5 MARCH 2019 MEETING
SPEAKER: FRANK RODGERS, DALRIADA and GLENS U3A

​Stained glass expert Frank Rogers gave a talk on the history and intricate details of viewing stained glass. Frank is originally from Belleek, Co Fermanagh and currently lives Ballycastle. He is the History Group Convenor at Dalriada and Glens U3A.



​LATEST NEWS


  • “GREAT CRAIC – ARCHERY IS BACK”
CAUSEWAY ARCHERY RANGE AT BENDOORAGH, IS OFFERING “TASTER SESSIONS”
TO BALLYMONEY U3A, ON WEDNESDAY 13/27/ MARCH/10 APRIL FROM: 4 - 5.30 pm
COST: £10 PER SESSION (including tea/coffee) CERTIFICATE AT THE END!! CONTACT FRANCES ON 07857218150 OR EMAIL frances.bach@btinternet.com

  • 2 APRIL 2019 MEETING SPEAKER: PETER JACK, “Mountains and Marathons”
Limavady Solicitor, Peter Jack, completed his “ironman challenge” back in 2012, comprising of *152 lengths of 25 metre pool *180 km on a gym bike *42.195 km on a running machine. In doing so he successfully completed Ireland's first ever Indoor Ironman attempt. Peter has been raising money for charities for many years. His 3rd published book “My Journey”, the proceeds supported a Rotary Project in Kenya. He is a member of Triangle Triathlon Club, in NI and has travelled the world as MC for major events, in some 58 countries around the world.

  • BU3A Teams at BALLYMONEY INNER WHEEL QUIZ.
INTER-U3A QUIZ - 15 MARCH, BELFAST – BU3A Team attending. Lunch at 12.30 pm followed by QUIZ at 1.45 pm.
QUIZ NIGHT at RBL - THURSDAY 28 MARCH - 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm. All teams welcome, or come along as an individual and join a team on the night. Entry fee: £3.00 per person
ALL QUIZZERS WELCOME! -ACTIVITY LEADER: Marion. For further information:Contact: mob: 077 1400 9460 e: marion-14@mail.com


  • 7 MAY 2019 MEETING - AGM, and MEMBERS’ LUNCH The Old Courthouse.(Holmes Memorial Hall under renovation) SPEAKER: JOE MAHON (TV Presenter – Lesser Spotted Ulster)​ If anyone knows a good yarn when they hear one it is Joe and the popular TV presenter is not just a first-class listener but knows how to tell one or two tales of his own.

SEE BELOW FOR A LINK TO THE MARCH NEWSLETTER
newsletter_march_to_june__2019_f_.pdf
File Size: 557 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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. Marie and Committee, welcome both existing and new members to 2018/19!
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.

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRPERSON

I trust that if you are reading this, you are actively seeking something new.

In our lifetime, personal circumstances change, whether through retirement, death of a partner, family moving away, or whatever. Such changes can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness and possibly wondering what to do to “make our lives better”. Or maybe you are ready for a challenge to develop new interests or return to old ones.

If you are retired, or semi-retired, then Ballymoney U3A may have something to offer you! You will be most welcome at our monthly main meetings where, after refreshments, and catching up with other members, we are addressed by an invited speaker.

Hopefully there will be an Activity in our “Events Programme 2018/2019” to suit your needs.

However, if you simply fancy a coffee, or a chat, then join us at our monthly Coffee-Catch-Up at Ground Café, or join our Out-To-Lunch Group, who like to sample food, at a variety of hotels and restaurants.

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
Chairperson
Picture
Cleaning up our environment
Picture
‘INTO THE BLUE’ by Val Devine

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