Information for Group Leaders
New Group leaders are always welcome.
Speak to the Groups Co-ordinator if you have idea for a new group or for a one off session, speak to "Learn something new" or email LSN . Contact details at Officials.
Group Leader Handbook (Updated March 2026) includes ...
Room bookings, Equipment, Finances & Insurance, Accidents and Emergencies. Using Beacon to communicate with members,
There is a one page summary that guides you round the handbook.
- Policies: eg
for copyright details see Copyright Licence Agency and advice at TAT Copyright Advice
Do ask if anything is unclear.
Beacon Management System
To access the Beacon system for a list of your members just click this link Beacon
Hired Rooms
A. Obtaining a permanent key
Burton Overy: Key deposit will be paid by u3a for keys required.
Greet Glen Church: New Group Leaders or deputies need to fill in a Keyholder request form Church.
B. Terms & Conditions
Burton Overy Village Hall Terms & Conditions. Great Glen Methodist Church: details are in the Group Leader Handbook.
Wigston Liberal club for terms and conditions. Menphys hub for room rates. Village Hall
Zoom
We have a professional licence for groups to use. This has a 24 hours meeting time limit. Contact the
Webmaster if you want to use for a one-off or on a regular basis. Phone number is at Webmaster.
Why use Zoom u3a video with ideas of how to use zoom for your group.
Resources and Advice
Use the links to find details of local resources to borrow and specialist advice from National Subject Advisers. There is a national web site to find groups uk wide. Oversights
Updating the web site
Group leaders interested in maintaining their own group page or adding items to the Event diary should ask the Webmaster for a password.
Meeting Registers
- Proforma downloaded from here Register pdf
- Created using your own spreadsheet, to give you a start you might want to download Register (Excel)
All completed registers must be sent to the Treasurer, who shares these with the Committee.
Refreshments at meetings
If there is a shortage of supplies please contact the venue volunteer. Details at Refreshment Volunteers.
Burton Overy: Beverages are in the u3a box. Please bring own milk.
Great Glen: Members can use the Great Glen Church kitchen. Use a tray to take drinks to own table.
Beverages are in the cupboard. Milk in the fridge. Please bring your own tea towel(s).
Wigston Liberal Club: Brought by the Group Leader.
Menphys Hub: Please buy a drink at the cafe.
Elliott Hall, Village Hall and Wigston United Reformed Church: Brought by the Group Leader.
Serving refreshments at the Wednesday Speaker Meeting
Please offer to help on the tea rota. A u3a Volunteer will bring all the things needed. Details at Refreshment Volunteers.
Expenses
Most groups have minimal expenses. Venue refreshment volunteers claim expenses for any refreshments bought.
Groups who need new equipment or a start up grant should email a request to the Groups Coordinator or Treasurer , or if you prefer; phone to discuss your needs. Phone numbers at Officials.
To claim reimbursement use the U3A pdf Expenses (pdf) or Expenses (word format). Our preferred method is to pay you by bank transfer as cheques cost us 75p each.
Risk Assessments/checklist
The Third Age Trust has guidance and our risk checklists based on this advice are:
| Topic | Checklist | Checklist |
| word | ||
| Remote working | Outings checklist | Outings checklist. |
| Venues | Venue checklist | Venue checklist |
| Walking and Outdoor & Adventurous Activities | Activities checklist | Activities checklist |
There is also a short personal checklist..
If you need advice speak to the Groups Coordinator or Chairman. Phone numbers at Officials.
Committee Minutes
Recent Committee minutes are shown on Minutes of Trustee Meetings
Charity Commission registration
Our working name is Great Glen Oadby & Wigston u3a. Great Glen Interests Group u3a is the registered charity and our number is 1099411.