u3a week 2025 roundup

u3a week is an annual celebration of u3as and their vibrant activities. Here are just a few ways that u3as celebrated this year.

Susan, Barnsley & District u3a

Barnsley & District u3a gathered at the Civic Hall in Barnsley for our special u3a Day Showcase – and what a day it was!

Our very own Concert Party brought the hall to life with music and song, while Thursday Jive soon had everyone up and joining in the fun. Around the room, there were wonderful displays from our groups: Art, Stitches, Languages, Jewellery, and many more, each showing the talent and creativity within our u3a.

Visitors enjoyed refreshments as they browsed, chatted, and discovered the wide range of activities we offer. We also intermingled with the UK Careers Fair, adding to the lively atmosphere and helping us reach even more people. The event was not only entertaining but also informative, helping us to welcome new members and strengthen our organisation. It was a full day, but filled with laughter, conversation, and learning – exactly what our motto says: Learn, Laugh, Live.

Members of Barnsley & District u3a enjoy the festivities.

Karen, Elgin & District u3a

Elgin & District u3a kicked off u3a week with a stand at the entrance of Tesco in Elgin. We spoke to many people and gave out a lot of leaflets and information about our u3a. Raising awareness of the benefits of membership. In the photo on the left is Karen Abbott, Secretary and on the right Vivian Grainge our Membership Secretary. The pull up banner and leaflets were among purchases made with our grant from the Trust.

Karen, Secretary of Elgin & District u3a and Vivien, Membership Secretary raising awareness in a local supermarket

Joan, Hullbridge u3a

Our September Meeting was a Tea and Chat Afternoon, which turned out to be very successful, especially with the help of our Refreshments team, who kept the teas & coffees flowing.  

There was a lovely buzz in the room as both familiar faces and new ones had come together to share conversation and make some new friendships. We especially welcomed those who live alone and just wanted an afternoon out. This was a reminder of how powerful a simple chat can be in lifting spirits and creating community. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the atmosphere. 

Hullbridge u3a members enjoying tea and making friends

Lynne, Lowestoft u3a

For u3a week, postboxes across Lowestoft sported a colourful new look, thanks to the talented members of Lowestoft u3a Mixed Crafts group. Each topper had been lovingly designed to represent a different u3a group, from art and history to walking and creative writing. 

The 17 toppers were on display throughout u3a week and locals were encouraged to explore the town and see how many they could spot.

Continuing the u3a week celebrations, Lowestoft u3a also attended a very popular local tabletop sale to encourage new membership and answer any questions. They sold cupcakes with the u3a logo and displayed a selection of items from the Art and Mixed Crafts groups.

A small selection of the brilliant u3a-themed postbox toppers and Lowestoft members with their cakes and crafts

 Patricia, Dereham u3a

Our u3a celebrated u3a week with a big quiz and a cream tea. Our quiz master gave an entertaining quiz. 

The enthusiasm was brilliant from our members and enjoyed by all. We continued to Learn Laugh and Live.

Members of Dereham u3a enjoying cake and a quiz

 Eileen, Chalfonts u3a

In u3a week, our Walking Cricket group had the chance to play at the indoor cricket centre at Lords with various volunteers. 10 of us took part and we were made very welcome. My message to all u3as is get started - it is a great way to learn a new skill, keep fit and laugh!

The Walking Cricket group seeing the sites at Lords

 Vivien, Leighton Linslade u3a

Leighton Linslade u3a celebrated with a sell out supper quiz attended by 64 members. After a 2 course meal we settled down with our thinking caps on. Our quiz master & fellow member, Martin, set us varied rounds including 80's children's programmes to history & a picture round of "doctors". The winning team were rewarded with boxes of sweets & biscuits; jelly babies included. A successful raffle helped boost funds & the question asked at the end was, "when's the next one?"

Members of Leighton Linslade u3a at their dinner celebration.

Stephanie, Bournemouth u3a

Bournemouth u3a had a promotion event at Westbourne Shopping Arcade where members spoke to the public about u3a. We had a second open day event on the Tuesday of u3a week. 

Bournemouth u3a members at their display.

 Ravenshead u3a

A very successful u3a Open Day today with our Members, Group Leaders & Committee all committed to ensuring an enjoyable time and a super outcome. We hope that all our guests who dropped by enjoyed their visit!

With every one of our nearly 50 groups having half a display board, each fronted by enthusiastic group members or leaders, there was plenty of interaction with our many visitors. Outside, some visitors had a go at playing Mölkky, the Finnish skittles game, on the Village Hall lawn. For our village of just under 6,000 residents, we added a further 18 new members to our existing 425…..

Two women chatting at Ravenshead u3a's event.

A u3a learn laugh live banner displayed at the event.

 Chipping Norton u3a

Chipping  Norton u3a held an open day in the Town Hall, during which the leaders of our interest groups, with the help of the deputies or members of that group, demonstrated to existing u3a members or potential members what their group did and where their groups met
This was a good chance for members of the town and the surrounding villages to see what was available at our u3a, and have a chat and a cuppa with some lovely cakes. There was also plenty of networking with other organisations in the town, especially on what could be done together.

There was plenty of interest, and many new members. Outside organisations were invited to attend, including exhibitors from Age UK Oxfordshire. This will be an event that will be repeated in 2026, where we will be inviting more outside organisations to take part.