Celebrating u3a anniversaries in 2026
From afternoon teas and anniversary picnics to ceilidhs, model railways and a very special quilt, u3as across the movement have been finding all sorts of ways to mark milestone birthdays this year.
We take a look at how nine u3as have been celebrating and reflecting on the friendships, learning and shared experiences that have shaped them along the way.
20 years together
Hammersmith & Fulham u3a used its anniversary as a chance to show the breadth of what happens at their u3a. At St Mary’s Church Hall, Bridge, Scrabble and Mahjong groups demonstrated their activities, while displays showcased everything from archaeology and arts and crafts to books, writing and language learning. The Poetry Group shared readings throughout the event.
The celebration welcomed guests including the Lady Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Sharon Holder, and local MP Andy Slaughter, alongside representatives from other local organisations and u3a.
25 years of learning, friendship and fun
A quarter of a century is certainly worth marking. Evesham, South Durham and Hillingdon u3as have each found their own way to make the occasion special.
Evesham u3a has come a long way since its beginnings in November 2001. Today, it has more than 1,200 members and 90 interest groups.
For its 25th anniversary, members gathered in Abbey Park for a grand picnic. A damp start soon gave way to blue skies, with Deputy Mayor Peter Scurfield joining the occasion and meeting some of Evesham u3a’s founder members.
Evesham u3a's grand picnic in Abbey Park
There was plenty of entertainment too. Sea Shanty singers performed, the Tai Chi group gave a demonstration and the Concert Band provided music. Tim Pearce from the Shakespeare group even appeared dressed as the Bard himself, mingling with the crowd while reciting sonnets and familiar Shakespeare lines.
Hillingdon u3a has embraced its silver anniversary with activities involving groups from across the u3a. There have been special rambles following the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Walkway, a sell-out dinner and dance, and a ceilidh where even hot weather didn’t stop members taking to the dance floor.
The Creative Writing group produced an anniversary anthology, while poet Brian Atkinson wrote a special piece to mark 25 years. Members have also been testing their knowledge with a 25-question anniversary quiz. And there’s been a chance to look back too. A series of ‘How We Started’ podcasts is capturing the memories of some of Hillingdon u3a’s longest-standing members and preserving the story of how it all began in 2001.
Members of South Durham u3a
South Durham u3a began its anniversary year with an afternoon tea honouring founder members, former committee members and past Chairs.
The event brought 47 guests together at The Glass House Restaurant at Darlington College. In a fitting link to u3a’s ethos of lifelong learning, hospitality and catering students prepared the menu and helped run the occasion as they embarked on their own learning journeys.
Guests were entertained by a jazz duo, while founder member Sandy Hood – now South Durham u3a’s first Honorary Member – shared some words with the gathering. More events are planned throughout the anniversary year.
30 years and plenty still to discover
Three u3as have been marking 30-year milestones this year, each in a very different way.
White Cliffs Country u3a brought more than 100 newer and long-standing members together for afternoon tea at Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club. Guests included Admiral Sir George Zambellas, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle, and Lady Amanda Zambellas, who were presented with Honorary Memberships. Memorabilia and a timeline of the u3a’s story gave everyone a chance to look back over three decades, while the occasion also recognised the volunteers, past and present, who have helped make the u3a what it is today.
u3a Anniversary cake
At Buxton & District u3a, the Model Railway Group opened its doors to give fellow members a closer look at its intricate layout in full operation. Visitors could watch locomotives in action, explore the detailed scenery and chat to the people behind it. It was one part of a busy anniversary programme that has also included a Beetle Drive and barn dance, with a Creative Arts and Leisure Showcase still to come.
CEO Iain Cassidy, former and current u3a Chairs and Mayor of Melton Mowbray
Meanwhile, Melton Mowbray u3a brought its anniversary year to a close by putting out the bunting for 120 members and guests. Founded in 1996 with just six groups and two more in the pipeline, it now has nearly 900 members and more than 100 groups.
Its final celebration included afternoon tea, music, memories and four former Chairs joining current Chair David Ramsden. And there was one particularly local finishing touch: Third Age Trust CEO Iain Cassidy went home with his very own Melton Mowbray pork pie!
For one member, the anniversary was also a chance to reflect on what joining had meant personally: “u3a was my lifeline… I have met some wonderful people whom I am starting to call friends.”
40 years and still going strong
Sheffield and Salford u3as have both reached an impressive four decades this year.
Sheffield u3a, now with more than 3,200 members, headed to Whirlow Brook Park for a day packed with activity. Music groups kept playing even when the rain arrived, while members enjoyed walks, orienteering, art and drama sessions, a plant sale and, naturally, anniversary cake.
Cake cutting ceremony at Whirlow Brook Park
At Salford u3a, the Mayor and Mayoress joined an anniversary lunch alongside Doreen, its longest-standing member, who joined in February 1992. One of the stars of the occasion was a specially created anniversary quilt. Made by the Quilting groups, it depicts more than 50 interest groups alongside recognisable Salford scenes.
The celebrations won't end there. Groups are marking the anniversary in their own ways, with plans to bring their stories together in a ‘Salford u3a at 40’ archive for future members.
Here's to the next chapter
However they chose to mark the occasion – with a picnic, a dance, an afternoon tea, a quilt or even a pork pie – these anniversaries are about much more than the number of candles on the cake.
They are a chance to look back at the people who started each u3a, thank those who have kept them thriving and celebrate the friendships, interests and experiences members continue to share today.
Congratulations to Evesham, South Durham, Hammersmith & Fulham, Sheffield, Salford, Hillingdon, Buxton & District, Melton Mowbray and White Cliffs Country u3as! Here’s to many more years of learning, laughing and living together.