Chelmsford

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Chelmsford u3a Groups

All Day Walks     

When 2nd Monday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Enquiries 01277 353481 or via website
Information Walks take place on the second Monday in the month and we walk either fairly locally or in London, everyone takes a turn in leading a walk, these do not have to be walked out in advance and the only rule is that nobody complains if we get lost. Walks average from 5 - 8 miles and we take a picnic lunch. If we see places of interest on the way and the group is in general agreement, we stop and take a look. We don't usually walk in December as it's such a busy month and we do a half day walk in January finishing with a pub lunch.

Art Appreciation     

When 4th Tuesday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 14:00 to 00:00
Enquiries 01277 840621 or via website
Information We sometimes have talks, but often arrange outings to Art Galleries.

Art Club     

When Every Monday
Venue Boreham Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 11:15 to 14:15
Enquiries 07773 074105 or peteranderton@mac.com
Information u3a's Art Club is a Monday playtime, turning Mondays into Fundays by creating pictures with paint, pastel and pencil. We are a friendly, inclusive bunch of amateurs, beginners and improvers. It's about washing away the dust of everyday life with art. Sharing and learning from each other, all mixed with friendly chat and plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. We currently have no room for any more new members. But things can change, so please let me know if you are interested in joining and we can call or email you when a space comes available.

Art for Pleasure     

When Tuesdays
Venue Boreham Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 09:30 to 12:00
Enquiries 07976292362 or via Website
Information We meet in the Goodwin Room. The atmosphere is congenial, fuelled by endless coffee/tea and biscuits and lots of chat, For the nineteen years that we have existed, we have always thought that we should call ourselves ‘A coffee morning with paint'. Whilst we do not have a formal instructor, we are a friendly group working in varying mediums, so even someone with no experience of art can learn to paint and draw. In addition, we have a library of art books in our cupboard which are available for members to peruse or borrow, to learn or get inspiration from for free. The cost of the hall hire is split evenly between the group, so the more members, the lower the cost! We also ask for a small contribution to cover the cost of refreshments.

Birding     

When 4th Friday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries 07712 818499 or via website
Information We meet at 10 am and set off about ten minutes later. The walking is not arduous and we usually spend more time standing or sitting in hides enjoying the spectacle of nature. There is no fee to join the group and all abilities are more than welcome whether an experienced birder or total novice. When contacting the group Leader to join, please include your membership number, email address, mobile number and if possible a landline number.

Book Group     

When 3rd Monday
Venue Chelmsford Library - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:30 to 00:00
Enquiries Via website
Information We read a wide variety of books and our recent reviews of books can be seen on our Group page of the Website.

Bookworms     

When 1st Thursday monthly
Venue 
Normally meets 14:30 to 16:00
Enquiries chair@chelmsfordu3a.co.uk
Information For all people who love reading books and discussing them with others who have read the same book.Meet at The Black Bull, 244 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PN.

Bridge - beginners     

When Tuesdays
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries ChelmsfordBeginnersBridge@gmail.com
Information We are a small, friendly and inclusive group and welcome beginners and improvers at all levels of skill. The club has playing cards and bidding boxes. There is a small charge to cover costs. We meet at a public house close to the centre of Chelmsford, a short walk from the bus station. Parking is available at the pub. Please contact me on the above email if you are interested in joining.

Bus Pass Journeys     

When 2nd Friday (usually)
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 09:20 to 16:00
Enquiries maurice.austin@phonecoop.coop
Information 

Canasta/Card Games     

When 1st & 3rd Monday of the month
Venue Gardeners Public House - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 00:00
Enquiries NULL
Information New Members welcome.

Choir     

When NULL
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information Proposed Group to be led by Devorah Aloah who has not yet joined u3a but will do when she retires from full time work. Expressions of interest being sought. Rosemary Wilson, member of B&G u3a is interested in the choir - she would join our u3a.

