| Ovingdean | Roedean | Rottingdean | Saltdean | Woodingdean |
No longer working full-time and over 50 years?
Got time on your hands?
Living in one of the Deans East of Brighton or nearby?
Want to...
- meet like-minded people of a similar age?
- share learning, cultural, and social activities?
- and above all, have fun?
Then join the BRIGHTON FIVE DEANS U3A!
The Brighton Five Deans u3a is the local branch of the national U3A organisation, which is dedicated to bringing together “third agers” (over 50 and not working full-time) for shared interests and enjoyment. There are six u3a groups in Brighton, and thirty in Sussex, all managed independently by their members. Nationally, the u3a movement includes over 400,000 members in more than 1,000 u3a groups and is continuing to grow every day.
What we offer
Monthly Meetings
We meet on the second Thursday of each month, with the exception of August, at St Nicholas Church Hall, Saltdean Vale, Saltdean at 2.00pm. Refreshments are included. Most meetings feature a guest speaker. See Events for details.
All are welcome to these meetings – Come along free for your first visit. You can join at any time of the year; contact us for more information.
A wide range of topics are covered at the monthly talks. Topics have included Sam Cody, Financial Fraud, Mrs Fitzherbert, Winston Churchill, Newhaven Fort, The Cuckoo Trail, Witchcraft in Sussex, Victorian Poisoners, Chailey Heritage, The Role Played by Women in WW1, Sue Ryder, Royal National Lifeboat Institute and Jewellery Design.
Interest Groups
Interest Groups enable you to get together with a small group of members and share knowledge and skills or explore new interests, and gives you a chance to meet people with similar interests.
We have over 20 interest groups/classes, covering multiple topics such as Classical Music, Jazz, Books, Poetry, Writing, French, Fitness, Tai Chi, Walking, Meditation, Scrabble, Bridge, Mahjong, Croquet, Ten Pin Bowling, Sussex History, Family History, Bird Watching and Technology. The groups meet in members’ houses or in local halls. These groups are free to members of the U3A. For a few groups, there’s a small charge as a contribution to the hire of the hall. See the Groups page for more information
Lunches
Lunches are organised monthly at local restaurants. We have a chance to sample a wide range of cuisine from around the world. Recent visits have included Italian, Turkish, Greek, Indian, Vietnamese, Thai and English cuisine
See Lunches for details of upcoming lunches.
Outings
Outings are organised by coach throughout the year to various locations in the South East. Recent visits have included Petworth at Christmas, Chatham Dockyard and Call the Midwife, Arundel Tulip Festival, Beaulieu, Imperial War Museum, Standen and Arts and Crafts exhibition, Kingscote Vineyard and East Grinstead, Watts Gallery and Museum of the Home at Hoxton,
Local trips have included the Amex Stadium, Preston Manor and Harvey’s Brewery.
See Outings for details of future outings.
Coffee Mornings
We organise monthly coffee mornings at The Saltdean Tavern on the last Wednesday of the month from 10.30 to 12.00. All members are welcome to come along and meet fellow u3a members for a chat and coffee. Details are in our Monthly News Bulletin and on the Events Page.
The coffee morning includes a Book Swap table giving you a chance to swap books and explore new authors.
Theatre Visits
For the past two years we have visited The Dome for the Christmas Concert.
In September a group went to the Eastbourne Theatre to see “Fawlty Towers”. This included a visit to Pomodoro restaurant for a pre theatre lunch.
We also have a close relationship with Newhaven and Peacehaven u3a and we are invited to join them on their many Theatre visits. Details are available in our monthly newsletter.
New Members Tea Afternoon
Twice a year we organise New Members Tea Afternoons at SaltdeanLido. This is a chance for new members to come along and meet other new members and meet the committee. It gives our new members a chance to find out more about our u3a and how to get involved. Delicious cakes are always on offer. New members will automatically get an invite to an event.
As a member of the Five Deans u3a you can participate in a wide range of online talks, workshops and courses run by the National u3a. These are free and are hosted on zoom. Each month different topics are covered.
You can also opt to receive the magazine, "u3a Matters" which is produced by the National u3a.
For more details about the National u3a see the National u3a Page
Membership Fees
Annual membership of the Five Deans u3a, which includes all of the above, is from 1st September to 31st August:
for singles £10 and for couples £20
with an optional £ 4.00 for the National u3a magazine
The above fees are reduced in January to end of August
for singles £7.50 and for couples £14
and in April to end of August
for singles £3.75 and for couples £7
If you are a Member of another u3a you enjoy a reduced price.
You can find joining instructions by clicking on Membership Information