GROUPS

Members - see note

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Members should click on the 'Groups. Full Details' or 'Schedule. Full Details' in the members area to see contact details for group leaders. You will need the members area user name and password.

Why not start a group?

 

Active Pursuits & Games

BRIDGE (1)

Mixed ability, not suitable for absolute beginners.

Alternate Thursdays 10.00am - 12.30pm.
Wimbledon. Near 57, 131 and 163 bus routes

 

BRIDGE (2)

Play and improve as part of a friendly, relaxed group. Not suitable for beginners. Standard ACOL used, but with opportunity to practice conventions.

Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.30 pm. South Wimbledon area.

 

ARMCHAIR TRAVELLERS

“Morphy” Richards 8946 8739
Joan Taylor 8874 1746

Various speakers visit the group to share their travel experiences, illustrated with slides. Come and be transported to different parts of the world without any airport queues! Tea/coffee prior to meeting. Small fee for room hire.

Alternate Fridays 10.30am – 12.00pm. Starting September 17 2010. Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

CHESS

Reasonable standard but anyone welcome. Feel free to bring your own Chess set.

Twice a month on Tuesdays 3.00pm - 6.00pm.
Near Wimbledon Park.

CRIBBAGE

For 2, 3 or 4 players. Complete beginners welcome.

Twice a month on Tuesdays 4.00pm - 6.00pm.
Near Morden Park.

GARDENING

Members share garden experience, knowledge, cuttings, seedlings etc. Outside visits are arranged in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

Last Wednesday of each month 10.30am - 12.30pm. Normally in Kingston near 57, 131 and 213 bus routes, but sometimes at other venues.

"GREEN" WALKS IN OR NEAR LONDON (1)

Adryth Warwick 8946 2168

Walks are generally 4-6 miles in length and taken at about 2 mph, with stops, where appropriate, to note points of interest. Adryth tries to vary the walks as much as possible - park, towpath, wood etc. The group is friendly and relaxed but members are expected to attend on a fairly regular basis & to tell Adryth if unable to join a walk so that others are not kept waiting.

Monthly on 2nd Sunday, with the occasional exception, for 9 months of the year. Starting time usually 11.00am at an underground or railway station - occasionally at a bus stop.

"GREEN" WALKS IN OR NEAR LONDON (2)

Walks will be generally 5 - 7 miles in length, taken at 3 mph with lunch and comfort stops on route. The group is small and welcomes new members. Monthly on 3rd Sunday. Starting time currently 11.00 am at an underground or railway station. Finish at 2 pm. Members are expected to confirm attendance prior to the day of the walk. Contact the group leader for further details and schedule.

N.B. No walks in December or January. Walks start again Sunday 20th February 2011

LONDON WALKS

This is a small, friendly group which welcomes new members. Please confirm attendance prior to the walk date. Walks will be 4 - 6 miles in length, taken at 2.5 mph. Lunch and drop off points on route. Please note these are not historical guided tours but exploratory walks taken at a medium pace.

Meet 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Starting time 11 am at an Underground Station. Finish 2 pm.

Walk Dates for 2010:

27 August - Richmond
10 September - Notting Hill
24 September - Shirley
8 October - Putney
22 October - Wembley Park
12 November - Holland Park
26 November - Bow

N.B. No walks in December or January. Walks start again Friday 11th February 2011

LOOSE ENDERS

Stella Fifield 8947 9458

Every few months we get together in a member’s home and plan our programme, which includes theatre trips and visits to places of interest. We normally include lunch.

We meet about twice a month, always on Saturday.

 

SCRABBLE (1) & (2)

These groups aim to help you enjoy the game, improve your word-power and amaze your friends with your knowledge of two-letter words.

Merton Park group (1) twice a month on Tuesdays 1.45 pm.
Raynes Park group (2) twice a month on Mondays 2.00pm.

SCOTTISH DANCING

This group is run through Kingston U3A and welcomes Merton U3A members.

Every Friday 10.00am - 12.00pm. New Malden.

TABLE TENNIS

This group encourages people of all abilities to enjoy Table Tennis and have fun. There may be a possibility of some coaching in due course. These are not Drop In sessions, so please phone/email if you are interested.

Weekly Wednesdays 9.30am - 11.30am. Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (short walk from Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room hire.

TENNIS

Free! Join our tennis group so we can always have someone to play.

Joseph Hood Recreation Ground near Merton Park

Current Affairs & History

HOW THE PAST HAS FORMED US

This group will study and discuss: How have our human lives and society been shaped by the past? Subjects chosen by the group lead into exploration of the historical impact of any aspect of the natural world, or of human culture, and how that past impact affects the way we think and act today.

