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.

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 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.

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 Skittles group. The group is a good mix of singles and couples and the hall is big enough for us all. You do not need to buy any equipment.  Back to Groups Page Skittles * This Group has a waiting list for new members at present * Venue : Basingstoke Town Bowling Club Date : Every Monday from November to March Time : 10:00 - 12:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings The group is a good mix of singles and couples and the hall is big enough for us all. You do not need to buy any equipment.

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Singing for pleasure group. A friendly and informal group which meets to sing songs from the musicals, old pop songs from 50s to 90s, old time music hall and evergreens. Each meeting is led by one or two volunteers who produce a list of songs from our 50 song sheets to be sung during the meeting. Back to Groups Page Singing for pleasure Venue : Parish Room, The Street, Old Basing, RG24 7BW Click here for website Date : 1st and 3rd Monday Time : 14:00 - 15:30 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings A friendly and informal group which meets to sing songs from the musicals, old pop songs from 50s to 90s, old time music hall and evergreens. Each meeting is led by one or two volunteers who produce a list of songs from our 50 song sheets to be sung during the meeting.

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Computer group group. We will mainly cover the Microsoft Windows environment, but other topics may get covered if we have enough expertise to do so. The Notes from the Presentations of both groups will be available to download on this web site. Back to Groups Page Computer group Venue (All groups): Shaftesbury Room, Christ Church , Reading Road, Chineham, RG24 8LT. Dates: Beginners - second Tuesday of the month Intermediate - fourth Tuesday of the month Times: 14:00 – 16:00 – Beginners 10:00 – 12:00 - Intermediates Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings We run two groups under the headings. We will mainly cover the Microsoft Windows environment, but other topics may get covered if we have enough expertise to do so. The Notes from the Presentations of both groups will be available to download on this web site. New members would be very welcome. If you are interested, or would simply like more information, then please use the "Contact Us" button at the bottom of the page. We do offer teas and coffees for a very small donation at the start. Beginners Group This group is for people with little or no knowledge of computers who want to get started and need help doing so. We offer one to one help to group members to assist with any issues that they may be struggling with. Current Activity Spending ½ hour talking about topics of interest followed by 1 ½ hours on one to one help. Intermediate Group This group is for people with a bit more knowledge than pure beginners, but by no means experts. We will offer in-depth presentations on topics of general interest with the hope that everyone comes away with added knowledge. Current Activity The aim is to offer two in-depth presentations per meeting, lasting approximately ¾ hr each. Helpers will be available to assist members on a one to one basis but this will be purely ad hoc and arranged at the time of the meeting. Beginners Group Notes Beginner Session 1 Notes Email Notes Calendar PowerPoint Slides Calendar Notes Cloud Photo Talk Files Photos Photo App How to use Photo App Saving Photos Filing and Housekeeping Browsers and Search Engines These area few of my favourite phone Apps Handout notes Handout slides Artificial Intelligence presentation Social Media Handout note s OneDrive Notes Presentation Email safety Alexa NHS App Handout slide s Presentation Passwords and Password Managers Getting the most from your iPhone s Managing Files and Photos Part 1 - Files Part 2 - Photos Christmas Tips Handout Using a New Phone iPhone Gestures Guide by Apple iPhone Setup and Gestures iPhone Presentation Handout Android Phone Environment Notes Android Phone and Tablet Setup and Gestures Introduction to Microsoft Excel Part 1 Part 2 Example Spreadsheet Part 3 Example Workbook - Excel Charts Part 4 Example Workbook - Pivot Table Practical Uses of AI Part 1 Part 2 Beginners Group Notes Beginner Session 1 Notes Email Notes Calendar PowerPoint Slides Calendar Notes Cloud Photo Talk Files Photos Photo App How to use Photo App Saving Photos Filing and Housekeeping Browsers and Search Engines These area few of my favourite phone Apps Handout notes Handout slides Artificial Intelligence presentation Social Media Handout note s OneDrive Notes Presentation Email safety Alexa NHS App Handout slide s Presentation Passwords and Password Managers Getting the most from your iPhone s Managing Files and Photos Part 1 - Files Part 2 - Photos Christmas Tips Handout Using a New Phone iPhone Gestures Guide by Apple iPhone Setup and Gestures iPhone Presentation Handout Android Phone Environment Notes Android Phone and Tablet Setup and Gestures Introduction to Microsoft Excel Part 1 Part 2 Example Spreadsheet Part 3 Example Workbook - Excel Charts Part 4 Example Workbook - Pivot Table Practical Uses of AI Part 1 Part 2 Intermediate Group Notes Backup & Recovery Email Windows 10 End Window 10 Tools Linux – An Introduction Home WiFi PowerPoint Notes Demo Slides Information Security Introduction to Network Attached Storage Build your own PC Excel budgeting Household Excel Budget 2025 demo. Computer aided design Virtual machines Create a virtual machine Buying Hardware Introduction to Microsoft Word Course Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 All about video editing Photo Editing for Fun

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a Ladies who lunch group. We all take a turn at hosting a lunch in our own home with the hostess making the main course, someone else bringing the starter and a third person bringing the pudding. We enjoy swapping recipes and any culinary tips and facts as well as putting ourselves and the world to right! Back to Groups Page Ladies who lunch Venue : members' homes Date : 3rd Thursday of the month Time : 13:00 - 16:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings We all take a turn at hosting a lunch in our own home with the hostess making the main course, someone else bringing the starter and a third person bringing the pudding. We enjoy swapping recipes and any culinary tips and facts as well as putting ourselves and the world to right!

Basingstoke - Old Basing u3a German group. The course is aimed at learning to speak German and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The class is studying Willkommen Book 2 from the beginning. Back to Groups Page German Venue : Morrisons Community Room, Morrisons Supermarket, Worting Road, Basingstoke RG21 8BJ The Room is next to and immediately before the cafe in Morrisons. Date : Every Thursday during term time Time : 14:00 - 16:00 Please note that you need to be a member of Basingstoke-Old Basing u3a to attend these meetings The course is aimed at learning to speak German and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The class is studying Willkommen Book 2 from the beginning. There is also plenty of time for conversational practice, mostly based on members’ news and experiences each week.