University of the Third Age

Who can join U3A?: 'Anyone who is no longer in full time employment. We have no other pre-requisites apart from the love of learning. U3As neither require nor award any qualifications. There is also the chance to make new friends and explore new areas of interest.'

'Because of its geographical size the Region has divided itself into five County Networks of U3As: [1] Derbyshire - - - : [2] Leicestershire & Rutland - - - : [3] Lincolnshire - - - : [4] Northamptonshire - - - : [5] Nottinghamshire.'

'Our region includes the six counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. We are a very diverse region, from isolated rural villages to city metropolis, from agriculture to service industry, manufacturing to technology and the people are excitingly diverse too. We have 6 Universities within our region including Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and East Anglia.'

'Our Region includes the counties of Cheshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire plus the Metropolitan Boroughs within Greater Manchester and Merseyside and all contiguous Unitary Authorities.'

'There are now 23 different U3As in Northern Ireland with around 6,000 members ... To find the nearest U3A to you check the Find a U3A page.' (Note that this Website can have a rather slow response.)

'There are 46 local U3As in the Northumbria Region which includes Northumberland, County Durham and part of North Yorkshire.'

'U3A in Scotland is an umbrella group for all U3As within Scotland, providing help and advice for new U3As, and encouraging the exchange of information and ideas between member U3As. There are currently over 7,000 members in 44 U3As in Scotland, from Shetland to the Borders, from west coast islands to east coast cities, from central belt bustle to quiet Highland towns.'

'Includes Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex and the Isle of Wight.'

'Covers the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucester, and so is the largest geographical Region in England.'

The 'Map shows the London Boroughs not necessarily the London U3As. In most but not all cases the two coincide. London U3As are listed on the Our U3As page'.

'Wales U3A is not a U3A. It is simply a Website which lists all the ... Welsh U3As ... with links to their own Websites so existing and prospective U3A members can see what individual U3As have to offer.'

'Our Region includes the six counties of Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, along with all unitary authorities contained therein. We are a very diverse region, from isolated rural village to city metropolis, from agriculture to service industry, manufacturing to technology and the people are excitingly diverse too.'

Information about over forty Local Groups throughout the Region - the majority of which have their own Website Pages.

'Walks are held on the first Saturday of the month. Details of walks with level of difficulty are advertised ... and emailed to group members beforehand. Most of the walks to date have been on fairly level ground and of 4-7 miles in length.'

Programme of short and longer walks.

'Started in April 2001, Beckenham U3A has over 300 members at present, and we are still growing. We are completely self-governing, but are affiliated to the Third Age Trust, a Charity that looks after the interests of all the local U3As in this country.'

Longer Walks 'are 5-7 miles using public transport wherever possible. Sandwiches drinks and water-proof clothing are taken, and boots or strong walking shoes are advisable. Usually on Sundays, but Saturdays where there is no bus service on Sundays to the beginning of the walk'. Shorter Walks are morning walks on the second Monday of the month.

'Amblers [short & undemanding]- Ramblers [ 5-6 miles with some hills] - Scramblers [average 7-9 miles hill walking] - Not the Munros [experience the Mournes without steep climbs]

'We have over 60 study groups covering a wide range of educational and leisure pursuits, meeting in members' homes or designated venues. To date we have 485 active members with a small waiting list.'

'The Walking Group was one of the first Interest Groups when BFU3A started in 2001. Ever since then, the Group has been well supported and continues to attract new members. If walking interests you, then you will be most welcome to join us ...'

'The aim of the U3A Walking Group is to enable those members who are fit and able, to get out and enjoy the Somerset Countryside ... Unless stated all walks average 5 to 8 miles over a variety of terrain. Leaders have discretion to vary the route.'

'In 2015 U3A BROMLEY celebrated its 25th anniversary ... Bromley has more than 1700 members and many different study groups ... Each local U3A is autonomous. Bromley arranges its own programme of study and recreational courses, visits, talks, travel, at home and abroad, social events and other activities.'

