Welcome
We are a highly active group of people in our Third Age.
What does "Third Age" mean? Well the First Age is childhood, the Second Age is working life, and the Third Age is when this is all behind you, and you typically have more free time to yourself, and the opportunity to fill that time with something worthwhile
No longer working full-time or raising a family? Now’s the time to develop your interests and make the most of life. u3a gives you the chance to make new friends and enjoy yourself.
Come and meet us
We will be pleased to meet you at The Methodist Church, The Square, Dunstable on the 3rd Monday of the month: doors open at 1:15pm. Stay for a cup of tea or coffee, have a chat and listen to some great speakers - see our Events page for details.
Join an Activity Group
Our members are making the most of life by continuing their creative education or social interests in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. From Walking to Talking - German to Golf - Choir to Country Dancing - Philosophy to Photography.
There are around 80 groups to choose from. (See Groups for details)
And if there's not one that takes your fancy, or if your preferred group is full, we'll help you to start up a new one - it doesn't have to be difficult!
Become a Member
Dunstable u3a membership fees for the period to March 2026 are £15.00 There are additional fees for some groups, depending on the costs of the activity. (See Membership for details)
Find us on Facebook
You can visit Dunstable U3A on Facebook - even if you don't have a Facebook account - to see posts about what we've been up to, as well as upcoming events.
Principles of the u3a Movement
The u3a Movement is non-religious and non-political and has three main principles:
The Third Age Principle
- Membership of a u3a is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.
- Members promote the values of lifelong learning and the positive attributes of belonging to a u3a.
- Members should do all they can to ensure that people wanting to join a u3a can do so.
The Self-help Learning Principle
- Members form interest groups covering as wide a range of topics and activities as they desire; by the members, for the members.
- No qualifications are sought or offered. Learning is for its own sake, with enjoyment being the prime motive, not qualifications or awards.
- There is no distinction between the learners and the teachers; they are all u3a members.
The Mutual Aid Principle
- Each u3a is a mutual aid organisation, operationally independent but a member of The Third Age Trust, which requires adherence to the guiding principles of the u3a movement.
- No payments are made to members for services rendered to any u3a.
- Each u3a is self-funded with membership subscriptions and costs kept as low as possible. Outside financial assistance should only be sought if it does not imperil the integrity of the u3a movement.
Footnote: What does the name "u3a" stand for? Well it used to stand for "University of the Third Age", but the word "University" was thought to be putting people off, as it sounded too academic. And "Third Age" confused people, as they didn't know what it meant. So now we've settled on "u3a", which no longer stands for anything - it's just our name.
Updated October 2024