Details of our current groups are given in the monthly News Sheet, together with the contact details of the Co-ordinator of each group (known in Heybridge U3A as a CoG).

Most groups regularly send The Editor a short summary, often with a photograph of what they have been doing during the past month. The Diary, showing future Heybridge U3A meetings and visits is included on the last page of every News Sheet.

The Groups appearing on the navigation bar have their own web page. When you click on these they open in a new tab.

Members do not have to join a group, but groups are fundamental to the U3A way of shared learning and socialising. Interest Groups are an excellent way to make new friends and to share experiences with like minded people. A group can be formed on any topic, but someone must be prepared to act as the group leader (or CoG). Once sufficient members want to join a group, they decide when they want to meet. Most Heybridge U3A groups meet on a regular day and time each month.

Group members also have to decide where they want to meet. Some may choose to meet in the open, such as a walking group or a bird watching group. Other groups with a small membership may choose to meet in a members home, such as a sewing group or a scrabble group (often the group will meet in several members houses in turn). Groups with larger memberships and special requirements will hire a room, such as: a painting group; a computer group or a Photography Group. Some groups such as: a dancing group or a local history group may need a small hall, whilst other Groups like a Luncheon club or theatre group arrange to meet in commercial venues such as restaurants and theatres.

All groups are self financing but if their turnover is at a level that they need to pay room hire fees etc. by cheque, they are advised to open a group account with the treasurer to ensure that the payments are undertaken within the authority of the U3A.