Leisure

What do we do?

We are a friendly social group bonding over a Radio 4 programme woven into British culture for 75 years and which continues in popularity.

There are an abundance of storylines and topics discussed in our coffee morning style format. We laugh, speculate about plot lines and characters. We share our experiences where themes from the programme overlap our lived experience.  Our group meets in members’ homes as we take it in turn to host and lead a 30-minute focused discussion.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

We are a friendly mixed ability group with about 40 people attending each week.

There is no charge but you are encouraged to buy a drink from The Apex Coffee Shop.

This group is currently full.

Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

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.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

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.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

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.

This is a new, third, Canasta group whose first meeting will be upstairs at the Apex on Thursday October 15th, 2026.

Beginners welcome.

Please contact Trudy Roberts, the organiser (log-on required for contact details)

What do we do?

The chess group is for people of all abilities; from absolute beginners to more experienced players.
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.

What do we do?

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 currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

An oversubscription of the popular interest Cribbage group triggered the creation of this new Cribbage: Tuesday group.

Although now at a different venue, we follow a similar format.  organising into groups of 2,3 or 4 to play rounds of cribbage over good food with friendly people.  Boards are provided.  All are welcome whether novice or veteran.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

We are a group exploring and developing our skills in Cryptic Crosswords. Solving abilities in the group range from the novice to more experienced solvers. Each month we cover:

• A briefing on and then practice at cryptic clues of Clue Type of the Month. We have been following the sequence of the U3A Cryptic Crossword subject adviser Henry Howarth’s online course and book Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners and have now completed our tour of the main types of clue. Tutorial and practice material we collect is available to all members.
• Solving/reviewing a  set of Cryptic Crosswords of the Month together. A link to them is sent a few weeks beforehand so members can have a go on their own before the meeting. These in difficulty from the Guardian Quick Cryptic series, through the Times Quick Cryptics to Mainstream 15×15 puzzles.
• Tackling a selection of Clues of the Month collected from recently published crosswords.
• Practice at setting clues with three Words of the Month.

The group is led by John Moody, an experienced cryptic crossword solver, blogger and compiler. John is a Times Crossword Championship semi-finalist, leader of the crossword blogging site Times for The Times and founding compiler and editor of the Weekend Quick Cryptic Crossword series. New members of any level of solving ability are always welcome.

Please contact the group organiser if you would like to join us.

What do we do?

United by an interest in oriental cultures, we network and exchange information on cultural opportunities such as workshops, exhibitions or media. At the monthly meetings we come together to report to the wider group on our experiences. We also share our interests in Chinese, Japanese and South Korean culture by giving presentations. Topics range from architecture, film, food, literature, sports and travel. Everyone participates in organising events and leading monthly meetings.

We arrange a friendly lunch on alternate months by rota.

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

This is a very sociable group which meets every month.

Ordinarily, you work in a small team. No prizes. No losers. Just light-hearted sociable fun with 10 rounds of quickfire questions and answers.

98% of all questions are answered by someone so don’t be shy; come and check us out.

If you’ve got the answers to most of the questions and you’ve had fun then I’ve done my job.

The quiz format has been changed somewhat, so you should see some improvements, it’s still all fairly light-hearted fun!

Please be sure to allow time to buy a drink before we start at 10am.

What do we do?

We are a group of people who enjoy socialising and eating!

We meet on the 4^th Tuesday of each month at 12.00 at a previously agreed venue for lunch. The venue for the following meeting is decided by those present giving everyone a chance to participate and introduce us to new places. It is planned that venues will be in Bury and surrounding areas not too far out of town.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

A second Lunch Group has been set up for people who enjoy socialising and eating!
We plan to visit venues in Bury St Edmunds and its surrounding areas, not too far out of town. We may car share to some venues.
The venue for the following meeting is decided by those present – giving everyone a chance to participate and introduce us to new places.
For each meeting you will be required to let the organiser, Jill Pearce, know whether or not you will attend by the Friday before the lunch. Please log into the website to see Jill’s contact details.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

A five-week introductory course followed by play and further instruction.

**The next five-week beginners’ course of Mah Jong will be held on Wednesday 9th, 16th, 30th September and 7th and 14th October 2026.
Please note the change of weekday for this course, which will run on Wednesdays, instead of the usual Thursdays.

There is space available for an additional 2 – 3 Members.
Please contact the Organiser, Jeff Paine (log on required)

Preferred minimum number four players and maximum number eight players.
Any member of the u3a is welcome to attend subject to the above restrictions.

What do we do?

Are you an avid petrolhead? Does everything from spark plugs to diesels, from Formula One to the Isle of Man TT set your pulses racing?

