Lunar New Year is one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world. This year, as we move into the Year of the Horse, u3a members mark the occasion in their own ways.

Evesham and District u3a China group meet to discuss China, its culture and influence. They share information and research findings about the country and discuss the impact of China’s rise on the rest of the world.

David, group leader, shares some fun facts about Lunar New Year, and specifically how it is celebrated in China:

Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year based off the lunar calendar. It is celebrated across many Asian cultures, most notably the Chinese New Year. This year it is celebrated between 17 February and 3 March as we move into the Year of the Horse.

Celebrations last up to 15 days ending with the Lantern Festival. It is all about family, fresh starts, good fortunes and food.

Common traditions

• Red decorations - red symbolises luck and good fortune.

• Red envelopes containing money are given to the children for good luck.

• Deep cleaning before the New Year to sweep out bad luck before the new year begins.

• Family feasts are enjoyed, with traditional foods like dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and rice cakes.

Fun facts about Lunar New Year

• The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the zodiac and most popular.

• Oranges and tangerines are gifted because their names in Chinese sound like “luck” and “wealth”.

• Cutting your hair on New Year is bad luck, symbolises the cutting off of good fortune.

• Naps are discouraged on New Year. Sleeping means laziness all year.

• Fish is served BUT not fully eaten to symbolise surplus for the year ahead.

And what better way to honour the tradition of feasting on delicious food than by sitting down together over a meal?

Over at Tonbridge u3a, the Discovering the Far East group meet to satisfy curiosity about a region which is growing so rapidly, both economically and politically.

Having recently explored topics ranging from Chinese espionage to Cambodian temples, the group marked Lunar New Year in the most fitting way - with a traditional meal at a local Chinese restaurant.

Tonbridge u3a members bring in the Year of the Horse with a shared Chinese meal

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Beccles u3a Scottish Country Dancing group leader Jo shares how a recent visit from the u3a Subject Adviser brought dancers together to share knowledge, learn new dances and build connections.

I'm the Convenor for Beccles u3a's Scottish Country Dancing group. I am always on the look out for different ways to share my love of Scottish Country Dancing with other u3a members. Some time ago I saw an article in u3a Matters written by Sue, the National u3a Adviser for Scottish Country Dancing. Our group decided that we’d love Sue to come and visit us.

Fast forward several months and Sue, along with her husband Chris, came to Beccles. This was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, to learn, and to make connections with the wider u3a community.

Learning together on the dancefloor

We began the session with our usual warm up routine, which Sue and Chris joined in. After this I led a two couple round the room dance called Highland Welcome, that our newer members had recently learnt. We then revised a longways dance called Great Expectations. I felt a little nervous to begin with because I wasn't used to being watched when I led, but once the dancing began I relaxed. Sharing knowledge helps build to confidence!

The Beccles Fishing Reel

The more experienced group members were keen to demonstrate a dance they had devised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Beccles u3a. It is called The Beccles Fishing Reel. Sue and Chris watched a demonstration and then joined in. Sarah was one of the members who took part in the dance and said, “Sue was genuinely interested in our 10th Anniversary Dance and it meant a lot that she wanted to dance it with us.

Members dancing the Beccles Fishing Reel

New challenges, new skills

After our refreshment break, providing time to chat, relax and socialise, Sue taught us how to dance the Highland Rambler. It's a popular dance but it has a few challenging moments, so it was very helpful to observe Sue leading it. We finished with Circassian Circle which we love to dance, and a few cool down stretches.

Sue was very supportive and warmly encouraged everyone. For me, as convenor, I appreciated her tips on how to lead dances. We hope this connection with Sue will lead to new connections between us and other u3a Scottish Country Dancing groups.

Beccles u3a Scottish Dancing group with Subject Adviser Sue

Strengthening the u3a community

Our group really appreciated the chance to meet Sue, learn some new steps and share what they have been working on. Lizzie says, “ We enjoyed her leading us in a dance and having the opportunity to show them some of ours. A good time was had by all.”

After the visit Sue said “I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to the Beccles u3a Scottish Dancing Group. Their warmth, and enthusiasm for the dancing, made the session a real pleasure. It was inspiring to see such a strong sense of community within the group."

