Latest Group News
Updated: Oct 5
We currently have around 100 active groups but we always have room for more.
Many of us joined the u3a to connect, try new things and meet like‑minded people. If
our Groups are the lifeblood of the u3a, then our Group Leaders are the quiet heroes,
generous with their time, shaping interest into Groups that are supportive, fun and
grounded in peer‑to‑peer learning.
So, what is stopping you becoming a Group Leader? If you already belong to a
Group, you understand what makes one welcoming and enjoyable. You don’t need
special skills — just the willingness to help a Group run smoothly, and we’ll support
you every step of the way.
If you’re interested you can either fill in our Q&A, email groups@rru3a.org.uk with your ideas or visit the Groups Desk at the Friday meeting.
Groups looking for members or leaders
Learn basic improvisation skills, have fun whilst improving your mental health. What could be better? Get a taste of what we do at our Christmas meeting.
Mahjong 2
Mahjong is a fun, sociable tile game that’s easy to learn and great for keeping the mind active. If you enjoy light strategy and friendly play, this new group could be perfect for you.
Spanish Conversation 2
Enjoy speaking Spanish or want to polish up your language skills to a high standard? A new group is starting and looking for a few extra members
Tai Chi 2
A second Tai Chi group is trying to get off the ground, meeting on either a Tuesday or Wednesday morning at the Colman Redland Centre. Tai chi is based on ancient Chinese martial exercises.
Pickleball
Try a low-impact blend of tennis, table tennis and badminton, played with a perforated plastic ball. Pickleball is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.
Film Club
We have a group leader! Watch a film chosen by a member — ideally one they’ve seen and enjoyed — then share what you thought of it and why.
Current Affairs 5
A group leader is ready to start another group exploring current affairs. We’re looking for more members to share in the discussion.
Group Activities
Photography Group
We welcome anyone with an interest in photography. No need for expensive equipment or experience in the genre, just a keenness to take photos or admire those taken by others.
We meet on the first Thursday of each month, visiting places of interest suggested by members, from an annual programme compiled by our Group Leader. Locations are usually within the South East and London, travelling by train or shared cars.
Every fourth month we have a review meeting to which everyone who has gone on our previous three outings is invited to show their photographs. Images are shared digitally for us to appreciate, discuss any challenging photographic issues, recognise successes and learn from each other. There is no sense of competition, just a shared interest and opportunities to develop our skills. A selection of each quarter’s images is published on the rru3a website https://www.rru3a.org.uk/photos.
Serendipity
Each month, one member chooses a word. We all research it, taking the connection as loosely as we like. Last month’s word was…
Arch Jeffrey Archer
One word The Archway Theatre
Four different directions Archipelagos
The Triumphal Arch, Moscow
We keep our choices a surprise until we meet. Occasionally, two people choose the same aspect — but even then, they often bring different discoveries.
Where would “Arch” have taken you?
If you would like further information about any of our groups, would like to start a group or would like to join a group, please contact us by completing the form which can be found on the Groups’ page or emailing us: groups@rru3a.org.uk
