LET’S MAKE THE MOST OF 2018

CS Lewis:

'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream'

Picture
"Out to Lunch" at Zinc Restaurant, April 2018. To see all the photos go to the Activities Page.

OUR HOME ON THE WEB

WELCOME TO BALLYMONEY U3A
All new members will be made very welcome. If you are nervous about coming to the Hall on your own, you will find our “Meet and Greet” Team are there ready to assist you and make you feel welcome and at ease. Many people find their circumstances change, eg death of a partner, family move away for employment or whatever. This can lead to a feeling of loneliness and not being needed. So it’s time to “get a life” for you and U3A offers you a friendly welcoming place to come.
People are living longer, and being older nowadays has lots of positivity compared to previous generations. U3A offers you so many opportunities to get out of the house, make new friends and enjoy a new skill or hobby. Keeping the brain and body active is important so that we enjoy life to the full.

WHO ARE WE?
We are your local U3A, launched in May 2015. We are the 22nd group to start up in Northern Ireland. As of January 2018 we already have 150+ members who take part in a variety of activities, and this number is growing all the time as people hear about us. Members come from all walks of life with experiences and skills to share and learn, along with the tea, coffee and banter. All new members will be made very welcome.

WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
We meet in The Old Court House, 75 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AZ
Our main meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month with refreshments being served from 10.30am onwards. At 11am invited speakers address the members. Topics covered range from North Antrim Graveyards, information on Hearing Loss, to author Tony MacAulay reciting from his books.

WHAT DO WE DO?
The U3A provides educational, creative and leisure opportunities, offered in a friendly informal environment. It works mainly through small Activity groups, covering topics ranging from Art, Book Group, Bridge, Computers, Crafts, Creative Writing, Family History, Gardening, Golf and Photography. Ballymoney U3A uses the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide Activity Groups as requested by members. In addition, some activities may require a non-member specialist to lead the group.
A Facilitator leads the group as far as tutoring is concerned, and a Group Leader is the main contact for the group and keeps everyone informed of meetings and activities.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
You can join as many groups as your time permits, or just come to the monthly main meetings. The activity groups are held in the Old Court House, Charlotte Street and several other local venues. Our activities operate during the day-time. Registration days take place in September and October for Activities and you can sign up then.
If your area of interest is not included in our Activity Programme, please come along and you may find that others have the same interest and a group can be formed. For more information email: newsu3a@gmail.com. If, however, you prefer to speak with someone on the phone our Committee Contact list with their responsibilities is available and someone will contact you.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
To take part in any activity you have to be a paid-up member. You can join by coming along to a general meeting and get an idea of what we are about. The Membership Secretary or another member is available at meetings to advise and assist you on becoming a member.

MEMBERSHIP FEE
Our membership fee is £15 per year. Some activities such as Gardening and Walking are free of charge. However, additional small costs will be incurred for some of the other activities. All organised activities are fully insured, via paid up membership.
As members we experience positive friendships and fun while participating in meetings and/or Activities. A total of 15 Activities are offered with music and singing coming on stream soon. Marie and Committee, welcome both existing and new members to 2018!
Thank you to Committee, and non-committee members who continue to provide support. It is much appreciated.
APPEAL FOR SUPPORT/HELP
Members, we do have a lifetime of skills and experiences to offer, and share. You may have made a decision that you have had enough of “doing” and that is your choice. For others, it may be an easy decision as to what you can contribute, and some may need time to consider. Have you a talent or hobby to share?
HELP REQUIRED:
AGM (May 2016) unfilled roles still remain:-
Vice-Treasurer (Jenny Kerr stepped down) Main task Activity Fee Collection
Activities Co-ordinators - post now filled by Jackie Cochrane and Jane Mc Cullough.
Committee members (2-3)
COMMITTEE Membership, as expected, requires some commitment. Committee meets 4/5 times per year, at Marie’s home, 11am – 1 pm. (Refreshments/lunch provided). That said, the Committee roles do not require any specialist skills, just a little knowledge, as others are there to offer support. The friendships gained make it a worthwhile experience.
HELP GROUP 2018
Main Meetings 1st Tuesday: Key holders – open and close OCH. Putting out BU3A Signage/Setting up additional equipment required by speakers, and Clearing Hall. Front of House - Meet & Greet/Sign In/Membership. Refreshments set-up serving and clearing/keeping check on supplies. Health & Safety - Fire Wardens/First Aiders. Vote of thanks to speakers.
Publicity -taking Photographs at meeting for publicity ie website and press. Publicity - Website administration. Publicity/Advertising - Compiling BU3A Programme, proof-reading /organising printing/distributing of same. Speaking at external events, on radio etc.
Activity Sessions 1st Tues/3 Tues and Thurs: Key Holders – open and close OCH, H & Safety Fire Warden and First Aider for each day.
HELP GROUP LEADER or SECTION LEADERS NEEDED (David stepping down end session).
IF YOU CAN HELP, or need further information, speak with any committee member Marion, Geoff, John, Jackie, Sam, Jean, Jim, or Marie at our meeting on 2 January or contact (07515068303/e:newsu3a@gmail.com
Regards Marie (Chairperson) 1 January 2018

DATES FOR 02 GURU


Thurs 18th Jan 2pm-4pm - Voice Assistants the future of communication
Thurs 15th Feb 2pm-4pm - Convert physical photos to the cloud
Thurs 15th Mar 2pm-4pm - Digital reading building a library
Thurs 19th Apr 2pm-4pm - Smart Wearables

Now that you are retired,
learn at leisure,
relax with pleasure,
​join U3A for good measure.

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRPERSON

If you are retired or semi-retired we may have something of interest for you!

You will be most welcome at our monthly meetings where, after refreshments, and catching up with other members, we are addressed by an invited speaker. (See Speaker Programme).

Activities are geared around members’ needs. If you want to begin a new hobby, or update and existing one we have something for you. (Archery, Board Games and Puzzles, Book Club, Bridge*, Family/Local History, Gardening, Golf,  IPad, Movie-Goers, Photography, Editing Photos for Beginners). 
If you fancy a coffee, and meet new people then join us at Coffee Catch-Up. For something more substantial then you may like to come to our Out To Lunch group. The meetings and most of our activities are held at the Old Court House, Ballymoney.

The Bridge Activity Group* is held at BCRC, 2 Riada Ave, Ballymoney BT53 7LH, and we have an active Gardening Group whose programme includes visiting gardens of interest.

Our Golf Activity Group meet, weather-permitting, weekly and Paul will be glad to see hear from you.

​If you want to keep up with Technology and Gadgets, 02 Guru Chris Tweed,  joins us on the 3rd Thurs each month.  If you have questions of your own, he will endeavour to advise you.  Appointments can be made at the 02 Store in Coleraine.
(See Activities Guide for all details)

We have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which I hope you will  experience for yourself.
I look forward to meeting you in the near future.

​Marie Hegarty
Chairperson
 

Join us on Facebook. We have a closed group called 'Frae the Toon'. It is only for members of Ballymoney U3A
​https://www.facebook.com/groups/617781468384594/

CLICK BELOW TO SEE SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY OUR MEMBERS