Monday- Groups for 2023
Updated July 2022
Birdwatching (5377/outdoor)
A class for those interested in birdwatching with talks by group members and external speakers, also DVDs. Free parking at the venue. Bring binoculars. RSPB membership is recommended as we visit some RSPB Reserves. Car sharing costs and coach fares on outdoor field trips.
- Meets: Monday 10 am
- Leader(s): Sheila Hodgson,Margaret Oakden
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Italian - Continuing (5400/languages)
A mixed ability class. Everyone has a basic knowledge of Italian and some are very fluent. We practise conversation, listening and written comprehension, individual research, and this year, perhaps, we'd better revise some grammar! Photocopying and coffee - about £1/£2 per session.
- Meets: Monday 2 pm
- Leader(s): Sylva Vorstman
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Recorder (Continuers) (5416/music)
We are an informal, supportive, self help group (no tutor) and members have a varied amount of musical knowledge. We play all sorts of 2, 3, and 4 part music. Ideally you should have some previous basic experience, but if in doubt please contact me to check standard needed. Requirements: Recorder and portable music stand. Allow £10 for music.
- Meets: Monday 3 pm
- Leader(s): Jennifer Crook
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Recorder Ensemble (5417/music)
Four or five part music will be played on Descant, Treble, Tenor and Bass recorders from different genres. It is an asset if members can play more than one instrument. The group is sometimes invited to take part in public performances.
- Meets: Monday 1:30 pm
- Leader(s): Jean Kendrew
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Ten-Pin Bowling (5425/sport)
We play two games each week at a cost of £4. The session lasts 1.5 - 2.0 hours. This is ‘friendly bowling’ – no experience required.
- Meets: Monday 2 pm
- Leader(s): Gail Matthews,Patricia Fawcett
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Woodturning 1 (5431/outdoor)
A mixed ability class. Beginners will be taught basic techniques. Returners will undertake more ambitious projects. N.B. This course involves moving machinery and sharp tools, so there are health and safety issues, which will be taught. There will be some exposure to dust, so it may not be advisable for those with breathing difficulties. Physical strength is not required, so it is suitable for both sexes. Persons with health problems such as postural hypotension MUST inform the Group Leader. Additional cost <£5 for cost of materials, wood.
- Meets: Monday 2 pm
- Leader(s): Alan Douglas Hirst
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Woodturning 2 (5432/outdoor)
A mixed ability class. Beginners will be taught basic techniques. Returners will undertake more ambitious projects. N.B. This course involves moving machinery and sharp tools, so there are health and safety issues, which will be taught. There will be some exposure to dust, so it may not be advisable for those with breathing difficulties. Physical strength is not required, so it is suitable for both sexes. Persons with health problems such as postural hypotension MUST inform the Group Leader. Additional cost <£5 for cost of materials, wood.
- Meets: Monday 5 pm
- Leader(s): Alan Douglas Hirst
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Geology Walks (35105/history)
Outdoor trips take place on alternate Mondays (weather permitting) to a local feature. This could be a rock, landscape, hill, river, quarry or mine. Some information of each site is given beforehand, and then we discuss the geology on site. The trips require walking a mile or so from the nearest car parking, and may involve some scrambling. New members are welcome to join at any time.
- Meets: Mondays fortnightly
- Leader(s): Keith Berrington
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Play Reading (35114/indoor)
Something for everyone: we choose a play suitable for reading aloud as a group. Each person takes a character in the play. We do the reading from script, no memorizing required! We use some plays which are out of copyright and therefore free, and some modern plays where we pay a small fee. New members can join in at any time. Additional cost £3.75 occasionally for a play script. Additional costs to members: £3.75 occasionally for a play script.
- Meets: Monday
- Leader(s): Keith Berrington
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Stretching/Movement (35167/sport)
Gentle exercise to improve balance and posture. Some chair exercise and relaxation positions on floor. Please wear comfortable clothing and soft shoes. Bring a mat and a bottle of water.
- Meets: Monday 11.15
- Leader(s): Sandra Dixon
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Exploring Poetry (38449/indoor)
Members will be invited to discuss poems each week, selected by Denise, on one of the following themes - Poems remembered from childhood, Friendship, Loss, The Senses, Journeys, Conflict, The Natural World, Family Life, Women, Schooldays. Other suggestions gratefully received!
- Meets: Monday 10:30
- Leader(s): Denise Jones
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Short History of the USA 1 (38668/history)
The object of this course is to examine notable events in the history of the USA from its formation so that we may begin to understand how they have a bearing on contemporary events.
- Meets: Monday 2.00 - 4.00
- Leader(s): Sydney Matthews
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Racketball (38678/sport)
Played on a squash court with similar rules but with a larger ball and racket. Clothing as for squash/tennis with non-marking shoes. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Two groups. The first plays from 0850 to 0950. The second from 0950 to 1050. Court fees £2 per session payable in cash or by bank transfer arranged with the Group Leader
- Meets: Monday 0850 & 0950
- Leader(s): David Smith,Jon Tomlinson
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Indoor Games (41713/indoor)
The Group will provide an opportunity for members to meet socially during the winter months and to enjoy some friendly competition. The Club will provide full facilities for darts, dominoes and pool and members will also be able to access card & board games. The Group will meet once per week over a 10 week session. Refreshments will be available for purchase from the Lounge bar during the afternoon. Additional costs to group members - £10 payable at the first group meeting.
- Meets: Monday 2 pm
- Leader(s): Alan Newall
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Shorty Walks (41725/walking)
Walks under 5 miles for those who prefer gentler exercise in a social context. Walks are offered and led by group members. These are compiled into a programme emailed to all members every couple of months. We will also use a WhatsApp group to arrange extra walks at short notice for any interested members. All walks are at members’ own risk
- Meets: Monday
- Leader(s):
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Short History of the USA 2 (46039/history)
The object of this course is to examine notable events in the history of the USA from its formation so that we may begin to understand how they have a bearing on contemporary events.
- Meets: Monday 2.00
- Leader(s): Sydney Matthews
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Arts Forum (46207/art)
A weekly 1-hour Zoom meeting at which members will be invited to give a brief illustrated talk either on an individual artwork or on any aspect of the Arts in general which interests them. This will be followed by group discussion where everyone will be welcome to contribute.
- Meets: Monday 14.00
- Leader(s): Margaret Goode,Ginny Wilkinson
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Stretching/Yoga (46208/sport)
Exercise for flexibility and muscle toning. Ability to do shoulder stands and sit down on your heels is necessary to do the exercises correctly. Please wear comfortable clothing and soft shoes. Bring a mat and a bottle of water.
- Meets: Monday 9.45
- Leader(s): Sandra Dixon
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader
Renaissance Gardens and Ovid (46229/history)
A journey through gardens, poetry, and myth. Many of the famous gardens of the Italian Renaissance draw their design and imagery from the work of the lively Classical Roman poet Ovid. We will look at these fine gardens, and others round Europe; exploring the ideas, poetry, and myths behind their creation; learning about Ovid, and Renaissance culture, along the way. No prior knowledge of Latin required. Just bring your interest and curiosity, as we explore many corners of literature, hidden history, and lost gardens.
- Meets: Monday 2.00 Alternate weeks
- Leader(s): Jane Houlton
- Contact: Click here to contact the Group Leader