HORSHAM BRANCH OF THE U3A

The Horsham Branch of the U3A held its annual Open Event at the Holbrook Club on 30 September 2026. The U3A is one of the largest organisations in the country, with about 450,000 members spread across more than 1,000 local branches. However, many people are still unaware of its existence and the range of activities offered. AAH visited the Open Event to find out more…

WHO WE ARE…

The U3A movement was founded at Toulouse University, France in the early 1970s, with the aim of encouraging retired people in the “third age” to come together. A similar model was established in the UK in 1981 following the same guiding principles – to promote lifelong learning through a range of activity and discussion groups. In 2020, the organisation dropped the name University of the Third Age, as it implied academic qualifications were prerequisite to membership. So, it’s now simply known as U3A, with the motto of “Learn, Laugh, Live.”

Simon Hill, Chair of Horsham U3A, said: ‘Our motto should be altered to Laugh, Learn, Live, as we have fun – more than anything else. It’s a fallacy to think that when you retire, you drop off a cliff. It’s not true, but you do need interests to keep you both physically and mentally healthy, and the U3A helps with both. You can join a walking group, practise tai chi and enjoy regular visits to the theatre. I’m a member of technology and photography groups, and we have many other activities that stimulate the mind. 

‘I retired in 2022 and was looking for things to do, as it’s easy to be complacent and sit back. As I have grandchildren, I don’t have much time to relax, but at U3A, I can pursue interests with like-minded people. Someone recently told me that I don’t act like a 70-year-old. I took the remark in the spirit it was intended, although I do feel that society expects older people to behave a certain way. However, retired people are often unpaid childminders or volunteers at local schools, charities and organisations, making positive contributions to society. U3A is another way that people can stay active and enjoy life.’

WHAT WE OFFER…

The Open Event allowed the U3A to showcase the range of groups available to members, as well as visitors who might be interested in joining. Some groups are based on games, including bridge, scrabble, card design, board games and mahjong. Others bring together members with a shared hobby such as reading, painting, poetry, embroidery and photography. 

There are groups for people wanting to stay fit and active, including tai chi, short walks, Paracise and golf, while others encourage members to learn something new, such as handbells, short-mat bowls, ukulele and French and Italian languages. New groups are regularly formed to reflect current interests and trends, with the U3A supporting those members willing to lead and host them, often at their own homes or local venues. 

Jane Broomer, Events Coordinator, said: ‘I am a member of several groups including garden visits, tai chi and a new painting group, which was formed as the first painting group had reached capacity. Although there’s sometimes a supplementary fee – to cover the cost of a tai chi instructor, for example – it’s an affordable way to enjoy activities, as the U3A is a registered charity and doesn’t benefit financially. I have also joined the science and technology group, which meets at Trafalgar Road Baptist Church. There’s a different topic every month and even though I don’t have a scientific background, I enjoy the educational aspects of the talks. The subjects are very broad and we recently discussed water, which took in everything from desalination to droughts, while another talk focused on data centres, which was fascinating, if not a little terrifying! 

‘Like many members, the social side of U3A is important to me, but not everyone wants to get involved in local groups. Some prefer not to join any, but instead become members so that they can access the U3A’s online communities, as there are hundreds more groups available on the website, ranging from armchair archaeology to wine appreciation.’

KEEPING IN TOUCH

As well as organising a programme of activities – there is something available every weekday morning and afternoon – Horsham U3A organises bi-monthly meetings at the Holbrook Club. Here, members enjoy a talk by a guest speaker, before socialising over coffee and cake. Other special occasions bring together group leaders or welcome new members, helping them make new friends within the organisation. Such events are often organised with the support of the RUGs (Really Useful Group), a U3A group comprised of willing helpers. A newsletter also helps members to stay connected. 

Anne David, Newsletter Coordinator, said: ‘It’s a useful way for members to keep in touch, particularly if they cannot attend their regular groups due to illness, bereavement or family commitments. It includes information on upcoming talks, meetings, special trips, new groups, and even lists names of new members. I really enjoy U3A’s discussion groups, as nothing is off-limits and a wide range of opinions means they’re interesting, yet always friendly. I love photography too and our group visits many scenic places. Sometimes, we go to local places such as Warnham Nature Reserve, but we’ve also been to the English Martyrs Catholic Church in Goring, which has its own version of the Sistine Chapel. We always have lunch out too, where we can share our passion further and socialise.’ 

WHY JOIN THE U3A?

With its members all in the ‘third age’ of retirement, there’s a need to attract new people as others pass away. However, joining isn’t always an easy decision, says Dave Grainger, Vice Chair of Horsham U3A: ‘I retired in September 2025 and my wife started looking for things we could do together. She had heard of U3A and was especially interested in the travel group.

‘Like many people of retirement age, we’ve taken the opportunity to enjoy big trips, even taking a cruise to Antarctica. We have been able to share our experiences with the travel group, while others have recounted trips to Norway, India, Kenya and other far-flung destinations, giving ideas to the rest of us to take away. Since then, I’ve also joined groups for computer help, family history and going places, through which I have visited Charterhouse School in Godalming and the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill Manor. 

‘The U3A has helped me make new friends and has – in many ways – replaced the network of friends and colleagues I used to have when I worked at Openreach. So, there’s a lot to recommended, but there are barriers to overcome. When I first joined, I saw a lot of old faces, and as someone who had only just reached retirement age, I found that difficult. Once I had overcome that, I learned that it was a great way of meeting people with similar interests and I’ve become increasingly involved ever since.’ 

NEW SKILLS

At the other end of the retirement scale is Esme Cloherty, who at the age of 91 is the oldest member of Horsham U3A. Esme joined in 1996, only two years after the branch was founded, and served as Secretary for over 20 years before retiring from committee duties last year. She continues to attend various groups, and until recently regularly played with the golf group, who enjoy nine-holes every Monday morning. 

Esme said: I still like family history, helping people trace their ancestry, as it can lead to interesting and surprising revelations. I also love the jazz and big band group, as I’ve always been a fan of that big band sound. It’s a great opportunity to listen to music that I enjoy, yet don’t often get to hear, and also to discuss it with knowledgeable people who share my passion. I used to be involved in about 10 groups, but can’t get about like I used to. But the U3A is a wonderful organisation to be part of and has given me the chance to make friends and learn new skills in later life.’

Further information: General meetings are held at the Holbrook Club, North Heath Lane, Horsham, on the third Tuesday of alternate months, from Jan – Nov. For membership details, visit: https://horsham.u3asite.uk/welcome

For online talks and workshops, visit: www.u3a.org.uk

Originally published on 1 November 2026. Words: Ben Morris/Photos: Alan Wright