Meets 4-weekly/monthly Tuesdays at Linden Lodge School, 61 Princes Way, Wimbledon, SW19. 10.30am - 12.30pm. A 10 minute walk up a steep hill from Southfields Underground Station. 39 & 493 buses go almost past the door and there is some free street parking, though increasingly far from the school.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (1)

A discussion group dealing with the background to current affairs. Members will be encouraged to start off each meeting with a little basic research before the discussion gets going. We have covered a wide variety of subjects, for example: the Economy, MPs’ expenses, Surveillance by the State, Education, the Prison System.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm. Edge Hill, Wimbledon.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (2)

The group discusses recent events in the news as well as debating issues such as drug legislation, Britain’s foreign policy and the Middle East conflict and the BBC.

Alternate Mondays 2.30pm - 4.30pm.
Wilton Grove.

CURRENT AFFAIRS (3)

Members discuss issues as they arise in the news, willingly sharing their views, opinions and sources of information. Topics have included Medical Research & health issues alongside NHS funding, Educational Policies, The Media and the Election & the resulting Coalition Government.

Alternate Mondays 2.30pm. Merton Park. A few minutes walk from Morden Station.

FAMILY HISTORY GROUP - Finding Your Roots

Members undertake individual family history research and need to be computer literate, in order to take advantage of the many on-line resources for family history and computerised sources at centres such as the National Archives at Kew. Once the Group has ‘gelled’, we hope to offer support to any other U3A members who may be interested in doing family history research.

Monthly on Wednesdays 2.30pm - 4.15pm. Southfields.

HISTORY IN CONTEXT

This group is concentrating on the UK using the monarch as the focus from which to span outwards on “the life and times” of a particular reign. It is run as a workshop where everyone contributes. We began with the Norman Conquest and we start the autumn term with George I.

Monthly Tuesdays 2.00pm - 4.30pm, followed by tea and biscuits.
Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

A YEAR IN HISTORY

We choose a year and members prepare a presentation on any topic of their choice relevant to that year, as much latitude as required being allowed for explanations of cause and effect. We have spent about 5 sessions on each of our chosen years (from the 19th and 15th centuries so far), and presentations have averaged about 40 minutes. Our approach is unsystematic, but not unscholarly, and the variety of presentations is a delight.

Monthly 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 10.00am -12.00pm. Raynes Park.

LOCAL HISTORY

Geographically Putney to Morden. Aspects of general interest to members. Can include architecture, personalities, scandals & authors.

Monthly on Tuesdays 10.00am - 12.00pm. Wimbledon Village.

Languages

FRENCH IMPROVERS

For those with just a little French, maybe from schooldays, and who want to brush it up, possibly for travel or holidays. A very relaxed and convivial approach, with emphasis on the spoken language.

Alternate Thursdays 10.30am - 12.00pm.
West Wimbledon area. Easy parking.

FRENCH REVISION

This is a conversation class for members who already have some knowledge of French and would like to both revise key points of the language and improve their Listening and Speaking skills.

Weekly on Wednesdays 10.30a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Wimbledon Village, 93 bus route.

FRENCH CONVERSATION

For those with basic French keen to brush up their skills in convivial conversation, with a nudge in the right direction when a gender is wrong or pronunciation a bit dodgy. We have been reading poetry and plan to read a book as part of the session.

Alternate Mondays 10.30am -12.00pm. Drake House. Wimbledon.

FRENCH ADVANCED CONVERSATION

In a relaxed atmosphere you will be encouraged to speak French and gradually become more confident and fluent, with increasing understanding. Learn how to listen for the general meaning, not translating word for word, so that you can continue to participate in any conversation.

Alternate Thursdays 10.00am - 12.00pm. Border Wimbledon/Kingston. 57 bus stops opposite.

 

GERMAN INTERMEDIATE

Conversation, some classical and modern German literature, and games with minimal grammar.

Alternate Thursdays 2.00-4.00pm. Raynes Park area.

ITALIAN EASY CONVERSATION

For those with some basic knowledge of Italian.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm. New Malden.

ITALIAN INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

This group reads books, does a lot of conversation and some grammar. It expects regular attendance, though this is not essential.

Alternate Mondays 10am - 12pm. Drake House.

SPANISH BEGINNERS

Complete beginners. Starting from the Spanish alphabet, verbs, grammar, tapes etc. It is important for this group to attend regularly.

