Who are we?

Settle District u3a (sdu3a) is a charity (number 1095635) affiliated to the National Third Age Trust. We are run by a committee of trustees and have more than 500 members who join on an annual basis as individual or joint members. sdu3a is a member of WestNet, a network of local u3as including Bradford and Ilkley. Members have reciprocal membership of these u3as. So, as a member of sdu3a you can register for a group in those u3as, where there is capacity, with no additional membership fee. Members of other non-WestNet u3as can join as associate members at a reduced fee.

What is our aim?

To encourage, enable and facilitate local people no longer in full time employment to keep their minds and bodies in good order through learning, exercise and enjoyment- to learn, laugh, live!

What do we do?

We hold meetings on the second Thursday of each month with on a wide variety of subjects. These meetings are usually held at Settle Methodist Church (St John’s) where members can meet with other members over tea and coffee from 10.00am. These meetings are currently taking place in person and on zoom. Dates and details of speakers are on the monthly meetings page on this website..

What groups do we run?

We have over 40 cultural, physical and fun interest groups. All groups are “self-help” and their number and variety depend on the willingness of members to contribute by facilitating, sharing and leading. A list of the current groups is on the groups page.

What does it cost?

The annual subscription is currently £20 for an individual or £39 joint membership for partners/spouses living at the same address. For new members only the fee reduces to £10 (individual) and £19.50 (joint) if joining in the period January to June. We invite a £1 donation for the monthly speaker meeting at which visitors are welcome and invite a donation for each group meeting with some occasional extra charges. The membership year runs from 1st July.

How do we keep in touch?

• We produce a monthly newsletter, which keeps members up to date with what is going on before the monthly meeting. It is mainly distributed by email. A paper copy is available for members who are unable to receive emails.
• Our website is at settle.u3asite.uk and website provides information about groups, membership policies and historic information.
• Third Age Matters is a journal produced by the Third Age Trust five times a year and is mailed to members unless they opt not to receive it.

How to contact us?

All committee members are happy to help with enquiries. Their details are available on the website and they can be recognised by the name badges worn at monthly meetings.

For queries please use the contact us page.

What premises does sdu3a use?

Group activities are held at a variety of locations in and around Settle. Current information regarding how and where a group is currently meeting is on the group page on the website or can be found by talking to the group leader or any committee member (any changes will be put on the website or communicated by the Group Leader or at the monthly meeting).

What do members do for sdu3a?

As an educational cooperative there is an understanding that members will seek opportunities to share their skill, interests and expertise with other members.

You can:

• Make suggestions to any committee member for improvements to the organisation.
• Volunteer to help with u3a activities and events.
• Stand for the committee.
• Offer to facilitate a new or existing group.