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Members at the u3a off the wall event, photographed by Peter Alvey

It has been an incredible year for u3a.

Alongside our year-round online national learning events and activities, there were three big events that connected members from across the movement together.

The coronation of King Charles III in April was preceded by a movement-wide cookery competition to find a recipe that celebrated Britain in 2023. Richmond Upon Thames u3a member Khatoon was the worthy winner with her Pickling Masala Mutton Curry, which considered the King's environmental values.

In May, over 100 members gathered at Hadrian's Wall for u3a off the wall. The learning event saw members take part in guided walks, create artwork inspired by the landmark and write short stories based on their surroundings. 

In September, our annual event, u3a week, was marked by over 50 events all across the UK. Members got out in their communities to celebrate the learning and laughter that comes with being part of the u3a movement.

Alongside the national milestones, members have shared their own personal u3a highlights.

For Lynda, from Mill Hill u3a, it was a trip to the Kynren in Bishop Auckland with her Outings and Travel group. She says, "Very few people have heard of this, but it is an outstanding pageant of English history, running for approximately six Saturdays in the summer, with a cast of 1,000. I realise I am so lucky to have such an active and enterprising group in my u3a."

Meanwhile, reading Medea with her Classical Greek group inspired Canterbury u3a member to travel to Siracausa in Sicily to watch it in an open air Greek theatre. She later saw the play being performed in London. She says, "I would never have been so inspired to go to these productions were it not for group leader Virginia and our group in Canterbury u3a."

Mawdesley u3a held an afternoon tea to celebrate the Coronation, and this was their . Member Christine says of the event, "Our u3a thrives on cooperation and mutual respect and the Coronation Afternoon Tea, which was the highlight of the Spring, epitomises that spirit."

Watch our video, The u3a movement's highlights of 2023..

We would love to hear from u3a members about your highlights of 2023 for us to share in our January Friends Newsletter. Let us know by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.