London Region of U3As

Networks & Other Groupings of u3as

u3a Networks: There are several types of u3a networks, forums, clusters, consortiums, etc. formed by u3as for mutual benefit. These operate independently of the Trust’s Governance structure. Individual u3as may belong to one or more local ‘network’ or grouping for mutual support according to their needs and requirements.

'London Region of U3As' (LRU3A): A PowerPoint presentation which puts LRU3A into a national context, as well as describing the benefits of regional and local networking, can be viewed here: Introduction to LRU3A
We are a network linked to the Third Trust by our Network Affiliation Agreement.

LRU3A is a regional grouping of u3as in the London area, but there are also other groupings established by London u3as for mutual support at a more local level.

The current local networks to which London u3as belong are as follows where they have their own website - click on the name):

Other London Region networks:
• BOB (Bromley, Orpington and Beckenham) Network
• SW London Network of U3As

And in the South East Region:
• SE Region Network
• Surrey U3A Network
• South East U3A Forum
amongst others.
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Peer Support Networks: Networks or groupings can also develop between groups of u3a members with similar roles and responsibilities. (e.g. ‘Treasurers’). Generally referred to as Peer Groups, these networks engage in mutual support by solving shared problems, describing best practice, exchanging ideas for new developments, etc. The members are generally current post-holders but could also be past or prospective postholders – wherever the interest or competency lies. Such Peer Groups could exist at local, regional or national levels. Click on link to SPG012-Forming a Peer Group. Please also refer to the PEER SUPPORT page of our website for information about Peer Group networks in the London Region

Subject Networks: Other groupings can also form around Subjects, sometimes headed by a u3a national Subject Adviser, but not necessarily, and they can operate at local, regional or national levels. An example is the network created by the national Subject Advisor for Climate Change. This network has its own website: Climate Change Network
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Network Link: It is estimated that there are currently about 70 ‘groupings’ of u3as across the UK. Recognising the need for better communication with and between such groupings, the Trust facilitates informal 4-monthly national meetings, with two representatives invited from each grouping (usually the network Chair/Coordinator, or a nominated alternative). Initiated by Ian McCannah in 2017, the meetings are now being chaired by Hilary Jones, the Trust’s Vice Chairman. Meetings are also attended by members of the Trust Board and Committees, staff of u3a Office, and other key players. Click on the link for further information about networking and Network Link. Or download the promotional flyer Why Join a Network?

Below are links to key documents for each Network Link meeting:

Next Network Link Meeting: 16 February 2022. More details here:

  • 20.02 Invitation
  • 20.02 Programme

02 March 2021, a 'Special' on Recruitment and Retention:

13 October 2020:

23 October 2019:

  • Meeting Notes Oct 2019
  • Discussion Notes Oct 2019

17 May 2019:

  • Meeting Notes
  • Discussion Notes
  • Sam Mauger Presentation
  • Trust Volunteers and Workshops Presentation
  • U3A Research Network Presentation

12 October 2018:

  • Network Link Meeting Notes October 2018

01 May 2018:

  • Minutes: Network Link Minutes May 2018
  • Presentation by Ian McCannah: network-link-May2018
  • Network Link Leaflet: Why Join A Network? 2018 In considering whether to produce new advice about networks, an old leaflet was circulated as an example for discussion.

21 November 2017:

  • Introductory presentation by Ian McCannah: Networks, Regions, Countries.
  • Notes about the meeting click here on: Network Link Meeting Nov2017-Notes IMcC and Network Link Meeting Nov2017-Notes CW
  • Network Advice Sheet: available in the Advice section of u3a national section of u3a national website under ‘The u3a Movement’ [you’ll need to log in]