Welcome to Bury St Edmunds u3a
The u3a movement celebrates our ‘Third Age’ of life. It operates nationwide and provides a world of opportunities for semi-retired and retired people to discover new interests and hobbies, knowledge and skills and to socialise with one another. Many new friendships are formed along the way.
The u3a movement has been learning, staying active and having fun for 40 years – showcasing what it means to have a positive later life.
The core of our u3a is our Interest Groups – which are entirely chosen and run by our members, with a volunteer Group Leader facilitating the running of the group. There is a wide range of interests, and if you don’t see the one you like you are encouraged to set up your own – help is provided. You may join as many interest groups as you like. Many Groups meet monthly, some more often.
Once you have joined, you’ll be able to find the Group Leaders’ contact details in the Group section of our website. In addition, some groups also offer a programme of visits throughout the year. The Committee also runs day coach trips to places of interest, which are open to all members.
As part of your subscription, for which we charge a modest price of £15 annually, you will have access to:
* our Monthly Talks Programme held at The Apex from September to July. We engage professional speakers to present on a wide range of interesting topics. Members can buy a coffee and socialise before and after; members of the Committee are always there to talk to.
* You will also receive a monthly u3a in Bury St Edmunds newsletter by email, and this website, will keep you in touch with what’s going on throughout the year.
* Plus you will receive copy of the u3a national magazine Third Age Matters published five times a year and posted direct to members’ homes in an environmentally friendly paper wrapper. It is packed with stories about members and u3a activities, plus celebrity interviews and features on technology, recipes, travel, competitions, and a lively and popular letters section.
We warmly welcome new members to join us.
You can read more about us in the press, click here
About The Third Age Trust
The Third Age Trust is the national representative body for u3as in the UK. It is both a limited company and a registered charity. It underpins the work of local u3as by providing educational and administrative support to their management committees and to individual members and assists in the development of new u3as across the UK. It is managed by a National Executive Committee which consists of a Chairman, 4 other Officers and 13 representatives from designated areas in the UK. The Third Age Trust is funded mainly by annual subscriptions paid by member u3as on a per capita basis, with the occasional grant for specific projects. It has 3 full time and 5 part time staff and is located in Southwark.
Relationship Between u3as and The Third Age Trust
u3as are independently managed charitable associations with their own constitutions. Membership of The Third Age Trust is a requirement in order to use the u3a name and logo both of which are protected but once registered, providing the aims and guiding principles of the organisation are adhered to, local u3as are self-governing.
