Ilfracombe Coast u3a
covering Woolacombe, Mortehoe, Lee Bay, Ilfracombe, Berrynarbor, Combe Martin and beyond
overlooking Ilfracombe harbour with Verity statue.
Woolacombe beach, 2 miles of pristine sands.
Combe Martin beach, perfect for rockpooling and safe kayaking.
overlooking Ilfracombe harbour with Verity statue.
Welcome to Ilfracombe Coast u3a
Meet people, learn new skills and have fun!
Ilfracombe Coast u3a offers shared interest groups for the semi-retired and retired looking for social activities in retirement in north Devon. We offer a variety of things to do when you are retired around Ilfracombe.
If you are no longer in full-time employment now's the time to make the most of your life. The Ilfracombe Coast u3a gives you the chance to enjoy the activities you have always wanted to do and to make new friends.
The University of the Third Age (u3a) is a nationwide organisation based on local groups providing opportunities for retired and semi-retired people to come together and develop their interests. We are not a university in the traditional sense. We don't study for qualifications. We just enjoy taking part, learning new things and meeting people.
Sharing knowledge
It's all voluntary - members share their knowledge and experience with others in Interest Groups, running informal sessions covering a wide range of subjects and activities.
We provide learning opportunities, outdoor pursuits, social events and outings on offer. We are a lively and friendly group of people with a wide variety of skills and life experiences who are happy to share their knowledge, learn from others and develop new interests.
Interest Groups
Interest Groups are at the heart of the u3a organisation. They are run by our members for our members. Some groups have a maximum number who can belong at any one time and while new members will most often be able to join straight away, any group which is full will operate a waiting list.
Depending whether the groups are operated from the convener’s home or in commercial premises such as church hall, library etc, there may be a nominal fee to cover the cost of hiring the venue.
Details of the meetings for the forthcoming month can be found in the current Newsletter.
Please explore our Interest Groups from the navigation or boxes below. Find out which days groups meet on the Groups' Calendar page. We hope you find something of interest. If not and you have any ideas for activities, we would love to hear from you. We would be particularly pleased to hear from anyone willing to lead a group. Teaching experience is definitely not necessary.
Social get-togethers
Our Coffee Mornings take place at Pip and Jim's Community Centre in Ilfracombe (located on the map below) on the 4th Friday of the month at 10.15am except August and December. The cost is £3 for tea or coffee and cake, and a speaker. Guests are very welcome so come along to find out more about us.
Four times a year we hold Special Lunches at various venues in the New Year, spring, autumn and Christmas.
Retirement
Some like to just sit in a comfy chair,
Many are lonely & think nobody cares.
They ponder, they wander.
From room to room,
Thinking of their past,
Succumbing to the gloom.
Some are still in couples
But have nothing to say.
Resenting their presence,
Getting in each other's way.
Others find themselves alone
For the first time in years,
Moping, reminiscing,
Eyes full of tears.
They can reach for a puzzle
Or get engrossed in a book.
Potter in the garden,
Find something tasty to cook.
They can use it or lose it,
Waste hours with their phones.
Let their joints seize up.
Welcome stiff & aching bones.
Look frumpy, feel grumpy.do nothing but sit,
Let the body seize up,
And no longer be fit.
They may walk with a shuffle
Bad tempers may grow,
Their patience become limited
As their minds become slow.
Well, I have found a solution,
Now I am passing my prime
My retirement is arriving,
I shall have some spare time.
There is yoga & writing, painting & crafts.
Dinner dates & coffee mornings
With plenty of laughs.
Novel book clubs & history,
My family tree,
Meeting new people
Who share interests with me.
Outings in gardens
Photography.
Learning a language over a nice cup of tea.
I'm happy, I'm active,
I'm even learning to sing
There simply isn't enough hours
To fit all this in.
There are new friends to meet,
Something different each day.
Retirement looks exciting,
Now I have joined the U3A.
©Julie Grasso, member of our u3a
Learn, Laugh and Live with us
Our Interest Groups covering North Devon
Click the text links below to find out more.
Outdoors
Arts & Crafts
Games
The area covered by the Ilfracombe Coast u3a
Members are welcome to join from outside this area if you like the subjects of our Interest Groups.