u3a Bury St Edmunds

Petanque
2025-12-01 15:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-04 15:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-08 15:00 - 17:30 (Europe/London) | 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.
New members still welcome. Please contact group leader, Sue, for more information.

Italian Conversation
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Suffolk
We are a small group of enthusiasts who enjoy studying and speaking Italian and learning about Italian culture, and we meet in each other’s houses most Tuesday afternoons in term time, from 2 – 3.30 pm.
Our language skills are roughly Intermediate level, although some of us have more experience than others. Since none of us is either an Italian teacher or a native speaker, we help each other and learn from each other, taking it in turns to host the meeting and prepare a topic for the week. We generally start the meeting with a general conversation in Italian, before moving onto a more structured activity. This could be a more advanced grammatical point, a short text to read and discuss, or a listening comprehension.
We are currently open to new members.

English Medieval Literature
2025-12-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Oakes Barn, St Andrew's St South, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3PH, United Kingdom
The English Medieval Literature group (previously Chaucer Group).
After completing our reading of Beowulf we’ve spent an interesting year expanding our knowledge of Anglo-Saxon poetry and Anglo-Saxon life in general with help from Kevin Crossley-Holland’s The Anglo-Saxon World. Readings have ranged from the Battle of Maldon, which ends frustratingly on a cliff-hanger (it turns out we lost) to the Dream of the Rood, a highly sophisticated blend of Christian and Pagan thought and from the Laws of Wihtred (including the gory details of Trial by Ordeal to the Passion of St Edmund).
In September we’ll be returning to the fourteenth century, embarking on Simon Armitage’s translation of Gawain and the Green Knight.
We are currently full, but please email the group leader to be added to the waiting list.

Music Matters
2025-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Thomas Clarkson Centre, Spaul Room, Hospital Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JT
Our group takes a light hearted look at music appreciation. We have started to look at basic musical structures with the intent of seeing how music has developed and diverged over the centuries.
Individuals take a lead, if they wish, on presenting a composer or musical topic.
Examples are played of either the ‘form’ or of the composer on a Bluetooth enabled CD player.
Enjoying music and each other’s company is a priority!
New members welcome.

Cribbage
2025-12-03 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.
This group is now full. If you would like to be added to the waiting list please email the Group Leader.
When we meet: 12 noon on Wednesdays, fortnightly. (Please contact me for actual dates)

Angel Book Group
2025-12-03 13:30 - 15:30 | Oakes Barn, St Andrew's St South, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3PH, United Kingdom
With a shared obsession and love of reading, we are a small group who thoroughly enjoy discussing a diverse range of books. We have no set genre.
One of the joys we find of being in a book group is reading books we wouldn’t necessarily choose.
The Angel Book Group is now full. Should anyone like to be added to the waiting list then they should email Desme directly to be added to the waiting list.

Theatre Group
2025-12-04 | Suffolk
4 December 2025 – Christmas lunch is at Edmunds WS College

Longer Walks
2025-12-04 09:45 - 16:00 | Suffolk
The walks vary in length and start usually at 9:45 am, typically finishing before 4:00pm in time for tea and cake.
Our walks can take us over county borders, making for an early start from Bury. Where possible we car share.
We take a packed lunch so that we can get further afield. Each member plans and leads walks, usually walking between 9 and 15 miles.
We occasionally have spaces for new members so please contact the group leader if you would like to hear more about the group or to be put on a waiting list. You can also email interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to be put on a list for a second group.

Italian Conversation 2
2025-12-04 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.
Open to new members
Thursday morning from 10.00 till 11.30am.
Group meet’s at the Group Leader’s house with the option to take turns at hosting these lessons at members houses.

Bridge
2025-12-04 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.

Suffolk Churches and Villages
2025-12-04 10:30 - 13:30 | Suffolk
We normally meet on the first Thursday of each month (except January) in the morning mostly at 10.30am – but occasionally this has to be changed due to availability of venues or clashes of events.
Members make their own way to the selected Church or village when a talk and tour with a local guide is organised.
Coffee is usually arranged and a venue for lunch is suggested for those who wish to stay on.
We currently have space for new members, please contact the group organiser to join this popular group.

French Culture et Société
2025-12-04 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.
The group is currently full with a waiting list.
We meet weekly on Thursdays, 11.00am to 12.30

Cinema Group 2
2025-12-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Abbeygate Cinema, Hatter Street, IP33 1LZ
We are a group of like-minded people who enjoy movies. Meeting once a month, over a cup of coffee, we have the opportunity to share what movies we have seen and what is coming up.
Due to the difficulties over the past 18 months, we have expanded our viewing to include streaming platforms such as Netflix.
Time is also given for individuals to make a presentation to the group on aspects of the world of movies that are of particular interest such as favourite directors, actors, music etc.
The Group is currently full and there is a short waiting list.
Alternatively, waiting list members could start a new Group – please fill in the form, section One https://www.u3aburystedmunds.co.uk/joining-a-group/

Racketball
2025-12-04 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. Please send an email to the group leader if you would like to join us.
Cost-£3.00/session
Unfortunately, we cannot take new members as we have access to only one court at this time and do already have a waiting list.

Spanish Conversation
2025-12-05 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)
2025-12-05 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
2025-12-05 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.
Beginners and new members are always welcome.

Recorder Consort
2025-12-05 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!
The Recorder Group has almost reached maximum capacity for the time being but we are happy to hear from anyone who would like to be put on the waiting list. Please also email secretary@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk where you can be added to a list for a second group.

Badminton
2025-12-05 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
2025-12-05 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 Skyliner 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.
We are full but have a waiting list. If you are interested please email Pam for further information.

The Elderberries (The u3a Singers) – Christmas Concert
2025-12-05 16:30 - 18:30 | All Saints Church, Park Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3QW
All Saints Church
Park Road, Bury St. Edmunds IP33 3QW
Friday 5th December @ 43:00 pm
Tickets £7 (cash only) available on the door.
Price includes refreshments during the interval!

Book Group 2
2025-12-08 10:00 - 12:00 | JD Wetherspoons, The Corn Exchange, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LG, United Kingdom
Our Group members decide on a range of books that they would like to read and discuss over the coming months. This results in a wide and enjoyable selection.
Group is currently full.

Art Appreciation
2025-12-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Moreton Hall Community Centre, Symonds Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP32, United Kingdom
We are a friendly and enthusiastic group of art lovers who discuss and study all aspects of the history and appreciation of art. Our meetings vary from talks by group members, studio visits to local artists, trips to art exhibitions, and occasionally an outside speaker. Our trips can usually include lunch or coffee, so we are able to meet socially outside the meetings.
The atmosphere is very informal, so people who are keen to learn are as welcome as those who have some background knowledge.
We meet at The Moreton Hall Community Centre where there is plenty of parking
We are open to new members so please contact us if you would like to hear more about the group.

Chess
2025-12-08 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

French for Beginners
2025-12-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Abbeygate Cinema, Hatter Street, IP33 1LZ
A group for absolute beginners or those with very rusty, school-level French that started at the end of June 2025.
We use our own combination of resources (online apps such as Duolingo, and books) to self learn, along with group learning at our regular meetings.

Canasta Group 2
2025-12-08 13:45 - 16:30 | The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD, United Kingdom

Medieval England 12th to 14th Century - Group 1
2025-12-08 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
2025-12-08 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.
