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About Blackbourne U3A
Chairman - Colin Avis, 01359 240431 U3A activities in the Blackbourne area (Thurston, Elmswell, Stanton, etc.,) began in 1992 at the suggestion of the Suffolk Community Education Service. Initially the activities operated under the aegis of Bury St.Edmunds U3A but, in September 1994, Blackbourne U3A became a separate entity. In 2006 it affiliated to the Third Age Trust. Blackbourne U3A has been supported from the outset by the Community Education Service and initial financial support was also received from Suffolk ACRE and St. Edmundsbury Borough Council. The U3A Committee is grateful for this support; also for that of the Mid-Suffolk District Council. Membership in 2007/08 was nearly 500. Activities being arranged for 2008/09 include monthly lectures, study groups, educational visits, periodic newsletters. The programme of Lecture Meetings and Study Groups for 2009/10 is now available, together with subscription renewal forms. The cost of membership is £7 per annum. Any member unable to pick up a form at a Monday meeting or at a Study Group meeting may send a cheque (made payable to Blackbourne U3A), together with a stamped addressed envelope for the return of a membership card, to the Membership Secretary, Joan Smith, 4 Peddars Close, Ixworth, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2HA. Early renewal is advised - because of rising numbers and limited accommodation at monthly Lecture Meetings, the membership list will be limited to 500. New members are welcome. NEW INTEREST GROUPS Currently we have 29 Interest Groups - of which a number have vacancies. If you wish to join a group please contact the group leader. If the group you would like to join is full still contact the group leader and ask for your name to be put on the waiting list. Once we have 5 or 6 names on the waiting list it might be possible to start a new group. If your particular interest is not catered for at the moment please let me know. I will then publicise your interest to see if there are enough other members who will help you form a new group. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Being an Interest Group Leader is not an onerous task - you don't have to do it alone, two or more people can share the role. So please contact the group leaders of any groups that interest you, or contact me about the setting up of a new group. Thank you |