A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING CHAIRPERSON, MARIE HEGARTY AND WELCOME TO THE NEW CHAIR, MARION MCDOWELL

GARDEN PARTY AT THE SMYTHS ON THE OCCASION OF DAVY'S BIG BIRTHDAY
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(Photos courtesy of Samuel Mc Dowell)

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
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‘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