Q. Do you have exams?

A. Generally the answer is No.  At present none of our groups are 'exam oriented'. However if a number of people wanted to form a group that studied a subject that led to taking examinations there would be nothing to stop them

Q. How much does it cost?

A. To join the East Suffolk branch costs £17.50 a year. For this members can attend all the monthly talks in Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Saxmundham. You also receive a monthly e-bulletins.

Once a member you can join as many or as few Interest Groups as you wish. You can even set up a new Interest Group if existing ones are full or establish a new one with a new topic.  These groups are best thought of as autonomous "pay as you go" groups. Many don't cost anything - for example if you join a walking a group you just turn up and go for a ramble with others.

Some share costs by rotating meetings between members' homes.  Some groups need to hire halls, organise outings, transport or visits. In such cases where there is a need to collect money from members and pay to a commercial provider we have a banking facility available that must be used.

Q. Is there an age limit?

A. No. Neither upper nor lower.  However, in practice, most members are no longer in full time work.

Q. How do I set about joining?

A. See our webpage HOW TO JOIN.

Q. I'm already a member and I have moved house (or changed other contact details). How do I let you know?

A. Click on this link to contact the Membership Secretary.

Q. I wanted to join a group but was told it was "full'.

A. Groups are often oversubscribed. In such circumstances we encourage Group Leaders to do what they can to start a second group or at least inform the Groups Coordinator (click here to send an email) of the existence of a problem/opportunity. We will then try to form a new group.

Q. Can I start a new group?

A. Yes: Provided that you can get a critical mass of interested people (and that it is legal, decent and honest) and that someone is willing to be the organiser/leader.

Q. Can I attend meetings at u3as elsewhere?

A. This depends upon the policy of local u3as. In general visitors are welcome but a 'rule of thumb' applied by many is that the first meeting is free and after that you must join.  That is the policy of u3a East Suffolk and is pretty well the default policy of most.

Q. Are speakers and committee members paid?

A. There are National u3a Guidelines - and it is a 'founding principle" - that if a speaker is a member of u3a they are not paid a fee. Non-members may be paid.  Reasonable expenses may be paid.

Committee members are not paid but may claim travel expenses for any duties or obligations  'above and beyond' those which ordinary members would have.

Q. Do I have to be 'on-line'

A. No. We try to be as inclusive as possible and will send out material by post where a member requests it.  However this is relatively expensive and we encourage members to use and let us contact them by email as much as possible.  Our website contains a lot of information about meetings and the organisation.

Q. Do I need be qualified to lead a group?

A. No.  All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to do it.

Q. Do you have a Constitution?

A. Yes.  This is available on our Key Documents page.