
Welcome to Sidmouth u3a
From the Gail Richmond, the new Chairman
Hello! I am now the new chairman of Sidmouth u3a.  
This is a really thriving branch, with a very healthy membership.  As you can see, there is a huge selection of groups available to join, albeit some being full, but we are working on that, with the creation of multiple groups, hopefully.  And of course, we have a monthly speaker at Stowford Hall and lots of outings to places of interest.
I am a passionate believer in the u3a; it is good for newcomers to the area, for people who are on their own, and those who want to learn a new skill.
Why not come and try us out? We are very friendly and welcoming and would listen to any suggestions you might like to make!
Who We Are & What We Do
Sidmouth u3a is one of more than 1,000 u3a's across the UK, whose motto is 'learn, laugh, live'.
u3a is an international 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. Membership is open to anyone not in full time employment.
Sidmouth u3a has over 60 interest groups, from Amblers to Yoga, We also have regular social events from shopping trips to concerts, from garden visits to social evenings. You do need to be a member of Sidmouth u3a to join groups or participate in events.
FORTHCOMING OPEN MEETINGS

- 
11 November 2025: Darwin and the second voyage of the BeagleThe Meeting will be held at Stowford Community Centre. Refreshments are served from 1.30 until 2pm. This will be followed by this month's talk by Chris Woodward: Darwin and the second voyage of the Beagle.… 
- 
9 December 2025: Christmas MeetingThe Meeting will be held at Stowford Community Centre. Refreshments are served from 1.30 until 2.00 pm This will be followed by a seasonal talk - Christmas Crackers - by Brenda Loosemore. Followed by drinks… 
UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS
- 
19 November 2025: Death on the NileAgatha Christie's iconic mystery Death on the Nile is coming to life on stage in a thrilling new adaptation by Ken Ludwig! Touring the UK in 2025 and 2026, the show is… 
- 
2 December 2025: Street Shopping Outlet & Shoe MuseumClarks Village Outlet Shopping Discover effortless style and superb savings at Clarks Village, with up to 60% off RRP every day at over 90 designer and high street brands. Join… 

LATEST NOTICES & NEWS
Exploring Art Group & the new Sidmouth Wallspace poster
Lucia Cooper, our Brazilian Exploring Art group member, has helped create and coordinate a project inspired by the COP 30 conference taking place in Belém, Pará, Brasil - the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest and close to Lucia's home town. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the largest global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. Sidmouth u3a Exploring Art Group were asked to consider those aspects of the Sid Valley which meant most to them and might be adversely affected by climate change, and to create related artworks. These artworks have now been assembled as part of a collaborative community artwork which will be exhibited on Sidmouth Wallspace as from 4 November 2025, raising awareness of climate change and how we can protect our common home. Some of the contributing artworks can be viewed on the Sidmouth u3a Exploring Art flickr page and there is more information on the Sidmouth School of Art website.
Congratulations to Mike Hawkridge
u3a member Mike Hawkridge has been awarded one of photography's highest honours - Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society. Mike produced a panel of 21 prints for his FRPS applicarion entitled 'The Victoria Line Train' - "Waiting for someone on a Victoria Line station platform, I found myself opposite the doors when the trains stopped. As trains arrived and departed, I became increasingly intrigued to see what would be revealed when the doors opened, a tableau of infinite variety and actors. What will I see this time? The doors open and close like theatre curtains. Actors enter and exit the stage. The train departs. I am left pondering on the tableau just passed, curious as to the story it tells, in anticipation of the next. Watching trains come and go is like being at the theatre watching a play without words." You can see his RPS submission panel by clicking on the notice heading.
Group Subject Advisors
If you are thinking about starting a new group or as an existing group you are looking for help, support or inspiration, as well as the assistance available within Sidmouth u3a there is also a national u3a panel of over 80 Subject Advisors in subjects from the Arts to Wellbeing. Advisers are passionate u3a members ready to share their knowledge within the u3a movement. Contact them for helpful resources, as well as support and inspiration for setting up new groups, running groups, and engaging members with a subject area. Any u3a member can contact a Subject Adviser. They are here to support any member or group leader with an interest in their subject, whether you have a group or not. Click on the heading for contact details
THE BLOG SPOT

- 
15 October 2025: Salcombe HillAt Nature Walks October’s outing we were concentrating on fungi and my word didn’t we see a lot. We met at the National Trust CP on Salcombe Hill and went… 
- 
9 October 2025: The Otter EstuaryOn our outing to the Otter Estuary at Budleigh Salterton an osprey and some beautiful bearded reedlings are just some of the birds we were going to tell Janet we… 
- 
1 October 2025: Fungi ForageOn Wednesday the 1st of October, Sidmouth Nature Explorers had a good morning's walk around Mutters Moor heathland on the hunt for fungi and what else we might find. Birds were a… 





