Alternate Tuesdays 10.30am – 12.00pm. Pirbright Road (3 mins. walk from Southfields Station).

 

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE (1)

Conversation, grammar, listening, reading.

Alternate Wednesdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm. West Wimbledon. 57, 131 & 163 buses.

 

SPANISH INTERMEDIATE (2)

Using a Book. Cassettes. Grammar & Homework.

Alternate Thursdays 10.30am – 12.00pm. Pirbright Road (3 mins. walk from Southfields Station).

SPANISH ADVANCED & CONVERSATION

Dictation, Reading, Conversation, Translation etc.

Alternate Mondays 10.00am – 12.00pm. Pirbright Road (only 3 mins. walk from Southfields Station).

 

Music

SINGING FOR FUN (1) & (2)

Everything from “Abide With Me” to “Younger than Springtime”. No need to be able to read music and it doesn’t matter if your voice is rusty. Just come and enjoy yourself.

Alternate Mondays 2.00 - 3.00pm. (2 Parallel groups). Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

MAHLER - The Bridge to the twentieth Century

2010 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Mahler and 2011 is the centenary of his death. This course will commemorate Mahler’s life and look at his musical influence and antecedents. It will study his important music, put into the context of his link between classical/romantic music and the twentieth century. The course will draw on a range of musical illustrations, including some analysis. It does not require prior knowledge or any technical qualification, though a lively interest is a sine qua non - and a commitment to attend most of the sessions.

Alternate Thursdays starting October. 2.00pm - 4.00pm with a break for tea and biscuits. At the home of Jill and Don Moore, 31 Lanherne House,
9 The Downs (off Ridgway, 200 bus), Wimbledon.

OPERA APPRECIATION

Sessions will be about two hours, though some may over-run. Two venues, one having a “cinema” suitable for showing DVDs. The sessions will not be academic. We listen to complete operas - or complete Acts in the case of long operas, with a short introduction. If time, we will also discuss the group’s views on the pieces and their interpretation. It is not a rigorous course. Limit about 15 participants. The 2010/2011 season will open on
7 October with a look at Verdi’s AIDA. 18 October, 2 & 16 December also at Lanterne House. 21 October, 4 November at Murray Road

Alternate Thursday afternoons at 2.00pm prompt. Two venues, both Central Wimbledon off the Ridgway.

ORCHESTRA (Kingston & Surrounding U3As)

Players of all standards are welcome. Whether you play regularly or are a bit rusty, this is an opportunity to brush up your skills and have fun learning with others. Places are currently available for string and brass players.

Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays during term time,
10.15am - 12.45pm at the Quaker Meeting House, 78 Eden Street, Kingston KT1 1DJ.

The first concert of the U3A Orchestra is on Sunday November 28th at 3pm at Kingston United Reformed Church, Eden Street, KT1 1HZ.

 

MUSIC & POETRY

This is an informal, friendly and chatty group. We play a selection of discs and tapes, and read poetry. Members are encouraged to bring any music or poems they enjoy hearing. Regular attendance is preferred.

Alternate Fridays 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Raynes Park area.

MUSIC APPRECIATION

Very much a self-help study group concentrating on the development of Western Music following on from Baroque.

Fortnightly on Wednesdays from 10.00am - 12.00pm. Not far from Dundonald Road tram stop - controlled parking.

RECORDER FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS (Year 1)

No previous knowledge of reading or playing music required. Descant. Recorders can be borrowed if necessary.Regular attendance is essential.

Fortnightly Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route 3.

RECORDER FOR BEGINNERS (Year 2)

Introduction to rounds and duets. Returners also welcome.

Fortnightly Tuesdays 2.00pm - 3.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram Route 3.

IMPROVERS ENSEMBLE FOR RECORDER

Early stages of ensemble playing for players who can read music fluently. Descant, treble, tenor.

Alternate Tuesdays 2.00pm – 3.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE

For experienced players. Descant, Treble, Tenor and Bass.

Alternate Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.00pm.
Merton Park. 163, 164, 152 bus. Tram route 3.

 

The Arts

BOOK CLUB

A book, for the whole group to read, is chosen by a member, a book the member is enthusiastic about as “ a good read”, who then gives a presentation of 15 to 20 minutes followed by comments by the other members and discussion. Books currently being read are “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters and “Troubles” by J.G.Farrell. We read a variety - fiction, travel, biography etc. There are occasional outings to places, films, plays related to the books.

Monthly - on the last Thursday in the month 10.30 am - 12.30 pm in Somerset Road, off Parkside, Wimbledon. Bus routes with stops 10 minutes walk away are the 93 and the 493. There is parking nearby.