'We now have approximately 70 interest groups ranging from the Arts to World Faiths, Line Dancing to London Walks, French for Beginners to French Boules, Play Reading to Pub Lunches. There's something for everyone. A warm welcome is guaranteed and you can be sure to make new friends. Broxbourne U3A was formed in the year 2000 and we currently have approximately 1000 members.'

'Bury U3A was set up in 2009 ... Currently we have 396 members, and over 45 Interest Groups - some in the process of being set up, but expect that both these numbers will increase and new members will hopefully bring new expertise which they wish to share. Do contact us if you could organise a new group! ... '

'Offers everyone the chance to enjoy a walk every Tuesday, in the neighbouring countryside e.g. Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, as well as local walks around Caldicot. After a walk the groups usually go to a local pub or inn for lunch. Occasionally, all-day trips are also arranged, to places further away e.g. The Gower, Hereford.'

'At the moment we have a little over 1500 members and about 100 group activities ranging from archaeology to yoga. To take part, members pay a modest annual subscription - currently £15 per annum - and then a smaller termly fee. We have three terms each year, starting on August 1st.'

'Cardigan U3A has 3 different walking groups. These groups are not exclusive and many of our members walk with more than one group. The walking groups range from the aptly-named Strollers, via the Friday Walkers, to the more energetic Tuesday Walkers ... '

'Causeway U3A is for all retired or semi-retired people in the Causeway area of Northern Ireland who want to enjoy a good social life.  We organise a wide range of classes and activities for our 900+ members to help keep them active in mind and body. Members are free to take part in as many, or as few, of our activities as they wish and no qualifications are needed to take part.'

'Cheltenham U3A welcomes everyone who is no longer in full-time employment. We encourage learning simply for the enjoyment and satisfaction it brings – there are no tests or examinations. It has been demonstrated that mental and physical activity helps us to maintain mental and physical health.'

'Christchurch, formed in 1996, is just one of over 880 U3As operating independently in the UK with almost 300,000 members nationwide.'

'The name Countesthorpe originates from the 11th century when the area was part of the marriage dowry of the Countess Judith niece of William the Conqueror. The "thorpe" part of the name is a variant of the Middle English word thorp, meaning hamlet or small village.'

'The Interest Groups are informal and run on a self-help basis. All members are encouraged to contribute their own particular skills, knowledge, ideas and experience. U3A is dedicated to learning for its own sake ... It is essential to contact the Group Leader before attending a Group Meeting, especially if choosing a group not previously attended, to ensure that a place is available and to get up-to-date information about the dates, times and venue.'

'We currently have over 650 members, more than 65 interest groups ... and a lively outings programme.'

The Deepings 'are the adjoining villages near the River Welland, 8 miles to the north of Peterborough and 10 miles or so east of Stamford in England. The area is just north of the Peterborough border in the Lincolnshire fens. The Deepings include: Deeping Gate, Deeping St James, Deeping St Nicholas, Market Deeping and West Deeping'.

'We have 32 groups including six Modern Language Groups, six Craft Groups and a wide variety of other groups ... Membership ranges from 2 members to 28 members in a group and all operate in a relaxed friendly environment ... '

'A co-operative of older people sharing educational, creative and leisure activities. The motives for joining are a desire to improve and share your knowledge and experience, to keep your mind active, to enjoy leisure pursuits and to socialize with like-minded people. No qualifications are needed and none is given. You share learning and leisure experiences across a wide range of activities through a network of self-managed groups.'

'Gloucester U3A welcomes new members and provides a means of making new friends in a convivial atmosphere. Groups are informal and friendly and the social element is very important. Programmes are worked out by mutual agreement amongst the group members. Some groups have a leader and a convenor; in others the roles are combined.'

'Started in 1995 with ten or twelve people ... In 1996 there were seven groups and around 25 members we now have 367 members offering 50 different interest groups, some of which are split into two or three groups to cope with demand .... '

Offer several 'walking' groups, with distances walked ranging from 2 to 9 miles.

