Welcome to Bedford u3a
What is u3a? The University of the Third Age (u3a) is a movement which brings together people in their 'third age' to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and relaxed environment. There is also usually a range of leisure activities. Members have fun!
The 'third age' is not defined by a particular age but by a period in life after you have finished working full-time. There is no lower age limit for membership and people who are working part-time may join. In u3a there are no qualifications needed and no examinations.
Bedford u3a was formed in May 1989 and has a membership of around 950 people. They come from Bedford and Kempston and surrounding villages. There is no waiting list and new members are very welcome. Bedford u3a is a registered charity number 1042458.
Where and when do we meet? We have Open Meetings each month at Putnoe Heights Church (click/tap on highlight or link to see map), Putnoe Heights, Bedford, MK41 8EB, and Addison Centre (click/tap on highlight or link to see map), Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN. There is parking available at Addison Centre but it is limited to street parking at Putnoe Heights Church. The meetings at Putnoe Heights Church are held on the first Tuesday of each month. The meetings at Addison Centre are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Both meetings start at 10am. Members are entitled to attend both meetings each month.
What do we do? At our monthly Open Meetings we have a speaker to give a talk. See the Events page for a full list of future talks. The interest and study groups meet separately on various days each month (please see Groups page for more information).Tea and coffee is provided after the talks when there is a chance to make and meet friends and chat.
What does it cost? The annual subscription is £18 and £1.50 for each Open Meeting attended. In addition there is a charge of £1.50 (there are some exceptions) where a group meets in a hired, paid for room/facility or 50p where no hire fees are incurred.
Can I come as a visitor? Yes, you can come as a visitor and hopefully you will like what you see and join us. To attend a group, you must be a Bedford u3a member.
How do I join? Come along to one of our Open Meetings as a visitor and join on the day. On the Membership page there is more information and links to membership application forms. On arrival one of our welcomers will meet you, answer any questions you may have and introduce you to some members. From time to time we hold new members meetings to help you get to know and find out more about us.