Keeping NEU Membership After Retirement
Only existing NEU members can transfer to retired membership. So if your membership lapses, you will not be able to rejoin with retired or associate membership.
Benefits of Transferring to Retired Membership
Retired membership costs c. £20 per year. As a retired member you will be eligible for:
- representation and legal support in relation to issues arising from your employment while you were in standard membership
- Myrewards which gives you access to a wide variety of exclusive deals and discounts helping your pension go further.
- The weekly newsletter with updates on NEU activities, campaigns and special offers.
- Attending local meetings to keep up to date with NEU activities and campaigns in Dorset.
- Meeting up locally with other members who have retired on the termly activities (which, in the past few years, have included walking, visits to local museums, churches, a game of skittles and bird watching).
Additional Benefits
You will still be a part of a campaigning union with a clear vision for the future of education.
You will still be able to take part in the NEU’s national or local campaigns, in areas such as pay, working conditions, health and safety and curriculum.
You will be able to continue to voice your support for areas in which you have been active in your working life, for example issues facing educators who are Women, Black, LGBT, Disabled, Support Staff, New Professionals and Young Workers, or areas such as as SEND, Post-16, and International Solidarity.
In short, your continued involvement as a member who has retired will help shape a better education system for everyone.
Remember!
If you wish to retain access to union advice and assistance, you must maintain continuous full, retired or associate membership of the union as appropriate.
Once your membership stops you will not be entitled to advice or support from the union, even if you are seeking help with an issue that relates to a time when you were a member.
What You Will Need To Do
If you are retiring and wish to move to retired membership, please contact the membership team at membership@neu.org.uk or by calling 0345 811 8111.
A WhatsApp group has been set up for members who have retired in the South West.
The link to join is:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CjVP1M7XSOS3YyHcuciGaG
Dorset Reading Partners
Dorset Reading Partners recruits, trains, equips and supports volunteers to provide tailored literacy support to young readers in primary schools across the county.
Reading partners are placed in primary schools close to their home and work with the same children each week throughout the school year.
They talk, share books and other reading-related activities together, with the aim of improving confidence, literacy skills and enjoyment of reading.
Dorset Reading Partners train volunteers, provide resources and ongoing support.
If you are interested in this opportunity, visit their website via the link and follow the links for volunteers:
Opportunities for Retirement
NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe Programme
"The Speak Out Stay Safe programme is delivered in primary schools and helps children understand what abuse is, that it’s never their fault and how to identify safe adults they can speak to. It’s a vital safeguarding initiative that gives children the knowledge and confidence to stay safe.
The NSPCC have found that retired teachers are especially well-suited for this role. Their classroom experience, rapport with children and ability to deliver key messages with empathy and clarity make a genuine difference. Many former teachers who have joined as volunteers speak of the joy it brings to re-engage with children in such a positive way - without the demands of full-time teaching – and of how deeply rewarding it is to make a lasting difference in their communities.
The commitment is flexible and manageable; volunteers are asked to deliver the programme in around two schools per month. Full training is provided, and all travel expenses are covered."
Further information is available here:
If interested, email Rachel King:
u3a Groups in the Area
u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups providing a wide range of activities and opportunities to learn for fun.
u3a members use their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other. Membership is open to anyone not in full-time work and costs only a modest annual fee.
Depending on where you live, you may also wish to consider u3a groups in BCP:
A Wonderful Day in Blandford!
Social Gathering in Blandford Forum
Thursday 2nd October 2025
Starting the Day at the Crown Inn
We kicked things off at the Crown Inn with tea, coffee, and delicious pastries—a perfect chance to reconnect and share updates on the NEU’s local activities. You can view the minutes of the meeting by clicking the link below.
Exploring Blandford’s Historic Church
From there, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the church for a fascinating guided tour. We learned that the church was rebuilt after the devastating Great Fire of Blandford in 1731, as part of the town’s ambitious reconstruction. Its design replaced the cramped medieval building with a modern structure—a bold statement of optimism for Blandford’s future.
The Bastard Brothers’ Legacy
The rebuilding was largely the work of the talented Bastard brothers, renowned joiners who earned a reputation as “master builders and architects.” Their craftsmanship shaped much of the post-fire town, and their influence is still evident today.
Inside the Church: Surprising Details
Inside, the wooden box pews caught our attention—complete with panelled ends and hinged doors! Among them sat the Mayor’s Chair, a subtle reminder that civic pride was on full display during worship. A delightful surprise!
Climbing the Tower and Beyond
The highlight of the visit was climbing up the tower and exploring the roof space above the nave. The intricate network of joists and beams was truly impressive—a testament to the Bastard brothers’ skill. We even stepped out onto the roof for breathtaking views over Blandford and the surrounding countryside. (See photo!)
A Knowledgeable Guide and a Tasty Finish
Our guide was outstanding—knowledgeable and engaging—making the experience even more memorable. The tour ran longer than expected, so we headed straight to the pop-up café at Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion for a well-earned bite to eat.
Next Up: Wimborne Minster
Join us on Wednesday, 10th December in Wimborne for coffee, panettone, and a visit to the historic Wimborne Minster, including its famous Chained Library.
Got questions?
Drop us an email at retiredmembers.dorsetneu@gmail.com.
We’d love to hear from you!
Mist, Sunshine, and Coastal Charm: Our June Adventure
Worth Matravers Social Gathering
Wednesday 11th June 2025
A Misty Surprise to Start the Day
Our journey began on a glorious sunny morning, but as we approached Worth Matravers, we were greeted by an unexpected blanket of mist covering the village and surrounding hills. It was a surprise—but thankfully, the air was warm, and by the time we set off for our walks, the mist had lifted to reveal stunning views.
Two Walks, Two Adventures
We split into two groups for the day’s walks:
The Gentle Stroll:
This route followed a ridge with no steps or steep inclines, offering delightful views of Worth Matravers and the surrounding countryside. The highlight? A bench with a commanding view of the sea and the Jurassic Coast—a perfect spot to relax and even try (unsuccessfully!) to shout greetings to the other group below.
The Longer Walk:
This group ventured down the valley to Winspit before tackling the 70 steps up to Seacombe. The climb was rewarded with spectacular views of the Jurassic coastline stretching toward Anvil Point Lighthouse. The scenery was so captivating that the shouts from above went completely unnoticed! After another set of steps down near Seacombe, the group made their way back up the valley toward Worth Matravers—one last short flight of steps before reaching the finish line.
Lunch at The Square and Compass
After a warm and invigorating morning, everyone gathered at The Square and Compass for lunch outdoors. The menu featured hearty pies and pasties, washed down with a beverage of choice. A few adventurous souls even sampled the pub’s own cider—a bold move that paid off!
Next Stop: Blandford Forum
Mark your calendars for Thursday, 2nd October! We’ll be heading to Blandford Forum to explore the Local Museum, Fashion Museum, and the historic church—all conveniently located in a close triangle.
Got questions?
Drop us an email at retiredmembers.dorsetneu@gmail.com.
We’d love to hear from you!
Get in Touch with Dorset NEU Retired Section
Have questions or want to get involved?
Reach out through our contact form to learn more about upcoming activities, resources, or to share your ideas on keeping active in the retired members community.
Your feedback and inquiries are important to us, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Alternatively, you can contact Dorset NEU's Retired Officers Mark Oliver on xxx@xxx or Peter Parsons on xxx@xxx.