Welcome
Who We Are at Barnsley & District u3a
At Barnsley & District u3a, we are a friendly and vibrant community of over 1,300 members from Barnsley and the surrounding areas. We bring people together who are looking forward to retirement, or who are no longer in full-time work, and who want to make the most of their time.
We offer the chance to explore new interests, meet new people, and enjoy life to the full. With more than 100 activity and interest groups, including languages, arts, music, science, technology, and food and drink, there is something for everyone. Members can take part in monthly meetings, presentations, travel, dining out, sports, quizzes, and much more.
We believe in making the most of life, and our members continue to develop their creative, educational, and social interests in a warm and supportive environment. Many share a wealth of experience, skills, and knowledge gained through their careers and hobbies, and are encouraged to form activity groups and pass on their expertise to others.
We are a community where friendships grow, interests flourish, and new experiences begin. Why not join us and become part of Barnsley & District u3a?
May Monthly Meeting
The Bu3a monthly meeting at Priory Campus, moved due to the bank holidays, certainly did not stop it from being very well attended. Before the two main events began, there was plenty of chit-chat, jigsaw swaps, and payments being taken, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.
The first entertainment came from the Drama Group, who gave us a whole new take on the dining-out experience, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the Bu3a Agony Aunts questions and answers. Everyone enjoyed a good chuckle at their performance.
This was followed by a great presentation from our Chair, Pauline, which was a sort of follow-up to the Fingerprints talk. Pauline told us all about our hands and encouraged us to examine our fingers more closely. Did you know that you can’t actually do a lot without your thumbs? Another myth was also busted , although the ancient Romans believed the vena amoris, or “vein of love”, ran directly from the ring finger to the heart, this is not actually true!
Overall, it was an enjoyable and informative meeting with plenty of laughter and good company.
Not forgetting the lady behind the scenes who pulls all this together, thank you, Hannah.
Group of the Month
Group of the Month: u3a Fishing
Update on Bu3a fishing group
The fishing group has been up and running since late March 2026. The group has now undertaken three 'fishing group outings' all at local venues. The first day's fishing was at Elm Tree Farm fishery in Kilnhurst. Although it was hard going the members thoroughly enjoyed it and everyone bonded over fishing stories and there was camaraderie over a common passion. The next outing was at Yocky's fishery in Cudworth/Monk Bretton where the group was fortunate to be graced with lovely sunshine. The fishing was really good and everyone caught - one member actually caught 56 fish! The group's last outing was at Fleets Dam fishery in Barnsley and once again the group were fortunate to have good weather. The fishing was steady and all but one member caught. All of the fisheries visited have been very accessible with two of them permitted parking behind the fishing peg.
The group's philosophy is to be 'open' to all styles and disciplines of fishing and to ensure that all venues chosen are accessible and all members to support one another. Although everyone is passionate about fishing, as the previous sessions have shown, we do not take it too seriously and there is plenty of laughter and humour.
The group has agreed to have one fishing outing each month at an agreed venue. There has also been discussion around organising a small fishing holiday which would involve stopping in lodges where the group would undertake a few days fishing.
Therefore, if you love the outdoors and enjoy a little fishing with a friendly group do not hesitate in emailing Andy Fleming if you would like to find out more about the group.
York Festival 2026
The festival starts at 11:00 on Wednesday 1st July and ends at 15:00 on Friday 3rd July
Join us for u3a Festival 26, taking place at the University of York between 1-3 July, for a three-day celebration of fun, learning and the community that makes u3a so special.
Explore an existing interest or take the leap and try something completely new in member-led workshops and sessions. Surrounded by other members, you will have opportunities to move your body, be creative and explore new ideas.
The Festival 26 team have delevoped a programme that covers sport tournaments, artistic workshops, musical performances and talks on a wide range of subjects. It will be everything members do at u3a on a daily basis - only on a larger scale and in one place.
The University of York has a beautiful campus with green spaces and a lake, fantastic sports facilities, lecture halls, and workshop rooms – the perfect backdrop for three days of inspiration and learning. There’s on-site accommodation available too so you can go straight from breakfast to your first workshop.
There is more information and the booking form here.
bu3a Doing What They Do Best – Socialising!
Chinese Night at the u3a
Forty-seven of our members gathered for a delightful evening at China Court, Mapplewell, where we enjoyed an array of delicious Chinese dishes and the pleasure of great company. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and filled with laughter as friends old and new shared stories over a wonderful meal.
A heartfelt thank you to Sue for organising such a lovely event — just one of the many dining-out evenings that we enjoy together at the u3a.
Barnsley & District u3a Charity number 1077654