Coronavirus Advice

All activities at Ballymoney U3A are currently suspended.
​
At all times members should follow the most up to date government advice about coronavirus. We hope that coronavirus will not affect any of our members.

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/
KEEPING CONNECTED 
During this crisis, some members may welcome the silence, non-contact with others, and having time to rest and reflect.
If, however, you are feeling a bit isolated and would appreciate more contact we would like to hear from you.  There are four members in BU3A’s Support Team, ie Marie, Michael, Sam and Brendan, and we are offering to provide help, where we can.

1. MEMBERS’ NEEDS     
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU?  Please let us know at newsu3a@gmail.com  and we will attempt to respond to your needs.

2. VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU COULD OFFER or TELL US ABOUT which would be useful for other members?  For example, would you consider texting, making phone calls to other members. Are there any Hobbies, On-line Courses or Apps you find useful - which would help members feel they are making better use of their time and more connected?
​
3. ACTIVITY GROUPS
We know that many of you are missing the contact which the groups provide. Leaders may wish to consider whether any of the technical services would provide an opportunity for a virtual get together eg Whats App, Zoom If you are interested let us know and help can be provided, via Michael and his Team.  Reply to: newsu3a@gmail.com

4. ONLINE MEETING FORUMS
Missing your Monthly Meetings?  How about on-line sessions where members can see and hear each other, and have some catch-up time?  Examples to consider – Have a Quiz.  Select a Topic and have a discussion/Debate. If this form of contact appeals to you, come back to us at: newsu3a@gmail.com
Members are encouraged to keep in touch and “support each other”.

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Marion (Chairperson)
Marie, Michael, Sam and Brendan (Support Team)

LINKS FOR INFORMATION

PATIENT INFO CORONAVIRUS General NHS advice
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Pituitary/ adrenal insufficiency (including steroid sick day rules)
https://www.endocrinology.org/news/item/14050/Coronavirus-advice-statement-for-patients-with-adrenal% 2fpituitary-insufficiency
Underlying lung disease (British Lung Foundation)
https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/coronavirus
People with Asthma
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
People with Diabetes https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus%3famp​.
People affected by Stroke
https://www.stroke.org.uk/news/coronavirus-information-people-affected-stroke
Pregnant women
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus- infection-and-pregnancy/
Children/young people T1 diabetes
https://jdrf.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-people-living-with-type-1-diabetes/
People with Heart/circulatory disease
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/coronavirus-and-your-health
Older people
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/conditions-illnesses/coronavirus/#
Young people with anxiety
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus/
Adults with anxiety
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
People with Rheumatoid Arthritis
https://www.nras.org.uk/news/coronavirus-what-we-know-so-far
People with cancer
https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/media/statements/advice-coronavirus-people-cancer
People with inflammatory bowel disease
https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/news/updated-wuhan-novel-coronavirus-advice

SHOPPING DELIVERED - 

Home Delivery of Groceries Ballymoney Area

Spar Supermarket - Ballymoney
22 John Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DS
028 2766 3150

▪ £20 and over around Ballymoney £3.50 charge if less than £20 order phone through order and pay cash. Ballymoney Town only at present.

Brooklands Today’s Local - Ballymoney
1 Balnamore Road, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 7PJ
02827662109

▪ 2mile radius Ballymoney and Balnamore minimum spends £20

Spar - Stranocum
2, Main Street, Stranocum, Ballymoney, BT53 8PE
028 2074 1245, Fax - 01303 261400
www.spar.co.uk
customer.relations@spar.co.uk

▪ Deliveries within a 3mile radius £20 minimum Spend

Mace Dunloy
26 Main St, Dunloy, Ballymena, BT44 9AA
028 2765 7269

▪ Free delivery within a 4mile radius around Dunloy. Gas and coal delivery. Deliveries a few times a week. Will assess minimum spend case by case.

Brollys Butchers Cloughmills
3 Main Street, Cloughmills
028 2763 8660

▪ Deliveries of meat/fresh produce to you to Older, Vulnerable and Isolating households.

Fullan’s Spar - Rasharkin
27 - 33 Main Street, Rasharkin, BT44 8PU
028 2957 1211

▪ Home delivery in the local area around 1 mile radius. Free delivery for reasonable orders, will assess case by case. Order to be placed over the phone and cash paid on delivery.

Costcutter - Kilrea
Maghera Street, Kilrea
028 2954 0437

▪ Free delivery in a 3 mile radius.

McAtamneys Butchers Home Delivery
Ballymoney
028 276 68848
Meat products and ready made fresh meals
▪ Call your local store to arrange delivery or collection, minimum spend £20


Sydney B Scott Delivery of Fruit Veg. And Essentials

Essentials of fruit, veg, milk, butter and bread in readymade boxes. These can be collected at our warehouse or can deliver to home. These boxes come in £10, £15 & £20 sizes. Add as much as you like to a box but they are unable to change boxes.
Order by –
Email - sales@sydneybscott.co.uk
Phone - 028 7034 2824 (between 9am - 5pm).
Payment - Over the phone by card, via PayPal (account details available on request) or cash (collection from site only).

▪ Delivery within a 30 mile radius of Coleraine

Kanes Family Butchers Bushmills
66-68 Main Street, Bushmills
0282073 2636

Meat, meat parcels and fresh produce.
▪ Free Delivery to all of Causeway locality minimum spend £15 orders taken by phone.

KBC Cash and Carry
Acorn Business Centre Ballymoney
028 276 67724
Meat, Frozen Foods, Household Essentials and Drinks Delivered.
▪ Free delivery to all of Causeway area, no minimum spend

This list was compiled by Community Navigator for Older People Causeway Locality, the Community Navigator is not affiliated any of the aforementioned businesses in any way. Should you require further support please contact Bronagh on 07593130700
Thank - You

17th December, 2019: Booklaunch by our creative writers

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'Not Again' by Kieran Casey
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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.
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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