Picture'Not Again' by Kieran Casey
WHAT'S HAPPENING?

"SCAM AWARENESS" 
MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2020
at 1.30 pm
VIA: ZOOM

We think it could never happen to us. We couldn't be taken in by these Scams. Yet so many who thought likewise have been tricked by these cunning scammers. Coronavirus related scams doing the rounds!  There’s an increasing amount of emails at the moment offering vaccines, home testing kits, face masks, hand sanitiser, tax refunds and other coronavirus related subjects. They’re probably fraudulent, which means you might buy something that doesn’t exist, get tricked into giving away your confidential details to a scammer, or download malware on to your computer or other device.
​SO MANY SCAMS OUT THERE. THE LATEST IS THE TV LICENSE RENEWAL FOR OVER 75'S!  IT IS GOOD TO BE AWARE! DATE:  14 SEPTEMBER at 1.30 pm.

​IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART PLEASE CONTACT IRENE at:  groupsbu3a@gmail.com. Any problems with getting the Zoom App downloaded onto your device, please let us know. 

PHOTOGRAPHY
Every month the photographers can post themed photos on their Facebook page. Two socially distanced outings are planned.

Tuesday 22/9/20   Roe Valley Country Park 
Tuesday 29/10/20  Antrim Castle Gardens

​If you are interested in joining this group check out their page in the Activities section.



​
Join us on Facebook.
​At this time social media is a good way of staying in touch.
We have a closed group called 'Frae the Toon'. It is only for members of Ballymoney U3A.
​https://www.facebook.com/groups/617781468384594/
Dear member,
I hope that you are all well and surviving the lockdown in the best way possible.  As you are aware, we can no longer meet in large groups the way we used to. Because of that we are trying to find ways to keep our group active and involved.
I am sure you are all aware and many of you may already be using technology to keep in touch with family and friends. There are various different platforms which can be used - Zoom and What’s App are the most popular and used by other U3A’s. To get you started, guidance will be provided by our IT Expert Michael Diver on using ZOOM.
The technology is simple to use, whether you use an iPad, tablet, laptop or mobile phone.

We are asking for your response to a suggestion that BU3A use ZOOM to deliver the regular monthly meetings. If this is something which would interest you and you would like to participate would you please let me know via newsu3a@gmail.com

Speakers would deliver their presentation via Zoom and you would be able to access this in your own home, at the same time seeing other members and being able to have a chat. Sorry no coffee but you can have a cup ready for the start!


We are very keen not to lose touch with you. After 5 years friendships have been built and the monthly meetings are always an enjoyable event. I hope you will participate and I can look forward to seeing you in September, if not in the Holmes Memorial Hall, then together by the wonders of modern technology. Please let me know your thoughts, and whether or not you require assistance to get started using ZOOM. (Replies to: newsu3a@gmail.com)

Meantime take care!
Marion, Chairperson

17th December, 2019: Booklaunch by our creative writers

Picture
Guitar Man by Ian Marr

OUR HOME ON THE WEB

WELCOME TO BALLYMONEY U3A

WHO ARE WE?
We are Ballymoney U3A and are in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area. BU3A is a member of the Third Age Trust whose vision, like ours,
“is to make lifelong learning, through the experience of U3A, a reality for all third agers”. (in the third stage of life ie retired or semi-retired)
Members come from all walks of life, with experiences, and skills to share. Of course, there’s the social aspect of making new friendships. The only criteria for membership, is that you are retired or semi-retired, and there are no age-related constraints. There are no entry qualifications required, or any given. Our main aim is long-term learning and having fun!
Now in our 4th year BU3A has a membership of 150, who take part in a variety of activities.

WHAT DO WE DO?
Ballymoney U3A provides educational, creative and leisure opportunities, offered in a friendly informal environment. This is mainly via Activity Groups, covering topics ranging from Book Group, Bridge, Creative Writing, Computers, Environment, Family/Local History, Gardening, Golf, Photography, Ukulele, to Walk with your Dog. Other social Activities take place eg Coffee-Catch-Up, Out-to-Lunch, and Movie-Goers.
The ethos of U3A is “self-help” and utilises the knowledge, experience and skills of members to organise and provide Activity Groups.
Ballymoney U3A offers you the opportunity to “get out of the house”, and through Main Meetings and Activities, make new friends and enjoy a new skill or hobby.

WHERE AND WHEN?
Main Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, with refreshments being served from 10.30 am -10.45 am. Venue: The Old Court House, 75 Charlotte Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AZ.
If you are unsure about coming to a venue on your own, do not worry. You will find our “Meet and Greet” Team are there ready to assist you and make you feel at ease.
Speakers: At 11 am an invited speaker addresses the meeting.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED/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 Main Meeting and get an idea of what we are about. When you decide that we have something to offer you, then become a member. Membership Secretary, Sam, is available at Main Meetings. He can also be contacted at membershipbu3a@gmail.com. Renewal of Membership takes place annually each September.
Once a paid-up member, you can come to meetings and join as many groups as your time permits. The Activity Groups are held in the Old Court House, and several other local venues. Our Activities operate mainly during day time hours. (See Ballymoney U3A Events Programme 2018/2019)
Registration for Activities takes place annually - September and January.

MEMBERSHIP FEE
£15 per year. (£10 if you are a member of another U3A)

ACTIVITY FEE
A minimal fee is charged to cover accommodation, lighting and heating; however, some activities such as Gardening and Environment are free of charge. All organised activities are fully insured, via fully paid-up membership.
As members we experience positive friendships and fun while participating in meetings and/or Activities. Marion and Committee, welcome both existing and new members to 2019-2020!
Thank you to Committee, and non-committee members who continue to provide support. It is much appreciated.

Now that you are retired,
learn at leisure,
relax with pleasure,
​join U3A for good measure.
Picture
Cleaning up our environment
Picture
‘INTO THE BLUE’ by Val Devine

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