Norton Radstock u3a has been established for over 25 years and has over 270 members from towns and villages south west of the City of Bath (in the county of Bath & North East Somerset). Our members are drawn from the Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield, Paulton, Chilcompton, Timsbury, Clutton, Peasedown St John, Coleford areas and beyond.
Norton Radstock u3a (registered charity no. 1112735) is part of a UK-wide movement of locally run groups like ours. Our u3a is for people who want to keep active in mind and body, enjoy socialising, and are no longer in full time employment. Read more about the u3a's core principles.
u3a members also benefit from being able to join our interest groups which cover a wide variety of subjects. Many members join the u3a to share interests and participate in our friendly groups led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders (who are all members).
We are organised and run solely by our volunteer members. If you are interested in joining us, please visit the Join Us page. If you are an existing member and want to renew your annual membership please visit the Members page. Please also check the u3a Principles page and the u3a Members Code of Conduct.
Committee Members (2026/27)
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Chair | Rosemary Lovell |
| Vice Chair | Vacant |
| Business Secretary | Mary Miller |
| Treasurer | Grahame Lacey |
| Membership Secretary | Ethne Dando |
| Events Secretary | Margaret Burdon |
| Groups Co-ordinator | Felicity Taylor |
| Inclusion Officer | Vacant |
| Minutes Secretary | Sally Foster |
| Committee Member | Marjorie Gilson |
| Committee Member | Jackie Hammans |
| Safeguarding Officer | Mary Miller |
| Meeting Logistics | Mark Woodbury |
Front row: Mary Miller, Rosemary Lovell, Grahame Lacey, Marjorie Gilson
What is The u3a?
The u3a consists of a national network of 1000 volunteer-led local groups whose members share hobbies, interests and experience and meet up with other like-minded folk from their local area. Hobbies and interests can be shared, or new skills acquired if that's what you are looking for.
u3a core principles provide details of what makes the u3a movement unique and so enjoyable for people no longer in full-time employment.
Founded over 40 years ago, the UK u3a movement is part of a wider international u3a movement. It aims to encourage groups of people who are either retired or semi-retired to come together and continue their enjoyment of learning in subjects of interest to them.
It was originally called the University of the Third Age but is now shortened to just u3a. It was realised that referring to it as a 'university' was erroneous and could put some people off. What's more important is that it is aimed at focusing on people who are no longer in full-time employment or raising a family, and encourages learning, study, self-help and social aspects to enable a more fulfilling approach to life in the third age. It also appeals to those who are newly retired, or semi-retired, or have recently moved into our area.
There is no minimum age as such. u3a promotes active ageing, mental stimulation and social interaction and out of this was created its motto of 'Learn, Laugh, Live with the u3a'.
From the start, the guiding principles were to promote lifelong learning through self-help interest groups covering a wide range of topics and activities as chosen by their members.
Page reviewed 18/01/2026
The u3a movement (the national body is the Third Age Trust) promotes lifelong learning and enjoyable social interaction by and for its members. Retired, or semi-retired, people of any age can meet up and enjoy the company of others from all walks of life. There is no age limit on learning, laughing and living! Why not try coming along and see for yourself? "Learn, Laugh, Live" with the u3a.
What's On?
General meetings for all members are held monthly at the Somer Centre (Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2SU) and interest groups meet in various convenient locations chosen by the group leader (see Groups page).
- Guest Speaker Meetings are arranged from 1.30pm-3.30pm on the 2nd Monday of each month (except Bank Holidays). Refreshments available. Admission £2 for members.
- Coffee Mornings are held on the LAST MONDAY of each month (except Bank Holidays) at The Somer Centre from 10.00am-12.00. Meet up and chat with friends. Refreshments available, books on sale and a members' charity raffle draw takes place. Admission £1 for members.
Please check latest details on the Events page. Contact us via Enquiries for information or queries.