Book Group 5
2026-01-27 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Abbeygate Cinema, Hatter Street, IP33 1LZ
We aim to read books of all types, which will be suggested by members, but the emphasis will be on modern(ish) fiction.
The many pleasures of belonging to a book group include reading books you wouldn’t have otherwise read and listening to a surprisingly wide range of opinion on each book!

Dementia Carers - Monthly Walk
2026-01-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Nowton Park Cafe, Bury Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5LU
We are a recently formed mutual support group for family carers who are looking after someone living with dementia.
In addition to our regular meetings we hold a monthly walk for family carers and those they care for on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Nowton Park. No charge is made for the walks but anyone attending, both carers and cared for, needs to be u3a members to ensure that full public liability cover is in place for all attendees.
We meet at 2pm outside the Nowton Park café, which is also a good place to get coffee or tea afterwards.

Poetry Reading
2026-01-27 14:15 - 16:00 | Jan Tuffs Home
We are a lively, informal group who meet on a Tuesday fortnightly to read poems aloud over a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Each person chooses a few poems on a pre-agreed topic and a brief discussion follows a reading.
Topics include individual poets (Jackie Kay for example) or particular themes (Sun, Moon and Stars for example).
And sometimes we try to read a longer poem ‘in the round’ (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner for example.)

A Further Wine Interest Group
2026-01-27 17:00 - 18:30 | Member’s Home
Due to ongoing popular demand, a third Wine Appreciation Interest Group has started.
This group is capped at 10 due to it being hosted at a member’s home and to allow everyone to be involved and participate in the discussions during the tastings.
We will sample 6 wines each month, with group members taking it in turn to select, research and bring the wine for the monthly tasting.
Members will each bring their own tasting glasses, and all costs are shared with a cap of £12 per head each month to cover the cost of the wines.

English Music of all Centuries
2026-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Jayne Gilbert Home
Group members take turns to host meetings and select topics.
We have recently opened this group up to include all centuries.

The British Isles: Poetry and History
2026-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Quaker Meeting House, St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom
This group offers the chance to take a guided tour through The Penguin Book of English Verse, exploring contributions from 1500 to the present day. The intention is to read and discuss two or three poems from each decade. There may be occasional sorties away from the main book when the group leader or a member is disappointed at the absence of some favourite. The literary and historical context of each poem can be explored, dependent on the limits of our knowledge!
Potential group members will need a copy of this the magnificent anthology (it’s a very large paperback!) – in the version edited by Paul Keegan.

Bird Watching
2026-01-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Suffolk
We go to places in East Anglia where we expect (or hope) to see and watch interesting birds and increase our ability to identify and appreciate them.
Outings usually last half to three-quarters of a day.
Members travel by car and lift sharing is encouraged.
Appropriate clothing for the weather is needed, and a pair of binoculars are helpful. At times conditions underfoot are uneven/slippery/boggy and we do some walking and a fair bit of standing around but are glad to use hides where available.
Browse through a selection of our Birds seen here

French Culture et Société
2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:30 | The Bushell, St Johns Street, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1SN, United Kingdom
We are an advanced level French group for reading, writing and discussions.

Family History
2026-01-28 11:30 - 12:30 | The Fox Inn, 1, Eastgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1XX, United Kingdom
Did an ancestor serve time for embezzlement? Was another transported to Australia for stealing a piano? Were there bigamists in the family? I love the baddies : there is always so much more written about them than the good, honest ag. labs. who were born, married and died leaving no other record of their lives.
We are a mixed group, from those with more than 30 years experience to those who have yet to begin. If you have ever wondered about your ancestors this is the group for you. We would love to help you get started.
We also like to try to break through those ‘Brick Walls’; we have sometimes had great success with this.
We are open to suggestions for topics for discussion.
We usually stay for lunch as the Fox Inn doesn’t make a charge.

Cribbage
2026-01-28 12:00 - 15:00 | The Manger, The Street, Bradfield Combust, IP30 0LW
Meet up, have a coffee, play several hands of crib (cards and boards provided), have lunch and then go home.
Games can comprise of 2, 3 or 4 players.
We are a convivial group of people who enjoy playing Crib, with life stories to tell/ exchange.
The morning starts with coffee before playing groups sort themselves out, arranging in tables of 3 or 4 players.
Play is much fun and very lively, interrupted only by ample lunch served in quality and quantity.
Never had a dull session yet.
When we meet: 12 noon on Wednesdays, fortnightly. (Please contact me for actual dates)

Italian Conversation 2
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Suffolk
Small group of Italy-lovers who meet to improve their Italian.
As a life-time Italian resident and teacher I am willing to instruct and guide others to achieve a working knowledge of Italian in a spirit of light-heartedness.
Members must have basic Italian – it’s not a beginners class.
Group meets at the Group Leader’s house with the option for members to take turns at hosting.

