I just found out that the U3A has an online version.
I haven't tried it out but thought I'd post as it looks interesting.
"The Virtual U3A (vU3a), which went live in January 2009, is an online-only U3A, affiliated to the Third Age Trust. One of its principal aims is to provide the U3A experience for those who are rendered isolated in some way by circumstances or geography and unable to play a full part in a terrestrial U3A. More information and a video are available on the public website www.vu3a.org where you can also apply for membership. Why not pay it a visit? And if you know of anyone who might benefit, please pass the information on."
www.vu3a.org/ .