“I should have joined the u3a as soon as I retired. It has given me back my lust for life and it’s so much fun.”
“It’s a great way to meet new people locally with interests like mine. I’ve made so many friends through the u3a – I definitely recommend giving it a go.”
CEDU3A Members
As a member of the Crouch End and District u3a (CEDu3a) since I retired three years ago, I couldn’t agree more with the thoughts of these fellow members. For those of you who don’t already know about us, allow me to introduce you…
The CEDu3a is a friendly and welcoming organisation, and immensely proud that after only six years, we recently welcomed our 1,000th member. We are all are based locally and all eager to keep our minds sharp, be active, spark new interests, continue learning and share our knowledge and enthusiasms with others.
If you’re no longer working full time and keen to start a new chapter in your life, and if you live in Alexandra Park, Bounds Green, Crouch End, East Finchley, Fortis Green, Harringay, Highgate, Hornsey, Muswell Hill, Stroud Green, Tottenham, Wood Green or even areas further afield, the Crouch End and District u3a might be just for you.
We are a mutual aid organisation, so all members are encouraged to contribute. We depend on our members to volunteer and help out in whatever way they can.
Our interest groups
Interest groups are at the heart of what we do. With over 100 different groups there’s a huge range of topics represented, from outdoor exercises and sports to language studies, science, music, book groups, outings, gallery visits, history, wine tasting and practical crafts. The groups are run by our members on a voluntary basis. You can see the full range on our website (www.cedu3a.org.uk) and if you think something’s missing or if your special interest is not listed, we will encourage and support you to start your own group.
Groups meet in members’ homes or in local halls, pubs, or cafes. Indoor sports take place at local leisure centres, including Hornsey Vale. Outdoor activities include bowls, pétanque and walks.
Our other activities
Every month expert guest speakers give talks to our branch. Subjects may be anything from arachnids to art history, climate change to centenarians to the stories of Crouch End’s pioneering women. And throughout the year our members organise social events, ceilidhs, summer parties, outings, quizzes, and coffee mornings. Our first live classical music recital is due to take place this month and a jazz evening is planned for the New Year.
There’s also a monthly information bulletin (via email), a triannual newsletter, social media engagement and events organised by the London Region and National u3a.
About the u3a
u3a is your Third Age: when, leaving full-time employment, you have more time and opportunity to get out, learn new things, meet new people in your area, keep your brain and body active and, most importantly, have fun.
The u3a is an international, non-religious and non-political voluntary movement based on the principles of self-help, learning and co-operation. Launched in the UK in 1982, the national organisation now has over 1,000 local ranches and 450,000 members. Each local u3a is a registered charity.
How to join
With no paid staff and only basic costs to cover, you will be surprised how modest our membership fees are. Visit our website at www.cedu3a.org.uk to apply to join online and to find out more about the interest groups and all our other activities.
– Alex Kempner (CEDu3a member)