National u3a
Founded in 1982, u3a (formerly University of the Third Age) is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together. There are over one thousand u3as, of which Derby u3a is one. In the UK in total there are over 450,000 members. The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust - looks after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support. The Trust is overseen by a Board of Directors, to which any u3a member may be elected.
u3a Festival 24
The first ever national u3a Festival is taking place 17-19 July 2024 at the University of York. It's an opportunity to bring members together to celebrate the joy of u3a membership.
Find out more about the festival on the u3a website u3a Festival 24
Third Age Matters magazine is published five times a year and posted direct to all members’ homes. It is packed with stories about members and u3a activities, plus celebrity interviews and features on technology, recipes, travel, competitions, and a lively and popular letters section.
Interest Groups Online is an online UK-wide u3a which runs Zoom groups, talks and courses on a number of topics. Note that Interest Groups Online is a separate u3a organisation and a £12 fee is payable to join as an Associate member to be able to access their groups.
Visit the u3a member link for information about more national events and online courses.
You can also subscribe to the online u3a newsletterto keep up-to-date with national news.