Church Visits     

When 1st Wednesday of each month
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 10:15 to 12:40
Enquiries 01245 258833 or via website
Information We visit churches in Essex, and further afield. Members new and old are welcome, and planned visits are advertised via our mailing list. Our visits take on the first Wednesday of the month, from March to November. Usually two churches in the morning, with refreshments at the first. Our first visit of 2026 is on March 4, to Moreton. Our next meeting, on April 1, takes us to two very different churches by the Colne in the east of the county, St Andrew Fingringhoe and St Lawrence Rowhedge. The plans for the rest of the season are: May 6 St Peter and St Paul Foxearth  CO10 7JE and St Gregory and St George Pentlow CO10 7SP June 3 St Mary the Virgin Little Dunmow CM6 3HX and The Black Chapel North End CM6 3PH July 1 St Peter and St Paul Black Notley CM77 8LE and St Michael Braintree CM7 1EY August 5 St Mary the Virgin Tollesbury CM9 8QJ and St Nicholas Tolleshunt D’Arcy CM9 8TS September 3 London – St Vedast EC2V 6HH and St Mary le Bow EC2V 6AU October 7 All Saints Epping Upland CM16 5DN and St Alban Coopersale CM16 7QT [or St John Epping CM16 5DN]

Coach Outings     

When Various
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information A group to decide and arrange coach trips for all Chelmsford u3a members to enjoy.

Coach Tenterden     

When 17 May 2026
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information Coach trip to Tenterden with tickets for 1940s event on Kent & East Sussex Heritage Steam Railway. £50 including coach Hailstone Travel 37 Seater. However max members reduced to 32 so as to avoid using the rear seats.

Cycling for Fun     

When 4th Tues and 2nd Friday @ 9.30 for 10am start
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:30
Enquiries 07758817559
Information Our aim is enjoyment, getting some exercise in the fresh air, exploring the cycle paths and quiet roads surrounding Chelmsford. And chatting at a refreshment stop! There will be organised rides. The pace will be gentle to suit near beginners and returners to ensure that nobody is left behind. Each ride will be described in advance so people can judge its suitability, there will be a leader and a backmarker. The rides will suit people who want the security of riding with a friendly, supportive group.The group is open to new members. Please feel free to contact us on the number above.

Discussion group     

When 2nd Tuesday of the month
Venue Chelmsford Library - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:00 to 15:00
Enquiries brian.littlechild@blueyonder.co.uk
Information The group will discuss a wide variety of topics at each meeting. The group leader will supply a numbered list of topics and each member will be asked to choose a number at random to select which topic is discussed. The group leader will guide the discussions, limiting each member's responses to around 5 minutes.

Event Volunteers     

When When needed
Venue Various, by arrangement
Enquiries NULL
Information Those willing to volunteer at monthly meetings, social events and other non-group events. Task include Setting up and clearing away; welcoming attendees (registration); serving refreshments; technical support; publicity and promotion

Family History     

When 4th Friday
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries lesleywood54@yahoo.com
Information This group is for people who are researching their family tree and are interested in their roots. The group is also suitable for people who would like to learn how to trace their Family Tree. Often the discussion is group led, but sometimes we have guest speakers or simply watch and discuss a genealogy video. You may have got 'stuck in a rut' in which case, our group is a great place to find help and get inspired. Find out what websites are the most useful, what new research tools are available, an what family history software you should use (if any)? Members of our group will share their experiences and pass on information.

Fishing     

When 1st Wednesday/Thursday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 06:50 to 00:00
Enquiries via the website
Information For members who enjoy fishing, or who have always wanted to try but have not been fishing before. Plans are to fish on a monthly basis at day ticket venues like Cuton Lakes, Blasford Mills and any other venues (probably lakes) suggested by members. These could be full day, or half-day meetings.

French Conversation     

When 2nd and 4th Wednesday
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 15:15
Enquiries Via website
Information Room 2 Christ Church, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW

Fun with Textiles     

When 3rd Monday monthly
Venue Member's home
Normally meets 11:15 to 12:30
Enquiries chris.mcf23@icloud.com
Information 

Garden Group     

When 4th Thursday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries 01277 353481 or via website
Information You don't have to be an avid gardener to join our group, you'll fit right in if you have a love of gardens, plants and nature and like to visit local gardens. From April to September we organise visits to large private or formal gardens within the Essex area, who open their gates exclusively for the group in order to raise funds for the NGS (see link). An entrance fee of around £8-£10 is charged which usually includes tea/coffee & cake. Occasionally we might travel further afield. From October to March we usually meet on the 4th Thursday of the month between 2.00 - 4.00 p.m. for talks and presentations about various aspects of gardening. This has in the past been at Boreham Village Hall in the Goodwin Room. A small fee is charged to cover the hire of the hall and to pay the speaker.

Information Technology     

When 2nd Wednesday
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries Via website
Information Self-help group dealing with various aspects of IT but mainly mobile phones, computers and Tablets. We have both experienced and inexperienced members. If you have a problem/question come along and no doubt someone will be able to help you.