Relatively small U3A started in May 2013. Two Walking Groups listed: [1] Short Walks 'This group is for people interested in walking a couple of miles on tarmac paths in or around Corby, with a stop for tea/coffee along the way' - - - : [2] Walking 'Regular walking group members will receive more information nearer the date of each walk'

'We provide opportunities for our fast-growing membership to meet like-minded people, and to get involved in a wide range of interest groups. We get together to meet new people, to try new activities, to have a go at coordinating a group, and most of all to have fun in learning.'

'Short to medium walks, nearly always on footpaths away from busy roads – by rivers, canals, parks and woods.  There are usually places of interest to point out en route. The pace is also very gentle. There are always break–off points for persons who do not do the whole walk.'

[1] Short Walks 'Meets every other Monday at 10 am' - - - : [2] Walking 'Walks are held every other Tuesday, starting at 10 am, with the emphasis on scenery and wildlife. Generally not strenuous, averaging around 5 miles. Full walking gear required'

'Harlow and the surrounding area is a great place to live with lots of activities available, beautiful walks by the river or through wooded areas, good access to London and all it has to offer as well as the adjoining counties.'

Country Walks Group  'The walks are between 6 to 8 miles in the lovely countryside within easy reach of Harrow, or occasionally in London, using public transport to get to the start and to return home. Lunch is in a pub or café. Walks take place monthly on a Thursday.'

'Formed in September 2011 and has over 120 members. We have over 16 varied Group activities ranging from Archaeology, Family History, Walking to Computing and languages. More groups are being added all the time and we are always looking at new suggestions.'

Access to 'a very comprehensive list of locally available keep-fit activities' including their 'Strolling' and 'Walking' Groups.

'The Walking Group goes out weekly on Wednesdays. The objective is to maintain fitness while enjoying a sociable experience. Most walks are about 4 - 7 miles long taking two hours, but each month there is one longer walk. We encourage car sharing.'

Support a wide variety of Walking Groups: Strollers (<1m); Legstretchers (c.3m); Footsteppers (c.4.5m); Walkers (c.6m); Ramblers (c.6m); Hikers (c.6m).

'The Walking Group holds 2 meetings a month. Shorter walks (Amble) take place on the 2nd Monday of the month @ 10.00hrs and are usually between three to four and a half miles long. The longer walks take place on the 4th Monday of the month @ 10.00hrs and vary in length between five to seven miles around the Bucks, Berks and Oxon countryside. For both walks the routes are organised by individual group members. However, there is no compulsion to organize a walk so, if you want to enjoy our beautiful countryside do join us on a Monday morning.

The Walking Group 'has continued to maintain a varied programme of member–led walks during the year, some with a literary or historical interest, but all enabling us to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. We've walked through snow (occasionally), mud (often), climbed stiles, scaled hills and enjoyed each other's company; not to mention the refreshment in various hostelries at the end of each walk'.

'Hounslow U3A was founded in 1991 and currently has about 110 members. We are a friendly, welcoming group. We hold general meetings twice a month, except in August and currently have 21 interest groups.'

'Islington U3A is quite new: it began in October 2013 in response to demand for a local U3A. Now ... we have over 350 members, 40 interest groups and an exciting future programme ...'

Relatively new U3A - founded March 2014 - listing one 'Walking' Group: Rambling Monthly on the 3rd Sunday.

'Meets approximately every two weeks. We aim to have two walks departing from the same place,  a longer one of about 5 miles and a shorter one about 3 miles in length.'

Four 'Walking' Groups listed (but note that their 'Special Interest' Walking Website did not seem to have been recently updated when this Record was created). Also, the Group Walking for Softies 'would welcome new members. They have a small core of members who come regularly, and a larger number who come only occasionally, so there is plenty of room for new members ...'

'We are a self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operative for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for our members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications but for fun ... We have more than 600 members and over 70 interest groups.'