Connect with others through the things you love

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u3a Festival 26 is the biggest event in the u3a calendar, bringing members from across the UK together for three days of fun, learning and skill sharing.

Between 1-3 July 2026, the University of York will be taken over by u3a members socialising and learning together.

u3a Festival 26 is being led by a team of members, crafting a programme that covers sport tournaments, artistic workshops, musical performances and talks on a wide range of subjects. It will be everything members do at u3a on a daily basis - on a larger scale. We talked to a few of the members organising the Festival about what attendees can expect.

Barnsley u3a's Choir, performing at u3a Festival 24

A broad range of musical talent

Music lovers will be well served at the Festival with opportunities to take part in instrumental workshops. In addition, musical groups from across u3a will be showcasing their skills in live performances.

Prudhoe u3a member Robert is helping to pull together the music programme. He says, "There will be some marvellous music. We already have contributions from piano, saxophone, recorders, ukeleles and steel drums. The music ranges from Bach to Beatles - and its all live!"

Performing arts

One of the great things about the festival is the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try something a little bit different. Gloucester u3a member Sarah is coordinating a range of performing arts activities. She says "The Festival is shaping up to include an exciting variety of performing arts workshops - from laughter yoga to handbell ringing, via a jazz workshop and all kinds of dance that you can join in. "

Sports for every member

The sports programme is being organised by Rippon u3a member Glenys, who also coordinated the sports programme at u3a Festival 24. Reflecting the wide range of sporting activity within u3a, there will be sports tournaments for the competitive types and fitness workshops for people who want to move their body in a gentler way.

Croquet was one of the popular sports at u3a Festival 24 and will be returning at this year's Festival

Glenys says, "u3a sports and activity groups focus on enjoyment, inclusivity, and active, lifelong participation rather than competition or high-level performance. The range of sports activities at the Festival showcase that later life is a time of possibility, growth, and physical engagement."

Opportunities to volunteer

As with everything in u3a, the success of the Festival relies on the talents of our members. If you think you could lead an activity, perform at the Festival or contribute in some other way, please get in touch by emailing festival@u3a.org.uk.

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Woking Area u3a member Janet has been named the winner of the 2025/26 u3a Short Story Competition at a virtual awards ceremony.

Now in its sixth year, the annual competition attracted a record 520 entries on the theme Lost and Found. A panel of 70 u3a members assessed the stories on premise, structure and quality of writing.

The fourteen shortlisted writers were invited to a virtual awards ceremony where the three winning stories were announced and read out. The event was attended by Bloomsbury writer Sara Grant, who had been part of the judging panel.

At the event she said, "It’s inspiring and a privilege to read fresh, original work from aspiring writers. Short stories may be short on words but they’re not short on impact. These stories have stayed with me.”

She continued “How incredible to see the three little words, ‘Lost and Found’ and the journeys it has inspired in writers. We had a wide, diverse range of stories and there was something to admire in every story. There is so much promising talent in this virtual space.”

And the winner is...

Woking Area u3a member Janet (pictured, right) was announced as the winner of the competition with her story, ‘The woman in the tree walk’. The story is set in a dystopian world where trees are kept behind museum walls and every individual is subject to closely monitored rules.

The winner of the u3a Short Story Competition; Woking Area u3a member Janet.

Speaking about the story, judge Sara Grant said, “The vision of the future is almost too convincing. To deftly show a writer a dystopian world in so few words is no mean feat. This is an excellent example of how to write a short story."

Hartley Wintney & District u3a member Sarah (left) came second in the competition while Guernsey u3a membr Christina (right) came in third place.

The runners up...

Hartley Wintney & District u3a member Sarah (pictured, left) came in second place with her story, “Finding the key to lost memories”. The reader follows a man in an unfamiliar room, piecing together clues to uncover the meaning of the objects inside.

Christina from Guernsey u3a (pictured above, right) came in third place with her story ‘Little boy lost’. Set in Africa during a period of unrest., a woman searches for her missing son.

