Welcome to Bedford u3a
Ageing Well with Bedford U3A - New Date for your Diary!
As you are aware, we had decided to move the Ageing Well morning from Friday 26 June due to the rather extreme temperatures in the UK. I am delighted that it is cooler this week—I think it is far more comfortable!
We’ve been working hard to get the event re-organised and are excited to share the new date with you! The morning will start at the Addison Centre, Kempston at 10.15am until 1.30pm on……….
Friday 18 September 2026
If you intend coming along please make a note in your diary! In due course we will ask everyone to complete the online Registration Form (and you don't need to create a Google account to complete it!). In the meantime please do make a note of the new date and if you are bringing along guests, please also let them know.
Thank you for your anticipated co-operation
Gayle Holliday (Bedford u3a Co-Secretary)
What is u3a? u3a is one of the largest membership organisations in the UK. It brings members together to learn, laugh and live in retirement, develop their interests, make friends and find community in a relaxed and friendly environment. There is also a range of leisure activities. Members have fun!
The 'third age' is not defined by a particular age but by a period in life after you have finished working full-time. There is no lower age limit for membership and people who are working part-time may join. In u3a there are no qualifications needed and no examinations.
Bedford u3a has a membership of around 1000 people. They come from Bedford, Kempston and surrounding villages. There is no waiting list and new members are very welcome. Bedford u3a is a registered charity number 1042458.
Where and when do we meet? We have Open Meetings each month at Putnoe Heights Church (click/tap on highlight or link to see map), Putnoe Heights, Bedford, MK41 8EB, and Addison Centre (click/tap on highlight or link to see map), Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN. There is parking available at Addison Centre but it is limited to street parking at Putnoe Heights Church. The meetings at Putnoe Heights Church are held on the first Tuesday of each month. The meetings at Addison Centre are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Both meetings start at 10am. Members are entitled to attend both meetings each month.
What do we do? At our twice monthly Open Meetings we have a speaker to give a talk. See the Events page for a full list of future talks. The interest and study groups meet separately on various days each month (please see Groups page for more information). Tea and coffee is provided after the talks when there is a chance to make and meet friends and chat.
What does it cost? The annual subscription is £18 and £1.50 for each Open Meeting attended. In addition there is a charge of £1.50 (there are some exceptions) where a group meets in a hired, paid for room/facility.
Can I come as a visitor? Yes, you can come as a visitor and hopefully you will like what you see and join us. You may attend any active, not full, group once as a visitor, with the agreement of the individual group coordinator, but to continue you have to become a member of Bedford u3a.
How do I join? Come along to one of our Open Meetings as a visitor and join on the day, or join online. On the Membership page there is more information and links to membership application and renewal options. On arrival one of our welcomers will meet you, answer any questions you may have and introduce you to some members. From time to time we hold new members meetings to help you get to know and find out more about us.