u3a is a UK-wide movement, formed over 30 years ago, with over 1,000 u3as across the UK. Each u3a has a range of interest groups and although Brightlingsea is relatively small we have over 20 groups ranging from walking to music appreciation. Brightlingsea has a significant number of people in their ‘third age’ and u3a provides an opportunity for them to develop their interests and continue their learning in a friendly and informal environment.
If you’re wondering what we mean by the third age - it is a time after you have finished working full-time or raising your family and have time to pursue your interests or just try something new. There are no age limits but members tend to come from those who have ended their working lives or have reduced it and now have time on their hands.
u3a has a broad range of members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure.
The guiding principle is to promote lifelong learning through self-help interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities as chosen by the membership. It's all voluntary; a typical u3a will be home to many activity groups covering hundreds of different subjects - from art to zoology and everything in between.
Each u3a is independent with its own ethos and character. The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust - looks after all the u3as in the UK, providing educational and administrative support.

Brightlingsea u3a was founded in 2004 when it was thought that people in the town could run their own events and activities rather than travel into Colchester – then the nearest u3a but not easily accessible. Our location provides a unique community and we have developed our particular style of doing things. While holding true to the u3a philosophy we also recognise the importance of the social side of our meetings and activities while helping members to make new friends and links within our town.

MONTHLY SPEAKER MEETINGS

Our u3a meets at 2 p.m. on the first Friday afternoon of each month in the YMCA. These are fairly informal occasions with an invited speaker and an opportunity to exchange news from the groups, give out notices, and so on. We cover a range of topics and these include matters of local interest as well as speakers from further afield. Ideas for speakers are always welcome.

This meeting is the only time when guests are invited to attend to meet us, chat about our u3a and hopefully to join.

MEMBERS’ AFTERNOONS

In between the monthly speakers there is a members' social afternoon. This is an opportunity for members to get together for tea and a chat but mostly these have a theme or focus. Groups can use the afternoon to share or showcase their work, enjoy a quiz, a debate, a game of cards, to plan an outing or activity, to set up a new group. Recent afternoons, for example, have featured a mini-Antiques Road Show, an archive film show, an exhibition by the photography group, a display of historical clothing and illustrated talks from our members' travels.

(Members' afternoons are for member only as guests are only permitted for the speaker afternoons.)

The photos from the recent presentation can be viewed by clicking the link to this page. Photography Group Presentation

OUTINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS

Outings to places of interest, like museums and galleries, and events, like garden shows, are organised on an occasional basis. These may be fairly local trips as well as going further a-field. We have a pantomime trip most years which is very popular. Again, members are welcome to suggest and organise trips. A popular recent trip was to the first world war aerodrome at Stowe Maries near Chelmsford.
Our social events include a pre-Christmas special when we may have ‘home grown’ entertainments or invited visiting performers. We also have an annual picnic and a strawberry tea plus other social occasions on an ad hoc basis.

NEWSLETTER

A newsletter is produced every two months. This gives a full listing of current group activities and contact information, news from around the u3a, events and outings planned, speakers for the general monthly meetings and the programme of members’ afternoons. We try to include some local information and news.

For information about our events and activities click on the GROUPS and EVENTS headers at the top of the page.