Welcome to Bedford u3a
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2026/27 BY USING THIS LINK: Online Membership Renewal
- Simply 60s Show (Bedford u3a Members only) Tony Tutton and his Band are back Saturday 24 October 2026 - Find out more here
What is u3a?
- u3a is one of the largest membership organisations in the UK
- Brings members together to learn, laugh and live in retirement, develop their interests, make friends and find community in a relaxed and friendly environment.
- 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
- We have 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?
- Open Meetings each month at Putnoe Heights Church Putnoe Heights, Bedford, MK41 8EB, and Addison Centre Addison Howard Park, Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN. Parking is 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 we do
- At our twice monthly Open Meetings we have a speaker to give a talk. Tea and coffee is provided after the talks when there is a chance to make and meet friends and chat.
- Events page for a full list of future talks.
- Interest and study groups meet separately on various days each month (please see Groups page for more information).
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?
- Join Online
- Come to one of our Open Meetings as a visitor and join on the day. On arrival one of our welcomers will meet you, answer any questions you may have and introduce you to some members.
- On the Membership page there is more information and links to membership application and renewal options.
- From time to time we hold new members meetings to help you get to know and find out more about us.