What is the u3a?
The u3a is a UK-wide organisation consisting of locally-run interest groups which provide a wide range of opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to come together to learn for fun. Each u3a is run by its members for its members, allowing them to explore new ideas, skills and activities together.
Aims of the u3a
The u3a is non-religious and non-political and has three main aims and principles. Firstly it is open to all individuals in their 'third age', that is individuals who are retired or semi-retired. Secondly it promotes life-long learning in a friendly, social environment. Thirdly it is a mutual aid organisation, with each u3a being operationally independent but also being a member of the Third Age Trust.
Joining Portsmouth u3a is a fun and enjoyable way for those who are retired or semi-retired to keep active in an informal sharing and learning environment. We offer a range of groups during term-time, groups which are run by our members for our members. No previous qualifications or skills are required, all you need is enthusiasm and an interest in the subjects you choose. You can learn new skills or refresh existing ones, as well as making new friends. If you join a group and find that it is not to your taste you can simply leave the group. There is no pressure whatsoever to continue attending a goup if it doesn't meet your needs. And yes, you can still join Portsmouth u3a even if you are a member of another u3a, whether that is a local one or a more distant one.
How to get to our meetings
Unlike many u3as we meet at a single venue, Somerstown Community Centre, Rivers Street, SOUTHSEA, PO5 4EZ. (Telephone: (023) 9282 3895). Affectionately known as the Hub, it has an excellent café where drinks, snacks and hot meals are available - for the record Brendan's bacon rolls are superb! The Hub has automatic entrance doors and two lifts, and is easily accessible to those with mobility issues. There is also free WiFi. The Hub is very well served by public transport being on the routes of both the No.1 and No.2 buses. There is plentiful free, on-street parking in the surrounding streets, although a three-hour time limit currently applies to the area.
Membership fees
The membership fee for the year is £45 per person. This fee covers the cost of room hire at the Hub and the cost of membership of the national u3a organisation as well as other minor expenses. Members joining half-way through the year, or later, pay a reduced membership fee of £25 per person. A downloadable membership form is available under Links at the bottom of this page, or you can contact the Membership Secretary (Christine Courtney-Wells) on 07867 754 250 or email her by clicking on this link - Christine.
Full membership runs from September 1st to August 31st of the following year. Half-year membership runs from March 1st to the 31st of August.
Membership entitles you to attend as many groups as you wish for no further fee, though some groups have educational visits where a charge is made to cover transport and admissions for any visit(s) you may participate in. Click on the Groups link at the top of this page to display a list of current groups with details of their Group Coordinators.
Before joining a group please contact the Group Coordinator as some groups may be over-subscribed and you may need to join a waiting list in the first instance.
Our membership is generally in the region of 200.
Not sure about joining? Why not try us out first?
Non-members are welcome to attend up to three different sessions (Groups and General Meetings) at a visitor's fee of £1 per visit, as a taster before deciding whether or not to join us.
Our Monthly Meetings consist of a short business meeting, usually lasting about 20 or 30 minutes, followed by a break for refreshments, this being followed by a talk by an external speaker.
Click on the Events link at the top of this page to see details of forthcoming meetings.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in November.
All members receive a termly Newsletter, written by the Group Coordinators, keeping members informed of group activities. Once you are a member you will receive a u3a membership number and a termly Programme Card, listing the dates and times of group meetings. Additionally you will receive u3a matters, the national u3a magazine, published five times a year and posted direct to members’ homes.
All groups meet at the Hub unless otherwise stated under the Group's information.
There is a Facebook page for Portsmouth u3a, which is used to keep members up to date with current activities - https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpsu3asites.org.ukportsmouthhome.
Please note that only current members of Portsmouth u3a will be allowed to join this page. If you are not currently a member of Portsmouth u3a your application to join the page will be declined.
Other u3as
Not local to Portsmouth, but you think you might like to join a u3a in your area? This link will take you to an interactive map showing all the u3as in the United Kingdom - https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1ql-JDz72cABBFoZXGRgixlLQeX5kCtc&ll=55.10167941200165%2C-2.160060816063707&z=6
Membership Application Form and Gift Aid Form
If you would like Portsmouth u3a to gain additional income by Gift Aiding your membership fee there is a downloadable Gift Aid form here.
Recent Newsletters
Website updated on Wednesday, April 22nd 2026