Bridge
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD, United Kingdom
We are a friendly mixed ability group with about 40 people attending each week. We can accommodate a few more people and you do not need to bring a partner as you will always get a game. We meet upstairs at The Apex.
There is no charge but members are encouraged to buy a drink from The Apex Coffee Shop.

Racketball
2026-01-29 14:10 - 15:30 | Moreton Hall Health Club
A great way to exercise with like-minded people, Racketball is played indoors, on a squash court, so the weather need not keep you away.
You do not need to have your own equipment as English Squash and Racketball have supported us in the development of this Group and provided all we need. All you need is your own sportswear!
There is a limit to the number of possible players per session and our numbers can vary. Unfortunately, we cannot take new members as we have access to only one court at this time
Cost-£3.00/session

Petanque
2026-01-29 14:30 - 17:30, 2026-02-02 14:30 - 17:30 | Moreton Hall Community Centre, Symonds Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32, United Kingdom
We are now going to be playing at Moreton Hall Community Centre, Symonds Road, IP32 7EE. All players must join Moreton Hall at a cost of £10 per year. Membership entitles you to use the club any time you like and you get a discounted rate on drinks.
There is a big car park at the hall which is free.

Spanish Conversation
2026-01-30 11:30 - 12:30 | Abbeygate Cinema, Hatter Street, IP33 1LZ
We are a Spanish conversation group, with the aim of discussing a wide range of topics, rather than formal structured learning, so the ability to converse in Spanish is desirable, with experience of actually speaking the language, as well as enthusiasm to participate in discussions, and so unfortunately it would not be appropriate for beginners.
We meet every Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Abbeygate Cinema. We sit in a niche at the far end of the restaurant.

Bowls (Indoor Bowls)
2026-01-30 13:30 - 15:30 | Risbygate Sports Club, Westley Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3RR
u3a members can bowl indoors on Fridays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The sessions need to be pre-booked and will cost £5/player. The use of club bowls is included in the fee. The indoor bowling season is mainly from September to March. Lawn (outdoor) bowling (see separate entry) is from mid-April to mid September.
Members do not need any experience. Flat shoes are essential. Some experienced bowlers and/or coaches will be on hand to offer advice and assistance. Free parking and café facilities are available at the club.
If players eventually wish to play more regularly than Friday afternoon sessions, they can join the Indoor bowling section of the club (includes outdoor bowling) and take part in a variety of other sessions. There are friendly roll-ups for Risbygate members most days which are available on a turn-up and play basis.

Please contact group co-ordinators, Christina & Michael, for more information and to book these sessions.

Canasta
2026-01-30 13:45 - 16:30 | The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD, United Kingdom
Canasta originated in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1939.
Initially, you make melds of 3 cards of the same value which you build on to make a Canasta (7 cards). Cards have different values according to their face value. The purpose of the game is to reach 5,000 points. The more points you score, the more card values you need to put in an initial meld – in other words, you are handicapped. This is what makes the game interesting.
I have a copy of the Canasta card game that we would follow because I know that there are several different ways to play.

Recorder Consort
2026-01-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Culford Village Hall, Culford, Bury St Edmunds, IP28 6DN
Usually, a recorder consort features playing pieces in four parts – descant/soprano; treble/alto; tenor; bass – but more or fewer instruments are often used and the most fun is to be gained by being able to play all of the instruments. Learning to handle recorders is not usually a problem for adults and it is a matter of learning where the notes are from fingering charts and practising how to co-ordinate breathing, tongueing and fingering. In this group a few members play more than one instrument.
Music can be supplied and can be taken away for practise between sessions. Your own recorder and music stand would be needed. Plastic instruments can be purchased inexpensively.
Recorder consort playing demands fairly good sight reading skills so a familiarity with music notation is necessary before you consider joining this group but you don’t need to be an expert to join in!

