What is u3a? The University of the Third Age (u3a) is a national and international organisation which has a positive and creative approach to retirement and membership is open to anyone not in full-time employment. Activities, which normally take place in the day-time, are organised by members in small groups which meet regularly. No qualifications are required and none are given. All you need is interest and enthusiasm. The u3a also run online courses on many subjects which can be studied at home or wherever there is access to the internet. For full information, see the Third Age Trust web site.

Bicester u3a was formed in 1986 and now has a membership of approximately 370 people, with new members joining us each month. We have some 50 different interest groups putting on regular meetings and activities - see the Groups Page. Members come from the surrounding villages as well as Bicester. There is no waiting list and new members are always very welcome. In 2026 we are celebrating our 40th Anniversary.

Where and when do we meet? We have our monthly meetings at the Clifton Centre, Ashdene Road, Bicester, OX26 2BH. The hall is situated at the rear of the KEA Club on the corner of Ashdene Road and Kingsclere Road. It has recently been refurbished and has good facilities. There is parking available and the local no. 21 bus from town stops outside. Meetings are held monthly on the 4th Thursday of each month (except December). The meeting starts at 2:00/2:15 pm and our speaker starts his presentation shortly afterwards.

What do we do? At our monthly meetings the Chairman updates us with the latest news and introduces our speaker for the day. There is a raffle each month and tea/coffee is provided afterwards when there is the chance to meet friends and chat. Please see our Events page for news of forthcoming speakers. Outings and visits are arranged throughout the year and there is a wide variety of interest groups meeting on a regular basis.

What does it cost? The annual subscription is £15. This covers administration costs, including an affiliation fee to the Third Age Trust. It entitles members to come to monthly meetings, take part in any of the interest groups and receive our quarterly newsletter. In addition the Third Age Trust send all members a quarterly u3a matters magazine. Membership also gives access to the Thames Valley Network, a collection of 48 local u3as, which also offer various groups and courses. See the TVN web site for further information.

Any other expenses? Groups generally meet in members’ houses but groups which need to hire a hall or any other premises make a small charge to group members for doing so. Similarly, if there is any element of teaching or instruction involved in a group then a charge may be made which will depend upon the level of expertise being provided. There is no charge for our monthly meetings.

Can I come as a visitor? You can come twice to any of our meetings but must join after that. To join a group, you must be a member.

How do I join? Please use the Contact page to e-mail our Membership Secretary who will send you a Membership Application form, or just come along to one of our meetings as a visitor or join on the day. The application form includes a Gift Aid declaration which is optional but does help us. When you come to our meeting, one of our Welcomers will meet you, answer any of your questions and introduce you to other people. From time to time we hold coffee mornings for new members to help you get to know others and find out more about us.

Bicester u3a General Notices

• News of members: If you know of someone who is ill, please let one of the Committee know so that we can arrange to send a card or perhaps have someone make a visit.

• Honorary members: When existing members reach the great age of 90 years, we mark the occasion by sending them a card and making them Honorary members of Bicester u3a. As we have no record of dates of birth, we rely on group leaders and friends to let us know when these happy events are approaching.

• Personal details: The Membership Secretary keeps a master list of your personal details. Please remember to advise her if you move house, change your telephone number or email address in order to keep our records up to date and keep in touch.

• Equipment Register: The following items are available to borrow by u3a interest groups. Contact the keeper to arrange a loan.
- Dave Jones keeps P.A. System and digital projector, screen, “iRoar” P.A. System and blue tooth speaker.
- George Edmundson keeps Nobo 3 panel desktop display boards (with cover).
- Audrey Luff keeps a laminator and free-standing flip chart stand/whiteboard.
- Val Day keeps a guillotine.
- Helena Tuckwell keeps 300 LED fairy lights.
- The Clifton Centre keeps hinged notice boards, floor standing projector screen, projector stand, u3a banner, tea urn with stand.

• Refreshments: Refreshments at monthly meetings are prepared by group members. Sue Wilde will approach leaders with a request for assistance and compile a rota. Please help if you can. Supplies are maintained by Sylvia Frydland.

• Raffle: The raffle at monthly meetings is awaiting new volunteers.