International Dining     

When 3rd Monday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 19:00 to 00:00
Enquiries 01245 358629 or via website
Information The International Dining Club travels the globe without leaving Chelmsford, with each member in turn choosing the venue, sending out an inviatation and booking the table maybe once a year.

Jazz and Blues     

When 3rd Wednesday
Venue 
Enquiries kassier2@gmail.com
Information For all people interested in sharing their enjoyment of Jazz and Blues music. At each meeting a member will nominate a piece of music for the whole group to listen to, and then a discussion will follow.

Local History     

When 1st Tuesday of each month
Venue Boreham Village Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:15 to 15:45
Enquiries 01245 259590 or via website
Information Our meetings consist of either presentations/talks by recommended speakers or visits to places of historical interest where we are given a guided tour. The indoor talks are normally held held in the Goodwin Room at at Boreham Village Hall, Main Road, Boreham CM3 3JD. There is a small annual subscription to cover the cost of the hall hire and the speakers fees. Each outing is paid for separately when you book your place.

London,the City and its people     

When 4th Monday
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries 01277 355823 or via website
Information We have many interesting talks, but also outings throughout the year. Contact Chris Rycroft the membership secretary for further info. All details in the newsletter.

Luncheon Club 1     

When Last Friday of month
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 12:30 to 00:00
Enquiries 01245 380766 or via website
Information We meet for a small group luncheon with the emphasis on enjoying locally sourced quality food in Restaurant and Pubs rather than eating chains, within a 17 mile radius of Chelmsford

Luncheon Club 2     

When 4th Tuesday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 12:30 to 00:00
Enquiries 01245 475444 or via Website
Information Lunch Club 2 meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 12.30, usually at local gastro-pubs but occasionally at city restaurants. Each month the lunch venue is sourced by a different Club member who is responsible for the booking and whatever arrangements are required.

Luncheon Club 3     

When 1st Thursday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 12:30 to 00:00
Enquiries 01245 475444 or via Website
Information Lunch Club 3 meets on the first Thursday of each month at 12.30, usually at local gastro-pubs but occasionally at city restaurants. Each month the lunch venue is sourced by a different Club member who is responsible for the booking and whatever arrangements are required.

Luncheon Club 4     

When 3rd Wednesday of the month
Venue Various, by arrangement
Enquiries NULL
Information Lunch Club 4 is an informal group which meets for lunch on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Venues are typically local restaurants or pubs serving food in central Chelmsford or nearby. Venues are chosen by group members.

Mah-Jong     

When 1st & 3rd Tuesday
Venue Group Leader's home
Normally meets 14:00 to 00:00
Enquiries 01245 474811 or via website
Information Cost 50p each meeting to cover tea and coffee.

Motorcycle     

When TBC
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information Potential new group canvassing for members.

Philosophy     

When First Thursday of every month
Venue Member's home
Normally meets 11:00 to 00:00
Enquiries 07941 480240 or via website
Information We usually work our way through a book, discussing the philosophical ideas and what we think of them. Sometimes the topics have us scratching our heads, and other times we find them easier. Hard or easier, we still manage to laugh while studying. No previous experience is necessary, everybody brings their own experience and knowledge to the topic and we all have plenty of that! If you are interested in different ideas, and have an open mind to new ideas and ways of thinking about things, please contact me via the website

Philosophy & Religion 2     

When 4th Wednesday monthly
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries Jim Mackay: jim88mackay@aol.co.uk
Information This new group will meet for the first time on Wed 25th February 2026 at Christ Church, New London Rd. Future meeting venues will be discussed and agreed at this meeting.

Philosophy - Religion     

When 1st Monday
Venue Member's home
Normally meets 10:00 to 00:00
Enquiries Jim88mackay@aol.co.uk
Information We meet at a member's home in Chelmsford.

Photographs on Facebook     

When N/A
Venue Facebook
Enquiries NULL
Information This group is open to Chelmsford u3a members who enjoy sharing their photographs. The group is run on Facebook and so a personal Facebook account is needed, do contact us if you need advice on how to open an account. It is a private Facebook group, which means that you can only be a member by invitation from the group leader (send a message if you would like to join); only members can see who’s in the group and what they post. The general aims of the group are: to encourage members to share their photos, old or new; to encourage members to take photos; to share tips on taking photographs; to share tips on editing photos. The group is a new venture and as it develops, the aims may be changed or extended. The group leader might want to upload some photos to the Chelmsford u3a website, but permission from the photograph’s owner would be sought beforehand.

