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Welcome to Goring Gap u3a

Goring Gap u3a is a lively community for people who are retired or semi-retired and living in Goring, Streatley, Woodcote, Whitchurch, Pangbourne and the surrounding area - at the last count in 34 different places across Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Run by members for members, we bring people together to learn new things, share interests and enjoy each other’s company.

With dozens of groups covering everything from creative and study interests to walking, culture and leisure activities, there is something for almost everyone. Whether you want to try something new, deepen an existing interest or simply meet new people, u3a offers a friendly and supportive environment to do so.

As we enter our third decade we are continuing to grow and adapt. Alongside our regular in-person meetings and groups, we now use technology to make it easier for members to join talks and activities from home when they cannot attend in person.

If you enjoy learning, friendship and new experiences, you will feel at home at Goring Gap u3a.

Monthly meetings, past and future

As a member you can attend these meetings, either in person or from home via our You Tube channel

We have over 30 groups you can join - or we will help you start a new one

Make new friends, get out and about, learn something new, or simply do the things you love to do in the company of others

Why should I join

You will be able attend our talks, participate in any number of our Interest Groups, go on visits, attend our varied additional events programme.
The rewards of your membership are in learning, participation and making friends.
Members are encouraged to participate as learners or leaders.
Each member has access to a full programme listing groups, times, dates, venues, plus leaders contact details.

How do I join

It simple, Click on the Join link at the top of this page, fill in an electronic or paper form, pay your subscription.
If you would like to check us out first, potential members are allowed to attend one monthly meeting and one group session.
To attend a monthly meeting as a guest, take a look at the Events page by clicking the link at the top of this page - and just turn up.
To try out a group, please go to the Contacts Us page by clicking the link at the top of this page and email the Groups Organiser.

How does this u3a work?

Each U3A runs its own affairs according to its own constitution, in accordance with local members’ wishes and by their voluntary efforts.
Our events are intellectually stimulating, physically beneficial and/or just good fun.
In a nutshell it’s a club for ‘Recreation, Education and Companionship’ for Third Agers.
You don’t just join The Goring Gap U3A, you ‘join in’.
The Goring Gap U3A has over 350 members and supports over 30 groups, the main operating part of the U3A here.
The activities of the Groups range from Arts and Crafts, through Health and Fitness, History to Social; there’s something for everyone in their Third Age. To see the list of Groups, go to the Groups page by clicking the link at the top of this page.
We also run Monthly Meetings (other than in July and December) with speakers covering a wide range of topics. We have a Summer Lunch in June and a Christmas lunch in November.

Are there any age limits?

There is no age limit for membership, but activities are generally aimed at mature people not in full time employment who wish to share in educational, recreational, social and/or creative activities.

How can I find out more, or speak to someone?

Visit our ‘Contact Us’ page , by clicking the link at the top of this page, where you will find a set of options for contacting the committee members.
Click the one for you and fill in the email.
If you don't have email please come along to a monthly meeting, have a cup of coffee or tea and talk to a committee member (come a bit early, we are there from 10am). You can also join at the same time if you wish to.

How do I keep up to date

Look around this website
As a member you will get full access to the various groups, and a newsletter three times a year by email or post.

About the u3a, and Acknowledgements and Copyrights

u3a is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. Members explore new ideas, skills and activities together. The Goring Gap u3a inaugural meeting was held in June 2006 and our membership has grown to our present 370 members. As we expand we are also able to increase our range of activities. We are a self-help organisation with charity status, run by volunteers. Like all U3A’s we are affiliated to the national body, the Third Age Trust. Click here to go to the U3A national web site. The Goring Gap U3A is a member of the Thames Valley U3A Network, an association of over 35 local U3As. The network puts on events, such as subject study days, that would not be possible for individual U3A