Farnham U3A Theatre Group – notes for members
The Theatre Group arranges visits, by coach, to a variety of theatres in the area including London and Chichester. The aim is for a varied programme of musicals, comedies and serious plays at discounted prices throughout the year.
Members may receive flyers for forthcoming events by email or by post, with a £7 annual charge for sending by post. Applications for tickets should then be made following the procedure set out on the flyer. Email applications can’t be accepted to ensure that everyone has an equal chance for tickets and because an application cannot be considered without a cheque. 2 – 3 weeks later letters are sent out to notify members if they have been allocated tickets. Unfortunately there may be disappointed members as there are often more applications than tickets. If you find you are unable to attend after being allocated a ticket please notify the organisers as soon as possible so that the ticket can be offered to someone else if there is a waiting list. Money can only be refunded if the ticket is resold. The cost of a trip includes ticket, coach and driver gratuity.
Theatre trips for evening performances leave from the Hart in the centre of Farnham as there is a parking area designated for coaches convenient for picking up and dropping off. This is on the right of the Hart just past the public toilets. Members arriving by car can park in the large Hart carpark which may necessitate paying for a short time until the free period begins.
Trips to matinees, usually in London, leave from the layby at the side of Sainsburys Water Lane, as we are given special permission to park in Sainsbury’s carpark longer than usual, so avoiding lengthy parking charges. Due to the large number of requests to Sainsburys for use of their carpark from the U3A and other organisations we are limited to the times that we can use this privilege during the year. You need to leave a notice saying “U3A member” visible through your windscreen so that Sainsburys staff know you have permission to leave a car for the duration. We also leave a list of registration numbers at the Customer Service desk each trip.
There is usually time to find somewhere for something to eat or drink before the performance starts, depending on the journey time. Members make their own arrangements or bring a sandwich.
Existing group members can renew their membership annually by returning the renewal form which will be sent out in July or at the U3A Registration day in September.
The organisers, past and present, always endeavour to find the best options for our many members who come from a wide area around Farnham. If you have any questions or suggestions please contact us at the email address below.
§ Please note that on all U3A trips or outings, anyone with walking, visual or other difficulties must be accompanied by someone to assist them. They will need to purchase a ticket.
Sarah Burt
Sue Stephens