'The London Borough of Merton includes Wimbledon, Mitcham, Morden, Colliers Wood and Raynes Park.'

Three Walking Groups ...

'Newmarket U3A is a friendly group of active citizens living in the town and surrounding area. There's a lot going on in Newmarket. Please come and join us, make new friends and keep that brain ticking over.'

Like other U3As 'is an autonomous organisation with over 1000 members who have the opportunity to participate in over 50 different activities'.

'We are a medium-sized U3A with nearly 700 members. We cover an area of North London including Archway, Highgate, Hornsey, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Finchley, Friern Barnet and surrounding areas.'

'The Inaugural meeting was held on July 6th 2011. We already have over 400 members and over 40 groups getting started on all sorts of topics, ranging from Theatre, Walking and Bridge to Greek, Architecture and Indian Music. Something for everyone!'

'Our walking group gets together on the first Tuesday each month and whilst we have strayed outside the county on a few occasions the walks are usually within a 12 mile radius of Wigston. We rarely exceed 5 miles on a walk, starting at a local pub and returning there for lunch, which is always welcome ... '

'Orpington U3A is one of over 800 independent U3As in the UK with a total membership of nearly 300,000 ... Anyone no longer in full time employment living in or near Orpington is able to join. We currently have over 1100 members and the subscription is still only £10 per annum.'

'Palmers Green & Southgate U3A was launched in February 2014 with an Open Meeting in the Intimate Theatre, Palmers Green which was attended by 230 people. The Mayor of Enfield formally opened our new U3A at the Inaugural Meeting in April 2014.'

'The Preston and District U3A started in June 2007 with fewer than 30 members and is proving an attraction to people in Preston and surrounding areas as is shown by rapid growth in both membership numbers and Interest Groups.'

'Reading U3A are fully involved in the Historic Pathways Project being run by the Thames Valley U3A Network. The purpose of the Project is to research ancient routes and to create walks for the various walking groups of the Thames Valley U3A Network.'

'We currently have more than 70 individual groups, each with its own agenda and itinerary ... Some groups may have waiting lists.'

Relatively recently founded U3A Section (May 2010) but now with over 350 Members.

'Currently has about 90 interest groups ... Prior to joining a group it is essential to contact the Group Leader as we cannot guarantee vacancies. Some groups operate waiting lists and sometimes, if there is enough interest, we are able to start a second group.'

'We have walking groups to suit most levels of fitness. Try one, or more, and make new friends while enjoying the great outdoors.'

'Runnymede includes the towns and villages of Addlestone, Chertsey, Egham, Egham Hythe, Englefield Green, Lyne, New Haw, Ottershaw, Row Town, Thorpe, Woodham and Virginia Water. The area of Runnymede U3A encompasses where the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215, but not so well known is that it also contains a piece of the USA where the John F Kennedy Memorial is sited.'

'Many of our members enjoy the interesting and varied walks which the Salford U3A organises. There are three types of walking group available: [1] Long Walks: Gentle and Strenuous - - - : [2] Short Walks: Half Day - - - : [3] Local Walks: 1 to 2 hours. Each walking group has its own Programme and Convenor.'

'Currently (December 2015) the group has over 800 members who are drawn from a wide area of East Cleveland, including Saltburn, Marske, New Marske, Loftus, Skelton, Easington, Brotton and Redcar.'. 'Walking' Groups listed include: [1] Walking 1 - - - : [2] Walking 2 - - - : [3] Walking 3 - 10 to 12 miles.

'The Group has two levels of walk. The Tuesday walks average between 4 and 6 miles and are usually fairly easy. Thursday walks, which average about 8 miles, are more challenging ... New members are always welcome.'

Details of the activities of about a score of different walking groups within this U3A Branch.

'New members are always welcome. Just come along to one of our monthly meetings, where our Groups Co-ordinator will be in the seating area outside the entrance to the Walker Theatre from 9.45 am onwards. He will help you with any information or enquiries about our existing groups or about the U3A in general. A prospective member may attend one monthly meeting and/or one study group meeting, before deciding whether to join.'

