ashfield u3a interest groups page

Ashfield U3A Interest Groups

Interest/Study Groups & Programmes

The current proposed interest/study groups are listed below. New members wishing to attend a group should contact the co-ordinator in the first instance. Co-ordinators wishing to make announcements at the U3A main monthly meetings are required to inform the chairman before the day of the meeting.

Anyone wishing to act as a co-ordinator for any group on the list which does not currently have one should contact the Co-ordinators' Liaison who will be glad to offer advice. (See Committee page for current Co-ordinators' Liaison).

Certain groups are designated as Associated groups. These are groups which are either made up of members from multiple U3As and which do not belong to any specific U3A, or whose activities are overseen by a non-U3A person, and are therefore not strictly Ashfield U3A groups.

PHOTOGRAPH: Craft Group Christmas project - 2017.

GROUPS	TYPE	CO-ORDINATOR	DESCRIPTION OF GROUP

20th Century Singers	NON-UPDATEABLE	David Lawson Cutts	We will be singing songs from all genres including movies, theatre, country & western, rock & roll and easy listening. Our aim is to peform in concerts, icluding care homes. 20th Century Singers Group further details
Art	UPDATEABLE	Ron Britton	The group's aim is to provide its members with a full programme of art media, tailored to the needs of its members. New members are always welcome. The Art Group further details
Art Appreciation	NON-UPDATEABLE	Barrie Jackson	Hopefully, the group will have a mix of talks by members about artists, art periods and specific works of art, as well as gallery visits. The Art Appeciation Group further details
Badminton	NON-UPDATEABLE	Colin Hooper	The group's aim is to provide its members with an opportunity to play badminton on a weekly basis with other interested U3A members. The Badminton Group further details
Beading	NON-UPDATEABLE	Chris Carr	The group's aim is to provide its members with an opportunity to make beading jewellery of all kinds. The Beading Group further details
Board Games	NON-UPDATEABLE	Marian Wilson	The aim of the group is to provide a social environment in which members can participate in playing board games with others of a similar disposition. Board Games Group further details
Breakfast	NON-UPDATEABLE	Geoff Cree	Late breakfast meetings are generally held on a bi-monthly basis at 09:30 at varying venues and give members an opportunity to get together and chat about various aspects of the U3A. The Breakfast Group further details
Bridge	NON-UPDATEABLE	Sheila Pegg	Sheila Pegg runs this bridge class for beginners. Anyone interested in joining is advised to contact her in the first instance. They are a very small group and sometimes need to cancel due to members being on holiday or having other commitments. The Bridge Group further details
Cake Tasting	NON-UPDATEABLE	Sue Hooper	A chance to taste new cake recipes. Each month will feature a different theme with 2 members supplying the cakes. Contact Sue for more details. The Cake Tasting Group further details
Canasta	NON-UPDATEABLE	Geoff Cree	New members, whether beginners or experienced, are all welcome. The Canasta Group further details
Cardcraft	NON-UPDATEABLE	Carole Seymour	The aim of the group is to learn how to make lovely, hand-crafted greetings cards. All materials and instructions are provided. New members are welcome. The Cardcraft Group further details
Classical Music	NON-UPDATEABLE	Ron Walker	The group meets each month to listen to all types of classical music, and watch video performances. Members are encouraged to make requests. The Classical Music Group further details
Craft	NON-UPDATEABLE	Pam Annable	This group's aim is to give members the opportunity to meet one morning per month to work to a theme on a craft chosen by the members. The Craft Group further details
Discussion	NON-UPDATEABLE	Marian Wilson	Members bring along cuttings or articles from newspapers or magazines and say a few words about each, before going on to discuss some or all of the topics. The Discussion Group further details
Dressmaking	NON-UPDATEABLE	Lynne Jackson	The group is designed for those who sew or have sewn in the past. It is not suitable for complete beginners as the focus is on fit rather than dressmaking. The Dressmaking Group further details
Dressmaking 2	NON-UPDATEABLE	Lynne Jackson	The group is designed for those who sew or have sewn in the past. It is not suitable for complete beginners as the focus is on fit rather than dressmaking. Dressmaking Group 2 further details
Dressmaking 3	NON-UPDATEABLE	Lynne Jackson	The group is designed for those who sew or have sewn in the past. It is not suitable for complete beginners as the focus is on fit rather than dressmaking. Dressmaking Group 3 further details
DVD Group	NON-UPDATEABLE	Sylvia Smith	The group meets at the home of the co-ordinator, Sylvia Smith, in Skegby to watch more thought-provoking films in the 'World Cinema' genre. The DVD Group further details
Family History	UPDATEABLE	Trish Tootell	The group meets to inspire people who are interested in history and support those who wish to follow the footsteps of their ancestors, and those who want to trace local, industrial or social history. It also provides help by suggesting new avenues of research and the opportunity to share experiences. The Family History Group further details
French for Beginners	NON-UPDATEABLE	Pat Burton	Members may bring a french dictionary in the first instance The French for Beginners Group further details
Friendly Gardeners	UPDATEABLE	Pam Annable	The Friendly Gardeners' Group aims to share a love of gardening to broaden members' knowledge of plants. This is an opportunity for members to share with others their expertise relating to the subject. The Friendly Gardeners Group further details
Holidays	UPDATEABLE	Caroline Rhoades	The Holidays Group has now been taken over by Caroline who has arranged a programme of holidays, both at home and abroad. Holidays Group further details
