
Don’t forget your mask if you are coming into the Epicentre on one of these dates. Hand sanitizer will be available and we will have Perspex screens and a one-way system in operation, access via the office and the exit is via the fire door in the meeting room. In consideration of the “missed term” subscriptions have been set at a reduced rate:
Three terms: £35.00
Two terms (from January): £25.00
One term (from April): £19.00

MONTHLY MEETINGS
Please note that monthly meetings are suspended until January.

GROUPS IN SEPTEMBER
NB: THIS IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE, PLEASE CHECK WITH GL AND WEBSITE
Some venues are not reopening just yet, so a few groups will have moved venue, and some are still TBC. Some groups are operating via email or ZOOM. The latest information will always be on the OUR GROUPS page on the website.
Each venue has its own guidelines for COVID safety and these must be adhered to at all times. Group Leaders (GLs)/Christchurch U3A will have undertaken a risk assessment and will have worked out with the venue a maximum number for the group and safety arrangements. Please make sure you follow these. In some venues cleaning will be provided as will hand sanitizer. However please bring your own mask and hand sanitizer and in some venues the group will be required to clean surfaces and remove rubbish after they finish. In most venues you will be required to wear a mask at least in common parts. You will also be required to undertake a personal risk assessment when you enter the venue, this does not need to be written down but you need to satisfy yourself that you are aware of and comfortable with the safety steps that are being taken.
Please call the Group Leader as usual before re-enrolling to ensure there is space on the group, bearing in mind these may be running at reduced capacity and there may be a waiting list. Some groups will also be operating shorter split groups or at different intervals in order to accommodate the whole group safely. Your GL will advise you of any such arrangements. Please be patient and bear with these changes which are trying for all of us but we have no option if we want to run a programme this Autumn.
Please also bear in mind that this programme is provisional and subject to change at any time. The most up to date version of the groups list will always be available on the Christchurch U3A website. New groups may be added later in the Autumn term or some of these may decide not to continue. Where possible we will notify such changes on the Epicentre noticeboard as well as online. Please note that until the Information Centre is open at the Regent the Epicentre will not be opened on a regular basis. Epicentre opening times after that may not be the same as usual and members will be notified accordingly.