University of the Third Age

Discussion
1

We’ve had a request:

Hi Tom

Thank you for showing me around South London Makerspace on Wednesday evening – it was good to meet you. The project is very interesting and is clearly an important resource for local people.

As I mentioned, I am involved in the University of the Third Age (U3A) in the Dulwich area and am looking to see if U3A could offer its members a “Workshop Group” activity. Rather than become full members with unlimited access to the facilities, the idea would be for members to visit on a specified day, probably twice a month. It occurs to me that if you are able to identify a time of low usage by your members (Mondays?) which would work for U3A members then this could be a good arrangement. U3A events usually run during the week. Would it be possible for you to consult on whether such an arrangement would be acceptable to your trustees?

Our members would expect to make a financial contribution, preferably on an “per-attendance” basis.

I don’t know how many people would be interested but we would explore this if it looks like an arrangement can be made with you.
Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

John Clements

Are members okay with the idea that the U3A group are given pay to use access to the space once the wood working area is open on two quiet day time days?

Also any thoughts on how we induct them to the tools and facilities?

2

I’d be happy with that.

Presumably the best way is just to make sure their leader is competent and then leave induction up to him/her?

Would they want to use the laser cutter and 3D printer?

3

I have no objections to this in principle, but the implementation needs thought.

How would this work from an insurance and health&safety POV?

Our current rules state that you have to be a member, or be accompanied by one, in order to use the space. This is so that a member of the company is present and responsible for safety.

Would we make all U3A members into SLMS members with a £0/month membership, then somehow track the PAYG usage? Or induct a reduced number of them, who can then act as “chaperones” for the rest?

4

hey, im cool so long as it wouldnt compromise regular members too much, would be good to know how many and what they would expect to do/use, but we would easily trial it if they are up for a trial

5

I also think it could be a good way to recruit new members. If they only get access twice a month with U3A they might well find they want to come at other times to finish projects off, in which case they’d have to join as members.

6

Yes I agree.