Baddow & Galleywood

Welcome

Welcome to the Baddow and Galleywood u3a.

u3a Background

The u3a was founded in Paris in 1979 and is now an international organisation, originally called the University of the Third Age. The UK’s organisation was founded in 1982. There are currently over 400,000 members in around 1,000 branches, and it was rebranded u3a in 2020.

The u3a is a self-help organisation providing educational, creative and recreational activities in a friendly environment. The UK national u3a consists of independent branches run by their members. Membership is open to those in their third age who are not in full time employment.

Each u3a establishes various Interest Groups (usually just called “groups”) dependent on the expertise and enthusiasms of its members. Each group is run by its members in a variety of venues, with help and guidance from the Committee if needed. Members may participate in as many groups as they choose. The Committee organise a monthly general meeting, with invited professional speakers, which all members are encouraged to attend

The Baddow and Galleywood branch was formed in 1998 with 145 members in 20 groups and has now grown to well over 400 members in over 32 groups. If you are interested in joining our Branch the following information may help you. You are welcome to come to our main meeting as a guest on the first occasion.

Main Meetings

Main meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of each month at 2.15 p.m. in the Great Baddow Millennium Community Centre. See the EVENTS page for the programme. Details of the meetings are sent in a regular mailshot to members by our chair Sue. The Centre has a car park. If you have difficulty getting to the Centre then please let us know and we will aim to put you in touch with others going there. If you can offer lifts then please let us know.

If you are attending our meetings for the first time, please make yourself known at the desk so that you can be put in touch with the leaders of the groups you are interested in. Please note that members' attendance at main meetings is limited by the size of the hall used. If you wish to make enquiries about joining please fill in the form on the CONTACT page to contact the membership secretary.

If you know a fellow member who is unlikely to use the internet or see our email announcement then please assure them that our u3a is active and help them if it is safe to do so.

Baddow and Galleywood u3a

If you would like a Membership Application form, go to the (Links) page and download a copy. Instructions for completion are on the form.

A list of our groups and their meeting times can be accessed by viewing the GROUPS page. Clicking on the group name in the list gives the details of the activities of that group. All the groups have a link (top right corner - Bluebird icon) so that an email can be sent to the ‘coordinator’ (leader) of that group.

The COMMITTEE page advises members of latest news from our Committee, with links to other useful sites.

Click on the 'GALLERY' link above to display all the photographs entered on individual group pages. Hover the mouse over the picture for a caption; double click to enlarge the photo.

Local Walks

Baddow and Galleywood member Allen created some guides to local walks around 2001. They are now available on this website: