We are a thriving community of more than 1,000 members, people like you, who are no longer working full-time or raising a family and want to make the most of life. Once you have joined our u3a, you can join as many of our 80+ groups as you like (there is a modest additional charge for a small number of our groups) and take the opportunity to develop your interests, make new friends and enjoy yourself. We offer recreational and social activities plus a wide range of educational study groups, with a very friendly and informal atmosphere. Further benefits of joining include: Invitations to monthly meetings, usually including an external speaker on a topic of general interest, with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards with the opportunity to talk to other members. Click here to see more details. I f your particular interest is not covered, you could investigate the possibility of starting your own group, with support from the Committee available, to help you move forwards. It is certainly not always necessary to be able to "teach"; you and your group can explore and develop your subject together. News Edit magazine – click on one of the pictures below to open that edition, or here to see previous editions 1/1

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a is an active social organisation for anyone in or around Basingstoke who has retired, is semi-retired or has never worked and who would like to make new friends with similar interests and enjoy a wide range of activities in the local area. The u3a motto is Learn, Laugh, Live. Your local u3a Finished with the 9–5 or family commitments? Now it’s your time to explore, enjoy and connect. At our u3a, you can discover new interests, rediscover old passions, and—most importantly—have fun while meeting friendly, like‑minded people. Whether you love learning something new, sharing skills, or simply enjoying good company, there’s something here for everyone. We’re a welcoming community run by members, for members. Everyone is encouraged to join in—whether that’s helping to organise activities, leading a group, or simply sharing ideas. It’s all about learning together, laughing together, and making the most of every day. In this short film, we explain the benefits of becoming a member of the Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Find a Group Join our u3a Contact us Benefits of Membership DIscover our Groups Newsletter Monthly Meetings National u3a Volunteer News Edit Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a publishes a monthly newsletter, News Edit. If you have news or information to include in the News Edit, please contact the editor. Click below to see the latest and previous issue. Volunteer? As our u3a continues to grow, we want to ensure our community remains vibrant and well-run. To do that, we are looking for a few more friendly faces to help us behind the scenes. We are looking for members to volunteer for simple tasks that take the pressure off our core team, and a couple of new Committee members to join us in July 2026. If you’d like to get involved, please use the volunteering contact form. National u3a Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a is part of a national organisation which offers online learning, online interest groups, a blog, monthly podcast, summer schools and more. National u3a Website The website of the national u3a movement - offering online learning, online interest groups, a blog, monthly podcast and more Read More u3a Radio Podcast The u3a radio podcast, set up in 2020, showcases the amazing things happening across the movement. It’s created by a team of u3a members who all have radio experience and features interviews with members, interest group leaders, Trustees, national volunteers and Subject Advisers. Read More Interest Groups Online Interest Groups Online (abbreviated as IGO) is an online u3a community that gives you the opportunity to join groups, talks and courses from the comfort of your home. Note that this has a separate joining fee. Read More u3a Summer Schools u3a summer schools are organised by individual regions and nations, giving you the opportunity to spend a couple of days getting to know other members, learning new things and exploring topics Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a does not offer at present. Read More National u3a Friends Newsletter The u3a Friends newsletter shares news, learning opportunities and member stories from across the u3a movement. Signing up to the newsletter means you are up to date and in touch with all that's happening across the movement as it happens. You'll also gain exclusive access to our Friends Extra website - a range of offers, discounts and services. Each issue of the Friends Newsletter includes a link to the Friends Extra benefits website. Read More National u3a Learning A schedule of activities complimenting what is provided locally and connecting members across the UK Read More Badminton Badminton Groups Once you have joined our u3a, you can join as many of our 90+ groups as you like (there is a modest additional charge for a small number of our groups) and take the opportunity to develop your interests, make new friends and enjoy yourself. We offer recreational and social activities plus a wide range of educational study groups, with a very friendly and informal atmosphere. The groups meet in a number of venues around Basingstoke and Old Basing. For more details, and to find a group that interests you, see more about Our Groups . A printable summary of the groups we run can be found here . New groups We are always looking to provide our members with more variety or to start a second group when a group is full. The committee member who is responsible for Group Development can be contacted via this contact form . If your particular interest is not covered, why not investigate the possibility of starting your own group? There is every chance that other members may be looking for a new challenge and keen to join a new activity. It is certainly not always necessary to be able to "teach"; you and your group can explore and develop your subject together. Recently added groups Coffee Group Cross Stitch Golf practice Introduction to Tarot Show More Members are invited to monthly meetings, usually including an external speaker on a topic of general interest, with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards with the opportunity to talk to other members. Click here to see more details. Please note this will be in the Main Hall at Queen Mary's College , also the change of day and date. Next Meeting: Friday 18th September Luke Murphy MP Being an MP. This is not a political meeting. Luke will not be here as an advocate for the Government so please do not come with an agenda! He will be talking about what it is like to be an first time MP and his experiences in Parliament. He will be happy to answer questions on local issues.

A social organisation for anyone in or around Basingstoke who has retired, is semi-retired or has never worked and who would like to make new friends with similar interests in the local area. The U3A motto is Learn, Laugh, Live. Latest issue of our News Edit Past News Edits, Newsletters and magazine articles News Edits September 2026 Click to open full edition March 2026 Click to open full edition October 2025 Click to open full edition April 2025 Click to open full edition November 2024 Click to open full edition June 2024 Click to open full edition December 2023 Click to open full edition July 2026 Click to open full edition February 2026 Click to open full edition September 2025 Click to open full edition March 2025 Click to open full edition October 2024 Click to open full edition May 2024 Click to open full edition November 2023 Click to open full edition June 2026 Click to open full edition January 2026 Click to open full edition July 2025 Click to open full edition February 2025 Click to open full edition September 2024 Click to open full edition April 2024 Click to open full edition October 2023 Click to open full edition May 2026 Click to open full edition December 2025 Click to open full edition June 2025 Click to open full edition January 2025 Click to open full edition August 2024 Click to open full edition March 2024 Click to open full edition September 2023 Click to open full edition April 2026 Click to open full edition November 2025 Click to open full edition May 2025 Click to open full edition December 2024 Click to open full edition July 2024 Click to open full edition February 2024 Click to open full edition August 2023 Click to open full edition 2023 Newsletters Spring 2023 Magazine articles January 2023 March 2023 May 2023 June 2023 2022 Newsletters Quarter 1 2022 Summer 2022 Winter 2022 Magazine articles January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 November 2022 December 2022 Year Book 2018 Year Book 2019 Year Book (Text Version) 2021/22 Year Book

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Science and technology group. Our friendly meetings cover a wide range of topics presented by members of the group, with some visiting speakers. Whilst the presentations will have some technical content, the speakers know that audience members will rarely have specific knowledge of their field, so presentations are never difficult to understand. Hence, you just have to have an interest in science/technology to enjoy them. Back to Groups Page Science and technology Venue : The Roger Morris Centre, Eastrop Way, Basingstoke RG21 4QE Date : 1st Tuesday of the month Time : 2:00 - 3:30 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings Our friendly meetings cover a wide range of topics presented by members of the group, with some visiting speakers. Whilst the presentations will have some technical content, the speakers know that audience members will rarely have specific knowledge of their field, so presentations are never difficult to understand. Hence, you just have to have an interest in science/technology to enjoy them. PROGRAMME FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR 2026 October: AI for U3A members - Glenis Hart, U3A (Reading) November: Maths and Music - Rod Marshall December: Quiz? 2027 January: How Green tech and AI help farming - Edward Mitchell February: Black Broadcasting to the Germans in WW II - Guy Caplin March: Food packaging - Eric Duncan (head of food sciences at Coveris) April: Life in Nuclear – Suzanna Mallinson-Fletcher May: The use of composite materials in airplane manufacture - Mike Perrett We also enjoy some interesting visits to sites (e.g. research centres) related to our studies. Recent visits have included: the Diamond Light Source at Harwell the de Havilland Aircraft Museum, near St Albans Brooklands museum National Oceanographic Centre, Southampton We hold meetings in a face-to-face environment at The Roger Morris Centre, Eastrop Way, Basingstoke RG21 4QE where there is free parking across the road from the centre. Our meetings start at 2.00pm, with coffee and tea available from 1.45pm. Click here for maps and direction Our aim is to for the presentation to last about 45-50 minutes, with time for questions afterwards. Also, there is the opportunity to chat with colleagues and the presenter before and after the presentation. If you have a topic that will be of interest to this group, please let one of the group leaders know and we will aim to fit your presentation into the schedule. Members of the S&T group receive an email reminder about a week before each presentation, giving details of the venue, the speaker and the presentation.

Discover Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Groups in Basingstoke, UK. Join diverse groups and activities to enrich your social life and learning experience. Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Groups Home Our Groups Venues Venue Map

All Groups Our Groups Once you have joined our u3a, you can join as many of our 80+ groups as you like (there is a modest additional charge for a small number of our groups). The groups meet in a number of venues around Basingstoke and Old Basing. To view groups individually, by category, venue, day of the week and morning or afternoon sessions, use the buttons below. You can apply to join most groups by clicking on the "Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a groups" option on the Members Portal. If you would like to get in touch with the leader of a particular group, please use the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of this page and we will forward your enquiry to the relevant group leader. Some groups have a waiting list to join, and some groups are split: Across different times or venues Level (e.g. Beginners / Advanced) Details will be shown on the individual group page. If you have a question relating to an existing group, then please contact the Groups Facilitator via groups@basingstokeu3a.org Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a is a voluntary organisation, and our groups are run by members for members. We are often on the lookout for group leaders, and if you have knowledge of or interest in a subject that we do not cover, we can help you start a new group. Contact the committee member responsible for new groups for more information. Click for a 4-week grid showing all the groups by week Category Arts & Crafts Indoor Games Languages Lifelong Learning Music & Dance Physical Activity Wellbeing Day of Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Morning/Afternoon Morning Afternoon Venue Select Venue Reset Selection View Printable Group Schedule All Groups are displayed Art 4 All BCOT Luncheon Bingo Book club Canasta Computer group Croquet Cycling Family history French Golf practice History Ladies who lunch Local and social history Meditation and energy skills Motorbikes Only Connect Photography Poetry appreciation Rose Gardening Science and technology Short mat bowls Spanish Table tennis Ukulele Walkers Walking netball Art and craft Badminton Biography Bridge Cinema Creative writing Cross Stitch Easy Paced Walking Football Film group Gardening Health and wellbeing Introduction to Tarot Line dancing Mahjong Members on their own Music and words Papercraft Pickleball Pop the Question? Rounders Science and technology book club Singing for pleasure Square dancing Theatre Group Understanding legislation Walking Cricket Walks with your camera Art history and appreciation Ballroom dancing Board games Calligraphy Coffee Group Cribbage Current issues Excursions and holidays Folk and country dancing German Hellenic life Italian Conversation Literature - old and new Meditation - Ancient Wisdom Military History Needles and Pins Patchwork and quilting Pilates Quiz group Rummikub Scrabble Skittles Strategic board games Transport Walk or Stroll in the park Walking football Wooly Crafters I f your particular interest is not covered, or your chosen group is full with a waiting list, you could investigate the possibility of starting your own group, with support from the Committee available, to help you move forwards. It is certainly not always necessary to be able to "teach"; you and your group can explore and develop your subject together. The committee member who is responsible for Group Development can be contacted via NewGroups@basingstokeu3a.org

Policies This page provides links to the policies of Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Accessibility Policy Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Safeguarding Policy Financial Reserves Policy Privacy Policy Data Protection Policy Cookie Policy Complaints Procedure Members Code of Conduct Financial Policy

