Latest Group News

We currently have over 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.

---

Recent Vacancies

Family History 4

Embark on a journey of discovery that could reveal surprising connections. Our friendly, established Family History Group welcomes researchers of all experience levels.

Comedy Improv

Learn basic improvisation skills, have fun and improve your mental health whilst improving your mental health. What could be better?

Hand Bells

We are an extremely enthusiastic, friendly and moderately-competent team. No previous experience is required but the ability to read music (however elementary) is useful.

Singing for Pleasure

We are an enthusiastic group singing a wide range of music. We occasionally perform on an informal basis, and we are constantly updating our repertoire. First and foremost, we have fun.

German Conversation 1

An intermediate level German conversation. We get together and talk informally about current issues of the day, and anything else of interest.

Sunday Lunch Club 3

Enjoy Sunday lunch in good company at local pubs and restaurants, with members taking turns to suggest and book venues.

Railway Studies 1

Our members produce and present a wide range of topics with railways at the centre.

Canasta

A friendly, mixed-ability group ideal for beginners as all members are helpful, supportive and encouraging.

Bridge (Duplicate)

Duplicate Bridge is the playing format at bridge clubs. The cards are played from a board so that the same hands can be played by different pairs, thereby making it more competitive. This club is not suitable for beginners.

---

Group Activities

Architecture 2 

Our July Visit was to Goddards at Abinger Common. The house was built by Edwin Lutyens from 1898–1900 and enlarged by him in 1910. It is considered one of his most important early houses, designed in the traditional Surrey style and with a garden laid out in collaboration with the celebrated garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll. The commission was an unusual one in that it was built ‘as a Home of Rest to which ladies of small means might repair for holiday’. The house is now hired out for holiday rental by The Landmark Trust.

Ukulele Group 

Recently some of the group played outside Summers Hall at the Reigate Festival. They have two other bookings coming up in August and September so look out for them and give them your support.

Railways Studies 1

Last year the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first to be built under an Act of Parliament, reached its 200^th anniversary so we are looking at each railway to be built (as today’s modern railways) under a Parliamentary Act as they reach the bicentenary. The next major railway is in 2029 when the Liverpool and Manchester Railway 200^th anniversary will occur where the George and Robert Stephenson built ‘Rocket’ became the winner of the Rainhill Trials.

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