CINEMA

Films chosen by group members, usually with coffee and discussion immediately afterwards.

Monthly on 3rd Wednesday, afternoons only. Dates for 2010 18 August 15 September 20 October 17 November 18 December. Wimbledon Cinemas.

ENJOYING ART

Yes, you can enjoy art and enjoy life! You look at Viking art and then you study history. You look at African art and you study humanity, beauty & geography. Look at Van Eyck’s paintings or Ghiberti’s sculptures and study the history of optics and perspective. Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso and your attitude to life can change to never ending pleasure and interest. What about tapestry, architecture, porcelain, mosaics, icons…feel exhausted? Financial crisis, global warming – worries go away when you enjoy art!

Monthly on Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.30pm. Drake House.

ART HISTORY & APPRECIATION

New members welcome. Currently studying the Renaissance. Italy & the Low Countries.

Monthly on last Monday. 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

HISTORY OF STAINED GLASS

This traces the development of stained glass in this country from its beginnings through to the present day. There will be some organised visits. We began in January 2010 and at the start of the autumn term we will be looking at the 13th Century. The course consists of about 22 sessions.

Monthly on Mondays. Coffee and biscuits from 10am. Meetings from 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE (1) & (2)

This is a basic course on the history of Western Architecture from primitive beginnings via classical Greek and Roman to the present day. It is based on “Understanding Architecture” by Leland M Roth and makes use of lots of illustrations including Martin’s own collection of slides and videos. The picture sources are intended to form a resource for other groups to use - so this is a try-out for future architecture groups! About 20 Monthly sessions which began in January 2010.

Monthly on Mondays. Group (1) 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Group (2) 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
Near Wimbledon Park tube station.

 

PHILOSOPHY

We study the history of ideas and the concepts which underlie our thinking. Members are encouraged to participate and to run discussions.

Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am - 12.00pm.
Edge Hill, Wimbledon.

PLAYREADING GROUP

This is a small group of about 12 who read whole plays in a session without rehearsal. Members take it in turns to choose the play, prepare the session, outline the characters, and allocate the parts to ensure everyone has a turn.

Plays are selected from the library of the Drama Association of Wales, which holds a large number of sets. Thanks to an arrangement with Merton U3A which pays the DAW membership fee, the charge for hire is about £1 per person per meeting. Meetings include a break for coffee and biscuits.

Monthly on Fridays. 10.00am - 1.00pm
Close to Wimbledon Park Tube Station.

GREEK PLAYREADING in translation (1) & (2)

We take one or two sessions to read each play, with breaks as appropriate for discussion of staging, characterisation and so on. We tend to change readers with each change of speaker, since many of the speeches are long! No specialised knowledge is needed, just an interest in drama and a wish to learn more about some of the famous tragedies written and performed at Athens in the fifth century BC.

Monthly on 3rd Tuesday. 10.00am -12.00pm (and perhaps a second parallel group on the following Thursday). Raynes Park.

 

POETRY

Members of the group take turns to introduce the poet/topic and everyone chooses poems to read and discuss. We have looked at a varied range of poetry, including the Metaphysical poets, Kipling and Tennyson.

Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm at various venues on or near Ridgway, Wimbledon. Bus 200.

SPEAKING & DEBATING

Meetings will alternate between developing our speaking skills and confidence, and debating of various types. The scope for variety is endless. The group will be enjoyed both by those wishing to learn the art of effective speaking and by those who enjoy debating.

Remaining dates for 2010 are September 2, 16, 30 October 14, 28 November 11, 25 December 9. For 2011 January 6 and fortnightly thereafter.

Alternate Thursdays. 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station) Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk. Charge of £1.00 per session towards room hire.

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE

We will be continuing our in-depth study of Shakespeare next term and we have decided to begin on a new play, As You Like It, and would ask members to please read the play before the next meeting. We are hoping new members will join us for our interesting discussions and readings.

Monthly Fridays 10.00am. Worple Road Wimbledon.

READ, LISTEN, WATCH & DISCUSS

Read, Listen, Watch & Discuss is essentially a self-help group, where members enjoy discussing the life and times of a contemporary author through his or her work, a book or essay or poem, etc., giving members ample time to read and select points of discussion.

Last Tuesday of the month 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Drake House.

THEATRE GROUP

This group attends a carefully chosen performance and then meets again to discuss it. It is essential to go to both performance and discussion. The discussion is on a Wednesday afternoon in Wimbledon approximately two weeks after the theatre visit.

