Starting a group in Edinburgh u3a
If you have an idea for an activity or a subject for a new group, getting started is easy. Simply contact one of five Group Coordinators here who will advertise the suggested group on the website and in the Monthly Bulletin to see if enough other people are interested. If a similar group already exists, you can ask the existing Group Leader for advice.
If enough people are interested, the Group Coordinator may organise a meeting so that prospective members can agree how the group should operate and, if there isn’t already a volunteer, to identify a possible leader.
Leading a Group is not as onerous a task as it might sound. Although there are some extra tasks involved in being leader, it can be very rewarding, and some groups have co-leaders to spread the load. Active participation is the primary ethos of the u3a movement and group members are encouraged to contribute to the running of their group.
To get approval from the Edinburgh u3a Committee, the Group Coordinator will help the leader to complete a New Group Approval Form here which sets out how the group will operate and forms the basis for the group’s page on the website and the announcement in the Bulletin.
Everything a group leader needs to know is contained in the Guidance for Group Leaders here and this contains information on the resources that are available to help get a new group started including the possibility of a small financial grant. Other forms that might be helpful and details of help available from the Third Age Trust (https://www.u3a.org.uk/), the umbrella body responsible for all local u3as.
Meet our Group Leaders
To highlight the great work our Group Leaders do, we will publish new stories here from time to time.
June 2025 Update
- Judith W - Laughter Yoga
- Roger M. - Writers Critiquing Fiction
- Susan W. - Easy Hill Walking / Cycling and Galleries
- Peter J. - Pickleball
July 2025 Update
- Richard G - Cycle Touring
- Kate D - Circle Dancing
- Nadine H - Current Affairs 1
- Richard P - Casual Bridge
August 2025 Update
- Sonia D - Photography
- Paul B - Film Appreciation
- Maureen M - Italian Conversation
- Sally C - Winter Walks
October 2025 Update
- Gillian S - Art Appreciation
- Muriel S - Scottish Country Dance
- Andrew F - Film Appreciation
- Ann B - Shakespeare & Opera
Page last updated on 23rd October 2025