Welcome to Settle District u3a (sdu3a). We have a wide variety of groups running and we are sure you will find something you are interested in – something you’ve done before or perhaps trying something new. We’ve highlighted some key information here in the form of frequently asked questions that we feel prospective and new members will find useful.

The ethos of the u3a is that it is intended very much as an active and participatory experience. As well as joining existing groups and contributing to these – we encourage members to think about whether they have any interests or skills that others might share? Our Group Coordinator offers lots of support to group leaders, especially those starting a group for the first time, and we’d love to get more groups up and running.

FAQs for members

How do I find out information about groups?	Information about current groups is on the groups page on this website. Once you have joined sdu3a you are able to login to Beacon - the name of the system we use to record members' details and group membership - as a member to join groups. To login use the Beacon login link on the Welcome page or go to the Beacon page and use the first link there. New users will be taken to a login page where you need to enter your membership number (found at the top of your Welcome email), your name, email address, postcode etc. Once you have logged in this way for the first time you will be asked to create a password and from then on you will be able to login simply by entering your email address and your password. Once logged in you will see a link in the options to ‘Settle District u3a groups,’ click on this and you will find full details about groups/group leader contact details etc. If you have problems logging in for the first time then ask the Membership Secretary to make sure that your details are correct on your membership record.
How do I join a group?	Log in to Beacon as a member on the Settle District u3a website and in the ‘Select an Option’ box click on ‘Settle District u3a groups’. Scroll down the list of groups until you find one that you are interested in. You can join a group online by clicking on ‘Join the group’ at the top of each group info page. However, if this isn’t an option for the group you’re interested in, there should be contact details for the group leader listed so that you can contact them direct. If a group is full there may be an online option for joining a waiting list, but also think about whether you could start up an additional group – contact the Group Coordinator, to chat this through.
I’m not sure if the group is right for me, can I try it first?	Yes, you can have 2 ‘taster’ sessions before formally joining a group. This also applies to non-u3a members who might want to try a group out before joining the u3a.
How do I contact the group leader if I have any questions about what joining the group involves?	If the group leader’s name and contact details are shown in the group information then do contact them direct. If not, or if you have trouble contacting them, then please contact the Group Coordinator. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are able to take part in any group and to inform your group leader, in confidence, of any relevant medical conditions that might affect your ability to take part in the group activities. Group leaders will be happy to talk to you about what taking part in any group involves, and if you’re not sure about your ability to take part in the activities then you should seek advice from your GP before joining the group.
Are the groups free to join?	Membership fees cover most of our costs of running the groups but we do invite a £1 donation each time you attend a group. (However, some groups with additional costs will invite a higherdonation each time you come along). We also ask for a donation of £1 for each monthly meeting you attend – this helps us to cover the travel costs of speakers and you can have a tea/coffee and biscuits for an extra 50p!
How do I find out details of the monthly meeting and the latest news/updates?	Every month we have a speaker at St John’s Methodist Church in Settle; 10.00 am for teas and coffees and 10.30 for the talk. There is a list of forthcoming monthly meetings on the website,. Information about the next monthly meeting is also included in our monthly newsletter which will be sent to you by email, a paper copy is available for our members who do not have email. The newsletter also includes group news and a note from the Chair. The website is also a great source of information.
Can I just turn up at a monthly meeting or a group?	For the monthly meetings yes, no need to book, just turn up and we’d love to see you there. For groups we do ask that you check with the group leader or with the Group Coordinator in advance. Most groups will be able to offer a ‘taster’ session so that you can check that it is the right group for you.
Can I bring a partner or a friend to the monthly meeting or to my group?	Yes to the monthly meetings – the more the merrier! However, for groups we do ask that you check with the group leader or with the Group Coordinator in advance. Most groups will be able to offer a ‘taster’ session so that your partner/friend can check that it is the right group for them. If they then wanted to come along to the group in future they would need to become a member of u3a and apply to join the group in the usual way.
Can I bring my dog to groups/meetings?	I’m afraid we can only allow guide or other support dogs.
I’ve joined a group but I’ve found I haven’t been able to attend every session	We don’t charge an annual or termly fee for joining a group. However, each group has different activities and session plans so we suggest that you talk to your group leader and ask them if they would like you to let them know in advance if you are unable to come to a session.
I don’t use the internet – how do I find out this information and join groups?	Members who don’t use email will have been sent a membership card which lists all the monthly meetings. If you don’t have access to the internet you can contact our enquiry line on 07761 063774 leave a message and someone will get back to you, although please be aware that due to resources this may take up to a week.
I am new to the area and don’t know many people so joining an established group seems a bit daunting	Don’t worry……. we have all had to join as new members and know how it can feel. If you think it would be helpful we can arrange for someone in the group to welcome you on your first day and make sure that you know who everyone is and how the group runs. Just let the Group Coordinator know if you would like us to organise this for you. We can also arrange for someone to meet you at your first monthly meeting, again to make sure that you have a friendly face to help you feel welcome. If this would be helpful please contact the Membership Secretary. Joining groups is a fantastic way to meet new people and make new friends if you’re new to the area.
Can I join more than one u3a at the same time?	Yes, there’s no restriction on this. At Settle District u3a we offer a reduced Associate fee of £16 to members of other u3a groups outside Westnet (see below). And some other u3as might offer associate membership at a reduced fee to you as a member of Settle District u3a. You would need to check with them. But remember that as a member of Settle District u3a you can join other Westnet u3as for free i.e. Ilkley and Bradford u3as. However, their full members have priority and you would only be able to join a group in the Westnet u3as if they had capacity.
I am not able to get to the monthly meetings but would like to listen to the talks	We offer a zoom facility for people who are unable to attend our monthly meetings in person. And if you have any other particular needs/concerns that might affect your ability to join a group then please contact us to discuss this in confidence.

We hope we’ve covered most of the key things you’ll need to know but if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask us. Contact details are on the committee page.