Started in April 2001, Beckenham U3a is run entirely by volunteers: the Executive Committee, group organisers and others who help at meetings and events. It is self-governing, but affiliated to the Third Age Trust, a Charity that looks after the interests of all the local U3As in this country. We are part of a worldwide organisation, with more than 1000 groups in Great Britain with over 400,000 members.

Our groups meet at various locations across Beckenham, depending on the nature of the group. We do not have our own office or building, so we hire rooms from other organisations and/or meet in members homes.