Welcome to the website of the Caerphilly Branch
of the u3a.

u3a, The University of the Third Age is a national and international network of self-regulating local associations. Members are normally retired or semi-retired from paid employment. They co-operate to continue to pursue existing interests and explore new ones. No qualifications are required, and none given. There are no regular paid instructors. Interest groups set their own agendas, are self-financing where necessary, and work at their own pace.

We are based in Caerphilly in South Wales and currently have approximately 105 members. Our activities are organised by our members, who share their skills and expertise. The various interest groups meet regularly at venues in the Caerphilly area. Annual Fees are currently £15, or £10 if you are already a member of another U3A Branch. This covers the cost of joining as many groups as you wish.

We have a monthly general meeting open to all members and prospective members on the first Friday of each month. This takes place at 1.30 pm, doors open at 1.00 pm, in the Vanguard Centre, The United Reformed Church, Van Road, Caerphilly, CF83 1JZ. Tea and coffee available until 1.20, and we have a range of guest speakers drawn from members and others.

Please use the menu above to explore in detail what we have to offer. You can contact individual group coordinators through a link on the individual group pages, or for general enquiries get in touch with our secretary here: Contact Us

We hope you will join us, especially if you have an interest or skill to share. Please see the 'Join Us' page for membership details, where you can download a membership form.

We have an entry in the Caerphilly Residents Guide, aka The Little Green Book, published by Standbrook. This lists many local organisations in over 140 towns and villages. See www.standbrook-guides.com.

The following poem was penned by Margaret Birt, one our members.

There Is So Much More That You Can Do

I’ve just joined U3A, I’m having so much fun.

Why don’t you join us? There’s something for everyone.

Stop looking at daytime TV and those four walls,

Immerse yourself and get out of doors.

There’s creative writing and poetry too, an expert you don’t have to be.

Or join the Family History group to research your family tree,

And maybe you’ll find a relative with an impressive pedigree.

If you are more of an energetic soul, then try one of our monthly walks,

All you need is a walking pole and a pair of walking boots.

At our monthly meetings you’ll meet new friends; they are a lovely bunch.

Then join them again when we dine out at our monthly lunch.

Discussion groups and interesting speakers, garden visits, theatre and cinema too.

So don’t hesitate, come and join us, there is so much more that you can do.