If you are no longer in full-time work or you are looking for activities in your retirement, a warm welcome awaits when you join our u3a. There are no age limits.
We are a vibrant group who wish to remain both physically and mentally active and who also enjoy social interaction.
The ethos of the u3a is member-led learning.
We are a self-help organisation of volunteers.
u3a members exchange their knowledge and experience to learn from each other for pleasure. Bedale and District u3a offers settings in which members can meet with others by attending, supporting and helping to run current activities and creating new ones that meet their mutual interests.
Interest Groups - see Groups page
Various groups have been started by members with a particular interest in an activity. They are run as a collaborative effort by the members. These groups facilitate opportunities for members to follow an interest, while having fun with other like-minded people. Some groups charge a small amount to cover the hire of venue or materials.
A magazine called "u3a Matters" is published 5 times a year and is sent to your home address if you opt to receive it. The cost is included in your annual Full subscription. Read it online here.
Monthly Meetings - see Monthly Meetings
All members are welcome. Come and join the chat over coffee, hear the latest news from the committee and then listen to our speaker – there is a different speaker every month (except in April when we hold our AGM). We meet at Chantry Hall in Bedale on the third Wednesday morning of every month. Refreshments are included in the £1 entrance fee.
In the past, we have had speakers on many diverse topics –
- the history of the British Passport
- tales of a former immigration officer
- the ex-diplomat turned novelist who regaled us with tales from far-flung places
- the stories of a former TV Licence investigator
- the experiences of a former landlord of Tan Hill Inn
- the artist and micro-engraver who put a quote from Oscar Wilde on to the end of a fountain pen nib for Stephen Fry
- the couple who were cruise ship entertainers for many years
- the list goes on and on….
There is an annual Photography Competition judged in December. The 2025 topic was "WATER" - see winners' photos here.
