u3a

East of England Region

u3a National Events

Forthcoming national events

These events are organised by the national u3a and are open to all members. Click on the event title for more information and to book.

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17915544009th October 2026 2pm On the threshold of a dream: music, imagination and the late 60s-early 70s

Martin Hellawell explores an exciting era of musical change, from the psychedelic sounds of the late 1960s to the rise and evolution of progressive rock.

Free - online via Zoom

u3a Rewind

179181360012th October 2026 2pm Introducing AI and AI in Scotland

Explore the world of AI: what it is, where it’s found, how u3a members use it, and Scotland’s leading role in AI.

Free - online via Zoom

179190000013th October 2026 2pm Your guide to feeling connected in a digital world

Join Helen from AbilityNet to build confidence online and discover simple, safe ways to stay connected, make friends and communicate with others using technology.

Free - online via Zoom

179197200014th October 2026 10am Laughter yoga with Judith: October

Laughter Yoga combines hearty laughter exercises with deep yoga-style breathing (pranayama). Hosted by Judith Anne Walker of Edinburgh u3a.

 
Free - online via Zoom
179205840015th October 2026 10am Mindfulness and meditation continuation session: October

Join us each month as we continue the practices introduced in the Mindfulness and Meditation Series, and introduce new ones.

Free - online via Zoom

179259120021st October 2026 2pm Future Lives - keeping warm and cutting energy bills: practical advice and support

This session provides practical, easy‑to‑understand advice on managing energy costs and staying warm at home. It explains what fuel poverty is, how to spot the signs, and the impact it can have on health and wellbeing.

Free - online via Zoom

17937144003rd November 2026 2pm Cryptic crosswords for beginners: six-session course

Join Henry Howarth, u3a Subject Adviser for Cryptic Crosswords, for a six-session course on how to solve cryptic crosswords.

Starts on

Registration closes on Thursday 15 October

Free - online via Zoom

179266680022nd October 2026 11am David Hockney as I knew him
The world of David Hockney, a bright star of British art - a talk by Peter Webb.

Free - online via Zoom

179215920016th October 2026 2pm The u3a Essay Competition 2026 award ceremony

Join us online to celebrate the very best of u3a writing at the 2026 Essay Competition award ceremony. Discover this year’s shortlisted essays and their authors, and be there as we reveal the winner and runners-up from more than 140 entries from across the UK.

Free - online via Zoom

179258760021st October 2026 1pm Delivered to your door – the complexities of efficient parcel delivery

John of u3a Let's Talk Tech explores how supply chains, predictive algorithms, and boots-on-the-ground operations enable parcel delivery.

Free - online via Zoom

179267760022nd October 2026 2pm The US constitution vs. unitary executive power

Join Don Mobley to discover how presidential power is reshaping US democracy. Explore Project 2025, executive authority and the 2026 midterm elections.

Free - online via Zoom

179302320026th October 2026 2pm Secrets of the human brain: behaviour and personality

Dr. Bob Pullen explores the way that parts of the brain influence behaviour and thinking.

Free - online via Zoom

179328240029th October 2026 2pm Art deco days

Discover the glamour and innovation of 1930s Scotland through its striking Art Deco architecture, design and culture with Jackie Sangster from Historic Environment Scotland.

Free - online via Zoom

Missing Pieces

179335440030th October 2026 10am The history of pirate radio

Nick Bailey, Bingham u3a member, will be giving an illustrated talk about his time on board the original pirate ship Radio Caroline.

Free - online via Zoom

u3a Rewind

17936280002nd November 2026 2pm Preparing for an AI world

Explore the world of AI in this practical four-week course for beginners. Discover how to use AI chatbots, create and edit images, work with documents, improve your prompts, explore useful tools, and consider how to use AI safely and responsibly. Mondays for four weeks starting:

Free - online via Zoom

17937864004th November 2026 10am Laughter yoga with Judith: November

Laughter Yoga combines hearty laughter exercises with deep yoga-style breathing (pranayama). Hosted by Judith Anne Walker of Edinburgh u3a.

 
Free - online via Zoom
17939736006th November 2026 2pm Melancholy as a creative force: Joni Mitchell's Blue album

Join Prof. Chris Dowrick to explore how Joni Mitchell’s Blue transforms melancholy into a creative force, opening a path to self-awareness and self-possession.

Free - online via Zoom

u3a Rewind

17939592006th November 2026 10am Staying Safe Online - A u3a Presentation with Q&A

Keeping you safe in an electronic age: A repeat talk by Barry Linton, Police Volunteer attached to the Cybercrime Protect and Prevent team.

Free - online via Zoom

17942184009th November 2026 10am Exploring world faiths: November

Faith and interfaith

Explore how interfaith encounters can shape our beliefs, deepen understanding and change the way we see other faiths.

Free - online via Zoom

179457840013th November 2026 2pm Shaping fashion: the Elizabethan bodice, buckram and busks

Join Constance Mackenzie to discover how 16th-century bodices were constructed, shaped and stiffened using historical materials and ingenious techniques.

Free - online via Zoom

179508240019th November 2026 10am Mindfulness and meditation continuation session: November

Join us each month as we continue the practices introduced in the Mindfulness and Meditation Series, and introduce new ones.

Free - online via Zoom

179551800024th November 2026 11am Screening to prevent stroke: do we do too much or too little?

In this Science Network talk, Professor Jonathan Mant explores the pros and cons of earlier identification of risk factors for stroke such as atrial fibrillation.

 
Free - online via Zoom
179561520025th November 2026 2pm Future Lives - thinking ahead: housing, care and support options in later life

This presentation provides a factual and practical overview of housing, care and support options

Free - online via Zoom

179568720026th November 2026 10am The ultimate guide to editing your creative writing

Sara Grant discusses her systematic approach to editing and shares practical tips and simple exercises to help you improve your short story. A u3a Short Story Competition event.

Free - online via Zoom

179604720030th November 2026 2pm Learn bridge with u3a

Discover the joy of playing Bridge in this introduction to the game, and find out how to play online, with u3a Bridge Adviser, Steve Carter.

Free - online via Zoom