Enjoying the third age
Hackney u3a is is open to anyone who is retired, semi-retired or finished with full-time work
Hackney u3a’s Phoenix ukulele band
“My main social activities are with Hackney u3a. It’s essential for my health and social life,” says one 80-year-old member.
“It is wonderful to be able to meet in Hackney’s libraries for a book group, pilates, folk dancing and tai chi,” they add.
u3a is a UK-wide charity that brings people together who are no longer in full-time work to learn, share skills and socialise.
In Hackney, pensioners are busy watching French films, dancing, writing poetry and exploring London together. Next month, they are set to celebrate Hackney u3a’s 20th anniversary.
Antonia, who has been with Hackney u3a from its inception, says: “I keep coming back for the beautiful people! I was just reminiscing with my friend Ann about all the fun we’ve had.
“The u3a started in France, on the university campuses, but it was an academic model. We wanted something fun and accessible in Hackney.”
Ann adds: “At the beginning we used to meet with other u3a groups from Islington and Haringey to swap ideas.
“I’m in charge of the ‘Explore London’ group, where we visit different places in the capital. Next month we are going to the Jewish Museum.”
One group, the Phoenix ukulele band, has been playing together for nearly a decade.
Dave says the move to the ukulele allowed him to continue playing an instrument: “I can’t play the guitar any more because I’ve got arthritis. So I’ve switched to the ukulele.”
His bandmate Jim adds: “I found out about this by word of mouth. I joined because it’s good fun! We play at a few gigs.”
At just £15 per year, Hackney u3a members have access to around 30 different activities – from art, family history and folk music to badminton, gardening and philosophy.
The charity has also teamed up with Hackney’s libraries to keep costs down and make the activities as accessible as possible.
Membership is open to anyone who is retired, semi-retired or finished with full-time work – and has been a lifeline for many. Gill moved to the area during Covid and found herself stuck on crutches for 10 months.
Feeling bored, she Googled the group and hasn’t looked back. She says: “I’ve been to ‘stitch and chat’ and the art group. It’s a great way of getting to know people locally!”
Since starting in 2006, the group has grown from a small drama spin-off into a local institution with nearly 280 members.
Secretary Linda thinks she knows why the u3a formula is so successful. She says: “We have this saying, ‘You wonder what you did all day before joining the u3a’.
The transition from work to retirement was smooth for me because I was already volunteering. Others may be at a loss, but we’re here for them.”