Pickleball Monday     

When Monday afternoons
Venue Melbourne Leisure Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:45 to 14:45
Enquiries pickleballu3a@gmail.com
Information Pickleball is similar to tennis, the ball is much slower, slightly larger and less bouncy than a tennis ball. the net is slightly lower than in tennis and the court is smaller, badminton court size, – so it’s suitable for us thirdagers! If you’ve played any racquet sports before, you will find this game easy to understand and play – how well you can play it is another thing! However, everybody is welcome regardless of experience. Cost of court, around £12 per hour, to be shared by players.

Pickleball Thursday     

When Thursday
Venue Melbourne Leisure Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 12:00 to 13:00
Enquiries 07964 386056
Information Pickleball is similar to tennis although the ball is much slower, slightly larger and less bouncy than a tennis ball. The net is slightly lower than in tennis and the court is smaller, badminton court size, so it’s suitable for us thirdagers!  If you’ve played any racquet sports before, you will find this game easy to understand and play, we mostly play doubles – how well you can play it is another thing!   However, everybody is welcome regardless of experience, and we have found that all players have improved simply by playing regularly and having fun

Pickleball Tuesday     

When Weekly on Tuesdays
Venue Melbourne Leisure Centre - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 15:00 to 16:00
Enquiries jayne.hughes5@btinternet.com
Information Cost £12 to be shared between 4 players. Meet ready changed at 2.45pm Pickleball is similar to tennis, although the ball is much slower, slightly Cost is larger and less bouncy than a tennis ball. The net is slightly lower than in tennis and the court is smaller, badminton court size, so it’s suitable for us thirdagers! If you’ve played any racquet sports before, you will find this game easy to understand and play, we mostly play doubles – how well you can play it is another thing! However, everybody is welcome regardless of experience, and we have found that all players have improved simply by playing regularly.

Poetry Appreciation     

When 1st Wednesday
Venue Member's home
Normally meets 14:00 to 00:00
Enquiries 01245 266316 or via website
Information We welcome all members of Chelmsford u3a with an interest in poetry. Meeting date changed to 1st Wednesday from 1st May.

Quiz     

When 4th Thursday AM
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 09:30 to 12:00
Enquiries NULL
Information The group meets in the Farthing Centre at Christ Church New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW. Members take it turn to be the Quizmaster - setting a quiz for all to take part in. On arrival each month members are randomly allocated to a table and the all the members on that table form a team. There are no prizes or rewards.

Rock & Pop Appreciation     

When 2nd Wed
Venue 
Normally meets 15:00 to 00:00
Enquiries NULL
Information Meet at the Hot Box in the City Centre near the bus station

Science Group     

When 3rd Thursday
Venue Catholic Church Hall - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 13:30 to 00:00
Enquiries 01277 353481 or via website
Information Doors open at 1.30pm and the talks start at 2.15pm. Tea/Coffee available before the talk. Non-members of the Science group are welcome for a fee of £2 to cover costs.

Sewing, Crochet and Knitting     

When 3rd Thursday (subject to change)
Venue Group Leader's home
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:00
Enquiries jacqui.norfolk@outlook.com
Information Experienced or just wanting to learn, all equally welcome. We share ideas, try new things. There are some very experienced people in the group who are willing to help those with less experience. We will usually meet the third Thursday in each month but due to holidays this can be subject to change so please check with group leader Tel: 07714 258517. Our next meeting is on the 17th August. Our meeting in September will be on the SECOND Thursday(14th). After this meetings will normally be held on the third Thursday monthly.

Short Walks     

When 3rd Friday
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 10:00 to 14:30
Enquiries 01245 466167 or via website
Information 

Spanish Conversation     

When 3rd Wednesday
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:30 to 12:30
Enquiries 01245 268923 or via website
Information All of our members have a grasp of basic Spanish. Some members are much more fluent than others, so potential new members should not be put off if their Spanish is a bit rusty.

