u3a

Hadleigh Castle

Welcome to Hadleigh Castle u3a

A learning organisation for the retired

Are you no longer in full-time work?
Do you want to learn new skills?
Do you wish to keep active in mind and body in this new stage of life?
Would you like to share your interests with like-minded people?
Do you want to make new friends?

If you answer 'yes' to the above u3a may be for you. Interested? Then explore our site to discover how you could live life to the full. If you live in Hadleigh or the surrounding area we'd love you to join us.

Hadleigh Castle u3a is part of an exciting world-wide movement which provides a wide range of activities to meet the interests of men and women who are no longer in full-time employment. It is a democratic, self-funding, and self-managing organisation which provides opportunities for life-long learning at a minimal cost. Groups are led by the members themselves, who may be sharing an interest in which they have expertise, or simply organising a group who wish to learn together. A Committee formed of members helps organise and co-ordinate the programme of activities.

“Nobody has to stop learning just because they have stopped working.”

As well as pursuing new interests with like minded people, a programme of social events and trips provides further opportunities to make new friends. The u3a is an inclusive organisation. No qualifications are required to join or participate in activities. Just bring your interest and enthusiasm along.

This u3a branch was opened in November 2010 and has a membership of almost 400. Our wide range of groups covers such diverse topics as Walking, History, Book Groups, Languages, Singing and many others. A full list can be found on the Groups page.

Go to Groups

A dip into our gallery of snaps - days out, our Isle of Wight group holiday and an energetic walking group!

Click below to learn more about Hadleigh

Introducing Hadleigh

2025-26 GALLERY

Visit to Thriplow Daffodil Weekend and Country Fair 22nd March 2025

Trip to Chelmsford Theatre to see 'The Phantoms' , meeting musical theatre star Aaron Pryce-Lewis

A small group of us had a very enjoyable afternoon recently, travelling to Chelmsford to see Lee Mead in his Phantoms tour. He was joined by two other West End musical stars - Luke McCall and Aaron Pryce-Lewis and they treated us to a wonderful afternoon of musical anthems.

Afterwards Aaron and Luke came out to meet the audience - it was said that Lee Mead didn't as he would be mobbed!! Anyway Aaron very kindly agreed to have his photo taken with the group. A lovely trip out - thanks to Beryl Hyde for arranging it. PS if you fancy seeing this show, it's on in September at both the Towngate in Basildon and The Palace Theatre in Westcliff. Gill Franklin

KENTWELL HISTORY FESTIVAL 26th MAY 2025