Regular, monthly meetings are held in a venue in Cardiff approved by Cardiff u3a with particular reference to accessibility, toilets, visual and audio needs, general comfort for sitting for 60-90 minutes, and emergency exit arrangements. The Local History Group routinely uses Eglwys Dewi Sant on St Andrews Crescent. The Convenors are aware that many people have significant journeys, many on public transport, to attend Eglwys Dewi Sant. For the general well-being of group members attending the meetings, especially in winter, we make use of the kitchen at Eglwys Dewi Sant to provide hot tea or coffee.  For further information about a venue proposed for any Local History Group meeting contact the Convenor

For trips, all venues are assessed prior to any visits being arranged for facilities available. These include toilet availability, wheelchair access, general accessibility on different ground or building levels, first aid cover and refreshment facilities. If presentations are to be included, audio and visual arrangements are also assessed. The conclusions of these assessments will be included in any notice of the arrangements to allow group members to assess for themselves whether the trip will cater for their needs.

For regular monthly meetings there is no pre-booking requirement. Entrance to the meeting is on a first come, first served basis. The capacity at Eglwys Dewi Sant is sixty and we routinely have close to that number attending. There is usually a small charge on the door to cover the cost of the venue hire. We have a register of group members that helps us keep a record of attendees should there be an emergency that requires evacuation of the premises and confirmation that has been successful for everyone. As per Cardiff u3a policy, non-group members are always welcome to meetings but we do ask that you let us add you to the group membership list if you would like to continue coming, for the reasons given. Being on the group membership list also means you will get regular email updates of our meetings. Should you not use email you will receive a regular mailing of the What’s On Calendar and other information. Individuals who are not Cardiff u3a members are welcome to attend up to two meetings but will then be asked to join Cardiff u3a before they can attend any more unless special dispensation has been given by the Cardiff u3a committee.

For trips, a preliminary notice will be circulated up to six months in advance of the proposed date to gauge level of interest in the trip. This will be a “no commitment” enquiry at this stage and will likely be focussed on general numbers interested in visiting the venue and the number of people who might require transport from the United Reform Church in Windsor Place to the venue and back, on the day. Other requirements may be requested such as wheelchair accessibility. Nearer the proposed trip date, usually one to two months before, an email request will go out primarily to Local History Group members with full trip details including times, costs and general arrangements, asking you to indicate your commitment of interest by reserving a place on any tour at the venue and transport provided. Arrangements for any payments required will also be advised. Reservation of a place on the trip will be turned into a secured place only on receipt of payment and this will be confirmed to you by the Convenors. Please note that Cardiff u3a insurance restrictions limit the use of any transport we arrange to Cardiff u3a members and the organised bus(es) laid on. Non-Cardiff u3a members attending the trip are doing so as independent visitors to the venue. For Cardiff u3a members making their own way to the trip venue the trip starts at the venue.

The default position for meetings is the third Friday in every month, from 10.30 to midday. We attempt to stick to these days and times aware that many group members use public transport whose timetables dictate their availability for the meetings

We also attempt to conduct trips on the third Friday of the month. However, availability of the target venues and any transport we provide sometimes requires we us alternate dates and times. This will be communicated as described under “Bookings for meetings and trips”

The meetings and trips are organised to comply with the u3a ethos of “Learn, Laugh, Live” within a context of Cardiff’s history. Whilst the Convenors do their best to provide interesting topics for the group to enjoy, there is an expectation that group members will contribute their own knowledge, interests and contacts to perpetuate engagement. If not, the Convenors will “run out of steam” and the group will cease to exist. The Convenors will undertake to support any group member to contribute – no prior experience necessary, just a willingness to “have a go” and a lot of fun along the way.

The history of Cardiff is very much set in the history of the Welsh Marches and as such enjoys a rich tapestry of influences from the ancient Welsh tribes & kingdoms, Romans, Vikings, Normans, English and Welsh inhabitants of the Marches. The medium of the group is English.

Group members should expect to hear opinions on local history from a variety of sources expressing diverse views on politics, religion, social structures, ethnicity, local culture and languages. Every effort is made to encourage an objective viewpoint in presentations and not disproportionately promote one. The Convenor will attempt to provide information on the likely content of any presentation in emails and on the Cardiff u3a website in advance of the meeting.

Cardiff u3a likes to publish articles on group activities both within the organisation and externally through social media. Occasionally we will take photographs of group activities. And occasionally participants in group activities take photographs. Whilst photographs will be targeted at the whole group, we cannot guarantee that your smiling faces will not appear in a u3a publication or on Facebook. If this is a problem for you, please tell the Convenors and we will do our best to limit photography accordingly.

An assessment of the risks faced by participants on a Local History trip has been carried out.  What can be done to minimise those risks has come up with the following recommendations in addition to points made re accessibility of trips in the Venues for Meetings and Trips FAQ (FAQ 1.)

Terrain-Slips, trips and falls (some points being dependent on the type of visit)

It is all too easy to get distracted or absorbed in conversation when walking in a group.  Please keep an eye on your surroundings and walking surfaces.

Special care is needed if we walk on a road without a pavement. In such instances walking in single file would be recommended.

When crossing roads please think as an individual and not as an amorphous group i.e. just because the person in front of you has begun to cross a road does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to do the same.  Make your own assessment whether it is safe to cross.  If it isn’t, wait for the next gap in traffic.

Garden terrain and accessibility are made clear to members of the group before booking as described in FAQ 1. Frequently additional advice is given at the venue and must be adhered to. Appropriate footwear is essential as is appropriate clothing for variable weather conditions.

Minibus travel

Clear instructions given by VEST minibus drivers or coach drivers for entering and exiting the minibus/coach and for safe travel should be heeded.

Travel in own vehicle

For those using their own vehicle the trip starts on arrival at the venue.

Other points

Some of our trips may identify additional risks. If this is the case they will be highlighted in advance or on the day.

Your u3a Beacon details allow you to add an Emergency Contact if you wish.