We are an organisation of local people helping one another to live a fuller and richer life. We offer opportunities for learning, fun and discovery in a friendly, social atmosphere.
You are welcome to come and join us if you are retired or still working part-time. The only requirement is that you are not in full-time employment. You will find we have lots to offer – over 40 Interest Groups and over 350 members.
Our monthly Open Meetings are held in Kelso whilst our numerous Interest Groups meet regularly in various locations in the local area.
Monthly Open Meetings
We meet at 2pm on the first Thursday of each month (except July and August) at Kelso Rugby Club. Meetings typically include social events or guest speakers on a wide variety of interesting topics – details are on the EVENTS page. You can socialise with other members and get information about all the Groups. There are free refreshments, a raffle, a book / DVD swap and a collection box for old ink jet cartridges to be recycled.
The meetings are free of charge for members and prospective members. The Rugby Club is fully accessible and there is ample parking at both the front and the rear entrances to the building. You are very welcome to join us!
Groups
These are Interest and Activity groups created and run by our u3a members. There are no qualifications or exams, just a sharing experience between members who want to learn, exercise or socialise together.
Members may be asked to pay a small amount for each session, if needed to cover costs: for example, room hire or refreshments.
Have a look at our extensive list of groups - from Badminton and Bridge for Beginners to Metal Detecting, from French Conversation to New Age Kurling. You can join as many groups as you like (subject to group capacity) - and if there is not a group which meets your specific interest, no problem! Just talk to our committee about setting one up. It’s a simple process and new Groups are always welcome. Click on the GROUPS page for more information about any individual group.
Join Four Border Abbeys
There is an annual subscription due each September, which is only £10 per member for the year 2024-2025.
Or if you are a member of another u3a and join as an Associate member, the fee is £5 annually.
To join us, please download the Application form on the Membership page, or contact our Membership Secretary via
the CONTACT US page. Application forms are also available at the Post Office (aka Brown's Newsagents) in Woodmarket in Kelso.
Committee
We are run by a Committee who are elected annually by the members. The Committee ensures that the Four Border Abbeys u3a runs smoothly and that all members are able to participate in our activities.
There are a number of roles on the committee which may suit your interests and skills. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Chair Person using the CONTACT US page on this website or just speak to one of the Committee.
Helpful Hints for this Website:
1. Any underlined words mean a link to more information. Just click on the word(s).
2. Click on any photograph to see it full size.
© Copyright Notice - all photographs contained in this website are copyrighted to Four Border Abbeys u3a, or to individual members thereof. Please do not use images from this site without permission.
About the u3a
Four Borders Abbeys is an autonomous body, affiliated to the Third Age Trust and is a registered Scottish Charity. No SC035226.
u3a is a unique self-help learning movement for people no longer in full-time employment. It offers an opportunity for retired or semi-retired people to live a fuller, more exciting life. u3a aims to encourage "3rd agers" to engage in educational, creative and leisure activities at minimal cost by making use of the skills and knowledge of its members.
We pursue shared interests in many subjects in a sociable, fun environment.
The movement started in France in 1974 and spread to England in 1982 and to Scotland in 1987. Four Border Abbeys u3a was begun in 2002 and covers Kelso and the surrounding areas from Coldstream to Hawick.
The Third Age Trust (TAT) supports over 1,200 local u3as across the UK who have more than 430,000 members between them. TAT offers online learning events, free to all u3a members, including podcasts, workshops and courses. All u3a members may also take part, free of charge, in various projects, initiatives and
competitions. See more here: Third Age Trust