Let u3a membership add another dimension to your life if you no longer work full-time. Take part in educational, creative and leisure activities in the company of others.
Founded in 1982, the u3a is a movement of independent charities. Hammersmith & Fulham is one of over 1,000 regional u3as in the UK established to develop new skills and interests on a social basis.
Founded in 2006, Hammersmith& Fulham u3a currently has approximately 160 members. We are a friendly crowd from all walks of life and enjoy varied activities through a range of study and interest groups. As well as the borough, we also have members from Chiswick, Kensington and Chelsea, Ealing, Wandsworth and Westminster. Our £20 membership fee gives access to all our groups, newsletters and weekly events and news updates. You will also receive 5 copies of the magazine u3a Matters in the post.
Membership brings you the additional benefits of access to National and London Region u3a summer schools, study days and 'Shared Learning' Projects - joint projects with groups from West and South West London Boroughs.
You will find application forms on the Join Us page.
Our main meeting is on the second Tuesday of the month, from 10:00am till 12 noon, in St Mary’s Church Hall on the corner of Edith Road and Hammersmith Road - see Meetings. The meetings usually include a guest speaker on a subject of general interest. We charge £2 towards the cost of hall hire and refreshments.
We welcome visitors to these meetings to see what is on offer and, we hope, join us. We ask visitors for a donation of £3.00.
Why not come along to a monthly meeting and find out more about us?
A Member's View on the u3a's Benefits
For anyone who has left work, it can sometimes feel rather unsettling, having time on your hands and no structure to your week. In my case, I was delighted that I could finally avoid the daily commute and meet friends for coffee or lunch whenever the mood took me. All well and good for the first few months but gradually the lack of purpose started to set in. I still got up early but then I began to be bored. You can only read so many books, listen to the radio or even succumb to daytime TV before you realise time is passing you by, despite meeting up with old acquaintances and attending various events.
The introduction to the u3a was a boon – it offers companionship, entertainment and opportunity to learn new skills. The Hammersmith and Fulham branch is small but friendly and aims to entertain! Monthly meetings are held at St Mary’s Church Hall near Olympia and Speakers regale us for about an hour with all manner of talks from historical to magical, musical, factual or fictional themes. Tea and coffee with biscuits are available for the attendees.
We hold an annual Christmas Party, have walks and occasional coach trips, visits to Kew Gardens and museums, pub lunches and coffee mornings.
The group is now known as simply u3a (instead of the University of the Third Age) as the term university in the formal title was thought to be misleading. (You do not need a degree or further education to belong.) We are happy to pass on our knowledge, be it knitting, sewing, drawing, archaeology, scrabble or bridge. Everyone is welcome whatever your age. The only stipulation is that you are no longer in full time occupation.
We are happy to offer a taster session so you can assess us before committing to joining. Everyone has something to offer and an exchange of knowledge and skills is always welcome.
Hammersmith & Fulham u3a Open Day
On 9th September 2025, Hammersmith & Fulham u3a held its annual open day where groups took the opportunity to show members and guests what they do.
Arts and Crafts show their wares.
Mahjong.
Bridge.