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Bridge group. We run four Bridge groups: · Beginners Bridge · Bridge for Improvers · Bridge Very Relaxed Duplicate · Duplicate Bridge Back to Groups Page Bridge Beginners Bridge Venue : Group leader's home Time : 9:30 - 11:30 Date : Every Thursday for 20 weeks, starting on 3rd September 2026 Bridge for Improvers Venue : Basingstoke Bridge Club, Maydene, Sherborne Road, Basingstoke RG21 5TG Time : 14:00 - 16:00 Date : Every Monday for 20 weeks, starting on 14th September 2026 Very Relaxed Duplicate Bridge Venue : Online, using Real Bridge Time : 14:00 - 16:00 Date : Every other Tuesday, starting on 6th January 2026 Duplicate Bridge Venue : Sherborne St John Village Hall, Kiln Road, Sherborne St John, RG24 9HP Time : 13:00 - 16:30 Date : Every Thursday Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings We run four Bridge groups: · Beginners Bridge - an 18 week course for people wishing to learn bridge (starting on Thursday 3rd September 2026) · Bridge for Improvers (new course runs for 20 weeks on a Monday from 2pm to 4pm, starting on 14th September 2026) · Bridge Very Relaxed Duplicate (relaxed duplicate playing session, running every other Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm) · Duplicate Bridge We play competitive bridge one afternoon a week in a friendly and unintimidating atmosphere. All are welcome to drop in and play. Results are available as soon as play stops and are emailed to all players. On your own? Most players arrive in pairs, but if you would like help finding a partner, please use the "Contact Us" button below to send us a query which will be passed on to the group convenor. Other links that may be of interest (further suggestions are welcome): English Bridge Union

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Creative writing group. Are you someone who has always felt you have a short story or even a book in you? Then our small, friendly group could be just what you need to improve your technique and discuss your problems with sympathetic, like-minded writers. Most of our members enjoy writing for fun and we share our writing in a relaxed, supportive setting.  Back to Groups Page Creative writing Venue : Izita Kerr Room, The Oakridge Hall for All, Oakridge Village, Forsythia Walk, Basingstoke, RG21 5RL Date : 1st and 3rd Thursdays Time : 14:00 - 16:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings Are you someone who has always felt you have a short story or even a book in you? Then our small, friendly group could be just what you need to improve your technique and discuss your problems with sympathetic, like-minded writers. Most of our members enjoy writing for fun and we share our writing in a relaxed, supportive setting. While those members with greater expertise willingly provide assistance within the group, this is not a teaching group for absolute beginners. We do expect potential members to be able to demonstrate a knowledge of creative writing or to be able to submit a sample of their work to ensure that the group is suitable. Access to a word processor is highly desirable. People wishing to join the group are requested not to turn up to a meeting but to contact the group leader in the first instance.

Frequently Asked Questions This page has the answers to some questions which are often asked by new members What is u3a and who can join? The u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally run interest groups that provides educational, creative, and leisure opportunities for older adults no longer in full-time employment Who runs the local u3a? Although it has a committee, it is entirely member-led, meaning members share their skills and teach each other. Are there other volunteer opportunities? Yes, there are volunteer opportunities. Please submit an enquiry for through the website to register your interest or Enquiries@Basingstokeu3a.org What is the national "Third Age Trust"? The National u3a is a UK-wide, cooperative network of local charities where retired or semi-retired people come together to learn for fun. Entirely volunteer-run, it focuses on peer-to-peer teaching, social connection, and lifelong learning without exams or formal qualifications Where and when do monthly meetings take place? Monthly meetings happen once a month on a Wednessday. Please see the U3a News Edit for more information. Who is the safeguarding contact and what should I contact them about? If you are concerned about the welfare/safeguard of a member, your first action is to discuss this with the group leader. If it is an emergency contact 999. If not, the group leader will review and contact the committee lead for safeguarding. I am not a member, can I try a group out before I officially join? It is possible to attend a group as a taster session. Please contact the Group Facilitator groups@basingstokeu3a.org who will inform the Group Leader and they will arrange for you to visit the group. What happens if I want to join a group but it is full? Please still apply to join the group and the Group Leader will add you to the waiting list and keep you informed on progress. I have written to a group leader for information but have not received a response, who can I talk to? Contact the Group Facilitator on groups@basingstokeu3a.org If I want to join a group, can I just turn up? u3a members can join many groups directly from the member's portal, otherwise members should contact the group leader (details via the member's portal) to arrange a taster session. Non-members of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a should contact the Group Facilitator groups@basingstokeu3a.org who will inform the Group Leader and they will arrange for you to visit the group. What should I do if I have an accident during a u3a group session? The Group Leader will deal with the situation and complete an Incident form which we keep centrally. If necessary, the Group Leader will inform your emergency contact. e.g. if you are taken to hospital. Can I start a new group if my hobby isn’t listed? If you are interested in starting a group please contact NewGroups@basingstokeu3a.org We would be delighted to to discuss the process and find out whoelse would be interested in joining. How much does joining the u3a cost? £50 per annum from 1 September to 31 August Is there an alternative to PayPal to pay my membership? Yes, you can pay be debit or credit card. Detailed instructions are available from the Membership Secretary by emailing 'membership2@basingstokeu3a.org ' I have mobility issues or use a wheelchair—can I still join? We welcome everybody and try to ensure the facilities we use are accessible. However, sometimes this is not possible so when you join, please go to the group you are interested in on the members portal and contact the group leader to check. If you want to know in advance of joining, please send an enquiry to Enquiries@Basingstokeu3a.org Are there any extra costs after I pay the annual fee? Most of our Groups are free with the exception of a few groups where there is a nominal weekly charge, or where the Groups involve trips or meals Is there a limit to how many groups I can join? There is no limit to the number of groups you can join If I join halfway through the year, do I still pay the full fee? No, you will pay a half-year fee of £30 Does my membership allow me to visit other u3as? Sorry, no, each u3a group is independent of the others I am a member of another u3a, can I come to your groups without additional cost? Sorry, no, you would need to join our group as a new member I am thinking of joining the u3a and want to check if there is space in a specific group and get more information, who can I talk to ? If you want to check availability in advance of joining, please contact Enquiries@Basingstokeu3a.org I am having trouble joining the u3a, who can I contact? You can contact the Membership Secetary by emailing 'membership2@basingstokeu3a.org ' How will I find out what is happening each month? Visit the u3a Basingstoke Web Site, www.basingstokeu3a.org . There are multiple charts under the group section showing the groups, by day, by month, by alphabetical order and geography. The website also contains information on our monthly meetings. Read the News Edit, which is mailed to you each month for updates on the monthly meeting, information on new groups that are starting that month, and articles from the Group Leaders.

