Richard Peoples joined u3a in Cambridge just after he retired, following a career in marketing, PR and teaching. He particularly enjoyed teaching mature students, so the Cambridge model, where members sign up for a short-run of focused classes, enabled him to continue learning and sharing. Before long, he had inspired more than 150 people in reading and discussing plays and in the art and craft of playwriting - an interest that stayed with him after his move to Edinburgh. 

In Edinburgh, Richard continued to be active in u3a, becoming Chair for a couple of years. When hearing loss made some activities more challenging, he shifted focus. He became an advocate for others facing similar issues, encouraging them to continue to engage and adapt.   

Bridge, a game Richard first encountered at university, made an unexpected return to his life. After years away from the card table, he decided to start a bridge group through u3a (Casual Bridge). It was the perfect choice: a four-player, trick-taking game with bursts of conversation that suited him well.  

Today, his home in Murrayfield hosts bridge sessions on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. There are nearly twenty members, and the group is open to more, while a fortnightly email-based poll offers places to the first eight or twelve who commit to join. It’s a relaxed, welcoming group where the goal is simple: enjoy the game and learn together.   

Richard happily admits he’s a “competent player, but not a confident teacher”, which suits the spirit of the group. “You don’t have to be an expert or a teacher, just an enthusiast,” he says. In his experience, u3a members are incredibly supportive - and starting a group isn’t a heavy commitment at all.  

Curious about joining or leading a group? Find out more here

Page last updated on 18th July 2025