U3A

I did look into joining but it would mean getting on three buses even though I live almost in central London. I also made the effort to visit one in Kensington. Unfortunately there was a big delay on the underground and I arrived around 11 a.m. I peeped through the window and saw several elderly people asleep on their desks so didn’t enter.
I’m thinking to join Oddfellows. Anyone heard of them?

If it’s just meeting the group you’re not sure about couldn’t you ask your neighbour to take you and introduce you?
I probably know some of them, Dearknees1, as friendly acquaintances but some are what I'd call "blue stockings"; that isn't meant in a derogatory way!

Dearknees1

Allira

Yes, my neighbour runs the creative writing course here. I've never plucked up the courage to go.

Ask your neighbour how it’s run. At my group we write at home on a chosen theme (although that’s not compulsory). We then read our pieces aloud. Comments are generally positive and encouraging. In the second half we take it in turns to provide an activity where we all write for 10-15 minutes then read aloud. I can see that wouldn’t be everyone’s thing as you do need to enjoy writing and have the confidence to read your work aloud. My group’s really friendly and welcomes new members. If it’s just meeting the group you’re not sure about couldn’t you ask your neighbour to take you and introduce you?

I don't think I'm confident enough for that!

EmilyHarburn Thanks Emily.

kircubbin2000

I was in it for a while but it attracts bossy women who like to tell you that you are doing things wrong or that you can't do certain things.

That made me laugh!
Seeing as the person who told me, in no uncertain terms, what one could or couldn't do in the group was a man, then if the women are worse, I'm out of here!

PS ..yes the title is off putting I agree, but there are almost no groups on offer that have anything to do with University learning. It is an organisation for people over 55? to try out various pastimes, crafts, hobbies etc etc.

I joined our local U3a group a few years ago purely because, I am 79 now, my best friend died and we always used to play scrabble and other board games together.So as I still run a part time business and have little time I looked for a local group. Finding the local U3a group did have one I joined and now belong to a Backgammon group, An early evening ‘eat out’ group, and a Book Club. Each group is only once a month, but I am meeting a lot of interesting people. You have to get out and try it! If you are unwell or have other commitments you don’t HAVE to attend… but I try to where possible.
Re the Book Club. I think you have made an error in wondering whether you will like that book or not. I am a crime fiction fan, but each of us in the group chooses a different book each month, and I am pleased because their choices are not mine and many take me way out of my comfort zone… which is a very good thing. I often don’t enjoy other choices, but it was interesting to read something in another genre, and then listen to what others in the group think. Some agree with me , others don’t and that is what makes a book group dynamic. Just try any… some in our group arrive saying things like “ I tried but gave up half way through…” never be afraid of voicing an opinion. It’s fun. We each score each book out of 5 and come up with an average score for each book. I think my last choice only got 3 but it was still interesting to hear what others had to say.
I am very pleased I joined, and as others say, after a short while you could start up your own group on whatever subject interests you most. There are often no more than 3 people in a group, but if you are all interested in the same thing it needs little organisation. just a location and whatever equipment is needed can be brought by each member often…or the U3a will buy the relevant bits for you
It can be cliquey… what isn’t in any group? But you will also find friends and acquaintances…I have tho. One can take the place of my late Scrabble partner!.

I have been in our local u3a for several years. I belonged to two groups, both of them small, friendly and interesting, but sadly one of them didn't continue after Covid. However, I made a very good friend in the other group and we also go together to the monthly meetings for the entire branch, where they have speakers on a range of subjects. I didn't expect to make a friend, as I am very shy, but we get on well and meet up outside the u3a too.

My advice would be to join a branch which offers a wide range of subjects if possible. If one group doesn't suit you, you will probably find another one that does.

I was in it for a while but it attracts bossy women who like to tell you that you are doing things wrong or that you can't do certain things.

I moved to a new city where I didn’t know many people 4 years ago. I joined the U3A and it has been an absolute life changer for me. There are about 50:groups covering music, singing, recorder group, 4 different language groups, a cinema club, fiction and non fiction book groups, a local history group, bus pass and train trips, a Sunday lunch club , current affairs discussion groups, bridge and board games , computer skills, photography, art appreciation and many more. I have joined a few groups but if I wanted to I could be doing something every day. One group I joined is exploring life and attitudes in the third age and we all contribute and lead discussions. We have a Wattsapp group and our sessions are greatly looked forward to by us all. I have made wonderful friends, both men and women., I am lucky that I live in a city but, as others have said, anyone can convene a group on any topic.

We had a fantastic u3a here with nearly 800 members and over 50 various groups. Unfortunately a new committee have alienated many members and several groups have left the u3a and now meet privately.
Monthly meetings have dwindled to half the previous attendance. Such a shame that a few can spoil such a vibrant association.