One theatre performance and one related discussion each month. Theatre performance dates obviously depend on the individual theatres’ programmes. Discussion dates for 2010
25 August: 29 September: 27 October: 24 November: 8 December

CREATIVE WRITING (1)

This group chooses a subject for homework on a rota. Writings are then read out at the next meeting. The variety makes for much interesting discussion.

Monthly on Wednesday 10.30am - 12.00pm. Near the Broadway in Central Wimbledon.

CREATIVE WRITING (2)

Sessions will include structured learning and exercises in addition to providing members with an opportunity to share their own writing. The format will change and develop in response to members wishes.

Monthly on 3rd Monday beginning on 20 September. 2.00pm - 4.00pm Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk.

Crafts & Art

PATCHWORK, QUILTING & APPLIQUÉ (sewing machine not required)

Join us in creating lovely colourful quilts and cushions from scraps of material!

Monthly 1st Wednesday 2.00pm - 4.00p.m. Drake House.

PLANTS & THEIR USES

This group explores the uses of plants (mainly scented) for perfumery, conventional and alternative medicines, and even anti-ageing foods. Practical demonstrations of Maria’s vast collection of plants and their essential oil and medicinal products are available and everybody is encouraged to try their hand at making a perfume or a herbal extract under guidance.

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 2.15pm Robin Hood Way. Close to Coombe Lane. Nos 57 & 265 bus stops outside house.

PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP

We are usually out and about taking photos or visiting photography related exhibitions or galleries.
Occasionally the group will meet at a member’s house, in Morden, for practical advice and to plan future visits. This is a friendly group and anyone with even the most basic camera is welcome.

Alternate Tuesdays - various venues. Travel, by public transport, from Colliers Wood and Wimbledon (normally leaving at 10am) will have been discussed beforehand.

POTTERY

Handbuilding, sculpture, modelling, wheelwork, slipwork moulds, glazing and decorating.

Alternate Fridays 10.00am - 12.00pm.
West Wimbledon, Raynes Park area.

TAPESTRY & EMBROIDERY

An individual choice of needlework e.g. crewel or cross-stitch needlepoint in a stimulating and cheerful atmosphere. There is no formal course but regular attendance is expected.

Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm.
South Wimbledon.

WATERCOLOUR BEGINNERS (Come Paint with Me!)

For those who have never tried watercolours but would like to have a go and also those who have tried but haven’t quite succeeded, this is a relaxed, informal way of learning the basics and going on to develop individual style.

Twice Monthly on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays. 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Drake House.

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP (1)

A subject is agreed and there is a brief talk on appropriate techniques before painting starts, and time is set apart for general criticism at the end of the session. When weather permits painting is done out of doors. All levels of ability are welcomed and regular attendance is expected. We aim to have a Group Exhibition at the centre each term.

£2 per session. Lantern Centre, Raynes Park Methodist Church. Alternate Mondays 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP (2)

We encourage all taking part to enjoy all forms of art including Acrylics, Watercolours and Pen and Ink sketching.

Alternate Wednesdays 10am - 12pm. Morden Library.

 

Science

ASTRONOMY - THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND PLANETARY SCIENCE

Largely based on Open University material, this course will deal with the origin of the solar system, its composition and evolution as well as the requirements for emergent life in exoplanetary systems. Topics will include quite a bit of geology: volcanism and surface formation on terrestrial planets, gas giants and their atmospheres, comets, meteors etc as well as new exoplanet discoveries. Those interested should preferably have internet access.

Fortnightly Wednesday pm Clapham South (or another mutually agreed venue)

SCIENCE

The coordinator has a background in teaching and writing about physical sciences.
Format: illustrated talks and discussions. Occasional visits to sites of scientific interest (museums, observatories & exhibitions).
Topics chosen by members include cosmology, evolution, archaeology, linguistics, global warming, lives of famous scientists, histories of scientific ideas, science in everyday life etc.

Fortnightly Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm at Colliers Wood Community Centre, 66-72 High Street, Colliers Wood (near Tube Station). Adjacent car park. Buses 57, 131 and 219 stop within a 2 minute walk (Walpole Road stop).

Other U3A Organisations
The 3rd Age Trust |  Brent |  Ealing |  Enfield |  Abbeywood & Thamesmead |  Hammersmith & Fulham |  Haringey |  Harrow |  South Hillingdon |  Hillingdon |  Hounslow | Kingston | South Thames |  London |  North London |  North West London |  Redbridge & District |  Richmond-Upon-Thames |  Wandsworth