Summer Evening Walks     

When 4th Wednesday April - Sept.
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 16:30 to 18:30
Enquiries 07979 540053 or via website
Information The group emerges from hibernation in April and we will be walking on the 4th Wednesday of April to September. We do early evening walks of around 4 miles, starting at 4:30pm and finishing at a pub for an evening meal. Any member of the group can volunteer to lead a walk, advice is available from the group leader. Walkers should be confident they can walk the advertised distance (usually around 4 miles) at a moderate pace (but we won’t be racing along) Walkers are responsible for their own safety, eg: you decide when to cross a road Walkers should wear or at least carry, appropriate footwear and clothing having checked the weather forecast for the day. Walkers should let the walk leader know if they can’t make the outing if they’ve said they would - walkers are asked to lodge their mobile phone numbers and an emergency telephone number with the group leader

Sunday Lunch 1     

When 1st Sunday of the month
Venue Various, by arrangement
Enquiries tritton405@gmail.com
Information Members of this group take it in turns to book a table at a local restaurant or pub. They then inform the rest of the group by email providing details of the venue, travel directions, arrangements for payment etc. Everyone makes their own way to the chosen venue but some members are prepared to give lifts. You'll soon make friends and enjoy chatting to people over a good meal. There is no better way to spend a Sunday and there is no washing-up to do afterwards!

Sunday Lunch 2     

When 3rd Sunday of the month
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information This Group operates on a rota basis with members taking it in turns to book a table at a local restaurant or pub. They then inform the rest of the group by email providing details of the venue, travel directions, arrangements for payment etc. Everyone makes their own way to the chosen venue but some members are prepared to give lifts. You'll soon make friends and enjoy chatting to people over a good meal. There is no better way to spend a Sunday and there is no washing-up to do afterwards!

Tai Chi     

When Weekly on Tuesdays
Venue Christ Church - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries NULL
Information Youth Hall

Ten Pin Bowling     

When 2nd & 4th Fridays
Venue City Bowl - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 10:30 to 13:00
Enquiries 01245 466486 or via website
Information We meet at CITY BOWL, Chelmsford (opposite the University Rivermead campus). Times are arrival about 10.00am to be able to start bowling at 10.30. If travelling by car remember to enter car reg.no on tablet at reception desk to avoid parking fine. Contact Roger Spall for further details

The Wonder of Words     

When Third Weds monthly
Venue Chelmsford Library - Streetmap - Google maps
Normally meets 14:00 to 16:00
Enquiries ljwhitehouse@mail.com
Information Starting up on 15 January 2025

Theatre - High Society     

When Tues 2nd June 2026
Venue 
Normally meets 15:00 to 00:00
Enquiries NULL
Information Barbican Theatre matinee show, front stall tickets normally £95, for the special pre-sale group price of £69.50. Helen George & Felicity Kendall 53 Seater coach with South East Coaches. Leaving Pollard Green at 11.00 am pick up Premier Inn 11.10 and Writtle Green at 11.20

Theatre - The Truth     

When 12 August 2026
Venue 
Normally meets 15:00 to 00:00
Enquiries NULL
Information The Apollo Theatre, London. 32 seats @ £50 each now paid Hailstone Travel 37 seater coach hired. Charging £72 all in price. One person going by train. Coach leaving Chelmer Village at 12.00 pm. Railway station 12.10. Writtle 12.20

Theatre Arcadia     

When Wed 9th September 2026
Venue 
Normally meets 11:30 to 00:00
Enquiries NULL
Information Duke Of Yorks Theatre, London. 34 tickets reserved for matinee @ £55 each A Tom Stoppard Play performed in the round. Performance starts at 1.30 Estimated cost with coach £77 Tickets must be paid for or returned by 26 May 2026

Theatre Outings     

When as and when
Venue 
Enquiries NULL
Information Members interested in going on group theatre outings by coach to London and provincial theaters

Travel Group     

When See website
Venue Various, by arrangement
Enquiries cu3atravelgroup@gmail.com
Information NULL

Walking Group     

When 1st & 3rd Fridays of every month
Venue Various, by arrangement
Normally meets 10:00 to 12:30
Enquiries 07979 540053 or via website
Information Our walks are between 5 & 6 miles and take about 2½ hours (allowing for a 10 min break midway). Each walk is led by a member who chooses a location within a 10 -12 mile radius of Chelmsford. The walks start and finish at a pub where a lunchtime meal is taken.

WYBIG     

When As & When required
Venue Various, by arrangement
Enquiries markforster3000@aol.com
Information A WhatsApp group specifically available to members of the Chelmsford u3a. It's aimed at one-off situations that MAY be of interest to a handful of members. WhatsApp acts as a notice board to see if like minded people would care to join in with a specific activity... (i.e. "Would You Be Interested in Going?" - shortened to “WYBIG”) For example: "I'm new to Chelmsford. Would anyone like to join me to see the next Essex v Yorkshire fixture at Essex County Cricket Club? "