FAQs: Membership, Venues and Facilities
Answers to common questions about joining, attending groups,
and using our venues.
Venue Hire and Group Costs
The Group year consists of blocks of 10 sessions which may be weekly, two-weekly, monthly or whatever interval the Group prefers.
Many of our groups meet in venues that charge for room hire.
Where this applies, there is a standard member's contribution of £14 per person per block of 10 sessions
If a group chooses to run extra sessions, the Group is responsible for paying the venue for those additional meetings.
Sports‑based groups share the cost of hiring pitches or courts and do not pay the £14 room‑rent contribution.
- £14 per person per block of 10 sessions
- No reductions for absence
- Extra sessions paid by the Group
- Sports Groups share facility hire charges and do not pay the £14 block fee.
Membership, Venue Charges and Group Costs
If my venue is free, do we still pay the £14 room‑rent charge?
No. If your venue does not charge for the room, your group is not subject to the Wakefield u3a room‑rent charge.
Our group meets weekly for 10 sessions a block, 3 blocks in the year. What do we pay?
You pay £14 per person per block. There are no extra charges.
Our group meets for 12 sessions, 10 sessions and 8 sessions. What do we pay?
Your group will be charged £14 per person per block, regardless of the number of sessions you choose to run (up to 10).
- Block 1 (12 sessions):
You pay £14 per person to u3a.
The group must pay the venue directly for the extra 2 sessions. - Block 2 (10 sessions):
Fully covered by the £14 per person charge. - Block 3 (8 sessions):
You still pay £14 per person for the block.
You may run up to 10 sessions, but if you choose to run fewer, there is no reduction.
Our group meets fortnightly. What charges apply?
Fortnightly groups do not usually reach the 10‑session limit in a block.
You will therefore pay the standard £14 per person per block , with no extra venue charges.
There is no reduction if you run fewer than 10 sessions in a block.
Our group only meets monthly. What charges apply?
The basic unit is ten sessions per block.
If your group meets for 10 months or fewer, you simply pay the £14 per person per block. There is no reduction for running fewer than ten sessions.
If your group meets for 12 months, you will pay the standard £14 per person per block, and the group will be responsible for paying the venue for the extra two sessions.
Do sports‑based groups pay the £14 room‑rent charge?
No.
Where a sports or similar facility is hired (e.g., pitches, courts, equipment), the cost is shared between the members attending, and no £14 per‑block room‑rent charge applies.
Joining our u3a
Can I try a group before joining
Yes. You are welcome to attend two sessions as a visitor to see if the group is right for you. You must contact the Group Leader first to check availability.
Please contact the Group Leader first to check availability.
Can I join part‑way through the year?
Yes. You can join at any time. The membership fee is the same regardless of when you join, except for July/August when your membership is extended.
I have paid my fee and completed the Membership Form - what happens next?
You must send the completed form to the treasurer as soon as possible so that you can be added to our membership database, otherwise you will not receive emails or notices from our u3a.
Post or email to:
Michael Manders
Wakefield and District u3a Treasurer, 3 Clifton Road, Horbury, Wakefield WF4 6JQ
email: michaelmanders13@gmail.com
Phone: 07776 194659
Do I need to pay the £14 venue contribution if I miss sessions?
Yes. The contribution covers the venue hire for the block, not attendance. There are no reductions for absence.
Can I join more than one group?
Yes. Membership allows you to join as many groups as you wish, subject to availability.
What if a group is full?
Some groups have waiting lists. Contact the Group Leader to check availability.
Do I need to live in Wakefield
No. Anyone in the surrounding area is welcome to join.