I hope that you have had more success than I did and find a group that interests you.
I’d love to joint a particular group in my area, but the existing participants continually re-enrol every term/year leaving no spaces for newcomers. The area coordinator didn’t seem to think that this was an issue, so I gave up trying. I understand from people in other areas that second groups can be started to accommodate higher numbers, but not in this instance, unfortunately.

There certainly is a big difference between groups in different areas. Ours is fairly large- we have quizzes, bingo!, theatre trips, holiday breaks, monthly meetings, Christmas lunches. It does need someone prepared to organise all these, our groups are many and varied - gardening, table tennis, golf, play reading, book groups(I organise one) , family history (researching ancestors) which takes place here, craft groups, and several more. We need some new younger members however, as the organisers are all getting older!!

u3a is a wonderful organisation. We have 80 groups from Ancient History to Table tennis in Hove. The unacknowledged benefit is that you can set up and run a group of your choice, providing you can get enough people interested to make it viable. I have run 4 groups for the past 10 years and it has given me huge pleasure to hone my skills and support and stimulate those who attend. If you can't find what you want, then start a group yourself - Why not?

Had very disappointing experience with U3A. Went to an initial meeting and a guy on the door demanded £10 from me. Sat with a group of people who all knew each other and just talked about their operations, medications etc! Definitely not for me.

There are three groups in my area and all have different things going on. You don't have to join the one in your area if you don't want to. It depends obviously if you have transport.

Our area has three groups, we tried the nearest but it didn't suit, so settled into another. We have very adventurous trips, latest ones have been to South Africa, India, Japan and Uzbekistan! We have day trips to learn about the history in NT properties, and short breaks all over the UK. There are visits to shows in London. We belong to the Exploring London group, with visits to walks, museums, guildhalls etc, we take turns in organising each trip. Also the Craft Crafters where we each run one session each on varied crafts. There are a couple of hundred groups, languages, art, history, Wings and Wheels, crossword compiling, bridge, canasta, bowls, badminton, 5 km walking etc, plus social groups. We have monthly meetings with really good speakers, and 60s dinner and dance nights. It does take a good while to make friends, but offering to help with something is the way to go.

NotSpaghetti - of course there lots of subjects that could be included in a degree course but knitting on its own would not be. Sorry if I offended anyone with my example.

We have a very active U3a group where I live. The only snag is some of the groups are full and you have to go on a waiting list. Also, of course the groups are run by members so it all depends on the interests of its members. We also have a monthly talk. No extra charge for this. Some of the groups are not totally free. If they meet at a hall, the hall charges have to be shared out amongst those who belong to the group.

I’m in my local U3A, it’s £20 a year. I sometimes go to the monthly meetings if they have an interesting speaker, but find the other members very cliquey and unwelcoming. However, I am in the Poetry group (reading poetry, not writing it!) and I do enjoy that, it’s a small (6) group and they are all quite jolly. I might have a go at another group this year, feel I need to get out and about a bit more!

Allira

Yes, my neighbour runs the creative writing course here. I've never plucked up the courage to go.

Ask your neighbour how it’s run. At my group we write at home on a chosen theme (although that’s not compulsory). We then read our pieces aloud. Comments are generally positive and encouraging. In the second half we take it in turns to provide an activity where we all write for 10-15 minutes then read aloud. I can see that wouldn’t be everyone’s thing as you do need to enjoy writing and have the confidence to read your work aloud. My group’s really friendly and welcomes new members. If it’s just meeting the group you’re not sure about couldn’t you ask your neighbour to take you and introduce you?

My u3a annual fee is around £12, which covers the hall hire and free tea/ coffee + biscuit at the monthly meeting with a speaker. There are occasional events eg quiz, beetle drive open to all for a small charge, but also 30+ interest groups. These include four walking groups and two ambling groups, French, German and Spanish conversation, art, history, recorders, musical appreciation and much more.
I have joined only one group which is small enough to meet in each others’ homes, so no extra charges. I have made some good friends. Maybe I will try something more as well.

So everywhere is different. A friend has just started a ukulele group, so anything goes.

Yes, my neighbour runs the creative writing course here. I've never plucked up the courage to go.

Allira

NotSpaghetti

You can hardly call knitting a University subject!
...unless you study knit on a Textiles or Fashion degree course, Madmeg!

Which our neighbour's DD did.

University = people gathered together with the aim of learning something.

Ukulele anyone? Wine Appreciation?

Madmeg we pay extra on top of fees for room hire and towards refreshments.
Unless the group is a small one, hiring a hall is better than meeting in each others' homes and it keeps village and church halls occupied too.

I think the term university and the idea of learning can be off putting . I run a lunch club and there are other social groups - walking , coffee morning etc. At the other end of the scale there’s philosophy, psychology, science, creative writing. Take your pick.

Lizzypopbottle This is the Preston Group website
prestonu3a.org.uk/Interest-Groups/

The national U3A has summer schools and other conferences. I hope you will be able to find a suitable group. Preston are spoiled for choice.