Welcome
Welcome to the website for Newent & District u3a
Starting in May 2023, our Monthly Meetings will take place in the newly refurbished Newent Community Centre on the second Tuesday afternoon from 2pm for a prompt 2.30pm start. Guests and visitors will be very welcome.
We currently have 25 active interest groups ranging from Book Club and Computer Improvers to Lunch Club, Nature Appreciation and Events Group.
Since our start-up meeting in November 2012 we are delighted that our membership rose to over 150. Not surprisingly, this dropped back a little between March 2020 and July 2021, but we're hoping to recruit some new members over the next few months. If you are interested, why not come along to one or two free "trial" Monthly or Interest Group meetings? You would be very welcome.
Our annual Membership runs from April 1st and will cost £17 (individual rate) for the 2023/24 season.
The u3a originated in France in 1972. The first British u3a was established in 1982 and there are now more than 1000 accross the UK. The u3a caters for retired/semi-retired people who wish to share activities and interests, and expand their knowledge and skills not for courses and qualification but just for sheer enjoyment. Interest Groups are led by enthusiasts who may also be experts. Newent & District u3a is always open to suggestions for more Interest Groups.
The Third Age Trust (https://www.u3a.org.uk/) looks after over 1000 u3as throughout the UK, providing educational and administrative support. Our u3a is also part of Cotswold Link (https://u3asites.org.uk/cotswold-link/welcome) which is a network of u3as which covers Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Newent is a small market town about 8 miles north west of Gloucester. Close by lie the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, the Severn and Wye Valleys, The Malvern Hills and our local landmark, the pine-topped May Hill.
Dominating the centre of Newent is the black and white Market House dating from 1668. Many more historic listed buildings are to be found in the main streets ranging from half timbered Tudor dwellings to Georgian and Victorian houses. Newent's parish church, St Mary's, dates from the 13th century and has a stained glass window from the famous company of Clayton and Bell.
Newent Lake is the centrepiece of the main recreational area offering peaceful walks and a chance to sit and watch the world go by. Surrounding the town is the Golden Triangle – a seasonal proliferation of wild daffodils which has attracted visitors to the area for many decades.
A great variety of local independent shops and eateries help to give Newent its unique character, and once a year, the town hosts a traditional chartered Onion Fayre with thousands of visitors thronging the streets.
Newent residents can also boast of a plaque marking the Newent-born Joe Meek (of ‘Telstar’ fame) as well as the more recently decorated gold post box, celebrating the Olympic achievements of local equestrian Charlotte Dujardin on her horse Valegro and, until July 2017, the longest cul-de-sac in Europe (Foley Road).
As a result of a Newent Initiative Trust project, a half-size bronze statue of Valegro, sculpted by Georgie Welch, was unveiled in Newent’s Market Square on Thursday 18th February 2021. Due to Covid19 restrictions the planned special public unveiling had to be replaced by a low-key ceremony.
If you would like to join, of if you would like more information please send us an email via the CONTACT page or phone Tony Snowdon on 07917 583006. We look forward to hearing from you.