From the history of the car and how things work under the bonnet, from Rolls-Royce to racing circuits, Barry Sheen and more, there is a fascinating range of automotive curiosities to explore.

The format is that each month a member will give a brief talk or prompt a discussion on a topic, and there will also be plenty of time to talk about anything and everything that interests us about cars, bikes, etc.

Please contact the organiser, Peter Hallinan (Login required) for further information.

What do we do?

Open to all levels of experience. The desire to improve your photography skills could range from the desire to capture memories through to learning more artistic or creative techniques.

Are you interested to learn along side each other or have an interest in a particular form of photography, whether it be for your holiday snaps, or landscape, portrait, family occasions, animals, pets, wildlife, insects, buildings, objects, flowers, street, sport, black & white, macro, or just to feel more confident taking photos?

Come along regardless of the type of camera you have whether it is on your mobile phone, instant, bridge or SLR camera.

There is no expectation that anyone is an expert who has to teach the others, the philosophy behind u3a is that we learn from each other – and preferably have fun too.

Each month a photo theme and technical topic selection will be based as far as possible on members’ suggestions. For example: Shutter speed as technical topic and photo theme ‘fill the frame with colour’

Our aim is to be an inclusive group and encourage shared learning.
Browse through a selection of our member’s photos here member’s photos
——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

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.

This group has just one remaining place available. Please contact the group organiser if you’d like to join, after which a waiting list will be established.

What do we do?

Due to popular demand a second Wine Appreciation Interest Group has started.

We have capped the group at 12-13 to allow everyone to be involved and contribute in the discussions during the tastings.

We sample wines from the primary styles of wine to the more unusual from the top wine producing countries to the lesser known from around the world.

We sample 6-7 wines each month. We take turns to volunteer (if they want) to research and bring the wine one month and guidance on groups of wine to sample can be provided.

All costs are shared, and we each pay £12 per head covering the cost of wines.

——–

This group is currently full. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here

What do we do?

Background information: The UK Holiday Group, established in 1984, is a privately-owned holiday and hospitality company, has a stated commitment to supporting charities and a dedicated team of employees who head up the UK Charity Partnership Committee. One of the company’s brands, u3a getaways, has established a new partnership with u3a UK and has launched an initial programme of six specially selected experiential tours for u3a Members with new tours and additional dates already being planned. The link to the online brochure for the six initial tours is here: UKHG – u3a getaways Brochure 2026.

And so, to clarify, this is not strictly an Interest Group. Yet. Rather, it is an initial step into the possible launch of a u3a Travel Group in partnership with Just for groups!, which is another of the brands within The UK Holiday Group.

How it works: Follow the link to u3a Getaways and, if you see a tour you would like to join, contact u3a getaways directly to discuss and book. The contact details are on the website and are also listed below for convenience. It is important to note that all u3a getaways are based on you making your own way to the destination, i.e., transport to and from is not part of the package offered. However, details for both car parking and nearest train station are provided for each tour.

Website: u3a Getaways

Phone: 01603 886 773

Email: enquiries@u3agetaways.com

What do we do?

The u3a Wine Appreciation Society has now been running for 10 years.

Our objective is to take a not too serious look at the world of wine by keeping up to date with all new trends and products available on the market; discussing Grape varieties and new trends often with blind tastings.

The group now has considerable experience in buying and tasting and all members are welcome to front a session should they wish.

We normally taste and discuss 7 – 9 wines and conduct regular “blind” tastings all of which are a lot of fun.

Tasting glasses and tasting sheets are provided. A kitchen is available for the supply of water.

All costs are shared and the average “fee” will be £12 per head, this covers the cost of wines and of course the room hire and parking charge, this is presided over by our treasurer working in conjunction with the u3a in Bury.

In the past, we have organised a group visit to a local vineyard and this is something we hope to repeat.

Future plans hope to include Food, Cheese, and Wine pairings.
Read about our latest tasting and evaluation session here

——–

Membership needs to be restricted to 30. The group is at present oversubscribed. Please use the Join Waiting List button if you wish to be added to a Waiting List. Note that you must be logged on to do so.

#JoinButton

Or, instead of waiting for a place in this group to become available, why not consider starting a new group yourself? Existing or new members can do so, and you don’t even need to be an expert on the topic. One of our key principles at the u3a is that members learn from each other.

If you would like to have an informal chat about what’s involved, email the u3a Interest Groups Coordinator at interestgroups@u3aburystedmunds.co.uk to arrange a call to learn how simple it can be to start your own group and how we can support you to do so.

For more information on running a group: click here