Welcome to Sleaford u3a
Retired or not in Full-Time Employment?
Would you like to expand your interests with like minded people?
Learn new skills, get more active and make new friends?
THE U3A MOVEMENT
Founded over 40 years ago and with over 400,000 members nationally, the u3a movement in the United Kingdom aims to encourage groups of people who are no longer in full time employment to come together to enjoy activities and interests with others, perhaps to develop new hobbies and make new friends.
There is NO MINIMUM or MAXIMUM AGE for membership, which is open to anyone whether in retirement, semi-retirement, working on a flexible or zero hours basis, or are caring for home or family members.
Across the UK, there are more than 1000 local u3a's, which are independent, registered charities, run 'by the members, for the members', receiving no government subsidies.
The u3a national body – the Third Age Trust - is the umbrella organisation for all the local u3a's in the UK, providing educational and administrative support. Click on this link to find out more Third Age Trust.
Why not join us here in Sleaford by visiting our JOIN page today.
Sleaford u3a is run entirely by its members, with an elected Committee. We serve the town and surrounding villages to share creative, leisure and educational pursuits in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Founded in 1999, we were affiliated to the Third Age Trust on 4th February 2000 and continue to thrive. Currently have around 400 members and more than 30 different interest groups and short courses, led by dedicated volunteers.
INTEREST GROUPS
We offer an expanding range of different interest and activity groups, including, for instance, theatre, history, languages, walking, various sports, reading, gardening and discussion groups to name just a few. Check out the full list by clicking on GROUPS. Meetings are held in a variety of venues throughout Sleaford and surrounding villages.
SHORT COURSES
In addition to our regular interest groups we have run a number of very informative and enjoyable short courses on a variety of fascinating topics. See the COURSES page. Even if a course isn't running at the moment, it is worth contacting us to express an interest. It is also possible to participate in courses organised by the u3a Trust if you belong to Sleaford u3a.
MEMBERS MEETINGS
General Meetings are held every two months, open to the whole membership. Most of these events have guest speakers, or entertainment of some sort and free tea, coffee and biscuits are always on offer – occasionally something more ambitious for celebrations. See EVENTS.
NEW MEMBER WELCOME RECEPTIONS
Welcome receptions are held from time to time to give new joiners the opportunity to meet up and chat together with some of our committee members and group leaders over complimentary coffee or tea. It’s a friendly way to find out a bit more about what is on offer here in Sleaford as well as through the wider u3a Trust. Contact the Membership Coordinator to find out where and when the next reception will take place.
SOCIAL EVENTS & OUTINGS
Throughout the year, some of our interest groups organise social events and outings to places of special interest, some of which may be open to the whole membership. Travel may sometimes be by coach or train if appropriate and practical. Visits include theatres, historic buildings, cathedrals, museums, gardens and heritage locations. Sleaford u3a organised trips attract free entry to National Trust sites for everyone attending. Visit the EVENTS page for details.
NEWSLETTER
Our monthly NEWSLETTER is emailed to the membership with news and contributions from members to keep everyone up to date with group reports and forthcoming events.
WEBSITE
News and Events are also updated regularly on the NEWS and EVENTS pages of the website, and members can access further information via the MEMBER PORTAL on the MEMBERS page.
FACEBOOK
We are also on FACEBOOK. Anyone may view the page but only u3a members may post content. To join our Facebook Group, go to the MEMBERS page.
Come along and join us - we would love to meet you!
Do Something Brilliant Today...
Joining u3a could be good for you. Find out why by downloading a recent report. 'Learn to Live: A blueprint for better health and wellbeing' - shines a light on the u3a non-formal learning model and the benefits for promoting and maintaining happy, healthy lives.
You can download your copy of the report here: https://sleaford.u3asite.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/u3a-Learn-to-Live-report-2024final.pdf
You can also watch a video about Learn to Live here: https://youtu.be/Cp6IfaDQIW8?feature=shared