u3a week kicks into gear

u3a week 2024 is well underway – events are taking place across the country and over 1,000 people are attending our online events this week. These online talks are usually exclusively available for u3a members, but for u3a week, we asked members to bring along friends so they could experience the learning and joy of the u3a movement.

In person events have also been bringing together u3a members and non-members alike. u3a week is an annual celebration of the joy and learning within the u3a movement and runs between 21-29 September 2024.

Read about what some u3as have already been up to this week below.

Nottinghamshire Network

The Nottinghamshire Network of u3as held a special u3a week open day. The conference was open to members from the 33 u3as who make up the network as well as members in the East Midlands region.

Rosie Allen, Nottinghamshire Network Support Officer says, "What an enjoyable day we had at the start of u3a Week for the Notts Network of u3as Conference. The sun shone, the venue at Nottingham Girls High School was superb, and the food was delicious.

"We started the day with a thought-provoking talk by Chris French, Emeritus Professor of Anomalistic Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, whose work debunks claims of paranormal activity. We also enjoyed workshops on creative writing, chair yoga, line dancing, scams and fraud, and safe driving. Each gave us the opportunity to learn and mix with other u3a members from across the county.We also heard for Allan Walmsley, Chair Elect of the Third Age Trust. He talked about his plans for the future of the u3a movement and his belief in the value of u3as to mental and physical wellbeing.

"For the planning team, a year of preparation culminated in a day of fun, laughter and learning. A warm glow of a day well spent and back home to a restful evening."

Chandlers Ford u3a

For Chandlers Ford u3a, u3a Week celebrations began at the weekend with a British Racing & Sports Car Club meeting at Thruxton Race Circuit. Chandlers Ford u3a members, and members of other u3as in the network, enjoyed discounted entry to the event, which saw the penultimate rounds of the TCR UK Touring Car Championship. Also on the roster were the Classic Touring Car Racing Club Civics, Audi TTs, Fiesta ST240 and Fiesta Juniors contesting their final rounds of the season. 

On Monday, they held a showcase for members of the local community. The event was promoted with posters at the library, community centres, shops and parish council noticeboards, and with three special promotional crochet post box toppers. The showcase highlighted the activities of various groups to the local community. Groups like Mahjong, Rummikub, Poetry & Prose, Genealogy, Scrabble, Spanish and Crafties all displayed examples of the fun activities they run. It was a great success, with 14 new members signing up.

Their u3a week activity continued with a community litter pick with the Valley Park Community Association. Eight members of Chandlers Ford u3a were joined by six locals and ventured out into the local parks and community areas to collect any litter they found. After depositing our litter bags for the council to collect, members joined the ‘Community Kettle’ which offers free refreshments to anyone who drops in. This was a great opportunity to talk about u3a and we look forward to seeing some new faces at our October meeting.

u3a members had also deployed three post box toppers - the one pictured above is a special environmental themed topper.

For more information about u3a week, visit the Events section of the u3a website.

If your u3a is doing anything to celebrate this week, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to share any stories and photos.