What is the u3a? The u3a is an organisation that provides a fantastic way to keep active, make new friends and explore shared interests in a relaxed, friendly environment. With a huge range of interest groups: from art, languages and games to science, music and walking, we keep learning and having fun with other people. Anyone can join who is not in full-time employment.
Bicester u3a has a membership of around 380. We organise monthly talks, excursions, an annual holiday and over 50 assorted groups where people can share their interests. Our members come from Bicester and the surrounding villages. There is no waiting list, and new members are always very welcome. To join, please go to our Contact page.
Helena Tuckwell has produced a wonderful bumper August Newsletter in celebration of the 100th issue. (She hasn't edited them all!) You can read it here.
Our 40th Anniversary Celebrations
Bicester u3a was founded in 1986 just four years after the u3a movement began in the UK. So this year we are celebrating 40 years of fun, friendship and sharing our interests together. Throughout the year we will be holding a number of events to honour this important milestone in our history.
Our Main Celebratory Event took place at the Littlebury Hotel on Tuesday 30 June. Please see Helena's report here.
On 15 June 2026 the Badminton group celebrated Bicester u3a's 40th Anniversary with a special challenge to see if members could hit 40 shots over the net. This was combined with the consumption of a fantastic anniversary cake. Many thanks to Julie for providing the cake - it was great!
Julie and Jan succeeded in the badminton challenge, but the rest of us failed! - Paul
For more news, photos and reports of our celebrations, please visit the 40th Anniversary Celebrations page.
Other Recent News and Upcoming Events
We are in urgent need of someone to fill the currently vacant role of Vice-Chair. Without volunteers for Committee posts our u3a cannot function. Bicester u3a needs you. Please contact a Committee Member if you can help keep our organisation going.
Thursday 30 July - Members enjoyed a day out at Highclere Castle. See report here.
Thursday 27 August 2026 2:00 pm for 2:15 pm at the Clifton Centre: General meeting when Bobby Darbyshire will be giving her talk A Beginning, a Muddle and an End (character, location and plot – how to write a novel).
Day trip to Hampton Palace (members only) - 30 September 2026. This is now full. Details here.
Photographic
The subject for the 2026 photo competition is "Architecture, buildings, structures or part thereof". More details.
Kathy Gelding and Richard Herbert were joint winners of the 2025 Photographic Competition. Read more here.
"Hello! My name is Bicesteria, but you can call me Bissie. I'm your friendly Bicester Blue Sheep Mascot."
We have added new photos to Bicester in Photographs. Bissie says, "Why not have a look?"