U3A, founded in 1981, stood for the 'University of the Third Age', a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment. Today, u3a consists of over 1000 local groups across the UK, which are charities in their own right and are run entirely by volunteers. Local u3a's are learning cooperatives which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups in accordance with the wishes of the membership.
Somerton u3a, based in the Ancient Capital of Wessex was formed in 1997, with a starting membership of 40, to serve Somerton and the surrounding villages. Since then we have grown to have a membership of more than 400. We are part of the 'Avalon Network' which is a partnership of 6 local u3a's. The idea is to meet, to share interest Groups where necessary, to exchange thoughts, ideas and to learn from each other.
Our u3a is educational, informative, sociable and fun and despite our size we pride ourselves on being a very friendly organisation.
We meet together monthly, on the 4th Friday, at the Edgar Hall, Somerton. The hall is open from 9.30am. The meeting starts at 10.30 with announcements and notices followed by a guest speaker, with our talks covering a wide variety of subjects. Please see our EVENTS page for details of these.
You are welcome to join us from 9.30am onwards for refreshments and chat beforehand. . We also run several coach trips a year and get together for a splendid Christmas Lunch and other social occasions.
Why Join?
As a member you will have the opportunity to join any number of the 50 interest Groups that we run. The only restriction will be fitting them in! In addition to this you can choose to receive the National U3A Magazine, for an additional cost of £4 per year, for postage. Please add this to your Annual Membership when applying. All this is yours for an annual membership of £18 or £14.00 if you have full membership of another u3a. The enrolment period runs from 1st October to 30th September.
As a 'ONE OFF OFFER' Somerton u3a is discounting the Annual Membership fee for the 2025 - 2026 year by 50%!
The Application Form and Renewal Form below, reflect this.
There is no better time to be joining Su3a!
New Members
If you would like to find out more then please contact Fran Cook, Membership Secretary, by calling her on 01458 897103. Or an Application Form is available here.
Existing Members
Existing members who are renewing their membership must complete the membership form (see the Link on the right-hand side) if there are any changes to their details or updating their wishes regarding the u3a Matters magazine. (Other ways of updating your details are shown on the form.)
All existing members who are renewing need to provide a Stamped Addressed Envelope to Fran Cook, Membership Secretary, 5 Highfield Close, Somerton, TA11 6SZ, to receive their new Membership Card.
Visitors are most welcome to come to a monthly meeting, for a small charge of £2, as an introduction to us.
If you would like further information about us, feel free to seek out a member of the Committee or why not just talk to any of the friendly 'Meeters and Greeters' you will see around?
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Steve. Chairman Su3a