Horticulture Forum	NON-UPDATEABLE	Lynne Jackson	The Horticulture Forum Group is aimed at those who are actively gardening with a desire to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of plants and horticulture. The Horticulture Forum Group further details
International Dining	UPDATEABLE	Julia Porter & Georganne Barlow	With an outing each month to various restaurants in the area, the aim of the group is to give members the opportunity to taste the cuisine of other cultures which they might not have otherwise chosen. The group meets in the evening, at times to suit the venues chosen. The International Dining Group further details
Knit & Natter	NON-UPDATEABLE	Angela Atkin	Members meet twice a month to share in the art of kinitting whilst enjoying pleasant conversation. The Knit and Natter Group further details
Kurling	NON-UPDATEABLE	Carol Mumford	Kurling is a version of the original sport of curling, giving members the opportunity to play the game on a flat surface not involving ice. The Kurling Group further details
Litter Picking	NON-UPDATEABLE	Sally Hill	Equipment is provided. Litter pick in your own area or occasionally as a group litter-picking blitz. The Litter Picking Group further details
Lunch	NON-UPDATEABLE	Carol Chamberlain	The lunch group meets monthly at various venues to socialise over a varied cuisine to be determined by its members on a rota basis. The Lunch Group further details
Mah Jong	NON-UPDATEABLE	Jacquie Chapman	The group meets twice each month to play Mah Jong - new and experienced players welcome. The Mah Jong Group further details
Miscellany	UPDATEABLE	Sue Taylor	This group has been set up to explore venues, attractions and activities which may not be covered by other groups. The Miscellany Group further details
Movement to Music and Yoga	NON-UPDATEABLE	Pam Sapey	The group meets on the first Thursday each month. The Movement to Music and Yoga Group further details
National Trust Visits	UPDATEABLE	Trish Tootell	The group was primarily formed to provide visits to National Trust establishments by coach, either for National Trust members or non-members. Entrance fee is not included, as many U3A members are also National Trust members who have free entrance to all properties. Non-members will need to pay for themselves although a group rate will be negotiated. The National Trust Visits Group further details
Opera	NON-UPDATEABLE	Stephen Cooke	This group is to view full length operas at home, refreshments provided, with possible visits to local operas. It is suitable for both those new to opera and experienced opera goers alike. The Opera Group further details
Philosophy	NON-UPDATEABLE	John Barsby	This group is an introduction to six philosophers, both ancient and modern. The Philosophy Group further details
Pickleball	NON-UPDATEABLE	Chris Chamberlain	Pickleball is an upcoming sport, giving members the opportunity to play the game at a local venue. The Pickleball Group further details
Poetry	NON-UPDATEABLE	Robin Tyne	This group meets once a month to read poetry, either from text books brought by members or written by members. The sessions are held at Teversal Scout Hut, �1 per session includes tea & biscuits. The Poetry Group further details
Reading	UPDATEABLE	Sally Hill	The aim of the group is 'to encourage members to read books which they might not otherwise choose. Sometimes these will be prescribed reading, with all members reading the same book, but at other times, members will be asked to choose a book within a genre.' Reading Group further details
Scrabble	NON-UPDATEABLE	Margaret Nunn	The Scrabble Group was formed to cater for those with an interest in the game, in order to play on a regular basis. The Scrabble Group further details
Sugarcraft/Cake Decorating	NON-UPDATEABLE	Stella Daft	The group is experienced and new members would be expected at least to have attempted some projects before joining, although some help could be available for novices. The Sugarcraft & Cake Decorating Group further details
Sunday Lunch Group	NON-UPDATEABLE	Jean Wass	The sunday lunch group meets monthly to socialise over a varied menu at local venues. The Sunday Lunch Group further details
Theatre Visits	UPDATEABLE	Barbara Ives	A programme of visits has been arranged by the co-ordinator. The Theatre Visits Group further details
Threads and Fibres	UPDATEABLE	Susan Day	The aim of the group is to introduce members to a new textile craft every 3 months, sharing their expertise with a short project which can be completed over this time and inbetween, so that they can produce a finished item. The Threads and Fibres Group further details
Ukulele	NON-UPDATEABLE	Geoff Tootell	The aim of the group is to promote an interest in learning to play the ukulele The co-ordinator is an accomplished musician who has played in a group for a number of years. The Ukulele Group further details
Walking Group 'A' (7-9 miles)	UPDATEABLE	David Porter & Chris Chamberlain	Moderate walks of 7 - 9 miles. Please arrive by 9:50 a.m., with a packed lunch and a drink. Walkers share cars to reach the starting point of the walk. Members are encouraged to volunteer to lead walks. Walking Group 'A' further details
Walking Group 'B' (6 milers)	NON-UPDATEABLE	David Riley	The 'Six-Milers' walking group offers walks between 5.5 and 6.5 miles. Walking Group 'B' further details
Walking Group 'C' Strollers (1-2 miles)	NON-UPDATEABLE	Sue Taylor	The 'Strollers' walking group offers walks between one and a half and two and a half miles. Walking Group 'C' further details
WIMPS - What's in My Papers	NON-UPDATEABLE	John Barsby	The group meets to discuss articles and events currently in the newspapers. The WIMPS Group further details
Wine Appreciation	NON-UPDATEABLE	Geoff Cree	Development of members' knowledge and enjoyment of wine through formal and informal tastings of wines, by specified groups or grape varieties. The evenings have an informal and friendly, sociable structure and are rotated around the homes of members. The Wine Appreciation Group further details

