Welcome to the Isle of Wight u3a web site. We are part of the UK-wide u3a network and our aim is to help our members make the most of life once they are no longer in full time work by exploring new ideas, skills and interests while making new friends. There is no age restriction to joining the u3a.
Who we are
We aim to enable all our members to learn, stay active and have fun. We are local, social, friendly, low-cost and open to all. There are frequent general get-togethers and group meetings.
Groups
Groups are at the heart of the u3a. Set up by any member that wants to share their interests - learning, discussing, walking, photography, literature. We currently have nearly 50 active groups.
Joining us
The Isle of Wight u3a is a non-profit charity run by volunteers. We charge £20 per year for membership which is used for admin expenses, hire of venues, and general communications.
The u3a movement is non-religious and non-political (see the About page for more information). It started with one u3a in 1981 and there are now more than 1000 locations across the UK that have a u3a. Each u3a is self-funded and operates independently, the 'umbrella' body is called the Third Age Trust which provides support, resources, online courses and much more to members (u3a.org.uk).
You can see a full list of our current groups here. Some of our groups meet on regular dates each month, and some are scheduled more randomly. Our monthly diary has details of group meetings. To join a group, just contact the group leader shown in the group listing.
We have a monthly speaker meeting in Newport and monthly coffee mornings in Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Ventnor all of which are open to all members.
Membership of the Isle of Wight costs £20 per year. People join for many reasons - to meet new people, learn something new, stay active, live life to the full and have FUN!
How Does it Work?
The Isle of Wight u3a is entirely run by volunteers and is managed by an elected committee that meets monthly. They manage the accounts and organise things like the newsletter, diary, website and events that are open to all members. The Groups which are at the heart of our u3a are organised by members who volunteer to form their own interest groups. There is no limit to the number of groups as long as someone steps forward to host them! They can meet in members' homes, village halls or anywhere else appropriate.
Joining
We are always happy to have new members. You can:
- Click to join online
- Join in person at a coffee morning or monthly meeting (See the Diary page for details of these)
- Join by post by downloading printing and posting the membership application form, which has the details you will need
You can use the contact form on this website if you have questions and are more comfortable with written communication.