u3a (University of the Third Age) is a friendly, welcoming community for people who are no longer in full-time work.

At Stowmarket u3a, it’s really about people coming together – to share interests, enjoy good company, keep active, and discover new things together. Learning happens naturally through conversation, shared experience, curiosity, and support.

There are no exams, no qualifications, and no pressure. Just friendly faces, shared interests, and plenty of enjoyment.

Our motto sums it up perfectly:
Learn, Laugh, Live

Learn - through discussion, shared interests, and curiosity

Laugh – friendship and enjoyment matter just as much as the activity

Live – staying engaged, connected, and active in later life.

Stowmarket u3a is an independent local charity, affiliated to the national organisation known as the Third Age Trust.

Your membership gives you access to:
• Local Stowmarket u3a activities
• National u3a resources and events

Stowmarket u3a is run entirely by members, for members.

Our committee and group leaders are all volunteers, and everyone is encouraged to contribute in whatever way feels right for them.

Stowmarket u3a is open to anyone who considers themselves retired or semi-retired.

Most of our members are aged 60+, but there is no lower or upper age limit, and you don’t need any formal qualifications or university experience. If this stage of life feels right for you, you’ll fit right in.

No.

Most members live in Stowmarket or nearby villages, but you’re very welcome to join us if Stowmarket u3a suits you. Some people from further afar join because they enjoy a particular interest group, others because they like our monthly meetings and social atmosphere.

Yes.

Many members are semi-retired, work part-time, or volunteer. Groups meet on different days and at various times, which allows plenty of flexibility.

No.

u3a is designed to be flexible and relaxed. You attend what suits you, when it suits you, and you’re free to join more than one group. There’s no pressure to attend every session.

Yes – and we encourage it.

Why not come along to a Monthly Meeting, or contact a group organiser or the Membership Secretary to ask about trying a group session?

Very much so.

Many members join after moving to the area, retiring, or simply wanting to meet new people. Stowmarket u3a is known for being friendly, informal, and supportive, and new members are always welcome.

Membership is currently £20 per year.

This includes:
• Entry to our monthly meetings and talks
• Membership of the national u3a organisation
• Insurance and administration
• Access to nationwide u3a online events

Interest Groups are self-managed, so some do require a contribution or subscription towards room hire, refreshments, or visits etc.

You can join:

• At one of our Monthly Meetings, or
• By contacting our Membership Secretary at membership@u3astowmarket.org.uk

Joining usually involves completing a short form, paying the annual fee, and receiving information about groups and activities.

We have a wide and varied programme of interest groups, all run by members, for members.

A list of our current groups is available on the Groups page of our website.

New groups start regularly, and many of them began simply because someone said, “Would anyone like to…?”

Not at all.

Most groups happily welcome beginners and experienced members alike. The emphasis is on enjoyment, encouragement, and learning together at a comfortable pace.

You can usually try a session to see if it feels right for you.

Yes – and we genuinely mean that.

If you have an idea for a group and would like help getting it started, contact our Groups Coordinator at groupscoord@u3astowmarket.org.uk

You don’t need to be an expert – enthusiasm is often enough.

Our Monthly Meeting takes place on the third Wednesday afternoon of each month and is open to all members. These meetings combine an interesting speaker with time to chat and socialise. From March 2026, meetings will be held at:
 The Salvation Army, 3 Violet Hill Road, Stowmarket IP14 1NE.

Upcoming monthly meetings can be viewed here.

Interest Groups usually meet monthly or fortnightly, depending on the group.

A list of our current groups is available on the Groups page of our website.

Yes – very much so.

Alongside interest groups and monthly meetings, we organise an annual event, a free Christmas buffet and we are planning to introduce additional social gatherings, such as coffee mornings or informal get-togethers, where the focus is simply on spending time together.

For many members, u3a is as much about friendship as it is about activities.

Yes.

Some Stowmarket u3a groups offer online options, and all members can access national u3a Online Learning Events.

These include talks, short courses, and discussion sessions delivered via Zoom. You can simply listen and ask questions through the chat if you wish.

Details can be found at:
 https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/educational-events

No.

Online events are designed to be easy to use, and many members try online learning for the first time through u3a. You can join using a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

If you have any questions or would like to know more information about us, then we warmly welcome you to contact us below:

Membership enquiries: membership@u3astowmarket.org.uk
Group enquiries: Group Leader or groupscoord@u3astowmarket.org.uk
General enquiries: chair@u3astowmarket.org.uk or secretary@u3astowmarket.org.uk