Below is a by no means exhaustive list of groups which are run by other U3As up and down the country. It is intended to inspire members to co-ordinate a group of their own. If you see something which you feel you could contribute to, why not take the plunge and give it a go? There is plenty of help and advice available to get you started. Remember, all it needs to make it happen is one person who is willing to co-ordinate and two or three like-minded individuals and you've got a group! Areas which may already be catered for by Ashfield U3A Groups are shown below in red.

PLEASE NOTE: Before starting a group, you should inform the Groups Co-ordinator from whom a form must be obtained to give details of your group. This should be filled out and returned as soon as possible to allow a page to be inserted on the website for your new group. This will enable your group members to see the group on the website and allow potential new U3A members to see what is on offer.

Please do not cut out the website by going straight to the Newsletter Editor. This is to ensure that both website and newsletter represent the same group information. Thank you for your co-operation.

Ambling
Angling
Ancient History
Antiques
Archaeology
Architecture
Armchair Art
Armchair Travel
Art
Art History
Astrology
Astronomy
Aviation
Badminton
Ballet
Ballroom Dancing
Barn Dancing
Beading
Bird Watching
Board Games
Botany
Bowls
Breakfast
Bridge
British Constitution
Cakemaking & Decorating
Calligraphy
Camcorder Group
Canasta
Canoeing
Cardcraft
Chess
China
Choir
Church History
Cinema
Classical Music
Classical Studies
Classics
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Computing

Cooking
Country Dancing
Country Walks
Craft
Creative Sculpture
Creative Stitching
Cribbage
Cricket
Crochet
Croquet
Crown Green Bowling
Cryptic Crosswords
Current Affairs
Cycling
Dance
Decoupage
Design & Technology
Digital Imaging
Digital Photography
Discussion
Dominoes
Drama
Dressmaking
Dutch
Earth Sciences
Embroidery
English for Pleasure
Entertainments
Environmental Issues
European Union
Exercise
Exercise on Chairs
Family History
Fashion
Film Study
Film, Television & Radio
Finance
Flora & Fauna
Flower Arranging
Folk Dancing
Football

French
Garden Visits
Gardening
Gemstones
Genealogy
Geology
German
Glories of Hollywood
Golf
Graphology
Greek Studies
Handbell Ringing
Handicrafts
Health, Fitness & Leisure
History
History of Religions
Holidays
Horse Riding
Horticulture
International Dining
Irish Dance
Italian
Japanese Culture
Jazz & Blues
Jewellery Making
Jigsaw Puzzles
Keep Fit
Knitting
Kurling
Latin & the Romans
Line Dancing
Lip Reading & Signing
Literature
Local History
Lunch Group
Mahjong
Malt Whisky Appreciation
Mathematical Puzzles
Meditation
Military History
Morris Dancing

Movement to Music
Music
National Trust
Natural History
Needlework
Numismatics
Oil Painting
Opera
Origami
Ornithology
Painting
Parchment Craft
Patchwork & Quilting
Petanque
Philately
Philharmonic Concerts
Philosophical Discussion
Philosophy
Photography
Pilates
Play Reading
Poetry
Psychology
Pubs
Pudding Club
Railways
Rambling
Reading
Real Ales
Recorder
Roman History
Rugby
Rug Craft
Rummikub
Rural Studies
Russian
Sciences
Scottish Dancing
Scrabble
Shakespeare
Silk Painting

Singing
Singles
Sketching
Snooker
Social History
Social Psychology
Social Sciences
Sociology
Spanish
Square Dancing
Strolling
Sugarcraft
Sustainability & Recycling
Swimming
Table Tennis
T'ai Chi
Tap Dancing
Ten Pin Bowling
Tennis
Textiles
Theatre
Theoretical Physics
Today's World
Travel
Ukulele
Veneering & Furniture Restoration
Video Making & Editing
Visits
Walking
Water Aerobics
Watercolours
Wealth & Poverty
Weather Watching
Whist
Wild Flowers
Wine Appreciation
Wood Carving
Wood Turning
Woodwork
Writing for Pleasure & Profit
Yoga