"What an amazing competition"

The stories were each read out in the awards ceremony, followed by some short words from Vice Chair of the Third Age Trust, Sheila Crawley. She said, “What an amazing competition. National competitions like this are very special in u3a. They’re an opportunity to bring us all together to shine an incredible light on the skills within u3a and to celebrate what our members can do. It’s quite a thing of trust to commit your story to a competition like this and have it scrutinized by so many people. You’ve reminded us of how much talent there is on show within u3a.”

Learn and share

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John, who leads u3a mindfulness and meditation events, and Yoga Subject Adviser Patricia and Tai Chi Subject Adviser Peter all share advice on rethinking stressful situations and bringing more mindful approaches into everyday life.

You don't need to join a gym or start meditating everyday to make a difference to your wellbeing: you can start with little changes to the way you think and building positive practices into your everyday life.

A new way of thinking

The two darts model of thinking is a way to react differently when something bad happens.

It can be thought of like this:

Something unpleasant happens to you. It might be an unpleasant text or email, or your bus being late, or receiving bad news about a medical condition. This is the first dart. You have to accept it because it has happened.

But what we often do is then fire a second dart ourselves. We ruminate for hours about how awful the text/email was. We feel more and more tense as we wait at the bus stop. We think the worst about the medical news we have received.

We may not even realise that there are two separate things – two separate darts – involved. But we can try to separate them and then choose not to fire the second dart.

If we can change the way we think when we receive bad news, we can minimise the impact it has on us.

John, who leads the national online u3a mindfulness and meditation events

Make small changes

If you're thinking of making changes to your lifestyle, perhaps by prioritising wellbeing and fitness remember real change doesn’t come from doing everything at once. Little changes can have big results.

Commit to one daily habit instead. It's more likely to stick if it's something you enjoy - a 20 minute walk, a few stretches at the end of the day or a simple breathing practice and relaxation. Practice your new habit for 21 days and observe the effects.

Patricia, u3a Subject Adviser for Yoga

A man doing tai chi

You could also choose just one simple Tai Chi or Qi Gong movement and practise it for a few minutes each day. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for consistency. Each time you return to your practice, you’re inviting calm, balance, and steady energy. Make a start, keep it gentle, and let regular practice become your quiet anchor through the year.

Peter, u3a Subject Adviser for Tai Chi

Where to start?

• Begin by exploring the groups at your local u3a. You may already have access to yoga, tai chi, or mindfulness and meditation - a relaxed, low-pressure way to try something new while supporting your wellbeing.
• If you’re curious about mindfulness, John, alongside colleagues Mike and Ruth, runs a series of online u3a Mindfulness and Meditation events, making it easy to get involved from anywhere. The next series is a six-week course, starting on Wednesday 25 February. Book now.
• Looking to start or develop a yoga group? Patricia is on hand to support both new and established groups, with practical guidance and resources available on the Yoga Subject Advice page.
• Peter offers support for Tai Chi groups - find more on the Tai Chi Subject Advice page.

Try something new with a u3a group near you

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Clive, Charnwood u3a member, is one of two runners taking part in the London Marathon this April to raise money for the Third Age Trust. He talks about what led to him taking on this challenge.

Learning new skills with u3a

Since I retired last year, I have been an active member of u3a. I have enjoyed meeting others in the monthly talks. These are on a wide variety of topics. I have also joined active groups such a badminton and pickleball, which are sports I never really had time to engage in whilst working, and I am enjoying the challenges of learning new skills from the group organisers and members as well as keeping active and healthy.

Giving something back

u3a means to me a new chapter in my life, which involves embracing new challenges and opening up to new opportunities. Giving something back to the community and service to the local town is important to me. I believe in promoting the values of u3a to anyone who is unfamiliar with the organisation and emphasising the benefits and advantages of making new friends, learning new skills and keeping active in in retirement.

I am running for u3a because I believe in the values of helping older people to network, keep active and prevent isolation and loneliness. As an active member for the last six months, I can see the immense benefits of joining a wide variety of groups and interests. It allows opportunities to pick up new skills and knowledge and create a sense of wellbeing and purpose in later life.

