About NLU3A
NLU3A is the North London U3A (formerly University of the Third Age) with meetings in Finchley, Highgate, Muswell Hill and nearby areas. It is one of over a thousand U3As across the country. Each U3A is about people coming together to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment.
More Than
Members
Attending More Than
currently active Interest Groups
In North London for
Years
Venues
We mostly meet in one another’s homes when the groups are small and do not need great space. Larger groups and those that involve a lot of physical activity meet in hired spaces. Some groups have no fixed home but, for example, meet for outdoor walks and tours, visits to galleries, museums, theatres, etc. Our Monthly Meetings, which usually have a guest speaker, are currently held in a church in Finchley. Members of most groups make no extra payment for the cost of venues.
Groups
Each Interest Group has a leader or coordinator (sometimes two) who organises it and, with the group’s participation, sets the tone and agenda. We have many members who are experts in their field and share their knowledge and experience generously with us. Many groups do not have an expert leader but simply an enthusiast who is learning and taking part on an equal footing with others in the group. In a few cases where needed, a professional tutor is employed and members may be asked for an additional payment above the annual membership subscription.
Sharing
Every member of North London U3A should consider how they can help run the organisation. There are always ways in which you can help – just ask a committee member. We are a co-operative in education, being self-helping and self-managing. Nobody is paid, nobody gains great status. But there is deep satisfaction in seeing this organisation working well. We aim for a lively atmosphere where every member feels at home and finds fulfilment in what they do.
Meeting people
Our Monthly Meetings always start with tea/coffee and social time, and offer a variety of outside speakers. In addition to these and Interest Group meetings, here are also one-day visits, both within London and further afield, which are open to all members.
Besides our regular events, we often organise a social programme over the summer and around Christmas and the New Year. Our members take part in national summer schools, London Study Days and Shared Learning Projects with organisations such as the Museum of London, London Metropolitan Archive and the British Library.
Get in touch
Email our membership secretary at membership@nlu3a.org.uk and we will get back to you. Or come to one of our Monthly Meetings: non-members are welcome to attend one meeting to try us out. You are assured of a friendly welcome.
As a general introduction to U3A, you might like to watch the video below first. It is just five minutes long and was produced by the national office of U3A.
Organisation and Procedures
- Our committee: See our contacts page.
- Our charitable status: NORTH LONDON U3A is registered in England as a charity, no. 1048587
- Our constitution: We are required by the charity commissioners to have a formal constitution. This was last amended at the 2021 AGM. You can read or download it: Constitution-2021.
- Our constitution rules: Committee minutes, proxy votes, membership subscriptions
- Our strategy: The committee reviewed our three-year strategy in 2023 after consulting members and discussing with Group Coordinators. The 2018 policy document is currently under review and will be uploaded to the website once it has been updated.
- Our AGM: See the reports to and minutes of the October 2023 AGM.
- Our procedures: Complaints Procedure and Disciplinary Procedure.
- Our privacy policy.