
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

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14 October 2025: The Lower Otter Restoration Project
The 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 Rick Lockwood: The Lower Otter Restoration Project. The approximate finishing…
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11 November 2025: Darwin and the second voyage of the Beagle
The 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.…
UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS
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19 November 2025: Death on the Nile
Agatha 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…

LATEST NOTICES & NEWS
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

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9 October 2025: The Otter Estuary
On 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…
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1 October 2025: Fungi Forage
On 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…
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1 October 2025: Sculpture by the Lakes
We had a lovely day out, ambling along meandering pathways by beautiful lakes in the sunshine. What more could anyone want? Well, sculptures of course, because we were visiting Sculpture…