THE University of the Third Age is moving address after 30 years at the same venue.

Admitting defeat in the face of the advancing age of members, Tynedale U3A is relinquishing its billet at Hexham’s Trinity Methodist Church.

With the meeting rooms on the first floor, and nowhere to install a lift, the decision has been taken not to renew the rental contract when it expires at the end of March.

Committee member Kevin Stephens said that each of the groups that made up its profile were already in the process of moving to their own preferred venues instead, and that generally meant on the ground floor.

“None of us is getting any younger!” he said. “People have been missing out because they can no longer get up the stairs, and we know it’s a factor in putting off some would-be new members.

“It might not seem like much of a change, but it is for members of U3A - they have been meeting at Trinity Methodist Church for a long time now.

“But we’re making a conscious effort to be more accessible to attract new members, so it’s time to move.”

Some groups are already meeting at their new venues, which are scattered across Hexham and Corbridge. They include the Torch Centre, on Corbridge Road and the Core Music premises on Hexham’s Gilesgate.

Designed for people aged 55 and over, U3A boasts a diverse range of groups that include everything from literature and art to bird watching and bridge to genealogy and geology.

French and Spanish conversation, Mah-jong, railways and walking are also well covered. “There’s even a cruise group that has just been away to Norway,” said Kevin.

“At the end of the day, U3A is all about finding new friends.”