Latest Update
Read the latest news from Preston Park u3a in our September and October Update by clicking on the yellow button :
Preston Park u3a Open Day Saturday 26th September 2026
As part of national u3a week, Preston Park u3a held an Open Day in Knoyle Hall on Saturday 26th September, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
We were delighted to welcome members and those interested in finding out more about us to meet Interest Group Leaders and see demonstrations of some of over 60 interest and activity groups.
Existing members found new groups to join and over 40 people joined Preston Park u3a on the day. We look forward to welcoming them to our meetings and activities.
u3a and me survey
A recent u3a survey of more than 10,000 members across the movement explored the difference u3a makes to members' lives, including its impact on learning, friendship, wellbeing, activity and purpose. The findings are very positive: 95% of respondents say u3a has improved their life in some way, while 90% say u3a gives them opportunities to keep learning and stay curious.
Digital workshops
In September more than 70 of our members enjoyed two workshops led by AbilityNet, a national charity with a local branch that aims to help people become more comfortable with their digital devices. Participants can now follow up with individual or small group support to learn more or to practise what they learnt.
You can also get free one to one support to use a computer or other digital device, such as a tablet, mobile phone or eBook reader, through Brighton & Hove's Library connect service. You can book a library connect session by speaking to a member of library staff, emailing libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phoning 01273 290 800.
In memory of Alan Beebe
We were so very sorry to learn that Alan Beebe, a founding member and early Chair of Preston Park u3a, passed away this July. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Caroline Beebe, who is also a stalwart member and longstanding contributor to our u3a. You can read more about Alan's life and the many ways in which he developed and benefited our u3a over the last 18+ years here.
Thank you to Ann Kerrison
Sadly the long standing Jazz Appreciation Group is coming to an end. Richard Lovett has written a tribute to Ann Kerrison who led the group, organised the tutor and held meetings in her home – read it here.
Cafe in the Park
Our Drop-in Coffee morning meets at the Rotunda Cafe in Preston Park every Friday from 10:30 to 12 noon. All members of Preston Park u3a are welcome to pop along to have a chat with this sociable group. The members lay their u3a membership card on the table so you can easily recognise them.
Our Facebook Group
Our members can join our Preston Park U3A Facebook group to share photos, videos and news of groups and events.
u3a NATIONAL EVENTS AND NEWS
Online learning events
u3a members can join a wide range of online talks, workshops and courses for free with their membership. They are hosted on Zoom. See what’s coming up and book at Learning in the u3a Movement. The online events are very popular, so it pays to book early.
u3a Friends newsletter
You can also sign up to the u3a Friends newsletter to get details of monthly online events sent straight to your inbox, along with national u3a news and reports from other u3as around the country.
National u3a website
The National u3a website has lots of news and information about u3a activities nationally, including interest groups online and radio podcasts.