u3a members can access a wide range of free online talks, workshops, and courses through their membership. Most sessions are led by fellow members, sharing their expertise, with additional talks from notable speakers and organisations.
All events are bookable via Eventbrite. Please ensure you can attend when booking and cancel if you’re unable to make it so others can participate. Events are exclusively for u3a members. Online events are hosted on Zoom and national u3a has some 'How to Guides' for using Zoom if you are unfamiliar with the platform.
You can see the full range of events here: https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/educational-events#Events. You can also subscribe to receive an email each month notifying you of what's coming up. There are regular monthly events such as Laughter Yoga with Maggie and Mindfulness and Meditation. Here is a selection of some of the others on offer in the coming weeks (click on the link to go to the booking page - note that this will open in a separate tab):
NOVEMBER 2026
Preparing for an AI world
Discover what AI can do for you in this practical four-week course, from your first chatbot conversation to images, prompting and AI safety.
Monday, November 2-Monday, November 23 • 2 PM-4 PM
Cryptic crosswords for beginners: six-session course (Nov/Dec 2026)
Join Henry Howarth, u3a Subject Adviser for Cryptic Crosswords, for a six-session course on how to solve cryptic crosswords.
Tuesday, November 3-Tuesday, December 8 • 2 PM-3:30
Soulsville USA series - The History and Legacy of Stax Records
Join Lee Wellbrook to explore the rise, sound, struggles and legacy of Stax Records.
Thursday, November 5 • 10 AM - 11 AM
Melancholy as a creative force: Joni Mitchell's Blue album
Explore how Joni Mitchell’s Blue transforms melancholy into a creative force, opening a path to self-awareness and self-possession.
Friday, November 6 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
Staying Safe Online - A u3a Presentation with Q&A
Keeping you safe in an electronic age: A repeat talk by Barry Linton of Thorpe Bay u3a.
Friday, November 6 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Exploring World Faiths: faith and interfaith
Explore how interfaith encounters can shape our beliefs, deepen understanding and change the way we see other faiths.
Monday, November 9 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Auracast: an audio streaming technology that could help the hard of hearing
Mike Field and David Martin from the u3a Let's Talk Tech team discuss Auracast, a new feature of Bluetooth
Wednesday, November 18 • 1 PM - 2:30 PM
Screening to prevent stroke: do we do too much or too little?
Professor Jonathan Mant explores the pros and cons of earlier identification of risk factors for stroke such as atrial fibrillation.
Tuesday, November 24 • 11 AM - 12:15 PM
Shaping fashion: the Elizabethan bodice, buckram and busks
Discover how 16th-century bodices were constructed, shaped and stiffened using historical materials and ingenious techniques.
Wednesday, November 25 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Thinking ahead: housing, care and support options in later life
This presentation from Jane Ashcroft provides a factual and practical overview of housing, care and support options
Wednesday 25 November • 2 PM - 3 PM
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.
Thursday, November 26 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Learn about the Lords
To celebrate UK Parliament Week, we are delighted to be joined by members of the House of Lords.
Thursday 26 November • 2 PM - 3 PM
Ethical aspects of AI in public services: the need for a code of ethics
Based on her real world and academic experience, Dr. Carla Bonina will explore approaches to providing ethical government.
Friday, November 27 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Learn bridge online 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.
Monday, November 30 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
DECEMBER 2026
Personal Memories of Pocklington Bomber Base During WWII
Discover the wartime history of RAF Pocklington, the challenges faced by its bomber crews and the human stories behind their sacrifices.
Tuesday, December 1 • 10 AM - 12 PM
Capturing your youth: memoir writing in 12 easy steps
Learn how to write the stories of your youth in 12 easy steps, in this event for u3a Rewind with Lynne, u3a Creative Writing Subject Adviser
Thursday, December 3 • 10 AM - 11 AM
"It's All in the Poems!": The Life and Work of Charles Causley (1917-2003)
Explore the life and poetry of Charles Causley, the Cornish writer celebrated for vivid storytelling and compelling characters.
Thursday, December 3 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
The Bayeux tapestry: embroidery or fabrication?
How much of the Bayeux Tapestry can we believe? Uncover the intrigue, rival claims and hidden messages behind the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Friday, December 4 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
A personal journey through the music in my life - from the 50s to the 80s
This is NOT the history of Rock Music. It’s just a small sample of the music in the soundtrack of my life from the 50s to the 80s
Monday, December 7 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
What does AI know about me?
A personal experiment reveals how AI builds a persuasive but imperfect portrait of us, and how to use it wisely while protecting privacy.
Tuesday, December 8 • 10 AM - 11:15 AM
Your guide to staying safer online: practical tips for everyday life.
Join AbilityNet for a friendly session designed to help older people feel more confident and more empowered to stay safer online.
Tuesday, December 8 • 2 PM - 3:30 PM
The science and history of common medications for heartburn
Mike Trevethick describes how over-the-counter medications for heartburn were discovered and how they work in the body.
Wednesday, December 9 • 10 AM - 11:15 AM
Christmas Stories, Images, Music and Acts of Hope
Join Catherine Stevenson, Newcastle u3a, in this voyage through Christmas poems, stories and images.
Friday, December 11 • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Adapting to man-made Climate Change
Ian Hawker examines attempts to minimise the negative impacts of climate change.
Monday, December 14 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
AI news December: AI and Ethical Choices for Consumers
Helping you identify the ethical choices around AI and the AI tools, with Rob Harrison from Ethical Consumer.
Friday, December 18 • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Last updated 31 October 2026