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Welcome to the Caterham and District u3a

What is the u3a?

The u3a began in Toulouse in 1972.

It started in Britain in Cambridge in 1981. It was originally known as the University of the Third Age. The scope of the u3a movement is broad, offering a wide range of interest-based learning groups and activities for people not in full-time employment, fostering both social connection and intellectual engagement for members.  The motto is “learn, laugh, live”.

In Britain, there are over 400,000 members and over 1,000 groups.

The Third Age Trust is the national, umbrella organisation that supports and oversees these groups across the UK. Its website https://www.u3a.org.uk is well worth investigating. There you will find a variety of online learning events, activities and competitions. There are online interest groups well suited for those less able to get out and about. There is even a radio podcast group. Five times a year they produce a magazine “u3a matters”. Some years they also run a residential school featuring a few days of activities and learning

Our u3a is part of the Surrey network. https://surreynetwork.u3asite.uk. One of our Caterham members Mike Brigden is currently the Chair. They run eight study days a year at the Yehudi Menuhin Centre at Stoke D’Abernon. One of our committee takes an active role in publicising these and arranging group transport. Alternatively the sessions can be watched online. Surrey is part of the South East Forum which runs a summer school in Chichester.

Caterham u3a

And then we have Caterham and District U3A.  Founded in 1983; we were one of the earliest groups.  We have over 850 members, most of whom live within an 8 mile radius of Caterham.

We have a wide range of social activities such as coffee mornings, lunches, coach trips and quizzes. We have an external speaker most months. There are over 80 interest groups covering a wealth of subjects. You can find out more on our Groups and Events pages.

We have a Facebook group for our members and a wider Facebook group open to all. There is a newsletter which comes out every two months and on alternate months our Chair produces a shorter newsletter. These can be found on our latest news page.

If you are not a member, and would like to join, there is an Application Form is on the Membership page.

How can I join?

Our current annual membership fee is £12. That allows you to take part in as many groups or events as you like, and includes a subscription to the national u3a magazine. There may be an additional cost for some group meetings, maybe just a payment towards refreshments but more if there is hire of a hall or other expense. If you are interested in joining please see the Membership page for further details and to download the application form. Once you have joined you will be sent a welcome pack of information and invited to a New Members meeting.

Where are meetings held?

We have no fixed venue. Many small groups meet in members’ homes, whilst larger groups meet in various locations. We also have regular coffee mornings, talks most months, and many one-off social events.

How do I join a group?

Groups are open to all members of Caterham u3a, and if you are interested in one of these groups, just use the email link on the group page to send the Group Leader a message. Alternatively, make contact with Liz via the Groups Co-ordinator , shown on the "Contacts" page.

Thanks to Tony Carroll of Photography 1 for the use of some of his photos.