Burnley & District

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the website of Burnley and District u3a.

If you are wondering what it's about, or are considering joining, please explore the site via the various pages and links to see what we offer. We hope you find it informative and answers your questions about u3a, but if you want to know more please use the Contact form and we will endeavour to answer your queries.

What's it all about?

u3a is a community of people from diverse backgrounds who get together to develop their interests or further their knowledge by forming small, friendly interest groups of like-minded individuals in a welcoming, social environment. We encourage life-long learning but there is no formal tuition: the emphasis is on shared learning and participation. We have groups for social and recreational activities too (see our Groups page).

You may have heard that U3A stands for "University of the Third Age", but that name is rarely used now and we are known simply as u3a. Don't be put off by the word "university". We are not an academic institution and you don't need qualifications to be a member. There are no entrance exams, certificates or formal qualifications. We are here for enjoyment.

What do we mean by "third age"? It's the period in your life after you have finished working full-time and have time to develop your interests, or just try something new. The u3a movement brings together people in their third age to pursue their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.

Burnley and District u3a is one of over 1000 local u3as in the UK. All are affiliated to a central body, the Third Age Trust, but each is an independent organisation, making its own decisions through a small elected committee drawn from its members. Burnley and District u3a maintains links with others in our area including Clitheroe, Hyndburn, Longridge and Todmorden u3as

u3a is open to everyone in their third age, regardless of gender, background, educational achievement, race, religion or political persuasion, so come along and see what we have to offer. The u3a motto is "Learn, laugh, live". We try to live up to it!

About Burnley & District u3a

Burnley & District u3a has members from Burnley and surrounding townships, which include Nelson, Colne, Padiham and the Rossendale Valley. It was formed in 2007 and in January 2024 there were around 200 Members and 22 Interest Groups.

Monthly Meetings

A monthly open meeting is held on the fourth Thursday of each month at:
Nazareth Unitarian Chapel
93 Church Street
Padiham Lancs BB12 8JH

The Meeting starts at 2.30pm. There is no charge for Members and visitors pay a small entry fee of £2.00.

A talk is followed by refreshments. A copy of our monthly Newsletter is available to all who attend the meeting. It contains information on the forthcoming events and Group activities. For a PDF version, click here: March 2024 Newsletter (individual contact details have been deleted for protection of privacy)

All members who register an email address receive a copy of the newsletter by email. Members with no email address and who are not present at the meeting can receive a copy by post if they provide a stamped, addressed envelope.

In addition to the regular Interest Groups, a wide variety of Outings is organised to, for example, theatre, exhibitions, places of interest etc.

Car Parking

Limited parking is available behind the Unitarian Chapel or an overflow car park is available behind the Hare and Hounds Pub across the road from the Chapel.

Membership

The membership year runs from 1st April to 31 March, though you can join at any time.

If you are interested in joining please visit our Membership page where you will find more information, including full details of how to join and our current membership fees.

Burnley and District U3A is a Registered Charity, No 1180527

© Burnley and District u3a 2022