Location: We are based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear in the North East of England. Newcastle has a long history dating back hundreds of years and so is steeped in history form every century.

About us: Newcastle U3A: we have meeting rooms in the city centre where many of our in-person meetings take place. Other meetings are held in off site venues such as a tennis club and restaurants etc. We are now holding hybrid meetings with several groups to be as inclusive as possible as we reach out to members unable to attend in-person.

Our Activities: Our general monthly meeting is held in the city centre. We have a speaker, refreshments and a good chance to socialise with U3A friends.

We have 40 interest group from walking to lunches, history and music so something for all tastes. However, we are recovering from the impact of the pandemic but we are steadily returning to normal.

To support the recovery we have plans in place which include recruiting new members while retaining our existing ones, U3A Day 2022 and the 40th anniversary of the U3A in Great Britain. Our members are keen to get underway and have been very supportive and loyal.

Personal Comment: Anyone is welcome: In the true spirit of the U3A, anyone is welcome to what we can offer in the way of learning and volunteering. Our members are very welcoming when we have new and prospective members. At monthly meetings, we have guides and Meeters and Greeters to help new comers feel they belong. In groups, we use a buddy system whereby a new member has a buddy to explain what will happen in the group and answer any questions he/she may have. Anyone interested in joining receives a prospective member’s pack and on joining there is the welcome pack. All of these make for smooth transitions to becoming members of the U3A.

We have many means of communicating with members and prospective members so that everyone is kept informed of what is happening. Our meeting rooms have refreshments so there is always a cuppa and a biscuit going to have a chat about the U3A! We are inclusive so all that we do is for the benefit of all our members.

Contact: Catherine Stevenson, Chair and Office Manager by email at newcastleU3A@hotmail.com or using Newcastle U3A website by visiting https://U3Asites.org.uk/newcastle