To be a member of an Interest Group, you must be a current member of Hythe & Dibden u3a.

The idea is to learn together, so Groups are formed by the members and led by someone in the group who has a particular knowledge, interest or experience in that subject. Some groups meet in members homes, some groups need to hire rooms for their activities, and the activities of some groups take place entirely outdoors. The cost of any activity is shared by the participating members.

We are very keen to extend the range of subjects and activities available to our members. If you have an idea for a new Interest Group, or would like to join an existing one, please contact our Interest Groups Coordinator .

Starting an interest group is easy. All you have to do is contact us as above and we will be happy to raise the new interest or activity at the next monthly meeting.

Ideally as the instigator of the group you, or someone you know, will be the convenor of the group, or a couple of members can work together or take it in turns. This really isn’t arduous; it only involves asking a few questions of the group and sending out an email or two a month about future meetings.   If your group is of general interest and doesn’t need someone with specialist knowledge, you can spread the tasks amongst the group and get everyone involved.  The group can start off with just three or four people, and at each main u3a meeting more members can be encouraged to join.

To develop an interest group in something more specific, that you don’t know much about, you can hire (free of charge plus postage) CDs/DVDs or obtain online advice from the u3a National Office – www.u3a.org.uk/resources.

Local libraries are also very helpful in finding books that will help you read up on a subject and, of course, there is the internet.   If two or three of you are interested you can all research then share your new knowledge.   We can also ask members at monthly meetings or put a request in the newsletter to see if anyone has any specialist knowledge to share.   If you need a tutor, that person must come from the H&D u3a as we are not permitted to employ anyone on a regular basis.

When you want to satisfy your burning desire to explore a subject further, please don't hesitate to get in touch.