Newcastle u3a currently has over 65 Interest Groups, a much larger number than most other u3as. The ability to join one or more of these groups is often the main reason why people choose to become a member. There are:

• Sport and activity groups, including walking, table tennis, short tennis and crafts
• Fitness and movement groups, including Yoga, Pilates and line dancing
• Games groups, including Scrabble, Bridge, Chess and board games
• Music groups, including singing, ukulele, jazz, and favourite musicals
• Language groups, including French, German and Spanish
• Food and Drink groups, including wine, eating out, real ale and gardening
• Culture groups, including books, poetry, films, and art appreciation
• Science groups, including geology and architecture
• History groups, including local history, industrial history, and family history
• Wellbeing groups, including dowsing, philosophy and positive psychology

The most important feature of almost all our Interest Groups is that they are volunteer-led and self-programming. No-one is paid to lead a group, and we always encourage group participation, discussion and decision making. With the exception of Pilates and Yoga, our groups are not classes, we don't teach, and there aren’t any exams or homework! Our groups simply provide a way in which people with a shared intertest can get together, make new friends, have fun, and enjoy learning from one another.

Most of our groups meet monthly, but some are weekly or fortnightly. The majority of our groups meet in our Newcastle u3a hub on Pink Lane, with a few meeting at other venues, and a couple in members' homes.

As well attending one or more groups, all u3a members are encouraged to think about leading a new group on a topic that interests them which is not currently provided. For example we do not currently have a photography, astronomy, or botany group. Support is readily available for anyone who has an idea for a new group from Annie Nicholson, our Groups Co-ordimator, including by encouraging other members to join. You may contact her at: Groups Coordinator (email contact)

Groups Calendar

An interactive calendar of all our current groups with their dates and times can be viewed by clicking here.