Latest News

Bakewell u3a Chatsworth Group invitation

Wednesday 7th October Palace Hotel Ballroom 11am to 4pm

Discover Buxton u3a: Connect, Learn & Explore!

Looking to stay active, pursue new interests, and meet like-minded local people? Whether you are already a member or curious to see what Buxton u3a is all about, join us for our upcoming showcase!

What’s On Offer:

  • For Current Members: Explore the incredible variety of activities, projects, and talents thriving across our different group showcase tables. Discover a new group to join or get inspired by what fellow members are doing!
  • For the Buxton Community: Our doors are open to everyone! Come and discover who we are, what we do, and how our vibrant, member-led community brings learning and social connection to life.
  • Interactive Workshops: Get involved on the day! Take part in hands-on workshops led by our group leaders throughout the day!

Come along, try something new, and see where your curiosity takes you.

Free Admission • Please encourage your family and friends to come along!

Visit Buxton Workshops for more information about the workshops and how to book.

Brush Strokes for Beginners Group

Due to our current Group Leader being unable to continue to lead this group, and without a willing volunteer to continue, this art group is now closed. Thanks goes to June, for running the group for many years.

Hand Bells Group

Hand Bells Group has closed due to low numbers. The Hand Bell set is owned by Ilkeston u3a, so if any member with a musical interest is interested in knowing more about what is involved please contact Lynne, our Groups Coordinator, or any Committee member for more information. Thanks to the previous group leader for their contribution to Ilkeston u3a.

Scala Cinema Group

Unfortunately, as The Scala Cinema Group has not found a willing member to head up this group it is now considered defunct. If a member of Ilkeston u3a comes forward to take responsibility to administer this then we will review the situation. Thanks goes to our previous group leader for all her efforts!

The Ramblers Group.

Similarly, as nobody has stepped up to head up the Ramblers Group, we must remove this group from the available options for members. If a member is interested in the future please contact Lynne, our Groups Coordinator, for a chat with your ideas. Thanks go to Dennis and Janis for running this group for many years.

If you would like to join the current 2026-27 committee please speak to any Committee Member below.

COMMITTEE 2026-27

Chair: Andrew Davies
Treasurer: Margarete Peel 
Business Secretary: Alyson Marriott
Membership Secretary: Jacky Wilding
Groups Co-ordinator: Lynne Thorpe
Speaker Seeker: Russell Gough
Minute Secretary: Susan Fetter
Committee Members: Barbara Green & Liz Ward

  Photos from our last Annual Showcase “The Interest Groups Fair”…

Old documents are fascinating
Always time for a chinwag
Tea or Coffee?
Poetry for Pleasure
Happy 94th Birthday, Janet!
Old friends visiting
Come and join Cluedo!
Welcome new member
History journals on display
Poetry corner
Maths 4 Fun
Busy in the Crafting corner

Erewash Sound Breakfast Show interview

Alyson and Christine, committee members, were interviewed live on air, Monday 20th January encouraging people in the local community to see what Ilkeston u3a has on offer and how to join in the fun. You can listen to the interview here

Learn to Live:

Report on membership benefits of u3a published. Read all about the social and health benefits of non-formal learning – the style of learning embodied by u3a here

Erewash Sounds

Committee Members, Alyson and Steven, promote Ilkeston u3a on Erewash Sounds Breakfast Show. Listen again here

Honouring our Volunteers 

Volunteers’ Week in June is a fabulous opportunity to thank the many volunteers within Ilkeston u3a who give up their time, share their expertise, and their energy to make Ilkeston u3a a fun place to be. 

Learn, Laugh, Live, that’s our motto, and we like to do it with gusto!

Pictured are Dennis and June, regular volunteers who provide refreshments at the monthly meeting, held at The Arena Conference Room at 10am on the first Tuesday of every month.

Some of our Group Leaders at Volunteer Appreciation Event June 2024

Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give something back to the community, making you feel great in return.  All Ilkeston u3a volunteers make a positive difference to the organisation, whether it’s leading an interest group, helping with refreshments, taking on a committee role, maintaining the website, compiling the newsletter, or welcoming new members, every effort is useful and appreciated. THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING !