Wednesday – Groups

Aerobic Fitness Training (62304/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

The course is aimed at improving overall body fitness levels. Activities include some upper body strength training, as well as the generally accepted aerobic workouts, resistance training, incorporating light weights and use of gym equipment. Numbers are limited so Members should be prepared to do press-ups squats lunges and be able to sustain some high intensity aerobic exercise (HIIT). Suitable clothing essential. Please bring water and check with your doctor that HIIT is OK for you, as heart rates will be elevated.

Aspects of Art and Architectu (62308/Creative Arts & Crafts)

This course looks at the major movements in art, architecture & design, particularly in Britain in the 19th century, and more widely in Europe & America in the 20th century.

Byzantium (62311/People and Places)

This series of talks is a revised repeat of the 2023 course. The great Christian empire of Byzantium (330-1453) is both the successor and continuation of the Roman Empire. Spanning Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, Byzantium has been undeservedly neglected. Now is your chance to become familiar with its tumultuous history. Nigel keeps the narrative going. Jane reveals its glorious artistic and architectural achievements. This course is not suitable for dipping in and out of. Please note that priority of place will go to those members on the waiting list of the 2023 course.

Craven u3a Orchestra (62411/Performing Arts)

If you play, or have ever played, an instrument you will be welcome at the orchestra. Our members have varying levels of skill, from beginners to the highly proficient, but all share an enthusiasm for making music together. Our repertoire ranges widely over the musical landscape – Beethoven, Handel, Sousa and Mancini all featured in our March 2024 concert. The rehearsals are always an enjoyable and rewarding way of spending an afternoon.

Croquet Group (62310/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

The group provides friendly, social competition playing 'Golf Croquet' from the beginning of May to the end of September (weather permitting!). There is no need for previous experience. The rules of Golf Croquet are very straightforward and it is easy to pick up, so there is no problem in starting to play quickly. Instruction and guidance on how to play croquet will be given with the kind assistance of members of Pendle and Craven Golf Club. It is equally suitable for men and women. All equipment will be provided. Flat soled footwear is essential. There is a weekly fee of £2 in addition to the termly £10 venue fee.

Geography Forum (62359/People and Places)

Talks by members on Geography, History, People and Places.

Italian Beginners (62322/World Languages and Cinema)

This class this year (Autumn 2024) will be for complete beginners, although places will be reserved for those who persisted through last year and wish to re-enrol. They will help, as revision with the beginners, classes, but otherwise will be working separately as a group. Beginners is for complete beginners - we do very little grammar in the first year, but through repetition and role play, by the end of the year you will have acquired a basic 'get by' knowledge of the language to help you on a holiday in Italy. Anyone who is not a complete beginner may wish to join the smaller group who have a basic fluency and have done a limited amount of grammar.

Japan: A History in Five Talks (62375/People and Places)

Like Britain. Japan is a heavily populated island, but at the far eastern extremity of the Eurasian landmass; and like us it takes great pride in its exceptionalism. Over the years I have given talks on Japan from mediaeval times to the present day. For this course I am combining four of these talks, adding one new one as well as creating supplementary material to ensure continuity over nearly six hundred years of history. Our story will begin with Japan’s first encounters with Europeans in the 16th century and will end, as it were, with a journey of the bullet train.

Positive Progress: the Case fo (62329/Science & Technology)

A follow-up to the 2021 course, to see where we have got to on restoring the health of the soil and dealing with climate change. We will look at economic and political aspects of the climate problem, as well as looking at all the positive action being taken by businesses, farmers, individuals and communities round the world to combat the effects and pursue a more nature-friendly course, despite the u-turns by governments and politicians on all sides. This means we will also cover issues like immigration, regenerative farming, behaviour change and restoring natural habitats. There will be plenty of opportunity for debate on the way forward.

Pottery Collective (62330/Creative Arts & Crafts)

I've recently started a new hobby - Ceramics. We would like to meet up weekly and share/learn together. I have a wheel, a kiln and some space. Members would have to pay for materials.

Quilting (62379/Creative Arts & Crafts)

Sewing is a wonderfully extensive skill that can be applied to small and large, simple and complicated projects. Items to use daily or pieces to give as presents. The Quilting Group embrace all aspects of sewing. Everyone can sew, you just require a vision of the finished project and the determination to complete it.If you enjoy sewing or want to learn to sew then come along and join our group. We are interested in all the different aspects of using fabric and thread. Bring your own work, or a basic kit and some fabric if you want to learn something new. I have ideas for simple starter projects.Everyone welcome, from experienced sewers to novices. We can all teach each other what we know and ask for help with what we don't know.We meet in Christ Church Hall, a large room with plenty of ventilation. Sessions are on Wednesdays 10am to 12am. Tea, coffee and biscuits available.

Singing Madrigals (62385/Performing Arts)

In this course we shall get together to sing examples of English madrigals and other simple part songs. Singing in parts is a group activity where we support each other and is good for both body and mind. Enthusiasm and a willingness to try will be more important than musical experience, although some knowledge of musical notation will help.

Stories of Scientists (62386/Science & Technology)

Stories of Scientists their background and discoveries.10-weeks with a break for half term holidays

Stretching / Movement (62388/Indoor Fun, Games and Fitness)

Seated exercise for posture and flexibility. Some standing positions to help with balance and strength. Please bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable clothing and soft shoes.