'The Sidcup & District branch was founded in 1994. Our principal activities are focused around special interest groups, of which we have around 40. The subjects we cover include languages, culture, literature, history, crafts and recreation.'

'The Solent U3A was established in 1987 and is a charity in its own right, run entirely by volunteers. We offer the chance to study many widely different subjects, including languages, music, local history, crafts, photography and walking ...'

'We have on offer a wide range of events, activities and interest groups that are run on a financially self-sufficient basis, meeting at regular intervals - mainly during the day time - using various locations around the town of Market Harborough. Walking, cycling outings and holidays groups of course venture further afield!'

'We walk mainly in Surrey, Berkshire and London with occasional walks further afield ... We do a variety of walks from about 3 to 10 miles in length with some longer ones. Most walks are circular but occasionally public transport is used to return to the start.'

'Stamford U3A includes members from the town and surrounding villages, and is a growing group of around seven hundred members.'

'Stockton-on-Tees U3A has over 300 members ... We welcome new members to participate in our existing activities and to organise new ones on subjects of interest to them. Membership is open to anyone in the Stockton and surrounding area who is no longer in full time employment, irrespective of ethnic, cultural, social or religious background.'

'We are ideally placed to take advantage of some lovely countryside ... To cater for a range of abilities and interests we currently run 3 different groups ... So you can choose a walk (and group!) compatible with your ability and experience to make sure you really enjoy your walk.'

'We have over 1520 members and over 130 groups giving a wide variety of both academic and leisure activities ... '

'Tamworth U3A has been going now for over 25 years. From small beginings we have grown to over 300 members ... We have an interesting programme of speakers on a wide variety of topics, followed by refreshments and a chance to chat. Visitor are always welcome to our meetings.'

Social Walking Group 'Relaxed gentle walking with a friendly social group ... The walks vary in length from two to five miles and are taken at an easy pace with plenty of opportunities to talk to other walkers. There is no obligation to complete the entire walk, nor do we expect members to attend every walk. Our largest attendance has been twelve, but we have walked with as few as three and an average turn-out would be six.'

'Founded in the summer of 1995 by a few interested retirees who were looking for a challenge ... As of December 2015, the Waltham Forest U3A has 300 members with an ever growing list of over 50 Groups for members to enjoy.'

'Wandsworth U3A was founded in 2002 and currently has around 300 members. We are a friendly, welcoming group. We hold a monthly general meeting, normally with a guest speaker, and currently have over 40 interest groups.'

'Offers its members 3 walks on each Wednesday (except the first Wednesday of each month which is Group Meeting) ...'

'If you are retired or semi-retired and live in Leamington, Warwick or surrounding areas, we can offer you the opportunity to participate in a wide range of enjoyable social, mental and physical activities. Our WDU3A (as we are known) has grown to over 900 members in the 20 years since we were formed and new members are welcome.'

'Walking' Group usually meets the last Wednesday morning of the month, walking about 5-6 miles.

'We are sorry to say that we only accept walkers who enjoy social company, convivial chat, fresh air and healthy, if not overstraining exercise. This is not a Group for double-pole power walkers. Hertfordshire is a wonderful county to explore and there are numerous local walking groups to suit all types of walkers. Our Group meets about once a month, sometimes twice in warmer months, for standard circular walks of about 4½ miles (2 hours), starting mid-morning and finishing close to places of light refreshment ! We sometimes attempt longer walks (up to 7 miles).'

'Woking Area U3A has over 1,500 members, is one of 24 U3As in Surrey and over 1,000 U3As nationwide.'

Have over three dozen active Groups, the list including: [1] Strollers ('For walkers who wish to walk shorter and slightly slower that the main Walking Group') - - - : [2] Walking ('We meet every Monday at various start points and usually walk around 6 miles')