Having Problems with Beacon or PayPal?
Problems Identifying Yourself to Beacon
Beacon requires an exact match to how your name and postcode are stored in the database. When entering your postcode please ensure you include the space, eg BR9 9ZZ.
Do NOT use autofill to complete the fields. This can introduce unwanted spaces.
Your Membership Number can be found on the confirmation email/letter when you joined or last renewed, or on the email sent out after the AGM requesting members to renew.
To access Beacon, you must enter the email address that you have previously provided to us.
If you don't know your membership number, haven't previously provided us with an email address or still can't manage to identify yourself then please click HERE to contact us. Please provide as much information as you can.
Why do I Need to Create a Password?
To avoid the above problems identifying yourself, the Beacon system is now asking members to create a password. Once this has been created, any future attempts to access the system only require the member's email address and password. If you have already created a password you will be asked to use this rather than enter your membership details. If you can't remember a password you have previously set up, simply click on the 'I forgot my password' link and follow the instructions.
Updating Your Personal Details
If you don't see this option on the menu after you successfully identify yourself, then you are not considered to be a current member of Orpington u3a. If you renew your membership, either online or by cheque, you will be able to see this option in future. If you believe you are a current member then please click HERE to contact us, providing as much information as you can.
Please ensure your address, phone and email address are up to date. We are also asking for Emergency Contact Details for the first time this year. You also have the option to provide a Known as, e.g. if your name is Michael, but you prefer to be called Mike. If any of these details change in the future then either update the information via this page or contact us via the feedback facilities under Contact Us in the menu bar.
There is no requirement to upload a photo.
None of your information is shared with the Group Leaders, so there is no need to tick the hide contact details option.
Paying Online
If you don't see the Renew Membership option on the menu after you successfully identify yourself, it is likely that you are already a member for 2025 and you should see a message confirming this. New members who joined on or after 1 December 2024 are already current members until 1 March 2026.
Please ensure you have read the guidance notes in the renewal reminder email, which can also be found HERE. If you are still having problems then please click HERE to contact us, providing as much information as you can.
Click HERE to return to the renewals page.
