New Members welcome -
email our Membership Secretary for details
From the Chairman
Welcome to the September newsletter.
Edward’s first committee meeting as Chairman – 8th July 2025.
Former Chairman Bill Keeys will be a hard act to follow his dedication, professionalism and passion for
The Rayleigh Grange u3a is very commendable.
My wife Helen and I joined the u3a in 2019.
Before putting myself forward as a candidate for the role of Chairman I attended numerous Committee
meetings as a guest.
The committee is currently a group of 13. Upon attending the committee meetings, it soon became
apparent to me that these people were quite special and caring with complementing talents and a team
spirit. This gave me the confidence to put myself forward as a potential new Chairman.
Going forward, one of my concerns was continuity of the committee roles and group leaders.
I am delighted to say this situation is being addressed so that key roles in the management in our u3a will
have a deputy.
Using up-to-date technology is an essential part in managing our u3a membership of approximately
330 members.
Group Leaders are key to managing our amazing groups.
Some groups have a waiting list for members wishing to join which is a disappointing situation.
However, it is not an insurmountable problem – if you are a frustrated member, why not become a group leader!!
If you are interested, please make contact with our Group Co-ordinator via our Website.
Committee meetings are on the following Tuesday after our Wednesday meeting.
If you would like to join us as a guest, just email our Secretary to arrange this (via our Website).
I hope you are enjoying this lovely summer weather and it’s not been too hot for you!
Edward Byford
Chairman
September 2025
WELCOME - Rayleigh Grange u3a
In 2009, following a launch meeting at Rayleigh Grange, organised by Rayleigh u3a, and the national office, several volunteers came forward to start a new u3a.
Those volunteers – Lillah Akerman, Ann Rawlinson, Margaret Halloran, Julia White, Sue Mahoney, Alan and Viv McKeown, June Cross, Jacqui Butcher, Irene and Stan Reynell - met up on 13 March 2009 at the Hungry Horse in London Road, to form a steering committee and Rayleigh Grange U3A was born.
Lillah became our first Chairman and the group of 11 our founder members.
The name Rayleigh Grange was chosen, as our monthly meeting is held at the Grange Community Centre, Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh.
The initial membership of 39 at our first monthly meeting has grown steadily and we now have about 330 members.
U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, but is not a university in the academic sense – no qualifications are required and none are given.
The U3A provides an opportunity through self-help to widen our experiences and knowledge.
There are now over 1000 local u3as, all over the UK, with over 425,000 members, and many more Worldwide.
We are a lively organisation, with members drawn from Rayleigh, and the surrounding area.
Our main activities centre around over 50 interest groups, which draw upon the knowledge and expertise of our members.
These are held in members homes and venues around Rayleigh, plus trips to other areas, and offer educational, recreational and physical activities, for those who are retired, or no longer in full-time employment.
Rayleigh Grange u3a is run by an elected committee of up to 15 members.
Each local u3a is autonomous, and develops its own distinctive features, but is able to call upon national and regional parts of the organisation, for help and advice.
Rayleigh Grange u3a is affiliated to the Third Age Trust, and upholds its aims and principles.
Subscription is currently only £13 a year or £25 for 2 people at the same address (this could change) which includes the features below:
- Entrance to our interest groups, spaces permitting, in the individual groups.
- Monthly meeting with a Guest Speaker - these are held on the first Wednesday of each month, usually, excluding August, but as you will imagine, all things are apt to change.
- Refreshments at the monthly meeting
- A monthly newsletter or bulletin
- Five copies of the national magazine “Third Age Matters”, (see next line !).
- You have to tell us if you want the magazine, email to Beacon Admin, or you won't receive it.
Interest groups normally meet in the home of the leader or a group member and 50p is payable for refreshments.
Additional costs may be payable when groups meet in a hall or if other fees are required (Hall hire, entrance fees, contribution to fuel costs).
Every member is entitled to attend our monthly meeting, where we aim to have a different speaker each time (see Events page).
They are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Rayleigh Grange Community Centre, Little Wheatley Chase, Rayleigh.
Doors open at 1.30pm and the meeting starts at 2.00pm prompt.
Please ensure you sign in at the front door and please turn your mobile phone off!
(Anyone who can help putting out and stacking away the chairs will be very welcome).
Guests are welcome to attend our monthly meeting if spaces are available, the guest fee is £3.
Rayleigh Grange u3a is a Registered Charity Number 1165092.