Badminton
2026-01-30 14:15 - 15:45 | Abbeycroft Leisure Centre, Beetons Way, Bury Saint Edmunds, IP33 3TT
Maybe you used to play badminton many moons ago and feel you would like the chance to take it up again.
You do not need to be county standard as the emphasis is on enjoyable social sport.
We meet at the Abbeycroft Leisure Centre on Friday afternoons where four courts are available to us. In a typical session, we have 16-20 players.

Pickleball
2026-01-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Skyliner Sports Centre, Rougham Tower Avenue, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32, United Kingdom
We are a small and friendly group aged between 50 -80 years who enjoy playing pickleball.
We play pickleball indoors at The Skyliner Sports Centre on badminton courts. Players hit a light plastic ball across a net which is similar in height to a tennis net using light weight paddles roughly double the size of table tennis bats. We play doubles and try to ensure that we always change partners for the next game.
Bats and balls are provided but you are welcome to bring your own bat.
A one hour session currently costs £3.

Writing Your Memoirs
2026-02-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Group Organiser’s Home, Horringer, United Kingdom
This self-help group aims to give support to its members by sharing memories thus prompting recollections of our own past. Each month everyone reads something they have written and the Group discusses each piece and makes (helpful) comments. Some hope to publish, others just want to compile their life story for family and friends.
There is the occasional lunch or visit.

Chess
2026-02-02 10:00 - 12:00 | The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD, United Kingdom
The chess group is for people of all abilities; from absolute beginners to Russian 12 year olds!
We’re a friendly bunch who don’t take chess too seriously. Instruction/guidance provided if required.
Boards and pieces provided. No fees.
Why not come along and check us out? Just turn up if that suits you

Monday Walking
2026-02-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Suffolk
The exercise of a walk on Monday mornings in friendly company is a great way to start your week!
The walks vary in length, approx 4 to 6 miles and start at 10 am, typically finishing around 12.15
Members of the group volunteer to lead walks and mention points of interest in the countryside, historic buildings, etc.
When do we meet? First and third Monday mornings of the month (not July and August).

Cinema Group
2026-02-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Abbeygate Cinema, Hatter Street, IP33 1LZ
We choose one or two films to see independently and then we discuss them at the following meeting. Normally one person gives a short presentation on each film.

Canasta Group 2
2026-02-02 13:45 - 16:30 | The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD, United Kingdom

Medieval England 12th to 14th Century - Group 2
2026-02-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Risbygate Sports Club, Westley Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3RR
The course will cover English Medieval History from the reign of Henry 11 ( 1154- 1189) to Edward 11 ( 1307-27).
This covers events & developments of key importance right up to the present – the foundation of the English legal system, Magna Carta, & the English Parliament.
We will of course compare the achievements & failures of each monarch. For example, was King John ( 1199-1216) the worst king in English History?
In addition, we will cover the role of women, including the medieval ideal of womanhood. In similar mode we will look at William Marshal ( d. 1219) as the Ideal knight.
This will lead to a study of medieval Chivalry.

Scrabble
2026-02-02 14:00 - 16:00 | The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD, United Kingdom
There’s not really any organising to do. We turn up with our boards and word books and get on with it!
We gather on Monday afternoons, 2 till 4 on the mezzanine floor at the Apex.
For further information please contact the organiser.

The Elderberries (The u3a Singers)
2026-02-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Thomas Clarkson Centre, Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JT
The u3a Singers are a friendly, informal group with over 50 members, we sing a wide variety of music, usually in four parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
No Audition is necessary, and you don’t need to read music, as we will help you.
New members are very welcome, why not join us and enjoy the health benefits of singing.
For further information please email the group organiser (log in to get their details)
Concerts are held twice each year at All Saints Church.
Last rehearsal of term – Monday 23rd March.
Fees are £15 per term, which covers the hire of the hall and music.

Painting and Drawing
2026-02-03 09:45 - 12:30 | Thomas Clarkson Centre, Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JT
The Painting and Drawing Group is for both beginners and more experienced artists who want a weekly opportunity, bringing their own materials, to work alongside others in a self help group. There is no tuition other than informal advice we share with each other.
Members can either concentrate on their own work, or choose to tackle, with others, a topic from the schedule of suggested themes and ideas proposed by the group, where ideas and skills can be shared.
Dates for upcoming sessions:
January 13th and 27th
February 3rd, 10th and 24th
March 3rd, 10th and 24th.
