
We currently have around 120 active groups. As time passes groups come and go. Some seem to last forever, and a few drop by the wayside quite quickly.
We have a well used and documented process to add New Groups to our list. It might be just a suggestion from a member or a well thought out idea.
Our New Groups Facilitator will work with interested members to bring initial thoughts to an established group.
The more information that members can bring to the table, the better chance of success. Here is the current state of our new groups.
Page updated: 4 Oct 2026.

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If you are interested in joining any of these new groups, please initially contact the New Groups Facilitator
Italian 2: additional group
This is intended for members that already have, or are working towards, a
reasonable understanding of the Italian language and are keen to improve
their knowledge of the language and culture of Italy. The aim is to cover
grammar and the main points of standard spoken and written Italian, to
deal with most everyday situations including describing experiences,
opinions, plans etc.
Set up meeting coming in September.

One Group 3
The One Club is for u3a members who live on their own and would like more opportunities to connect with others. It’s a friendly, supportive group where members can socialise, share experiences and enjoy time together in a relaxed setting.
While everyone values their independence, the group offers a space to meet new people, build confidence and feel part of a welcoming community.

Adventurers: new group
Have you always been an ‘active’ type? This new Adventurers’ Groups aims include enjoying some of the more demanding physical and practical activities, challenging your comfort zone, and above all meeting and getting to know a bunch of like-minded u3a members in a lively and convivial series of experiences. There are rivers to paddle, mountains to climb (no head for heights? even better), wires to be zipped, tall things to abseil, even seas to be sailed, and always new things to be tried. Could this be you?"

Urban Sketching: new group
The Urban Sketching group is likely to meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at different venues either in Shrewsbury or locally, published in advance, usually based at a café to provide shelter if needed. Participants of any level or background are invited to sketch a nearby view of their choice or specific feature that may interest them in their chosen medium. They should bring their own materials. No formal teaching is provided, but at the end of the session we meet at the café for the 'throw-down' where we can get inspiration from each other's work.

Pickleball 3: additional group
Pickleball is a popular paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. This is a group that caters for members of all abilities, including beginners. We have a range of playing experience, ranging from a number of OGs (original gangsters) to new players, who have played less than a handful of times. Pickleball is great fun, even for players who are perhaps slightly past their physical peak (although we are reluctant to admit it).

Stitching 3: additional group
The aim of this additional group is to build on the success of the existing groups by providing an opportunity for further Shrewsbury u3a members to join this creative activity and enable them to explore a wide range of textile and yarn-based craft activities including sewing, embroidery, quilting, weaving, knitting, and crochet. It is open to all abilities ranging from beginners to experts, indeed anyone who enjoys being creative with fabric and yarn and is eager to learn from fellow crafters. Members may choose to work on individual or group projects, and individual
member-led sessions could also provide tasters’ of further activities. There is also an opportunity to focus on different techniques such as dressmaking. The meeting format, frequency and timing, would be finalised by the members, however, experience with the existing
group suggest that to meet for 2 hours twice per month, probably at members’ homes should work well.

Portuguese: new group
Portugal is a popular holiday destination. This new group is intended for members who want to learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and common phrases, with a focus on speaking, to develop communication skills and cultural awareness. A textbook will be used to provide structure to the sessions and to serve as a source of information for independent learning. Supplementary materials will also be used for extra practice and to diversify the learning experience. The group would be open to beginners only and would meet twice a month either on the second and fourth Tuesday or on the first and third Wednesday.

American History: new group
This new group would focus on American History from pre-Colonial Times to the present day. Your proposed Group Co-ordinator, Stephen Lewis, is an amateur historian with a passionate interest in this subject due to both his family background and many years living in the US. Each meeting will include an in depth look at a period of American history followed by a time for general discussion. Do let us know if you would like to attend.

Our Grouponometer
Suggestions and Ideas: An idea for a new group has been brought to the notice of the New Groups Facilitator.
Development: The New Groups Facilitator canvasses opinion, discusses the merits and aims of the group, advertises the new group and arranges the initial setup meeting.
Setup Meeting: The initial Setup Meeting will select a Group Coordinator - if not already volunteered, and agree the aims of the group and when and where they will meet.
Launch: The New Group is ready to be launched. It will be added to our list of current groups both on the website and Newsletter list. If required, training is given to the new Group Coordinator on how to manage their group through the Beacon system.