Members gear up for u3a week 2023
Members are gearing up to celebrate all that makes u3a special in u3a Week.
From singalongs in Bromley to yarnbombing in Yorkshire, u3as are coming up with exciting ways to showcase the movement between 16 and 24 September.
Last year there were open days in libraries, community centres and theatres where the huge variety of interest groups available was demonstrated to potential new members.
Margaret Fiddes, the Trustee for Yorkshire and the Humber, is spearheading this year’s u3a Week.
She says: “u3a week is a terrific opportunity to raise the profile of the whole u3a and of individual u3as all at once.
“My own u3a, Sherburn and Villages, has had open days, blitzed the local area with yarnbombing, done a litter pick, attended local events and stuck posters and banners around the village.
“Not all at once, but over time, our u3a has become part of the fabric of the community, as I am sure many others have too. And that’s at the crux of u3a Week.
“Make yourself obvious to the locals in whatever way works for you so maybe people will say, ‘Ah yes the u3a!’ and not ‘u3a – what’s that?’.”
Sandy, Chair of Bromley u3a, explains what she will be doing to showcase the fun, learning and friendship on offer.
“Our Fun and Games afternoon is on u3a Day, in conjunction with Orpington and Beckenham u3a (we are the BOB network).
“We’ve hired a hall and plan to make it a welcoming and interactive event for our members.”
That will be followed, three days later, by an open day for Bromley u3a in partnership with the Little Bromley Theatre. Subject leaders from art appreciation, bridge, board games, history, gardening, singing will be on hand to promote the groups to potential new members.
u3as can choose which day to celebrate, or if they want to run several events throughout the week.
u3a week is taking place between 16 and 26 September 2023. Find tips on how to organise events on the u3a Week page of our website.
If you have plans for u3a Week, please share them with us by emailing
If you would like to receive updates about preparations and celebrations for u3a Week, you can sign up to our national online newsletter.