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Needles and Pins group. We are a very friendly group, so there is lots of chatter and laughter while knitting, drinking tea and coffee and eating biscuits. Back to Groups Page Needles and Pins Venue : Shaftesbury Room Christ Church , Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT Click here for website Date : 1st and 3rd Friday in the month Time : 09:30 to 11:30 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings We are a very friendly group, so there is lots of chatter and laughter while knitting, drinking tea and coffee and eating biscuits. Bring along your own project to do and if you need help, there is always someone willing to assist or teach new things for knitting, crochet, cross stitch, embroidery etc. The emphasis is on having fun, socialising whilst enjoying our hobbies. We try to have a few workshops each year, e.g. Dorset buttons, Christmas decorations and we have special events. Some of us make things for charities, such as blankets/hats and mittens for neo-natal wards or twiddlemuffs for dementia patients. We also do knitted toys for the shoeboxes sent to deprived children. If you want to get involved, then you can use the time to produce items. The Needle and Pins group runs on the same lines as the Wooly Crafter's group and members can only belong to one of the groups. This is to ensure we have enough places for all members who want to join.

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Wooly Crafters group. We are a very friendly group, so there is a lot of chatter and laughter while knitting, crocheting, drinking tea / coffee.  Back to Groups Page Wooly Crafters Venue: Hatch Warren Community Centre, Longcross Lane, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, RG22 4XF Day: Alternate Tuesdays starting 1st September 2026 Time: 10.00 – 12.00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings We are a very friendly group, so there is a lot of chatter and laughter while knitting, crocheting, drinking tea / coffee. The emphasis is on having fun and socialising whilst enjoying our hobbies and learning new skills. Bring along your own project and if you need help, there is always someone willing to assist or teach new techniques. We occasionally work on a project together e.g. Jane Austen panel, Christmas decorations. Quotes from members: ‘Everyone welcome and lots of tips and ideas’ ‘Friendly and inclusive. Always lots of chatter and laughter.’ ‘Helpful to each other’ From a new member ‘ Wow, what an amazing experience. Lovely people from a variety of backgrounds and wooly crafting interests.’ The Wooly Crafter's group runs on the same lines as the Needle and Pins group and members can only belong to one of the groups. This is to ensure we have enough places for all members who want to join.