The journey has just begun…

Currently my training plan is just beginning as I embark on building a running schedule which includes 5 runs a week. Typically, I will run 30 miles in a variety of short or long runs and easy or faster runs. I have completed a number of marathons previously and I do not take for granted the enormous challenges each time you train for a marathon of 26 miles and 185 yards.

I have often heard experienced runners claim; the 26 miles is the not difficult. It is the last 185 yards that are painful.

Clive will be running the London Marathon along with Sheryl, whose mother is a member of West Bridgford u3a. You can support Clive and Sheryl with a donation.

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Sandra, Subject Adviser for Spanish and member of West Wolds u3a, shares her top tips for starting a new language in later life, and why the New Year is the best time to start.

There’s something magical about the New Year. It’s a moment of pause when we can look ahead and ask ourselves what we’d like to explore next.

For many people, learning a new language sits high on that list. And for good reason. Picking up a language isn’t just an academic exercise, it’s a doorway to culture, connection, and joy.

I know many people find it daunting to know where to start. But I’ve found that it’s never too late to start learning a new language. I even started up an Italian group at my u3a without any knowledge of Italian! What matters is taking that first step.

New Year is a great opportunity to start, so here are some of the reasons I love language learning and some top tips as someone who has set up several language groups at my u3a.

New Year, new mindset

January brings a natural sense of renewal. We’re more open to forming habits, trying new things, and stepping outside our comfort zones. Language learning thrives on exactly that mindset.

A new language offers:

• A fresh challenge that keeps the mind active
• A sense of purpose and progress
• A playful way to stretch memory, creativity, and curiosity

And unlike many resolutions that fizzle out, language learning rewards even the smallest steps.

Members of West Wolds u3a Spanish Intermediates Plus group

Language learning is more than just words

It’s a common misconception that learning a language just means memorising lists and lists of vocabulary. But actually, learning a language offers a whole new way of seeing the world. You gain:

• Insight into other cultures’ food, traditions and stories
• Human connection and conversations with people you’d never otherwise meet
• Confidence from understanding something that once felt impossible

Start small

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need hours each week to make progress. In reality, short, regular bursts of learning are far more effective. Try:

• 10 minutes of vocabulary over breakfast
• Listening to a short podcast while walking
• Watching a film or series with subtitles

Consistency is much more important than intensity!

A 'meet our Spanish group' display at a West Wolds u3a monthly meeting

Learn with friends

Learning is easier, and far more fun, when you’re not doing it alone. By joining a language group at your u3a, you have others around you to practice with and keep up motivation.

A supportive group, like your local u3a, offers:

• Encouragement and laughter
• A sense of belonging
• Real-life conversation practice

Chase curiosity, not perfection

The great thing about languages is that you don’t need perfect grammar to be understood. You don’t need to be “good at languages” or wait for the right moment – you just need to start.

I invite you to take this New Year as an opportunity to explore what doors a new language can open.

Choose a language that excites you – maybe you went on a recent trip to France and want to learn more. Or why not choose the language of your favourite cuisine? Staying curious will help you to enjoy the journey.

Learn a language with u3a

One of the joys of the u3a movement is the sheer variety of learning groups, and languages are among the most popular.

Across the UK, u3as offer an impressive range of language groups, from relaxed conversation circles to structured beginners’ classes.

The most popular languages are French, Spanish, German and Italian, but some u3as have language groups for Durch, Portuguese, Welsh, Russian, even Ancient Greek!

And if your u3a doesn’t have a language group, you can set up your own. You don’t need to be an expert to start a group – it’s all about learning together.

Where to start

• Find out what's available at your u3a: contact your local u3a to see what languages they offer or speak to a member of your u3a's committee.
• Discover other u3as in your area: if you can't find a group at your nearest u3a, don't worry, there may be another in your locality. Find your nearest u3as.
• Take advantage of online opportunities by joining Interest Groups Online. This online only u3a is an ideal way to access language groups not on offer at your local u3a.
• Speak to an expert: language Subject Advisers can help you start a group, find other courses and provide resources to help you on your journey.

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